Untitled Document

ORDER NO. 01-18-2001-11

SPECIAL CLOSURES
OF MOTORIZED, WHEELED, CROSS-COUNTRY TRAVEL
DAKOTA PRAIRIE GRASSLANDS
REGION 1

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a) and (b), the following act is prohibited on National Forest System Lands within the boundaries of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands:

It is prohibited to go into or be upon any area that is closed for the protection of property. (36 C.F.R. 261.53(f))

For the purpose of this order, all National Forest System lands, not otherwise already restricted, are closed to wheeled motorized vehicle traffic where there is not clear evidence of an existing system or non-system road or trail that has been repeatedly traveled by wheeled motorized vehicle traffic.

In addition, the maximum width of the vehicle (the distance from the outside of the left tire to the outside of the right tire, or the maximum tire width for motorcycles) must not exceed the width of the existing road or trail.

Examples include when:

Passage of motorized vehicles depresses undisturbed ground and crushes vegetation.
Maximum width of the motorized vehicle does not easily fit within the road or trail profile.
Motorized vehicles using livestock and/or game trails, unless the trails are clearly evident, continuous, single-track routes used by motorcycles over a period of years.

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

1. Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Persons traveling to a campsite within 300 feet of a road or trail.
4. Lessees and holders of a Forest Service permit engaged in the administration of said permit.

The restrictions contained in this order are based on the analysis and decision of the Off-Highway Vehicle Environmental Impact Statement, Plan Amendment and Record of Decision, January 2001. These restrictions are in addition to those enumerated in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, become effective when this order is signed, and shall remain in effect until rescinded.

Dakota Prairie Grasslands order 01-010 issued on June 7, 2001 is hereby rescinded by this order.

Violations of these prohibitions are 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 6 months or both (15 U.S.C. 551 and 18 U.S.C. 3559 and 3571).

Done this 10th day of August, 2001

/s/ Gerald J. Kowalski
GERALD J. KOWALSKI
Acting Grasslands Supervisor
Dakota Prairie Grasslands