Randy Moore, the Regional Forester of the Pacific Southwest Region of the U.S. Forest Service, issued an April 29 order regarding developed recreation sites on forest service land.
According to Regional Order No. 20-03, this order to “provide for public safety” is in effect from May 1 through May 15, 2020.
The order bans most persons from “entering or using a developed recreation site or portion thereof, except trailheads.”
Those exempted from the order include government officials, rescue personnel or firefighters in performance of an official duty and persons with a forest permit for use of roads, trails or restricted areas.
This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.
According to a statement from Moore, “A violation of this prohibition 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 six months, or both … ”