Order Number: R2-2005-01

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION – ALL NATIONAL FORESTS AND GRASSLANDS

Weed Free Forage Products Order

Prohibitions

Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on the areas, roads, and trails within National Forest System lands of the Rocky Mountain Region, U.S. Forest Service, until further notice.

Possessing or storing any hay, hay cubes, straw, grain, or other forage or mulch product, without original and current documentation from a state certification process which meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage (NAWFF) or comparable certification standard. Detailed information on the North American standard can be found at the following website:

(http://www.nawma.org/WeedFree.html)

Tags, twine, or other certification marking is required on all individual bales, containers, sacks, etc., as required or provided for by the product’s state of origin. [36 CFR 261.58(t)]

This order does not imply an authorization to use forage products (certified or otherwise) in those areas in which other Orders now prohibit the use of such forage products for livestock or other use.

Exemptions

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (e) the following are exempt from this order:

1.      Persons with a permit specifically exempting them from this order. [36 CFR 261.50(e)(1)]

2.      Any member of an organized rescue force in the performance of an official duty under emergency conditions. [36 CFR 261.50(e)(4)]

3.      Feed pellets one inch in diameter and smaller or steam-rolled feed grains. [36 CFR 261.50(e)(6)]

4.      Persons transporting forage products across National Forest System lands without unloading or using the products on National Forest System lands, roads, or trails. [36 CFR 261.50(e)(6)]

Area Described

All National Forest System lands within the boundaries of the Rocky Mountain Region within the States of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming,

Purpose

The above prohibition is necessary to prevent the introduction and spread of noxious weeds within National Forest System lands.

Implementation

  1. This Order will be in effect when signed and shall remain in effect until further notice.
  2. Any violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000, for an organization, and/or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months. [Title 16 USC 551, Title 18 USC 3571, and Title 18 USC 3581 (b) (7)].
  3. This Order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting the same, or similar, acts in the above-described areas.

Done at Golden, Colorado, this 20th day of June, 2005.

 

/s/ Richard C. Stem

RICHARD C. STEM

Deputy Regional Forester, Resources

Rocky Mountain Region