Single Publication

Order Number: # 01-02-03-24-05

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

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest

Wise-Wisdom Ranger District

Area/Road/Trail Closure – Grouse Fire

PROHIBITIONS

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

1. To go into or be upon any area which is closed for the protection of public health and safety 36 C.F.R. § 261.53 (e).

2. Being on the trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

3. Being on the road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

EXEMPTIONS

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

1. Owners or lessees of land in the area.

2. Residents in the area.

3. 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).

4. 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

The closure applies to the following National Forest System (NFS) lands, including roads and trails in the exterior boundary of the area closure, depicted on the attached map (Attachment A).  The boundary of the area closure is generally described as beginning at the corner of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF boundary found in T1N R12W Sec 4 and following said boundary easterly, then southerly to the southern junction of the FS boundary and FS Road 70663 at T1N R12W Sec 36, then continues easterly along FS boundary to southwest corner of T1N R12W section 31, then southerly and westerly to its junction with FS Road 2245 at T1S R12W Sec 2. The closure follows FS Road 2245 westerly to its northerly direction change to FS Trail 2135 at T1S R13W Sec 11 and continues north to Foolhen Mtn at T1S R13W Sec 15. The closure boundary continues northerly on FS Trail 2086, then continues northerly on FS Road 1213 where it meets the start of the closure in T1N R12W Sec 4.

1. Trail Closures. All miles of Forest Service System trails Wise-Wisdom Ranger District:

• 2135

• 2033

• 2086

2. Road Closures. Forest Service System roads Wise-Wisdom Ranger District:

• 70663

• 2245

• 1213

3. Area Closure. All of the National Forest System lands within:

• T1N R12W Sec 4
• T1N R12W Sec 36
• T1S R13W Sec 15
• T2S R13W Sec 11
• T2S R12W Sec 2

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is for public safety due to wildfire and active fire suppression activities.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from 12:01 a.m. on July 31, 2024, through December 31, 2024, unless rescinded.

2. A map identifying the Described Area/Roads/Trails is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order Exhibit A, go to Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov)

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 Wisdom Ranger District in Wisdom, MT, (406) 689-3243, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Supervisor's Office in Dillon, MT, (406) 683-3900, for more information about this Order.

6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area/Roads/Trails.

Signed and issued on July 31, 2024.

ALFRED WATSON

Forest Supervisor

Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest