R1-2025-02 Use of Vehicles Off Road

Associated Documents

Forest Order

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service 
Northern Region, Regional Forester’s Office

Use of Vehicles Off Road Order

National Forests

• Nez-Perce Clearwater
• Beaverhead-Deerlodge

National Grasslands

• Dakota Prairie

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551, and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following is prohibited on all National Forest System lands on the Nez-Perce Clearwater and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests and Dakota Prairie Grasslands:
 

1. Possess or use a vehicle off National Forest System Roads. 36 CFR 261.56.

EXEMPTIONS

1. Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
   Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48, specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and natural resources.

IMPLEMENTATION
 

1. This order will be in effect starting August 15, 2025 and will remain in effect through August 15, 2030, unless rescinded earlier.
2. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
3. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
4. A copy of this order shall be posted as prescribed under 36 CFR § 261.51.

VIOLATIONS

Violation of these prohibitions 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(b)(7)).

INFORMATION

Further information regarding this order may be obtained at the Northern Regional Office in Missoula, MT, telephone number (406) 329-3058.
 

Signed and issued on August 8th, 2025.

/s/ Kristin Bail 
Regional Forester (Acting)
Northern Region

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