Western Divide and Kern River Ranger Districts Winter Road Closures

Associated Documents

Forest Order

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(b), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following act is prohibited within the Western Divide and Kern River Ranger Districts in the Sequoia National Forest. This Order is effective from December 4, 2025, through June 15, 2026.

Using any type of motorized wheeled vehicle on the National Forest System roads listed
in Exhibit A and shown on the attached map, Exhibit B, except persons using a tracked
over-the-snow vehicle when there is a minimum of twelve inches of snow on the road.
A tracked over-the-snow vehicle is defined as any vehicle propelled and/or steered by
cleated belts or tracks. A wheelchair is not considered a motorized wheeled vehicle. 36
C.F.R. § 261.54(a); 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(d).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.

2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire- fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

3. Persons using a tracked over-the-snow vehicle are exempt from this Order when there is a minimum of twelve inches of snow on the road. A tracked over-the-snow vehicle is defined as any vehicle propelled and/or steered by
cleated belts or tracks.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or
$10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C § 551 and
18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

Executed in Porterville, California, this 3rd day of December 2025.
____________________
ANTHONY EDWARDS

Forest Supervisor