NEVADA CITY, Calif. August 21, 2019 – Pursuant to 16 USC§ 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and resource protection, the following acts are prohibited on the Tahoe National Forest. This Order is effective from August 21, 2019 through December 31, 2019.
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, charcoal fire, campfire, or stove fire, except within the oven at Wheeler Sheep Camp, and within stoves and fire rings provided in the Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit A. 36 CFR 261.52(a).
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, within a Recreation Site listed in Exhibit A, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 CFR 261.52( d).
3. Operating an internal combustion engine off National Forest System roads and trails, except within the Prosser Pits Developed Off-Highway Vehicle Area and boats on a water surface. 36 CFR 261.52(h).
4. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame. 36 CFR 261.52(i).
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons with a current and approved Plan of Operations for mining activities issued pursuant to 36 CFR Part 228 are exempt from Prohibition Nos. 1, 3 and 4 listed above, while operating under the Plan of Operations.
3. Persons with a Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order (Form FS-7700-48) from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
4. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above. However, persons with a valid California campfire permit may use a portable campfire pit, stove, or lantern that uses gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel.
5. Persons with a valid 2019 Forest Products Removal Permit (firewood permit) from the Tahoe National Forest are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above, but may operate an internal combustion engine off National Forest System roads and trails only to the extent necessary to cut firewood, provided that the cutting of firewood is done in compliance with the terms of the permit.
6. Persons with a valid vegetation management contract implemented with timber sale contract forms FS-2400-2, FS-2400-3(T), FS-2400-4; FS-2400-6(T), integrated resource service contract (!RSC), form SF-1449, stewardship agreements form FS-1500-21(A) or good neighbor agreement form FS-1500-36(A)(B) are exempt from the prohibitions listed above to the extent authorized by the vegetation management contract.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261 , Subpart A. A 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 six months, or both. 16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559, 3571, and 3881.