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Bay Creek, Garden of The Gods and Lusk Creek Wildernesses Areas Closed to Stock Use
The horse, pack, and stock use closure is currently in effect for Garden of the Gods, Lusk Creek and Bay Creek wildernesses.
Alert Start Date: February 9th, 2012
Alert End Date: N/A
Rec Sites Affected:
Order Number: R9-08-12-10
Associated Documents
Forest Order
Under authority of the Act of Congress of June 4, 1897, as amended (16 USC 551) and pursuant to the Secretary of Agriculture's Regulations set forth at 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart B (36 CFR261.50 (a) and (b)). These restrictions are in addition to those enumerated in Code of Federal Regulations Title 36, Part 261, Subpart A, and become effective when signed and will remain in effect until rescinded. Said areas being described and designated as shown of Exhibits A, B, and C which are attached and made a part hereto:
THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS ARE PROIDBITED TO PROTECT THOSE PARTS OF THE NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM WIDCH WERE DESIGNATED UNITS OF THE NATIONAL WILDERNESS PRESERVATION SYSTEM BY THE WILDERNESS ACT OF SEPTEMBER 3, 1964, AND SUCH OTHER AREAS OF THE NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM AS ARE ADDED TO THE WILDERNESS SYSTEM BY ACT OF CONGRESS.
- Entering or using Bay Creek, Garden of the Gods or Lusk Creek Wilderness while in possession of a horse or other saddle or pack animal from December I through March 31. (36 CFR 261.57a)
- Entering or using Lusk Creek Wilderness while in possession of a horse or other saddle or pack animal when the area has received more than one inch of rainfall within a 24-hour time period. This prohibition shall apply during the months of April, May, September, October, and November. The area will be closed for a minimum of24 hours. (36 CFR 261.57a)
- Entering or being in a wilderness area as a member of a group or party in excess often (I 0) people. This restriction applies to Bay Creek, Garden of the Gods and Lusk Creek Wilderness Areas. Wilderness boundaries are posted on all trails entering the specified wilderness areas and displayed on the attached maps. (36 CFR 261.57a)
- Riding, hitching, tethering or hobbling a horse or saddle or pack animal off designated or interim trails or routes in violation of posted instructions within three area closures as shown on the attached maps. These activities are allowed only for rest stops within about 25 feet of a designated or interim trail or route. (36 CFR261.58aa)
- Hitching, tethering or hobbling a horse or other saddle or pack animal in the area of Lusk Creek Wilderness designated as "ride-through-only" in violation of posted instructions. The trail on the east side of Lusk Creek (Forest Trails 483 and a portion of481), opposite Saltpeter Cave, is ride-through-only from its southern junction with the main Lusk Creek trail to a junction near the stock-conferment area just past Natural Bridge, as marked on the attached map of Lusk Creek Wilderness. Riders are allowed to pause briefly on the ride-through-only trail so they may view the cave and bluffs. Riders are not permitted to stop and tie horses in this area, and stock must remain on the trail. (36 CFR 261.58aa)
- 6. Camping with a horse or other saddle or pack animal in Bay Creek, Garden of the Gods and Lusk Creek Wilderness Areas. (36 CFR 26158e)
THIS ORDER SUPERCEDES AND RESCINDS FOREST ORDER NO. 08-16 AND 08-17, SIGNED APRIL 18, 2007.
Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50 (e), the following persons are exempt from this order:
- Persons with a permit from the authorized Forest Service Officer specifically authorizing an otherwise prohibited act or omission.
- Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of au organized rescue or fire fighting force working in the performance of an official duty.
Violations of these Prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 and $10,000 for an organization imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both. [16 USC§ 551, 18 USC§§ 3559 and 3571]