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South Meadow Creek Fire Closure
Due to the South Meadow Creek Fire, a closure order is now in effect for National Forest System Roads #524 and #5961, starting at the junction of the two roads to their respective ending points. The purpose of this Order is for public and firefighter safety due to wildfire activity and prohibits all methods of travel (i.e. foot, mechanized, motorized, and stock) on NFS roads in the described area. For further information, please call the Three Rivers Ranger District at 406-295-4693.
Alert Start Date: August 15, 2025
Alert End Date: N/A
Order Number: 01-14-04-25-12
Associated Documents
Forest Order
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Kootenai National Forest
Three Rivers Ranger District
South Meadow Creek Fire Closure
PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(b), the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) roads in the Three Rivers Ranger District, Kootenai National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A the “Described Area”
- Being on the road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
EXEMPTIONS
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 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), 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).
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
DESCRIBED AREA
As depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A and hereby incorporated into this Order, National Forest System Roads #524 and #5961, starting at the junction of the two roads to their respective ending points.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is for public and firefighter safety due to wildlife activity in the South Meadow Creek area and prohibits all methods of travel (i.e. foot, mechanized, motorized, and stock) on NFS roads in the described area.
IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order shall be in effect from August 15, 2025, at 1600 through November 30, 2025, at 2400, unless rescinded.
- A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/kootenai/alerts
- 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.
- 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.
- Contact the Cabinet Ranger District in Trout Creek, MT, (406) 827-3533, and Kootenai National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Libby, MT , (406) 293-6211, for more information about this Order.
- This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.
Signed and issued on August 15, 2025.
Chad W. Benson
Forest Supervisor
Kootenai National Forest
Contact Name:
Three Rivers Ranger DistrictContact Number:
406-295-4693Contact Email:
SM.FS.knfcontactus@usda.govMaps
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