Rules for Recreation on US Forest Service Land

Synopsis: These are the full set of regulations adopted by the US Forest Service regarding prohibited activities inside national forests, national grasslands, and other properties they manage.

These rules are codified under…

• Code of Federal Regulations: Title 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property
  • Chapter II: Forest Service, Department of Agriculture
    • Part 261: Prohibitions

PART 261—PROHIBITIONS

Authority:7 U.S.C. 1011(f); 16 U.S.C. 460l–6d, 472, 551, 620(f), 1133(c)–(d)(1), 1246(i).

Source:42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General Prohibitions


§ 261.1 Scope.

(a) The prohibitions in this part apply, except as otherwise provided, when: 

(1) An act or omission occurs in the National Forest System or on a National Forest System road or trail. 

(2) An act or omission affects, threatens, or endangers property of the United States administered by the Forest Service. 

(3) An act or omission affects, threatens, or endangers a person using, or engaged in the protection, improvement or administration of the National Forest System or a National Forest System road or trail. 

(4) An act or omission occurs within the designated boundaries of a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. 

(b) Nothing in this part shall preclude activities as authorized by the Wilderness Act of 1964 or the U.S. Mining Laws Act of 1872 as amended. 

(c) Unless an offense set out in this part specifies that intent is required, intent is not an element of any offense under this part. 

(d) None of these prohibitions apply to any person engaged in fire suppression actions. 

[42 FR 35958, July 13, 1977, as amended at 43 FR 32136, July 25, 1978; 46 FR 33519, June 30, 1981; 66 FR 3218, Jan. 12, 2001; 73 FR 30307, May 27, 2008]


§ 261.1a Special use authorizations, contracts and operating plans.

The Chief, each Regional Forester, each Forest Supervisor, and each District Ranger or equivalent officer may issue special-use authorizations, award contracts, or approve operating plans authorizing the occupancy or use of a road, trail, area, river, lake, or other part of the National Forest System in accordance with authority which is delegated elsewhere in this chapter or in the Forest Service Manual. These Forest Officers may permit in the authorizing document or approved plan an act or omission that would otherwise be a violation of a subpart A or subpart C regulation or a subpart B order. In authorizing such uses, the Forest Officer may place such conditions on the authorization as that officer considers necessary for the protection or administration of the National Forest System, or for the promotion of public health, safety, or welfare. 

[49 FR 25450, June 21, 1984]


§ 261.1b Penalty.

Any violation of the prohibitions of this part (261) shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than six months or both pursuant to title 16 U.S.C., section 551, unless otherwise provided. 

[46 FR 33519, June 30, 1981]


§ 261.2 Definitions.

The following definitions apply to this part: 

Administrative unit.   A National Forest, a National Grassland, a purchase unit, a land utilization project, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Land Between the Lakes, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, or other comparable unit of the National Forest System. 

Archaeological resource   means any material remains of prehistoric or historic human life or activities which are of archaeological interest and are at least 50 years of age, and the physical site, location, or context in which they are found. 

Area.   A discrete, specifically delineated space that is smaller, and, except for over-snow vehicle use, in most cases much smaller, than a Ranger District. 

Campfire   means a fire, not within any building, mobile home or living accommodation mounted on a motor vehicle, which is used for cooking, personal warmth, lighting, ceremonial, or esthetic purposes. Fire includes campfire. 

Camping   means the temporary use of National Forest System lands for the purpose of overnight occupancy without a permanently-fixed structure. 

Camping equipment   means the personal property used in or suitable for camping, and includes any vehicle used for transportation and all equipment in possession of a person camping. Food and beverage are not considered camping equipment. 

Cave   means any naturally occurring void, cavity, recess, or system of interconnected passages beneath the surface of the earth or within a cliff or ledge and which is large enough to permit a person to enter, whether the entrance is excavated or naturally formed. Such term shall include any natural pit, sinkhole, or other opening which is an extensive of a cave entrance or which is an integral part of the cave. 

Cave resources   mean any materials or substances occurring in caves including, but not limited to, biotic, cultural, mineralogic, paleontologic, geologic, and hydrologic resources. 

Commercial use or activity—   any use or activity on National Forest System lands 

(a) where an entry or participation fee is charged, or 

(b) where the primary purpose is the sale of a good or service, and in either case, regardless of whether the use or activity is intended to produce a profit. 

Damaging   means to injure, mutilate, deface, destroy, cut, chop, girdle, dig, excavate, kill or in any way harm or disturb. 

Developed recreation site   means an area which has been improved or developed for recreation. 

Distribution of printed material—   disseminating, posting, affixing, or erecting printed material as defined in this section. 

Forest officer   means an employee of the Forest Service. 

Forest road or trail.   A road or trail wholly or partly within or adjacent to and serving the National Forest System that the Forest Service determines is necessary for the protection, administration, and utilization of the National Forest System and the use and development of its resources. 

Historical resource   means any structural, architectural, archaeological, artifactual or other material remains of past human life or activities which are of historical interest and are at least 50 years of age, and the physical site, location, or context in which they are found. 

Indian tribe   means any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or other community that is included on a list published by the Secretary of the Interior under section 104 of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a–1). 

Motorized equipment   means any machine activated by a nonliving power source except small battery-powered handcarried devices such as flashlights, shavers, Geiger counters, and cameras. 

Motor vehicle   means any vehicle which is self-propelled, other than: 

(1) A vehicle operated on rails; and 

(2) Any wheelchair or mobility device, including one that is battery-powered, that is designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion and that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian area. 

National Forest System   includes all national forest lands and waters reserved or withdrawn from the public domain of the United States, national forest lands and waters acquired through purchase, exchange, donation, or other means, national grasslands and land utilization projects and waters administered under title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (50 Stat. 525, 7 U.S.C. 1010–1012), and other lands, waters, or interests therein acquired under the Wild and Scenic River Act (16 U.S.C. 1271–1287) or National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241–1249). 

National Forest System road.   A forest road other than a road which has been authorized by a legally documented right-of-way held by a State, county, or other local public road authority. 

National Forest System trail.   A forest trail other than a trail which has been authorized by a legally documented right-of-way held by a State, county, or other local public road authority. 

National Forest wilderness   means those parts of the National Forest System which were designated units of the National Wilderness Preservation System by the Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964, and such other areas of the National Forest System as are added to the wilderness system by act of Congress. 

Operating plan   means the following documents, providing that the document has been issued or approved by the Forest Service: A plan of operations as provided for in 36 CFR part 228, subparts A and D, and 36 CFR part 292, subparts C and G; a supplemental plan of operations as provided for in 36 CFR part 228, subpart A, and 36 CFR part 292, subpart G; an operating plan as provided for in 36 CFR part 228, subpart C, and 36 CFR part 292, subpart G; an amended operating plan and a reclamation plan as provided for in 36 CFR part 292, subpart G; a surface use plan of operations as provided for in 36 CFR part 228, subpart E; a supplemental surface use plan of operations as provided for in 36 CFR part 228, subpart E; a permit as provided for in 36 CFR 251.15; and an operating plan and a letter of authorization as provided for in 36 CFR part 292, subpart D. 

Person   means natural person, corporation, company, partnership, trust, firm, or association of persons. 

Permission   means oral authorization by a forest officer. 

Permit   means authorization in writing by a forest officer. 

Prehistoric resource   means any structural, architectural, archaeological, artifactual or other material remains of past human life or activity generally prior to the advent of written records and of anthropological interest, and the physical site, location, or context in which they are found. 

Prescribed fire   means a planned and intentionally lit fire allowed to burn within the requirements of Federal or State laws, regulations, or permits. 

Primitive areas   are those areas within the National Forest System classified as Primitive on the effective date of the Wilderness Act, September 3, 1964. 

Printed material  —any written and/or graphic material including but not limited to pamphlets, brochures, photographs, graphics, signs, and posters. 

Publicly nude   means nude in any place where a person may be observed by another person. Any person is nude if the person has failed to cover the rectal area, pubic area or genitals. A female person is also nude if she has failed to cover both breasts below a point immediately above the top of the areola. Each such covering must be fully opaque. No person under the age of 10 years shall be considered publicly nude. 

Recreation fee   means a standard amenity recreation fee, an expanded amenity recreation fee, or a special recreation permit fee as defined in section 802(8) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801(8)). 

Residence.   Any structure or shelter, whether temporary or permanent, including, but not limited to, buildings, buses, cabins, campers, houses, lean-tos, mills, mobile homes, motor homes, pole barns, recreational vehicles, sheds, shops, tents and trailers, which is being used, capable of being used, or designed to be used, in whole or in part, full or part-time, as living or sleeping quarters by any person, including a guard or watchman. 

Special-use authorization   means a permit, term permit, lease or easement which allows occupancy, or use rights or privileges of National Forest System land. 

State   means any State, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. 

State law   means the law of any State in whose exterior boundaries an act or omission occurs regardless of whether State law is otherwise applicable. 

Stove fire   means a campfire built inside an enclosed stove or grill, a portable brazier, or a pressurized liquid or gas stove, including a space-heating device. 

Traditional and cultural purpose   means, with respect to a definable use, area, or practice, that it is identified by an Indian tribe as traditional or cultural because of its long-established significance or ceremonial nature for the Indian tribe. 

Unauthorized livestock   means any cattle, sheep, goat, hog, or equine not defined as a wild free-roaming horse or burro by § 222.20(b)(13), which is not authorized by permit to be upon the land on which the livestock is located and which is not related to use authorized by a grazing permit; provided, that noncommercial pack and saddle stock used by recreationists, travelers, other Forest visitors for occasional trips, as well as livestock to be trailed over an established driveway when there is no overnight stop on Forest Service administered land do not fall under this definition. 

Vehicle   means any device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported, including any frame, chassis, or body of any motor vehicle, except devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. 

Volunteer or hosted enrollee   means any person, not a Forest Service employee, officially participating in a Forest Service human resource program as authorized by an act of Congress and identified to accomplish one or more of the following objectives: provide skills training; education; useful work; develop understanding of ecological systems and conservation of natural resources; build cultural and communication bridges between various socioeconomic groups; and further the administration, development, and management of National Forest resources, forest research, and State and Private Forest activities. 

Wild free-roaming horses and burros   mean all unbranded and unclaimed horses and burros and their progeny that have used lands of the National Forest System on or after December 15, 1971, or do hereafter use these lands as all or part of their habitat, but does not include any horse or burro introduced onto National Forest System lands on or after December 15, 1971, by accident, negligence, or willful disregard of private ownership. Unbranded, claimed horses and burros, where the claim is found to be erroneous, are also considered as wild and free-roaming if they meet the criteria above. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977]


§ 261.3 Interfering with a Forest officer, volunteer, or human resource program enrollee or giving false report to a Forest officer.

The following are prohibited: 

(a) Threatening, resisting, intimidating, or interfering with any forest officer engaged in or on account of the performance of his official duties in the protection, improvement, or administration of the National Forest System is prohibited. 

(b) Giving any false, fictitious or fraudulent report or other information to any Forest Officer engaged in or on account of the performance of his official duties knowing that such report or other information contains false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or entry. 

(c) Threatening, intimidating, or intentionally interfering with any Forest officer, volunteer, or human resource program enrollee while engaged in, or on account of, the performance of duties for the protection, improvement, or administration of the National Forest System or other duties assigned by the Forest Service. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 46 FR 33520, June 30, 1981; 49 FR 25450, June 21, 1984]


§ 261.4 Disorderly conduct.

The following are prohibited: 

(a) Engaging in fighting. 

(b) Addressing any offensive, derisive, or annoying communication to any other person who is lawfully present when such communication has a direct tendency to cause acts of violence by the person to whom, individually, the remark is addressed. 

(c) Make statements or other actions directed toward inciting or producing imminent lawless action and likely to incite or produce such action. 

(d) Causing public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm by making unreasonably loud noise. 

[46 FR 33520, June 30, 1981]


§ 261.5 Fire.

The following are prohibited: 

(a) Carelessly or negligently throwing or placing any ignited substance or other substance that may cause a fire. 

(b) Firing any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition. 

(c) Causing timber, trees, slash, brush or grass to burn except as authorized by permit. 

(d) Leaving a fire without completely extinguishing it. 

(e) Causing and failing to maintain control of a fire that is not a prescribed fire that damages the National Forest System. 

(f) Building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire without removing all flammable material from around the campfire adequate to prevent its escape. 

(g) Negligently failing to maintain control of a prescribed fire on Non-National Forest System lands that damages the National Forest System. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 46 FR 33520, June 30, 1981; 73 FR 30307, May 27, 2008]


§ 261.6 Timber and other forest products.

The following are prohibited: 

(a) Cutting or otherwise damaging any timber, tree, or other forest product, except as authorized by a special-use authorization, timber sale contract, or Federal law or regulation. 

(b) Cutting any standing tree, under permit or timber sale contract, before a Forest Officer has marked it or has otherwise designated it for cutting. 

(c) Removing any timber or other forest product cut under permit or timber sale contract, except to a place designated for scaling, or removing it from that place before it is scaled, measured, counted, or otherwise accounted for by a forest officer. 

(d) Stamping, marking with paint, or otherwise identifying any tree or other forest product in a manner similar to that employed by forest officers to mark or designate a tree or any other forest product for cutting or removal. 

(e) Loading, removing or hauling timber or other forest product acquired under any permit or timber sale contract unless such product is identified as required in such permit or contract. 

(f) Selling or exchanging any timber or other forest product obtained under free use pursuant to §§ 223.5 through 223.11. 

(g) Violating any timber export or substitution restriction in §§ 223.160 through 223.164. 

(h) Removing any timber, tree or other forest product, except as authorized by a special-use authorization, timber sale contract, or Federal law or regulation. 

(i) Violating the Forest Resources Conservation and Shortage Relief Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 620, et seq.), or its implementing regulations at 36 CFR 223.185–223.203. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977; 42 FR 24739, May 16, 1977, as amended at 49 FR 25450, June 21, 1984; 51 FR 1250, Jan. 10, 1986; 60 FR 46934, Sept. 8, 1995]


§ 261.7 Livestock.

The following are prohibited: 

(a) Placing or allowing unauthorized livestock to enter or be in the National Forest System or other lands under Forest Service control. 

(b) Not removing unauthorized livestock from the National Forest System or other lands under Forest Service control when requested by a forest officer. 

(c) Failing to reclose any gate or other entry. 

(d) Molesting, injuring, removing, or releasing any livestock impounded under § 262.10 while in the custody of the Forest Service or its authorized agents. 

[42 FR 35959, July 13, 1977, as amended at 51 FR 1251, Jan. 10, 1986]


§ 261.8 Fish and wildlife.

The following are prohibited to the extent Federal or State law is violated: 

(a) Hunting, trapping, fishing, catching, molesting, killing or having in possession any kind of wild animal, bird, or fish, or taking the eggs of any such bird. 

(b) Possessing a firearm or other implement designed to discharge a missile capable of destroying animal life. 

(c) Possessing equipment which could be used for hunting, fishing, or trapping. 

(d) Possessing a dog not on a leash or otherwise confined. 

(e) Curtail the free movement of any animal or plant life into or out of a cave, except as authorized to protect a cave resource. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 46 FR 33520, June 30, 1981; 59 FR 31152, June 17, 1994]


§ 261.9 Property.

The following are prohibited: 

(a) Damaging any natural feature or other property of the United States. 

(b) Removing any natural feature or other property of the United States. 

(c) Damaging any plant that is classified as a threatened, endangered, sensitive, rare, or unique species. 

(d) Removing any plant that is classified as a threatened, endangered, sensitive, rare, or unique species. 

(e) Entering any building, structure, or enclosed area owned or controlled by the United States when such building, structure, or enclosed area is not open to the public. 

(f) Using any pesticide except for personal use as an insect repellent or as provided by special-use authorization for other minor uses. 

(g) Digging in, excavating, disturbing, injuring, destroying, or in any way damaging any prehistoric, historic, or archaeological resource, structure, site, artifact, or property. 

(h) Removing any prehistoric, historic, or archaeological resource, structure, site, artifact, property. 

(i) Excavating, damaging, or removing any cave resource from a cave without a special use authorization, or removing any cave resource for commercial purposes. 

[46 FR 33520, June 30, 1981, as amended at 49 FR 25450, June 21, 1984; 51 FR 30356, Aug. 26, 1986; 59 FR 31152, June 17, 1994; 80 FR 21629, Apr. 17, 2015]


§ 261.10 Occupancy and use.

The following are prohibited: 

(a) Constructing, placing, or maintaining any kind of road, trail, structure, fence, enclosure, communication equipment, significant surface disturbance, or other improvement on National Forest System lands or facilities without a special-use authorization, contract, or approved operating plan when such authorization is required. 

(b) Construction, reconstructing, improving, maintaining, occupying or using a residence on National Forest System lands unless authorized by a special-use authorization or approved operating plan when such authorization is required. 

(c) Selling or offering for sale any merchandise or conducting any kind of work activity or service unless authorized by Federal law, regulation, or special-use authorization. 

(d) Discharging a firearm or any other implement capable of taking human life, causing injury, or damaging property as follows: 

(1) In or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, or 

(2) Across or on a National Forest System road or a body of water adjacent thereto, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result in such discharge. 

(3) Into or within any cave. 

(e) Abandoning any personal property. 

(f) Placing a vehicle or other object in such a manner that it is an impediment or hazard to the safety or convenience of any person. 

(g) Commercial distribution of printed material without a special use authorization. 

(h) When commercially distributing printed material, delaying, halting, or preventing administrative use of an area by the Forest Service or other scheduled or existing uses or activities on National Forest System lands; misrepresenting the purposes or affiliations of those selling or distributing the material; or misrepresenting the availability of the material without cost. 

(i) Operating or using in or near a campsite, developed recreation site, or over an adjacent body of water without a permit, any device which produces noise, such as a radio, television, musical instrument, motor or engine in such a manner and at such a time so as to unreasonably disturb any person. 

(j) Operating or using a public address system, whether fixed, portable or vehicle mounted, in or near a campsite or developed recreation site or over an adjacent body of water without a special-use authorization. 

(k) Use or occupancy of National Forest System land or facilities without special-use authorization when such authorization is required. 

(l) Violating any term or condition of a special-use authorization, contract or approved operating plan. 

(m) Failing to stop a vehicle when directed to do so by a Forest Officer. 

(n) Failing to pay any special use fee or other charges as required. 

(o) Discharging or igniting a firecracker, rocket or other firework, or explosive into or within any cave. 

(p) Use or occupancy of National Forest System lands or facilities without an approved operating plan when such authorization is required. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 46 FR 33520, June 30, 1981; 49 FR 25450, June 21, 1984; 53 FR 16550, May 10, 1988; 59 FR 31152, June 17, 1994; 60 FR 45295, Aug. 30, 1995; 66 FR 3218, Jan. 12, 2001; 69 FR 41965, July 13, 2004; 73 FR 65999, Nov. 6, 2008]


§ 261.11 Sanitation.

The following are prohibited: 

(a) Depositing in any toilet, toilet vault, or plumbing fixture any substance which could damage or interfere with the operation or maintenance of the fixture. 

(b) Possessing or leaving refuse, debris, or litter in an exposed or unsanitary condition. 

(c) Placing in or near a stream, lake, or other water any substance which does or may pollute a stream, lake, or other water. 

(d) Failing to dispose of all garbage, including any paper, can, bottle, sewage, waste water or material, or rubbish either by removal from the site or area, or by depositing it into receptacles or at places provided for such purposes. 

(e) Dumping of any refuse, debris, trash or litter brought as such from private property or from land occupied under permit, except, where a container, dump or similar facility has been provided and is identified as such, to receive trash generated from private lands or lands occupied under permit. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 46 FR 33520, June 30, 1981]


§ 261.12 National Forest System roads and trails.

The following are prohibited: 

(a) Violating the load, weight, height, length, or width limitations prescribed by State law except by special-use authorization or written agreement or by order issued under § 261.54 of this Chapter. 

(b) Failing to have a vehicle weighed at a Forest Service weighing station, if required by a sign. 

(c) Damaging and leaving in a damaged condition any such road, trail, or segment thereof. 

(d) Blocking, restricting, or otherwise interfering with the use of a road, trail, or gate. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 46 FR 33520, June 30, 1981; 49 FR 25450, June 21, 1984; 55 FR 25832, June 25, 1990]


§ 261.13 Motor vehicle use.

After National Forest System roads, National Forest System trails, and areas on National Forest System lands have been designated pursuant to 36 CFR 212.51 on an administrative unit or a Ranger District of the National Forest System, and these designations have been identified on a motor vehicle use map, it is prohibited to possess or operate a motor vehicle on National Forest System lands in that administrative unit or Ranger District other than in accordance with those designations, provided that the following vehicles and uses are exempted from this prohibition: 

(a) Aircraft; 

(b) Watercraft; 

(c) Over-snow vehicles; 

(d) Limited administrative use by the Forest Service; 

(e) Use of any fire, military, emergency, or law enforcement vehicle for emergency purposes; 

(f) Authorized use of any combat or combat support vehicle for national defense purposes; 

(g) Law enforcement response to violations of law, including pursuit; 

(h) Motor vehicle use that is specifically authorized under a written authorization issued under Federal law or regulations; and 

(i) Use of a road or trail that is authorized by a legally documented right-of-way held by a State, county, or other local public road authority. 

[70 FR 68291, Nov. 9, 2005]


§ 261.14 Over-snow vehicle use.

After National Forest System roads, National Forest System trails, and areas on National Forest System lands have been designated for over-snow vehicle use pursuant to 36 CFR 212.81 on an administrative unit or a Ranger District of the National Forest System, and these designations have been identified on an over-snow vehicle use map, it is prohibited to possess or operate an over-snow vehicle on National Forest System lands in that administrative unit or Ranger District other than in accordance with those designations, provided that the following vehicles and uses are exempted from this prohibition: 

(a) Limited administrative use by the Forest Service; 

(b) Use of any fire, military, emergency, or law enforcement vehicle for emergency purposes; 

(c) Authorized use of any combat or combat support vehicle for national defense purposes; 

(d) Law enforcement response to violations of law, including pursuit; 

(e) Over-snow vehicle use that is specifically authorized under a written authorization issued under Federal law or regulations; and 

(f) Use of a road or trail that is authorized by a legally documented right-of-way held by a State, county, or other local public road authority. 

[80 FR 4512, Jan. 28, 2015]


§ 261.15 Use of vehicles off roads.

It is prohibited to operate any vehicle off National Forest System, State or County roads: 

(a) Without a valid license as required by State law. 

(b) Without an operable braking system. 

(c) From one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise unless equipped with working head and tail lights. 

(d) In violation of any applicable noise emission standard established by any Federal or State agency. 

(e) While under the influence of alcohol or other drug; 

(f) Creating excessive or unusual smoke; 

(g) Carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the safety of any person, or in a manner that endangers, or is likely to endanger, any person or property. 

(h) In a manner which damages or unreasonably disturbs the land, wildlife, or vegetative resources. 

(i) In violation of State law established for vehicles used off roads. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 42 FR 35959, July 13, 1977; 66 FR 3218, Jan. 12, 2001. Redesignated at 70 FR 68291, Nov. 9, 2005]


§ 261.16 Developed recreation sites.

The following are prohibited: 

(a) Occupying any portion of the site for other than recreation purposes. 

(b) Building, attending, maintaining, or using a fire outside of a fire ring provided by the Forest Service for such purpose or outside of a stove, grill or fireplace. 

(c) Cleaning or washing any personal property, fish, animal, or food, or bathing or washing at a hydrant or water faucet not provided for that purpose. 

(d) Discharging or igniting a firecracker, rocket or other firework, or explosive. 

(e) Occupying between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. a place designated for day use only. 

(f) Failing to remove all camping equipment or personal property when vacating the area or site. 

(g) Placing, maintaining, or using camping equipment except in a place specifically designated or provided for such equipment. 

(h) Without permission, failing to have at least one person occupy a camping area during the first night after camping equipment has been set up. 

(i) Leaving camping equipment unattended for more than 24 hours without permission. 

(j) Bringing in or possessing an animal, other than a service animal, unless it is crated, caged, or upon a leash not longer than six feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control. 

(k) Bringing in or possessing in a swimming area an animal, other than a service animal. 

(l) Bringing in or possessing a saddle, pack, or draft animal except as authorized by posted instructions. 

(m) Operating or parking a motor vehicle or trailer except in places developed or designated for this purpose. 

(n) Operating a bicycle, motorbike, or motorcycle on a trail unless designated for this use. 

(o) Operating a motorbike, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle for any purpose other than entering or leaving the site. 

(p) Depositing any body waste except into receptacles provided for that purpose. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 46 FR 33520, June 30, 1981; 49 FR 25450, June 21, 1984; 60 FR 45295, Aug. 30, 1995. Redesignated at 70 FR 68291, Nov. 9, 2005; 76 FR 58404, Sept. 21, 2011]


§ 261.17 Recreation fees.

Failure to pay any recreation fee is prohibited. Notwithstanding 18 U.S.C. 3571(e), the fine imposed for the first offense of nonpayment shall not exceed $100. 

[70 FR 70498, Nov. 22, 2005]


§ 261.18 National Forest Wilderness.

The following are prohibited in a National Forest Wilderness: 

(a) Possessing or using a motor vehicle, motorboat or motorized equipment except as authorized by Federal Law or regulation. 

(b) Possessing or using a hang glider or bicycle. 

(c) Landing of aircraft, or dropping or picking up of any material, supplies, or person by means of aircraft, including a helicopter. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 42 FR 35959, July 13, 1977; 50 FR 16231, Apr. 25, 1985. Redesignated at 70 FR 68291, Nov. 9, 2005]


§ 261.19 Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

The following are prohibited in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: 

(a) Possessing or transporting any motor or other mechanical device capable of propelling a watercraft through water by any means, except by permit or as specifically authorized by Federal law or regulation. 

(b) Transporting, using, or mooring amphibious craft of any type or any watercraft designed for or used as floating living quarters. 

(c) Using wheels, rollers, or other mechanical devices for the overland transportation of any watercraft, except by special-use authorization, or as authorized by Federal law or regulation. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977; 42 FR 24739, May 16, 1977, as amended at 49 FR 25450, June 21, 1984; 50 FR 16231, Apr. 25, 1985. Redesignated at 70 FR 68291, Nov. 9, 2005]


§ 261.20 Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.

It is prohibited to use a motorized vehicle on the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail without a special-use authorization. 

[49 FR 25450, June 21, 1984. Redesignated at 70 FR 68291, Nov. 9, 2005]


§ 261.21 National Forest primitive areas.

The following are prohibited in any area classified as a National Forest Primitive Area on September 3, 1964: 

(a) Landing of aircraft or using a motor boat, unless such use had become well established before September 3, 1964. 

(b) Possessing or using a motor or motorized equipment, except small battery powered, hand-held devices, such as cameras, shavers, flashlights, and Geiger-counters. 

[42 FR 35959, July 13, 1977. Redesignated at 70 FR 68291, Nov. 9, 2005]


§ 261.22 Unauthorized use of “Smokey Bear” and “Woodsy Owl” symbol.

(a) Manufacture, importation, reproduction, or use of “Smokey Bear” except as provided under §§ 271.2, 271.3, or 271.4 is prohibited. 

(b) Manufacture, importation, reproduction, or use of “Woodsy Owl” except as provided under §§ 272.2, 272.3, or 272.4 is prohibited. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977; 42 FR 24739, May 16, 1977. Redesignated at 70 FR 68291, Nov. 9, 2005]


§ 261.23 Wild free-roaming horses and burros.

The following are prohibited: 

(a) Removing or attempting to remove a wild free-roaming horse or burro from the National Forest System unless authorized by law or regulation. 

(b) Causing or allowing the inhumane treatment or harassment of a wild free-roaming horse or burro. 

(c) Removing or attempting to remove, alter or destroy any official mark used to identify a wild horse or burro or its remains unless authorized or permitted by law or regulation. 

(d) Violating any terms or conditions specified in a care and maintenance agreement or permit. 

[46 FR 33520, June 30, 1981. Redesignated at 70 FR 68291, Nov. 9, 2005]


Subpart B—Prohibitions in Areas Designated by Order


§ 261.50 Orders.

(a) The Chief, each Regional Forester, each Experiment Station Director, the Administrator of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and each Forest Supervisor may issue orders which close or restrict the use of described areas within the area over which he has jurisdiction. An order may close an area to entry or may restrict the use of an area by applying any or all of the prohibitions authorized in this subpart or any portion thereof. 

(b) The Chief, each Regional Forester, each Experiment Station Director, the Administrator of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and each Forest Supervisor may issue orders which close or restrict the use of any National Forest System road or trail within the area over which he has jurisdiction. 

(c) Each order shall: 

(1) For orders issued under paragraph (a) of this section, describe the area to which the order applies; 

(2) For orders issued under paragraph (b) of this section, describe the road or trail to which the order applies; 

(3) Specify the times during which the prohibitions apply if applied only during limited times; 

(4) State each prohibition which is applied; and 

(5) Be posted in accordance with § 261.51. 

(d) The prohibitions which are applied by an order are supplemental to the general prohibitions in Subpart A. 

(e) An order may exempt any of the following persons from any of the prohibitions contained in the order: 

(1) Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission. 

(2) Owners or lessees of land in the area; 

(3) Residents in the area; 

(4) Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty; and 

(5) Persons engaged in a business, trade, or occupation in the area. 

(6) Any other person meeting exemption requirements specified in the order. 

(f) Any person wishing to use a National Forest System road or trail or a portion of the National Forest System, should contact the Forest Supervisor, Director, Administrator, or District Ranger to ascertain the special restrictions which may be applicable thereto. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977; 42 FR 24739, May 16, 1977, as amended at 42 FR 35959, July 13, 1977; 46 FR 33521, June 30, 1981; 66 FR 3218, Jan. 12, 2001]


§ 261.51 Posting.

Posting is accomplished by: 

(a) Placing a copy of the order imposing each prohibition in the offices of the Forest Supervisor and District Ranger, or equivalent officer who have jurisdiction over the lands affected by the order, and 

(b) Displaying each prohibition imposed by an order in such locations and manner as to reasonably bring the prohibition to the attention of the public. 


§ 261.52 Fire.

When provided by an order, the following are prohibited: 

(a) Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. 

(b) Using an explosive. 

(c) Smoking. 

(d) Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 

(e) Going into or being upon an area. 

(f) Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 

(g) Entering an area without any firefighting tool prescribed by the order. 

(h) Operating an internal combustion engine. 

(i) Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 

(j) Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device that is properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order in accordance with U.S. Forest Service Standard 5100–1. 

(k) Violating any state law specified in the order concerning burning, fires or which is for the purpose of preventing, or restricting the spread of fires. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977; 42 FR 24739, May 16, 1977;,42 FR 35959, July 13, 1977; 46 FR 33521, June 30, 1981; 77 FR 58493, Sept. 21, 2012]


§ 261.53 Special closures.

When provided in an order, it is prohibited to go into or be upon any area which is closed for the protection of: 

(a) Threatened, endangered, rare, unique, or vanishing species of plants, animals, birds or fish. 

(b) Special biological communities. 

(c) Objects or areas of historical, archeological, geological, or paleontological interest. 

(d) Scientific experiments or investigations. 

(e) Public health or safety. 

(f) Property. 

(g) The privacy of tribal activities for traditional and cultural purposes. Closure to protect the privacy of tribal activities for traditional and cultural purposes must be requested by an Indian tribe; is subject to approval by the Forest Service; shall be temporary; and shall affect the smallest practicable area for the minimum period necessary for activities of the requesting Indian tribe. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 76 FR 3017, Jan. 19, 2011]


§ 261.54 National Forest System roads.

When provided by an order, the following are prohibited: 

(a) Using any type of vehicle prohibited by the order. 

(b) Use by any type of traffic prohibited by the order. 

(c) Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization. 

(d) Operating a vehicle in violation of the speed, load, weight, height, length, width, or other limitations specified by the order. 

(e) Being on the road. 

(f) Operating a vehicle carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the rights or safety of other persons or in a manner or at a speed that would endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 46 FR 33521, June 30, 1981]


§ 261.55 National Forest System trails.

When provided by an order issued in accordance with § 261.50 of this subpart, the following are prohibited on a National Forest System trail: 

(a) Being on a trail. 

(b) Using any type of vehicle prohibited by the order. 

(c) Use by any type of traffic or mode of transport prohibited by the order. 

(d) Operating a vehicle in violation of the width, weight, height, length, or other limitations specified by the order. 

(e) Shortcutting a switchback in a trail. 

[55 FR 25832, June 25, 1990, as amended at 69 FR 41965, July 13, 2004; 70 FR 68291, Nov. 9, 2005]


§ 261.56 Use of vehicles off National Forest System roads.

When provided by an order, it is prohibited to possess or use a vehicle off National Forest System roads. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 66 FR 3218, Jan. 12, 2001]


§ 261.57 National Forest wilderness.

When provided by an order, the following are prohibited: 

(a) Entering or being in the area. 

(b) Possessing camping or pack-outfitting equipment, as specified in the order. 

(c) Possessing a firearm or firework. 

(d) Possessing any non-burnable food or beverage containers, including deposit bottles, except for non-burnable containers designed and intended for repeated use. 

(e) Grazing. 

(f) Storing equipment, personal property or supplies. 

(g) Disposing of debris, garbage, or other waste. 

(h) Possessing or using a wagon, cart or other vehicle. 

[42 FR 2957, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 49 FR 25450, June 21, 1984]


§ 261.58 Occupancy and use.

When provided by an order, the following are prohibited: 

(a) Camping for a period longer than allowed by the order. 

(b) Entering or using a developed recreation site or portion thereof. 

(c) Entering or remaining in a campground during night periods prescribed in the order except for persons who are occupying such campgrounds. 

(d) Occupying a developed recreation site with prohibited camping equipment prescribed by the order. 

(e) Camping. 

(f) Using a campsite or other area described in the order by more than the number of users allowed by the order. 

(g) Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions. 

(h) Parking or leaving a vehicle outside a parking space assigned to one's own camp unit. 

(i) Possessing, parking or leaving more than two vehicles, except motorcycles or bicycles per camp unit. 

(j) Being publicly nude. 

(k) Entering or being in a body of water. 

(l) Being in the area after sundown or before sunrise. 

(m) Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun. 

(n) Possessing or operating a motorboat. 

(o) Water skiing. 

(p) Storing or leaving a boat or raft. 

(q) Operating any watercraft in excess of a posted speed limit. 

(r) Launching a boat except at a designated launching ramp. 

(s) Possessing, storing, or transporting any bird, fish, or other animal or parts thereof, as specified in the order. 

(t) Possessing, storing, or transporting any part of a tree or other plant, as specified in the order. 

(u) Being in the area between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. except a person who is camping or who is visiting a person camping in that area. 

(v) Hunting or fishing. 

(w) Possessing or transporting any motor or mechanical device capable of propelling a watercraft through water by any means. 

(x) Using any wheel, roller, or other mechanical device for the overland transportation of any watercraft. 

(y) Landing of aircraft, or dropping or picking up any material, supplies, or person by means of an aircraft, including a helicopter. 

(z) Entering or being on lands or waters within the boundaries of a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. 

(aa) Riding, hitching, tethering or hobbling a horse or other saddle or pack animal in violation of posted instructions. 

(bb) Possessing a beverage which is defined as an alcoholic beverage by State law. 

(cc) Possessing or storing any food or refuse, as specified in the order. 

(dd) [Reserved] 

(ee) Depositing any body waste in caves except into receptacles provided for that purpose. 

[42 FR 2597, Jan. 14, 1977, as amended at 42 FR 35959, July 13, 1977; 43 FR 32136, July 25, 1978; 46 FR 33521, June 30, 1981; 52 FR 19347, May 22, 1987; 59 FR 31152, June 17, 1994]


Subpart C—Prohibitions in Regions


§ 261.70 Issuance of regulations.

(a) Pursuant to 7 CFR 2.60, the Chief, and each Regional Forester, to whom the Chief has delegated authority, may issue regulations prohibiting acts or omissions within all or any part of the area over which he has jurisdiction, for one or more of the following purposes: 

(1) Fire prevention or control. 

(2) Disease prevention or control. 

(3) Protection of property, roads, or trails. 

(4) Protection of threatened, endangered, rare, unique, or vanishing species of plants, animals, birds or fish, or special biological communities. 

(5) Protection of objects or places of historical, archaeological, geological or paleontological interest. 

(6) Protection of scientific experiments or investigations. 

(7) Public safety. 

(8) Protection of health. 

(9) Establishing reasonable rules of public conduct. 

(b) Regulations issued under this subpart shall not be contrary to or duplicate any prohibition which is established under existing regulations. 

(c) In issuing any regulations under paragraph (a) of this section, the issuing officer shall follow 5 U.S.C. 553. 

(d) In a situation when the issuing officer determines that a notice of proposed rule making and public participation thereon is impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest, he shall issue, with the concurrence of the Chief, an interim regulation containing an expiration date. 

(e) No interim regulation issued under paragraph (d) of this section will be effective for more than 90 days unless readopted as a permanent rule after a notice of proposed rule making under 5 U.S.C. 553 (b) and (c). 


§ 261.71 Regulations applicable to Region 1, Northern Region, as defined in § 200.2. [Reserved]

§ 261.72 Regulations applicable to Region 2, Rocky Mountain Region, as defined in § 200.2. [Reserved]

§ 261.73 Regulations applicable to Region 3, Southwestern Region, as defined in § 200.2. [Reserved]

§ 261.74 Regulations applicable to Region 4, Intermountain Region, as defined in § 200.2. [Reserved]


§ 261.75 Regulations applicable to Region 5, California Region, as defined in § 200.2.

(a) Definitions.  In this section: 

(1) Middle Fork of the Feather River  means the river and land area in or adjacent to Plumas National Forest described as the River Area in the notice at 35 FR 4219 or any amendment to that notice. 

(2) Motorized equipment  means any equipment having or using an engine or motor, except small battery-powered handheld devices such as cameras, shavers, flashlights, and Geiger counters. 

(3) Wild river zone  means the area described as the Bald Rock Canyon Wild River Zone or as the Upper Canyon Wild River Zone in the notice at 35 FR 4219 or any amendment to that notice. 

(b) Prohibitions. 

(1) Possessing or using motorized equipment in the wild river zone of the Middle Fork of the Feather River, except on the Stag Point Trail or the Cleghorn Bar Trail, is prohibited. 

(2) Paragraph (b)(1) of this section does not apply to any equipment authorized by a permit from the Forest Supervisor, Plumas National Forest, containing such terms and conditions as he considers necessary for the protection or preservation of the wild river zone or the health, safety or welfare of its users. Violation of any term or condition of such a permit is prohibited. 

[42 FR 31789, June 23, 1977]


§ 261.76 Regulations applicable to Region 6, Pacific Northwest Region, as defined in § 200.2. [Reserved]


§ 261.77 Prohibitions in Region 8, Southern Region.

(a) Using or occupying any area of National Forest System land abutting the Chattooga River for the purpose of entering or going upon the River in, on, or upon any floatable object or craft of every kind or description, unless authorized through a self-registration floating permit or through a special use permit. (The Chattooga River is located in the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina, the Sumter National Forest in South Carolina, and the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia.) 

(b) Using or occupying within the scope of any commercial operation or business any area of National Forest System land abutting the Chattooga River for the purpose of entering or going upon the River in, on, or upon any floatable object or craft of every kind or description, unless authorized under a special use permit. 

(c) Violating or failing to comply with any of the terms or conditions of any self-registration floating permit or special use permit authorizing the occupancy and use specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this section is prohibited. 

(d) Entering, going, riding, or floating upon any portion or segment of the Chattooga River within National Forest System land in, on, or upon any floatable object or craft of every kind or description, unless authorized through a self-registration floating permit or through a special use permit. 

(e) Entering, going, riding, or floating within the scope of any commercial operation or business upon any portion or segment of the Chattooga River within National Forest System land in, on, or upon any floatable object or craft of every kind or description, unless authorized under a special use permit. 

(f) Violating or failing to comply with any of the terms or conditions of any self-registration floating permit or special use permit authorizing the occupancy and use specified in paragraph (d) or (e) of this section is prohibited. 

[88 FR 76676, Nov. 7, 2023]


§ 261.78 Prohibitions applicable to Region 9, Eastern Region, as defined in § 200.2.

(a) Using or occupying any area of the Manistee National Forest abutting the Pine River between a point commencing 1 mile downstream from Lincoln Bridge to a point one-half mile upstream from Stronach Dam, for the purpose of entering, leaving, or going upon the river, in, on, or upon any floatable object of any kind or description during specific dates set forth annually and posted in such locations and manner as to reasonably bring the closure and dates to the attention of the public, is prohibited unless otherwise authorized by permit. 

(b) [Reserved] 

[43 FR 42749, Sept. 21, 1978]


§ 261.79 Regulations applicable to Region 10, Alaska Region, as defined in § 200.2. [Reserved]