Rules for Forest Visitors

In the case of an emergency or road side assistance is needed, please call 911.

As a visitor to a national forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the forest and the natural environment, to ensure the health and safety of visitors and to promote a pleasant and rewarding outdoor recreation experience for all visitors. Forest officers are empowered to enforce the federal regulations and rules. Please take time to read and understand them.

Supervisor Orders

• Regional Foresters and Forest Supervisors may issue closure orders that will close or restrict the use of certain areas if the need arises. These orders will be posted on bulletin boards or on the Forest website so visitors can become familiar with them. Copies are also available in Forest Service offices.

Safety

• You are responsible for your own safety. Watch for natural hazards when you are in the forest. If you hike off trails, swim or dive in streams or lakes, you do so at YOUR OWN RISK.

Federal Regulations

• All visitors and users of national forests are subject to federal regulations. The points of conduct listed are generally included in and enforceable through federal regulations. All of the regulations are published in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations and are on file at all Forest Supervisor and District Ranger offices. Violation of orders and regulations is subject to punishment by fine or imprisonment. Authority: 16 USC 551, 7 USC 1011(f)

State Traffic and Game Laws

• State traffic and game laws apply unless otherwise specified.

Business Activities

• Permits are required for any commercial activity.

Operation of Vehicles

• Obey all traffic signs. State traffic laws apply within a national forest unless otherwise specified.
• When operating vehicles of any kind, do not damage the land or vegetation or disturb wildlife. Avoid driving on unpaved roads or trails when they are wet or muddy.
• Within campgrounds and other recreation sites, use cars, motorbikes, motorcycles or other motor vehicles only for entering or leaving, unless areas or trails are specifically marked for them. Park only in marked parking areas.
• Do not block, restrict or interfere with the use of roads or trails.
• Obey area and trail restrictions on use of trail bikes and other off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

Fireworks and Firearms

• Fireworks are prohibited throughout the forest. Do not set off fireworks or other explosives within campgrounds and other recreation sites.
• Visitors are allowed to carry concealed firearms on National Forest general forest areas, as long as they are in possession of a valid pistol permit issued by a county sheriff. No weapons, concealed or otherwise, may be carried onto a Forest Service or any other federal administrative office or recreation site.
• If the National Forest general forest area is a State Wildlife Management Area (WMA), state regulations generally prohibits all firearms unless a scheduled hunt is in progress, and even then, there are limitations on the types of firearms that may be carried. (See State Game Regulations)
• Firing a gun is not allowed: a) in or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area; b) across or on a road or body of water; c) in any circumstance whereby any person may be injured or property damaged; and d) outside of hunting season.

Property

• Do not carve, chop, cut or damage any live trees.
• Preserve and protect your national forests. Leave natural areas the way you find them.
• Enter buildings, structures or enclosed areas in national forests only when they are expressly opened to the public.
• Indian sites, old cabins and other structures, along with objects and artifacts associated with them, have historic or archaeological value. Do not damage or remove any historic or archaeological resources.

Campfires

• Obey restrictions on fires. Fires may be limited or prohibited at certain times.
• Be sure your fire is completely extinguished (DEAD OUT) before leaving. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING FIRES UNDER CONTROL.

Fee Areas

• You must pay a fee to use certain developed sites and facilities. Such areas are clearly signed or posted as requiring a fee.
• Where fees are required, you must pay before using a site, facility, equipment or service furnished.

Public Behavior

• No fighting or boisterous behavior.
• Keep noise at a reasonable level. Please be considerate of fellow visitors.
• Many recreation areas prohibit the possession of alcohol. Details will be posted elsewhere on this board.

Sanitation

• Throw all garbage and litter in containers provided for this purpose, or take it with you.
• Garbage containers, when provided, are reserved for use by visitors to the national forest, not visitors to or owners of private lands or lands under permit.
• Wash food and personal items away from drinking water supplies. Use water faucets only for drawing water.
• Prevent pollution—keep garbage, litter and foreign substances out of lakes, streams and other water.
• Use toilets properly. Do not throw garbage, litter, fish cleanings or other foreign substances in toilets and plumbing fixtures.

Pets and Animals

• Pets must always be restrained or on a leash while in developed recreation sites.
• Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas.
• Saddle or pack animals are allowed in recreation sites only where authorized by posted instructions.

Audio Devices

• Operate any audio device, such as a radio or musical instrument, so that it does not disturb other visitors.
   
• A permit is required for operating a public address system in or near a campsite, developed recreation site or over a body of water.

National Forest Wilderness

• Motor vehicles and motorized equipment are not allowed in wilderness.
• Preserve a wilderness... "Leave only footprints; take only pictures."