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Forest Order 09-19-11-01 Nansen Area Closure
The closure area is located within Highland Township, Elk County. The area is north of State Route 66 and the town of Nansen, near the terminus of Forest Road 327-2, south of the Twin Lakes Hiking Trail, and west of the powerline that runs north from Nansen. Part of this closed area is bordered to the south by non-forest system lands. This area is also known as the Ghost Train Timber Sale area.
Alert Start Date: November 22, 2019
Alert End Date: N/A
Order Number: 09-19-11-01
Associated Documents
Forest Order
Under the authority of the Act of Congress dated June 4, 1897, as amended (16 USC 551) and the Secretary of Agriculture’s regulation 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on the Allegheny National Forest, located within Highland Township in Elk County within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
Entering or being present in the area designated on the attached map exhibit, described below, and identified by signage at the location. This area is closed to any and all public use. It is prohibited to go into or be within the posted area for reasons of public health and safety.
SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT [36 CFR 261.53(e)]
AREA DESCRIPTION: The closure area is located within Highland Township, Elk County. The area is north of State Route 66 and the town of Nansen, near the terminus of Forest Road 327-2, south of the Twin Lakes Hiking Trail, and west of the powerline that runs north from Nansen. Part of this closed area is bordered to the south by non-forest system lands. This area is also known as the Ghost Train Timber Sale area.
THIS RESTRICITION IS NECESSARY TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY. THEY ARE IN ADDITION TO THE GENERAL PROHIBITIONS SET FORTH IN 36 CFR PART 261. THE PROHIBITIONS WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM THE DATE OF THIS ORDER UNTIL SPECIFICALLY WITHDRAWN BY TERMINATION ORDER OF THE FOREST SUPERVISOR.
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:
- Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
- Any Federal, State, or local officer or official, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Violation of any of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both, under authority of Title 16 USC 551, Title 18 USC 3559 and 3571.
Executed in Warren, Pennsylvania this 22nd day of November 2019.
Justification for the Order
During timber sale operations in this area, the timber purchaser’s crew uncovered potentially hazardous material in the soils while developing a skid trail. The timber sale has been suspended in the affected area. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has been notified and has done a site investigation. They have tentatively identified known hazardous materials. The Forest Service is enacting this closure order for the affected area to restrict access for reasons of health and safety. The Forest Service will reach out to environmental consulting firms to better delineate the affected area, to more specifically identify the hazardous substances, and to recommend options for remediation.
Enforcement Plan
Public affairs will advertise this closure order and field public inquiries regarding its’ enactment. District staff will post signs and copies of this closure order at the site and along all practical boundaries of the area. These signs will be monitored and replaced, updated, and/or removed as necessary. This order will be enforced by law enforcement officers as well as forest protection officers. The primary method of enforcement will be through regular patrols via foot and/or motor vehicle ensuring that the proper health and safety concerns