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Alerts

Please be aware of all Special Orders, Conditions, and Public Notices when visiting the Wayne National Forest. This information can assist you in preparing for a safe visit. Special Orders update the legal usage of the forest and may change as conditions or land management requirements evolve.

Special Orders

Special Orders establish certain travel regulations, closures, and other restrictions on the use of the Forest for public health and safety purposes, or to protect natural resources. Please direct specific questions regarding a special order to your local District Ranger's office.

Forest Alerts

  • Lake Vesuvius Area Closure Public Health and Safety

    The purpose of this Order is to close Lake Vesuvius to all public access to draw down the lake 31 feet below normal pool levels in order to repair the dam gate. The dam gate is unable to close due to debris obstruction or malfunction, and personnel must assess the area to determine repairs.

    Alert Start Date: September 19, 2025
    Forest Order: #Order Number:# 09-14-25-03

  • Timbre Ridge Lake Closure

     The Wayne National Forest has closed Timbre Ridge Lake in Lawrence County, Ohio, for public safety after drawing down the pool to assess conditions at the dam.

    Alert Start Date: May 2, 2025
    Forest Order: #09-14-25-01

  • Forest-Wide Restriction: Forest Development Roads

    Using a forest development roadway for commercial hauling and operating or utilizing a motor vehicle on a forest development roadway in violation of
    the state of Ohio motor vehicle code is prohibited .

    Alert Start Date: May 14, 2024
    Forest Order: #09-14-24-02

  • Forest-Wide Restriction: Occupancy And Use

    The following prohibitions apply regarding occupancy and use within the Wayne National Forest.

    Alert Start Date: May 2, 2024
    Forest Order: #09-14-24-03

  • Forest-Wide Restriction: Fire

    The use of fireworks and engines without a spark arresting device is prohibited.

    Alert Start Date: May 1, 2024
    Forest Order: #09-14-24-02

  • Forest-Wide Restriction: Fire

    Reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires caused by pyrotechnic or fireworks use and/or the use of combustible engines without approved spark arrestors.

    Alert Start Date: May 1, 2024
    Forest Order: #09-14-24-01

  • Shawnee Lookout Tower Closed

    Entering and/or occupying the area of the Shawnee Lookout Tower is prohibited.

    Alert Start Date: May 15, 2023
    Forest Order: # 09-14-23-01

  • Lewis Lake Fishing Site Closure

    Lewis Lake Fishing Site is closed for reasons of public health and safety.


     

    Alert Start Date: January 7, 2022
    Forest Order: #09-14-22-01

  • Underground mines, tunnels and iron furnaces are closed to the public

    Alert Start Date: March 19, 2015
    Forest Order: #WNF-14-01-2015
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