Big Flat

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety prior to and during reconstruction of Big Flat Campground, which was severely damaged during the 2024 Lava Fire. The purpose of this order is to protect the public from hazards associated with post fire events, such as flooding and falling trees, hazards associated with damaged and destroyed campground infrastructure, and hazards associated with campground cleanup and reconstruction using heavy equipment.

Order Number: 0412-625

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
Payette National Forest
Council Ranger District

Big Flat Campground Area Closure

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Council Ranger District, Payette National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area”):

1. Going into or being on the Described Area. 36 CFR Section 261.53(e).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 CFR Section 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 CFR Section 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Federal or State administrative personnel in the performance of an official duty.
4. Employees of any contractor or subcontractor working on U.S. Forest Service contracts related to Big Flat Campground.

DESCRIBED AREA

The Described Area includes all National Forest System lands within Big Flat Campground. Big Flat Campground is located in the southeast corner of Section 31, Township 14 North, Range 2 East, Council Ranger District, Payette National Forest, Boise Meridian, Adams County.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety prior to and during reconstruction of Big Flat Campground, which was severely damaged during the 2024 Lava Fire. The purpose of this order is to protect the public from hazards associated with post fire events, such as flooding and falling trees, hazards associated with damaged and destroyed campground infrastructure, and hazards associated with campground cleanup and reconstruction using heavy equipment.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from June 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM, through June 10, 2030 at 11:59 PM, unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. A copy of this Order and Exhibit A are available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/payette/alerts
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 CFR Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this order that are not expressly defined in the order or 36 CFR Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. Section 551; 18 U.S.C. Sections 3559, 3571, and 3581.
5. Contact the Payette National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 208-634-0700 and the Council Ranger District in Council, Idaho at 208-253-0100 for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.

MATTHEW DAVIS
Forest Supervisor
Payette National Forest