In many campgrounds and recreation areas on the forest, visitors are required to store and dispose of food in bear-proof receptacles.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE
GEORGE WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON NATIONAL FORESTS
Roanoke, Virginia FOREST ORDER NO. 08-08-00-23-2
OCCUPANCY AND USE
Food Storage and Disposal
Pursuant to Title 16 U.S.C. § 551 and Title 36 C.F.R. § 261.50, for the health and safety of the public, and for the protection of resources, the following acts are prohibited within the listed areas on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests: This Forest Order is effective from the date signed by the Forest Supervisor until August 30, 2028, or until terminated by an authorized Forest Service official, whichever occurs first.
- Possessing or leaving any food or refuse unless it is:
- Stored properly or
- Being eaten, being prepared for eating or being transported or
Disposed of in a bear resistant trash receptacle. 36 CFR § 261.58(cc)
Definitions:
l. "Bear resistant container or trash receptacle" means a securable container constructed of solid non-pliable material capable of withstanding 200 foot-pounds of energy (using the approved bear resistant container impact testing machine). When secured and under stress the container will not have any cracks, openings, or hinges that would allow a bear to gain entry by biting or pulling with its claws. Wood containers are not considered bear resistant unless they are reinforced with metal.
- ''Food or refuse" means any nourishing substance, solid or liquid (excluding baled hay or water) or refuse thereof, that is not native to the immediate area, which is or may be eaten or otherwise taken into the body to sustain life, provide energy, or promote growth of any person or animal.
- "Stored Properly" means
- Stored in a bear-resistant container or,
- Stored in a closed vehicle constructed of solid, nonpliable material or,
- Suspended at least ten feet clear of the ground at all points and four feet horizontally from any supporting limb or pole.
- Disposed of in bear resistant trash receptacles.
Clinch Ranger District Bark Camp Recreation Area Cane Patch Campground
Cave Springs Recreation Area Flatwoods Group Picnic Area Hanging Rock Campground High Knob Recreation Area
North Fork of Pound Boat Launch Phillips Creek Campground
Wise Boat Launch
Eastern Divide Ranger District
Steel Bridge Campground The Pines Campground Walnut Flats Campground White Rocks Campground
Boley Fields Group Campground Caldwell Fields Group Campground Craig Creek Recreation Area
White Cedar Horse Camp
Glenwood-Pedlar Ranger District Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area North Creek Campground
Oronoco Campground Sherando Lake Recreation Area
Hopper Creek Group Campground
James River and Warm Springs Ranger District
Coles Point Boat Ramp Fortney Boat Ramp Morris Hill Campgrounds
Jackson River Canoe Access Points Walter Robinson Canoe Access Points Blowing Springs Campground
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area Greenwood Point Campground Hidden Valley Recreation Area Walton Tract Canoe Access Point McClintic Point Campgrounds
Mount Rogers National Recreation Area
Beartree Recreation Area Comers Rock Recreation Area
Fox Creek Horse Campground Grindstone Recreation Area
Hurricane Campground Raccoon Branch Campground Raven Cliff Recreation Area Stony Fork Campground
Collins Cove Group Horse Campground Hussy Mountain Horse Campground Old Virginia Group Horse Campground
Lee Ranger District
Camp Roosevelt Recreation Area Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area Hawk Recreation Area
Little Fort Campground · Trout Pond Recreation Area Wolf Gap Recreation Area Batzell Boat Launch Bealers Ferry Boat Launch
Bealers Ferry Pond Accessible Fishing Site Moody Boat Launch
Seekford Boat Launch
North River Ranger District Brandywine Recreation Area Camp Rim Campground Hone Quarry Campground North River Campground
Shaws Fork Equestrian Campground Todd Lake Recreation Area
Exemptions: Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
- Any Federal, State or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force engaged in the performance of an official duty,
- Any authorized person engaged in official administrative duties regarding National Forest Administration,
- Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
Executed in Roanoke, Virginia this 30th day of August 2023.
Signed by Job P. Timm, Forest Supervisor, GEORGE WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON NATIONAL FORESTS
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 6 months, or both. 16 USC § 551 and 18 USC §§ 3559, 3571 and 3581.
Camp Observer
