Single Publication

Order Number: # 23-010-Lolo-D5

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service

Lolo National Forest

Plains/Thompson Falls & Superior Ranger Districts

Area, Road & Trail Closures

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a & b), the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, trails in the Plains/Thompson Falls and Superior Ranger Districts of the Lolo National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (River Road East Fire Closure):

1. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e). It is prohibited to go into the area closed for public safety

2. 36 CFR § 261.54(e). Being on the described roads.

3. 36 CFR § 261.55(a). Being on the described trails.

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).

2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREA/ROADS/TRAILS

NORTHERN CLOSED AREA: All Forest Service land contained south of Henry Creek Road from the junction of Henry Creek Road NFSR* #661 and MT Hwy* 200 (T19N, R26W, Sect. 1) west to the boundary with the Flathead Reservation (T20N, R25W, Sect. 25). Forest Service lands contained west of the Flathead Reservation boundary stopping to the south at the Flathead River (T18N, R24W, Sect. 6). Returning northwest along the Flathead River to the junction of MT Hwy 200 and Henry Creek Road #661.

SOUTHERN CLOSED AREA: All Forest Service Land contained north of MT Hwy #135 (T18N, R25W, Sect. 4) to the junction of Donlon Trail #205 Trailhead and MT Hwy #135

W. (T18N, R26W, Sect. 9). From that point Forest Service lands east of Donlon Trail #205 to the junction with Combest Creek Road NFSR #508 (T19N. R26W, Sect. 34) are included. The closure area continues east of Combest Creek Road running north to the Lolo National Forest administrative boundary (northern boundary of T19N, R26W, Sect. 15). Moving east along sect. 15’s northern boundary, Forest Service lands south of the northern boundaries of sect. 15, 23, and 13 (T19N, R26W) and stopping at junction with River Road East (T19N, R25W, Sect.07) are included. Eastern boundary of closure area continues on the west side of River Road East back south to junction with MT Hwy #135.

CLOSED ROADS: All roads within the closure area boundary including but not limited to: NFSR #3838 (Patrick Creek Road), NFSR #18262 (Fourteen Mile Road), NFSR #7698 (High Ridge Road), NFSR #508 (Combest Creek Road), NFSR #661 (Henry Creek Road.), NFSR #7591 (Combest High Ridge Road)

CLOSED TRAILS: Trail #205 (Donlon), Trail #1714 (Fourteen Mile)

CLOSED RECREATION SITES: Ferry Landing Day Use Area, Muchwater Dispersed Campground, and Cascade Landing.

*NFSR – National Forest System Road, Hwy - Highway

PURPOSE

The purpose of this order is for public health and safety due to hazardous conditions resulting from fire activities.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order will be in effect on August 21, 2023, 0:01 hours (12:01 am) and shall remain in effect until October 31st, 2023, or until rescinded, whichever comes first.
2. A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lolo/alerts-notices
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
4. 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.
5. Contact the Lolo National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Missoula, MT, (406) 329- 3750 for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts on the same Described Area.

Signed and issued on

08/25/2023    .

Digitally signed

by CAROLYN UPTON, Forest Supervisor

Date: 2023.08.25

11:47:10 -06'00'