Forest-wide Development Roads Restrictions, Green Mountain National Forest, VT

Order Number: R9-20-24-02

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Green Mountain National Forest

Forest-wide Development Roads Restrictions

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited within the Green Mountain National Forest.

1. Operating or utilizing a motor vehicle on a forest development roadway in violation of the Vermont state motor vehicle code (Title 23 Vermont Statutes Annotated). 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(d)
2. Operating a vehicle carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the rights or safety of other persons, or in a manner or at a speed that would endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property. 36 § 261.54(f)

EXEMPTIONS

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

1. Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

RESTRICTED AREA

The restricted areas are all lands administered by the USDA Forest Service in Vermont that are commonly referred to as the Green Mountain National Forest.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this order is to promote safe and lawful operation of motor vehicles on National Forest lands.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order will be effective on the below date and time as signed by the Forest Supervisor. It shall remain in effect for a period of five years, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.
2. Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for individuals and $10,000.00 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581 (b)(7)).
3. Further information regarding this Order may be found at the Green Mountain and Finger Lakes Forest Headquarters located in Mendon, Vermont, telephone number 802-747-6700.
4. This Order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this Order.

Signed and issued on June 26, 2024, at Mendon, Vermont.
/s/ John Sinclair
Forest Supervisor
Green Mountain National Forest