Russian River Occupancy and Use Restrictions

FOREST ORDER
Russian River Occupancy and Use Restrictions

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and to provide for public health and safety, the following acts 
are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Seward Ranger District of the 
Chugach National Forest as shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A:

Possessing or transporting an animal, other than a service animal, unless it is crated, caged, or 
upon a leash not longer than six (6) feet. 36 CFR § 261.58(s)

Leaving a wildlife attractant unattended, unless acceptably stored. 36 CFR § 261.58(cc). 

Leaving unattended any retained fish, unless acceptably stored. 36 CFR § 261.58(s). 

The Russian River Occupancy and Use Restriction Area begins at the intersection of Russian River Campground Road RTE#6010270 and the Russian River Trailhead, then travels south along Russian Lakes Trail (Tr318) to Russian River Falls Trail (Tr358) extending 150 yards on each side of the trail centerline, then follows the Russian River Falls Trail (Tr358) southwest to the Russian Falls with the same 150 yard area restriction on each side, then travels north along the center line of the Russian River to the confluence of the Russian and Kenai Rivers from the centerline of the Russian River extending 150 yards on the USFS side, then follows the south bank of the Kenai River traveling east extending to the western edge of the Russian River Campground boundary, then traveling southeast along the southern edge of the Russian River Campground boundary, then traveling east along the southern edge of the Russian River Campground Road RTE#6010270 back to the 
Russian River Trailhead starting point, as shown on the attached map.

Definitions:

(1) "Wildlife Attractant" means substances including items of food, refuse, and all equipment used 
to transport, store, or cook these items (such as coolers, backpacks, camp stoves, and grills) to 
the extent that they contain food or refuse residue.

(2) "Food" means any substance, solid or liquid, which is or may be eaten or otherwise taken into 
the body to sustain health or life, provide energy, or promote growth of any person or animal. 
Includes items such as soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, gum, candy, canned foods, pet foods, and 
all lawfully retained fish, wildlife, or their parts.

(3) "Acceptably stored" means

a.  Retained on the person or within the subject's immediate control, but in no case more than 3 feet from the place a person is located at the time in question; or
b. Located within the closed compartment of a motor vehicle, such as a trunk, or within a camper 
unit or trailer made of solid, non-pliable material.
c. Contained within a commercially produced and certified bear-resistant container, such as a bear 
can or bear box.

(4) “Unattended” means more than 12 feet from the place a person is located at the time in
question.

Exemptions:

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e) the following are exempt from this order:

1. Any person with a permit authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.

2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of any organized rescue or fire fighting force 
in the performance of an official duty.

Implementation:

1. This Order is in effect from May 1, 2026, through October 1, 2026.

2. These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.

3.  A violation of the above prohibitions 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 months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
 

Executed in Anchorage, Alaska, this 29th day of May 2026.