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Gold Creek Area Closure
An area closure in the vicinity of Gold Creek Pond for the protection of public health and safety.
The Forest Service will begin staging operations including the haul of large trees with root wads and dump truck hauls and placement of fill material, the removal of recreation infrastructure, and other site preparation activities in the first year of this closure.
Subsequent years will see heavy construction traffic in the closure area, including the stream channel and access road. Helicopter-placed wood structures will occur in areas directly adjacent to a trail. All of these activities pose a serious risk to public safety and can create conflicts along the narrow access road.
Alert Start Date: July 29, 2025
Alert End Date: November 30, 2027
Order Number: 06-17-03-25-07
Associated Documents
Forest Order
Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited to provide for public safety in the Gold Creek Pond area on the Cle Elum Ranger District within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This Order is effective beginning July 29, 2025, through November 30, 2027, unless rescinded sooner.
PROHIBITIONS:
1. Entering into or being upon National Forest System lands, as described below and displayed on the attached maps Exhibit A [36 CFR § 261.53 (e)].
2. Being on a National Forest System trail, as described below and displayed on the attached map, Exhibit A [36 CFR § 261.55(a)].
3. Being on a National Forest System Road as described below and displayed on the attached map, Exhibit A [36 CFR § 261.54(e)].
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CLOSURE AREA:
Seasonal closure to the Gold Creek area:
The area described below will be close seasonally, April 1 – November 30, for the duration of this Order. Beginning at the intersection of Forest Service Road (FSR) 4832 and 4832-142 in Section 14, T. 22 N. R 11 E. WM. The closure follows the east side of FSR 4832-142 northerly to FSR 4832 – 146 and continues along the east edge of FSR 4832-146 to the northern section line of Section 14 in T. 22 N. R 11 E. WM. It then follows that section line west to the northwest corner of Section 14, T. 22 N. R 11 E. WM. It then turns south and follows the western edge of Section 14 to where the section line intersects FSR 4832. It then follows the north side of FSR 4832 east to the junction of FSR 4832 – 142.
Developed Recreation Areas Closed
Gold Creek Pond Day Use Area
Trails Closed
Gold Creek Trail #1314 to the private land boundary in T. 22 N. R 11 E. Section 14 WM
Roads Closed
FSR 4835-142 from the junction with FSR 4832 to the junction with FSR 4832-146
FSR 4832-146 from the junction with FSR 4832-142 to the section line at T. 22 N. R 1. E Section 14 WM
See Exhibit A below for closure map.
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EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
3. Residents and landowners that use FS-4832-142,146 to access their property, to the extent necessary to access their land.
Note: These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.
Contact Name:
Cle Elum Ranger DistrictContact Number:
(509) 852-1100Maps
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