TRAIL RIDGE FIRE AREA CLOSURE

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on

the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, and trails on and within the Darby-Sula Ranger District on the Bitterroot National Forest, Ravalli County, Montana described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area” and “Described Trails”):

PROHIBITION

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

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

EXEMPTIONS

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

1.         Persons with a special use authorization or other Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order. 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(1).

2.         Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in performance of an official duty. 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(4)

DESCRIBED AREA, ROADS AND TRAILS

Described Area: All National Forest Service Lands on the Darby-Sula Ranger District of the Bitterroot National Forest in the area bounded and the west by US Highway 93, on the north by Montana Secondary Highway 472 “ East Fork Rd”, on the east and including FS Rd 725 – Meadow Creek Road, and on the south by the forest boundary. This includes all roads and trails within the defined area including portions of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST).

PURPOSE

The purpose of this order is for public health and safety from the effects of the Trail Ridge Fire.

VIOLATION

Violation of these provisions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. § 3559, 3571, and 3581).

IMPLEMENTATION

1.         This order will be in effect September 5, 2022, and will remain in effect, until fire conditions subside, and this order is rescinded.

2.         A map identifying the Closed Area is attached and made part of this Order.

3.         Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Hamilton, MT, telephone number (406) 363-7100.