Escalante Food Storage Restrictions (Order 0407-21-18)

Associated Documents

Forest Order

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
U.S. FOREST SERVICE 
DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST 
ESCALANTE RANGER DISTRICT 
FOOD STORAGE RESTRICTIONS 

PROHIBITIONS: 

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), the following act is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Escalante Ranger District of the Dixie National Forest described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order (the “Restricted Areas”): 

1. Possessing or storing any food or refuse, except when the food or refuse is:
      • Possessed or attended by a person who is physically within 100 feet, awake, and within line-of-sight of the food or refuse; or 
      • Stored in bear-resistant container or in a closed vehicle where the storage compartment is constructed of solid, non-pliable material; or
      • Suspended at least 10 feet clear of the ground at all points and 4 feet horizontally from any supporting tree or pole. 36 CFR 261.58(cc).

DEFINITIONS: 

1. “Food and refuse,” as used in this Order, is defined as: 
     • Any solid or liquid substance that is or may be consumed by any person or animal, including pet and stock food. Examples: soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, canned foods, processed livestock feed and grains, pet and bird foods/feeders, and harvested fish and game. It does not include water or hay without additives. 
     • Items that may have remnants of or smell like food, such as: empty food and beverage containers; cooking utensils and equipment (e.g., stoves, grills, and coolers); or personal care, hygiene, or similar products. 
     • All other trash and refuse, including items saved for recycling. 

2. “Bear resistant container” means a securable container constructed of solid nonpliable material capable of withstanding 200 foot-pounds of energy applied by direct impact. When secured and under stress the container will have no openings greater than one-quarter (¼) inch or hinges or lids that would allow a bear to gain entry by biting or pulling with its claws. 

RESTRICTED AREAS: 

Posey Lake Recreation Area: All of Sections 16 and 17, Township 33 South, Range 2 East, Salt Lake Base Meridian. Barker Recreation Area: All of Sections 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, Township 33 South, Range 1 East and Sections 24 and 25, Township 33 South, Range 1 West, Salt Lake Base Meridian. It includes the area around Blue Lake, Flat Lake, Yellow Lake, Joe Lay Reservoir, Long Willow Bottom Reservoir, Round Willow Bottom Reservoir, Tall Four Reservoir and Dougherty Basin. Blue Spruce Campground/Cowpuncher Guard Station: West ½ of Section 35, Township 32 South, Range 3 East, and the North ½ of Section 2, Township 33 South, Range 2 East, Salt Lake Base Meridian. 

EXEMPTIONS: 

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order: 
1. Persons with a Forest Service special use authorization or other authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
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. Federal or State administrative personnel placing baits to capture bears for research or management purposes as part of their official duties. 

PURPOSE: 

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety and wildlife by: (1) minimizing the likelihood of adverse interactions between bears and humans; and (2) reducing the risk of habituating or attracting bears due to the improper storage of food and refuse in the Restricted Areas. 

IMPLEMENTATION: 

1. This Order will be in effect on May 5, 2021 and shall remain in effect until May 5, 2026 or until rescinded, whichever occurs first. 
2. A violation of the above 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. [16 USC § 551, 18 USC §§ 3559, 3571, 3581]. 
3. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Escalante Ranger District office located in Escalante, Utah, (435) 826-5400 and at the Dixie National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Cedar City, Utah, (435) 865-3700

Done at Cedar City, Utah this 3 day of May 2021.

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