-
Occupancy and Use - Forest Order 09-07-21-04
Order of the Forest Supervisor setting forth restrictions and conditions for occupancy and use within the Ottawa National Forest.
Alert Start Date: March 18th, 2021
Alert End Date: N/A
Order Number: 09-07-21-04
Forest Order
Prohibitions:
Under the authority of the Act of Congress of June 4, 1897, as amended (16 USC 551), and the Secretary of Agriculture's Regulations 36 CFR 261.50(a) and or (b), the following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Ottawa National Forest
A. Developed Recreation Sites
- Camping within a developed recreation site for a period longer than 14 consecutive days except as otherwise posted, after this period, you must move to another campground or site at least one mile away for at least 24 hours. 36 CFR 261.58(a)
- Entering or using a developed recreation site or portion thereof when posted closed. 36 CFR 261.58(b)
- Entering or remaining in a campground between IO PM and 6 AM in violation of a posted sign, except for properly registered campers. 36 CFR 261.58(c)
- Occupying a developed recreation site with unsightly or inappropriate structures or equipment, i.e.: plywood structure, cable spools, couches etc. 36 CFR 261.58(d)
- Using a developed camp site by more than eight (8) people or three (3) tents. 36 CFR 261.58(f)
- Possessing, parking or leaving more than two vehicles, except motorcycles or bicycles per camp unit. 36 CFR 261.58(i)
- Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions. This includes parking in handicap parking areas without a valid state handicap sticker or a sign being displayed. 36CFR 261.58(g)
- Parking or leaving a vehicle outside a parking space assigned to one's own camping unit or other designated parking area. 36 CFR 261.58(h)
- Occupying a developed campsite by parking more than one camper, camp trailer, or motor home (RV) on a single unit site. Parking more than two camping vehicles or camping trailers on a double unit site or exceeding limits to group sites unless otherwise posted. 36 CFR 261.58(d)
The above section of this order applies to all developed recreation sites.
B. Camping in Dispersed Areas
- Camping or leaving camping equipment (such as, but not limited to tents, camper trailers, and tarps) in the same location for longer than sixteen (16) consecutive days. After sixteen days, the camp and equipment must be moved off of Forest Service land or to another location that is at least five miles away, for an additional stay, not to exceed sixteen (16) days. 36 CFR 261.58(a)
- Camping in an area which is posted closed and/or "No Camping". 36 CFR 261.58(e)
The above section of this order applies to all Ottawa National Forest lands except for:
- Developed recreation sites (see section A of this order)
- Sylvania Wilderness (see Wilderness Order)
C. Watercraft
- Storing or leaving a boat or raft on National Forest land for more than 24 hours. 36 CFR 261.58(p)
- Enter a body of water while operating, riding in, riding on, or being towed by a watercraft in violation of any State of Michigan statute pertaining to personal floatation devices is prohibited. 36 CFR 261.58 (k)
- Operating a motorboat without a valid State registration is prohibited. 36 CFR 261.58 (n)
D. Public Nudity
- Being publicly nude. 36 CFR 261.58(j)
E. Swimming
- Swimming in a closed area is prohibited. 36 CFR 261.53 (e)
F. Parking
- Parking in violation of posted instructions. 36 CFR 261.58(g)
Sections C through F of this order apply to all Ottawa National Forest land.
Exemptions:
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.S0(e) the following person(s) will be exempt from the order:
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or members of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
- Persons with a valid permit in their possession and signed by the District Ranger or Forest Supervisor specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions set forth in 36 CFR 261, Subpart A. This order will be reviewed every five years to determine if the regulations are still applicable for proper management of the area described. The prohibitions will be in effect from the date of this order until specifically withdrawn by termination order of the Forest Supervisor.
Enforcement:
Violations of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. (16 U.S.C. 551 and 18 U.S.C. 3559 and 3571)