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Forest Order 09-19-17-14 Rimrock Recreation Area
Within the Rimrock Recreation Area it is prohibited to secure ropes or other devices to the stone ballasts and/or steel railings for the purpose of rappelling and/or climbing.
Alert Start Date: May 16, 2017
Alert End Date: N/A
Rec Sites Affected:
Order Number: 09-19-17-14
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 act is prohibited on the Allegheny National Forest, Rimrock Picnic Areas and Overlooks, located within McKean County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
- Securing ropes or other devices to the stone ballasts and/or steel railings for the purpose of rappelling and/or climbing [36 CFR 261.53(e)]
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 THE PROHIBITIONS WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM THE DATE OF THIS ORDER UNTIL SPECIFICALLY WITHDRAWN BY TERMINATION ORDER OF THE FOREST SUPERVISOR.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 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.
Justification for Order
The stone ballasts and steel rails at the Rimrock Overlook are not designed or rated for extreme loads such as that involved in rock climbing and/or rappelling. This order is essential to protect the public.
This order is an updated and revised edition stemming from a previously existing and in effect order from 2008.
This update is to ensure that consistent and accurate information is being portrayed to the public and also to reflect the recent change in Forest leadership staffing.
Enforcement Plan
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. These patrols may or may not include other law enforcement agencies.