Area Closure
Incident: Conger Creek Wildland Fire
Released: 8/9/2007
LOLO NATIONAL FOREST
Bldg. 24, Fort Missoula
Missoula, MT 59804-7297
FOREST SUPERVISOR'S ORDER
Pursuant to 36 Code of Federal Regulations 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited as described below, within the Seeley Lake Ranger District of the Lolo National Forest. These restrictions are in addition to those enumerated in Subpart A, Part 261, Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations. This order becomes effective August 7, 2007 at 1600 hours, and will remain in effect until rescinded.
The prohibitions cited in this order are to protect the public from potential harm from wildfires and firefighting activities associated with the Conger Creek Fire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as the Ahorn and Railley Mountain Fires burning on the Flathead and Lewis & Clark National Forests.
Title 36 CFR 261.53 - Special Closures:
Prohibited Acts:
1. It is prohibited to go into or be upon any area which is closed for the protection of public health or safety (36 CFR 261.53(e)).
Area Description:
All National Forest System land within the following area, as described:
The described area is in Missoula and Powell Counties, Montana.
The closure begins at Triple Divide in Sec. 6, T18N, R10W, runs southeasterly along the Lolo National Forest boundary through Olson Peak to Mineral Hill, then crosses to North Fork Blackfoot Trailhead. From the trailhead the closure goes north up Lake Creek to East Spread Mountain, turns westerly to Spread Mountain and runs southwesterly along (and includes) Spread Creek Trail NFST #166 to Monture Trailhead. From Monture Trailhead the boundary runs north along (and includes) Center Ridge Trail NFST #246 to Lodgepole Trailhead. From Lodgepole Trailhead the boundary runs cross country to Nome Point, on to Morrell Mountain, then turns north to Pyramid Pass Trailhead, continues to Pyramid Peak, then follows the Lolo National Forest boundary easterly to Triple Divide.
The above area is depicted on the attached map, hereby made a part of this order.
Title 36 CFR 261.55 - National Forest System Trails:
Prohibited Acts:
1. It is prohibited to be upon any trail which is closed by Forest Supervisor's Order (36 CFR 261.55(a)).
Trail Description:
Lake Mountain Trail, NFST #42, the entire trail.
Spread Creek Trail, NFST #166, the entire trail.
Center Ridge Trail, NFST #246, the entire trail.
All trails within the area described above.
Exemptions:
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:
1. Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
2. Owners or lessees of land in the area.
3. Residents in the area.
4. Any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force, in the performance of an official duty.
Signed in Missoula, Montana this 7 day of August, 2007.
/s/ Deborah Austin
DEBORAH L.R. AUSTIN
Forest Supervisor
Lolo National Forest
Penalty:
Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3359 and 3571).
Notification:
A copy of this order shall be posted as prescribed under 36 CFR 261.51.
