Occupancy and Use/Camping Restrictions - Forestwide

Forest Order

Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within all National Forest System lands administered by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the Colville National Forest as described in this order and shown in Exhibit A. This Order is effective beginning May 19, 2025 through May 18, 2027, unless rescinded sooner.

PROHIBITIONS

1. Camping or otherwise occupying a single location (including leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies) for a period longer than 14 consecutive days. Occupant must move off the Forest after 14 consecutive days and return to the Forest must not occur before 30 days have passed. [36 CFR§261.58(a)].
2. Camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any location on all national Forest lands described in this order for more than 28 days total during a calendar year. [36 CFR 261.58(a)].

AREA DESCRIPTION

All National Forest System lands on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the Colville National Forest. See Map below, Exhibit A.

DEFINITIONS

1. Camping means the temporary use of National Forest Service System lands for the purpose of overnight occupancy without a permanently fixed structure.
2. Camping Equipment means the personal property used in or suitable for camping, and includes any vehicle used for transportation and all equipment in possession of a person camping. Food and beverage are not considered camping equipment.
3. Location means the occupied area the occupied campsite, and the National Forest System lands in the immediate vicinity thereof, and the lands within a 5-mile radius.
4. Special-use authorization means a permit, term permit, lease or easement which allows occupancy, or use rights or privileges of National Forest System land.
5. Administrative Unit means a National Forest, a purchase unit, a land utilization project, or other comparable unit of the National Forest System.

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DESCRIPTION

These prohibitions are necessary to protect public health and safety and to provide consistent public health and safety guidelines within the Pacific Northwest Region. This order will establish consistent limits of stay for camping across the Forest, protect visual quality, enhance safety by preventing user conflicts, and reduce resource damage and sanitation issues associated with long term camping.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A. This Forest Order does not rescind or replace any other special restrictions pertaining to the described lands.

Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for a corporation, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. (16 USC § 551; 18 USC §§ 3551, 3571, and 3581.)

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EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 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 Order), specifically exempting them from this order.
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of any organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

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