Single Publication

Order Number: GMUG-2023-08

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Gunnison National Forest
Gunnison Ranger District

Lowline Fire Area, Road and Trail Closure Update

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads and trails in the Gunnison
Ranger District, Gunnison National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area, Roads and Trails:

1) Going into or being upon the Described Area. 36 C.F.R. § § 261.52(e).

2) Being on the Described Roads. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

3) Being on the Described Trails. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

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, ROAD AND TRAIL

The Described Area includes National Forest System lands bordered on the northwest by the Mill-Castle Trail 450 from Storm Pass to the three-way junction of Trails 450,425, and 438; then bordered on the northeast edge by the Lowline Trail 438 to the top of Section 16 Township 15 South, Range 87 West 6th Principal Meridian; the northern boundary goes due east, following the top of Sections 16, 15, and 14 to the forest boundary; the eastern boundary follows the forest boundary to National Forest System Road 727; the south is bound by Road 727 and Trail 450 until it reaches Storm Pass. The Described Roads and Trails includes all roads and trails within the Described Area, including National Forest System Trails (NFST) Low Line Trail 438 and Mill-Castle Trail 450.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety and prevent interference with firefighting operations.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect through December 31, 2023, at 12:00 p.m., unless rescinded.

2. A map identifying the Described Area, Roads and Trails 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/gmug/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 Gunnison Ranger District in Gunnison, Colorado, at 970-641-0471 and Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Delta, Colorado, at 970-874-6600, for more information about this Order.

6. This Order supersedes GMUG-2023-07 prohibiting the same or similar acts in the vicinity of the Lowline fire.

Signed and issued on August 10, 2023.
CHAD STEWART

Digitally signed by Chad Stewart

Date: 2023.08.10 
Forest Supervisor
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests