Rules and Regulations
All users of national forests are subject to federal and state regulations. As a visitor to the national forest, you must follow certain rules and regulations designed to ensure your health and safety, to protect the forest, and to promote pleasant outdoor experiences for everyone.
Supervisors Orders
Forest Supervisors and Regional Foresters issue orders that will close or restrict the use of certain areas if the need arises, often for public health and safety or to protect resources. Some are temporary closures that are rescinded at a later date; others are more permanent and are reissued every several years. These orders are available at Forest Service offices and on the forest website.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Other rules that originate from various state and federal regulations are enforced in this area. This is particularly true in the case of traffic, boating, hunting, fishing and trapping.
Hunting Guidelines Fishing Guidelines
Vehicles and Driving
State traffic laws apply throughout the Forest. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are maintained specifically for use on the Chequemegon-Nicolet. These can be downloaded, printed, or ordered for personal use.
Code of Federal Regulations and Forest Rules for National Forests
The full set of forest rules and regulations are published in Title 36: Parks, Forests, and Public Property of the Code of Federal Regulations, available at Forest Service offices and online. These regulations are updated annually.
Violations are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
Information on can be found on the Permits page and at Forest Service offices.
Permits are required for any commercial activity.
- 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 are prohibited throughout the forest. Do not set off fireworks or other explosives within campgrounds and other recreation sites.
- Weapons are not allowed on national forest lands outside of hunting seasons. (See State Game Regulations.) Firearm ranges are the exception.
- Firing a gun is not allowed:
- in or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area
- across or on a road or body of water
- in any circumstance whereby any person may be injured or property damaged
- outside of hunting season.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- Motor vehicles and motorized equipment are not allowed in wilderness.
- Preserve wilderness.
"Leave only footprints; take only pictures."