Panther Meadows Campground

There is a continuing need to protect natural resources in the Panther Basin and the Panther Meadows Areas, which are located on Mt. Shasta within the Mt. Shasta Ranger District of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This order is issued because of high-concentrated recreational use that caused extensive resource damage to sensitive meadows (trampling), water quality concerns (for example, bathing in streams), long-term dispersed camping, and public nudity. The Panther Basin area and the Panther Meadows area cannot withstand the recreation impacts without long-term consequences to the environment. Sensitive vegetation continues to be trampled and dispersed camping areas continue to expand in size causing soil compaction and other resource damage. Additionally, Panther Meadows is considered a sacred area by several local Native American groups that use the area for spiritual ceremonies, prayer, and healing. 

USDA FOREST SERVICE
SHASTA-TRINITY NATIONAL FOREST
FOREST ORDER NO. 14-26-10
PANTHER BASIN AND PANTHER MEADOWS
AREA AND USE RESTRICTIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Mt. Shasta Ranger District of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This Order is effective from September 3, 2026 through September 3, 2028.

1. Camping within the Panther Basin area, except within Panther Meadows Campground, as described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit C. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(e).

2. Parking as follows:

   1. In the Lower Ski Bowl Parking Lot for more than three consecutive nights.
   2. At the South Gate Trailhead for more than seven consecutive nights.

   36 C.F.R. § 261.58(g).

3. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except a portable stove using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel, with a shut off valve, except within provided campfire rings within the Panther Meadows Campground, or within other permitted areas on the Mt. Shasta Ranger District with a valid campfire permit. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
4. Being in the Panther Meadows area with a group larger than 10 persons, as described in Exhibit B and shown on Exhibit D.  36 C.F.R. § 261.58(f).
5. Being in a body of water within the Panther Meadows area, as described in Exhibit B and shown on Exhibit D.  36 C.F.R. § 261.58(k).
6. Being publicly nude within the Panther Meadows area, as described in Exhibit B and shown on Exhibit D.  36 C.F.R. § 261.58(j).
7.  Possessing any dog not on a leash of six feet or less in the Panther Meadows area, as described in Exhibit B and shown on Exhibit D.  36 CFR § 261.58(s).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 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. 
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. 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 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

Executed at Redding, California this 2nd day of September, 2026.

LOIS SHOEMAKER
Forest Supervisor
Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Exhibit A

Panther Basin Area

1. The boundary of the Panther Basin Restriction Area begins at the intersection of the Mount Shasta Wilderness boundary and Section 32, Township 41 N, Range 3 W, Mount Diablo Base and Meridian (MDBM),
2. then continues east along the north edge of Section 32 to its intersection with the east edge of Section 33, Township 41 N, Range 3 W, MDBM,
3. then continues south along the east edge of Section 33 to its intersection with the south edge of Section 33, Township 41 N, Range 3 W, MDBM,
4. then continues west along the south edge of Section 33 to its intersection with the west edge of Section 33, Township 41 N, Range 3 W, MDBM,
5. then continues north along the west edge of Section 33 to its intersection with the south edge of Section 32, Township 41 N, Range 3 W, MDBM,
6. then continues west along the south edge of Section 32 to its intersection with the west edge of Section 32, Township 41 N, Range 3 W, MDBM, then continues north along the west edge of section line back to the starting point, as shown on Exhibit C.

Exhibit B

Panther Meadows Area

1. The boundary of the Panther Meadows Restriction Area begins at the intersection of Forest Trail UT41N48Y and Section 33, Township 41 N, Range 3 W, Mount Diablo Base and Meridian (MDBM),
2. then continues east along the north edge of Section 33 to its intersection with the Mt. Shasta Ranger District boundary, Section 33, Township 41 N, Range 3 W, MDBM,
3. then continues south along the Mt. Shasta Ranger District boundary to its intersection with Forest Trail UT41N48Y, Section 33, Township 41 N, Range 3 W, MDBM,
4. then continues west along Forest Trail UT41N48Y to its intersection with Forest Road 41N78, Section 33, Township 41 N, Range 3 W, MDBM,
5. then continues north along Forest Road 41N78 to its intersection with County Road A10, Section 33, Township 41 N, Range 3 W, MDBM,
6. then continues north along County Road A10 to its intersection with Forest Road 41N48Y, Section 33, Township 41 N, Range 3 W, MDBM,
7. then continues north along Forest Road 41N48Y to its intersection with Forest Trail UT41N48Y, Section 33, Township 41 N, Range 3 W, MDBM, then continues north along Forest Trail UT41N48Y back to the starting point, as shown on Exhibit D.