Single Publication

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE BITTERROOT NATIONAL FOREST

DARBY RANGER DISTRICT

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE

BEAVERHEAD -DEERLODGE NATIONAL FOREST WISDOM RANGER DISTRICT

Supervisor’s Order

TRAIL RIDGE FIRE ROADS AND TRAIL 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 and the Wisdom Ranger District on the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest, Beaverhead County, Montana described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Roads” and “Described Trails”):

PROHIBITION

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

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

CLOSED Roads:

1.       US Forest Service Road #725 – Meadow Creek Road from its intersection with Highway 472 (East Fork Road) to the Schultz Saddle and Continental Divide Trail.

2.       US Forest Service Road #5763 - Mink Creek Road from its intersection with Highway 472 (East Fork Road) to its intersection with the Meadow Creek Road #725

DESCRIBED TRAILS

CLOSED Trail:

The Described Trail Closure Area is portions of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) as described below and shown on the attached map, and applies to both jurisdictions:

Starting in the NE¼ of the SW¼ of Section 14 in T1S R19W at the junction of FS Road 106 and FS Trail 9- CDNST (Gibbons Pass Trailhead); then continuing along the Trail 9-CDT to the junction of FS Trail 3374 (north of the Bender Cabin and near the head of Hell Roaring Creek) and the Trail 9-CDT in the NW¼ of the SE¼ of Section 21 in T1N R17W, as shown on the attached map.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this order is for public health and safety from the effects of the Trail Ridge Fire. This order replaces Order Number V2-22-D2-06, which has been rescinded.

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 22, 2022 and will remain in effect until December 31, 2022 or until fire conditions subside, and this order is rescinded.

2.       A map identifying the Closed Roads and Trails 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.