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  • General Prohibitions

    There are several general prohibitions that apply throughout the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, including:

    1. No camping for more than 14 days in any 30-day period.
    2. No camping in or within 300 feet of any developed parking area or boat ramp.
    3. No parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions.
    4. No public nudity.
    5. No swimming within 100 feet of a designated boat ramp.
    6. Follow all laws when operating a boat, motorboat or personal watercraft.
    7. Operate all watercraft within the posted speed limit.
    8. Follow posted instructions when riding, hitching, tethering or hobbling a horse or other pack animal.
    9. Follow state law regarding alcoholic beverages.
    10. It is prohibited to possess, store, or transport any part of a tree or other plant [cannabis (marijuana or any byproducts thereof)] as specified in the order.

Alert Start Date: August 30, 2023

Alert End Date: August 30, 2028

Order Number: 08-08-00-23-3

Contact Information

Contact Name: George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Supervisor's Office

Contact Number: 540-265-5100

Associated Documents

Forest Order - General Prohibitions

Forest Order

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 

UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE

GEORGE WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON NATIONAL FORESTS

Roanoke, Virginia 

ORDER NO. 08-08-00-23-3

GENERAL OCCUPANCY AND USE

Pursuant to Title 16 U.S.C. § 551 and Title 36 C.F.R. § 261.50, the following acts are prohibited on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. This Forest Order is effective from the date signed by the Forest Supervisor until August 30, 2028, or until terminated by an authorized Forest Service official, whichever occurs first.

Prohibitions. The following acts are prohibited:

  1. Camping or maintaining a campsite for a period of time exceeding 14 days in any 30-day period. [Ref. § 261.58(a)]
  2. Camping in or within 300 feet of any developed parking area or boat ramp. [Ref. § 261.58(e)]
  3. Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions. [Ref. § 261.58(g)]
  4. Being publicly nude. [Ref. § 261.58(j)]
  5. Swimming or being in the water within 100 feet of a designated boat ramp, unless loading or unloading a boat. [Ref. § 261.58(k)]
  6. Possessing or operating a boat, motorboat or personal watercraft in violation of federal, state or local laws. [Ref. § 261.58(n)]
  7. Operating any watercraft in excess of a posted speed limit. [Ref. § 261.58(q)]
  8. Riding, hitching, tethering or hobbling a horse or other saddle or pack animal in violation of posted instructions. [Ref. § 261.58(aa)]
  9. Possessing or consuming an alcoholic beverage in violation of state law. [Ref. § 261.58(bb)]
  10. Possessing, storing, or transporting any part of a tree or other plant [cannabis (marijuana or any byproducts thereof)] as specified in the order. [Ref. § 261.58(t)]

Exemptions: 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 their official duty.
  3. Persons with a Forest Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order, Form FS-7700-48, specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.

Executed in Roanoke, Virginia this   30th    day of August 2023.

Signed by Joby P. Timm, Forest Supervisor, GEORGE WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON NATIONAL FORESTS

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 6 months, or both. 16 USC § 551 and 18 USC §§ 3559, 3571 and 3581.

Rec Sites Affected

Last updated March 5, 2025

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