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Forest-Wide Restriction: Occupancy And Use
The following prohibitions apply regarding occupancy and use within the Wayne National Forest.
Alert Start Date: May 2nd, 2024
Alert End Date: N/A
Order Number: 09-14-24-03
Associated Documents
Forest Order
PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited within the Wayne National Forest.
- Occupying National Forest lands more than 14 days within a consecutive 30-day period.
36 C.F.R. § 261.58 (a)
- Occupying a developed campsite with more than 8 persons.
36 C.F.R. § 261.58 (f)
- Occupying a developed campsite with more than a total of three camping units (tents or shelters) and consist of no more than one wheeled camping unit.
36 C.F.R. § 261.58 (f)
- Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted restrictions.
36 C.F.R. § 261.58 (g)
- Possessing, parking, or leaving more than two motor vehicles at a developed campsite.
36 C.F.R. § 261.58 (i)
- Being publicly nude.
36 C.F.R. § 261.58 (j)
- Swimming or being in the water within 100 feet of a designated boat ramp unless actively involved in the loading or unloading of a vessel.
36 C.F.R. § 261.58 (k)
- Being in a developed campground area between the hours of 2200 (10:00 PM) and 0600 (6:00 AM) unless camping at said campground.
36 C.F.R. § 261.58 (u)
- Possessing an alcoholic beverage in violation of state law.
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:
- Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
- 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 Ohio that are commonly referred to as the Wayne National Forest.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is as follows:
- 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 a fair and reasonable access to National Forest lands by all persons.
- To allow for proper operational dates of campgrounds and other developed recreation sites.
- To mitigate natural resource impacts as well as impacts of large groups in developed recreation sites.
- To mitigate natural resource impacts as well as impacts of large groups in developed recreation sites.
- To ensure compliance and orderly placement of vehicles by forest visitors.
- To mitigate natural resource impacts as well as impacts of large groups in developed recreation sites.
- To promote a family-friendly atmosphere on National Forest lands and maintain consistency with Ohio state laws.
- To avoid potential use conflicts and safety issuesthat may arise between user groups.
- To maintain consistency with Ohio state law and provide for the safe and responsible use of vessels on national forest lands.
- To ensure for the safety and security of forest users staying in developed campgrounds.
- To maintain consistency with Ohio state law and provide for the responsible use of alcoholic beverages.
IMPLEMENTATION
- 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.
- Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 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)).
- Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Wayne National Forest Supervisor’s Office located in Nelsonville, OH, telephone number 740-753-0101.
- This Order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this Order.
Done in Nelsonville, OH on this 2nd day of May , 2024.
Lee Stewart
Forest Supervisor
Wayne National Forest