Forest-wide Occupancy and Use Restrictions, Green Mountain National Forest, VT

Order Number: R9-20-24-01

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

Forest-wide Occupancy and Use 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. Occupying National Forest lands more than 14 days within a consecutive 30-day period. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a)
2. Occupying a developed campsite with more than 8 persons. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(f)
3. Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted restrictions. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(g)
4. Possessing, parking, or leaving more than two motor vehicles at a developed campsite except motorcycles or bicycles per camp unit. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(i)
5. Entering or remaining in a campground between 10 PM and 6 AM, EXCEPT for persons who are camping in the campground. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(u)
6. Possessing a beverage which is defined as an alcoholic beverage by Vermont state law (see exemption 3). 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(bb)

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.
3. Persons 21 years of age or older and not otherwise under any legal restriction against possession of alcoholic beverages.

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 as follows:

1. To deter long-term occupancy of National Forest lands that can lead to issues with sanitation and natural resource impact. It is also intended to provide fair and reasonable access to National Forest lands by all persons.
2. To mitigate natural resource impacts as well as impacts of large groups in developed recreation sites.
3. To ensure compliance, safety, and orderly placement of vehicles by Forest visitors.
4. To ensure the safety and security of Forest users staying in developed campgrounds.
5. To maintain consistency with Vermont State law and provide for the responsible use of alcoholic beverages.

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