Sonora, CA…As hunters take to the forest on the quest for that elusive buck, the Stanislaus National Forest would like to remind everyone that fire restrictions still exist in both Moderate and High Hazard Fire areas.

Maps of the affected areas are in the Forest Order as Exhibit A. Below is a list of prohibited activities with the restrictions:

• Discharging a firearm. Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. 261.50(e) persons possessing a valid California hunting license are not exempted from this prohibition. However, persons with a valid hunting license who are hunting during the open hunting season as specified by the laws of the State of California may discharge a firearm at a legal game bird or mammal.
• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except in the Developed Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit C.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, within an open Developed Recreation Site listed in Exhibit C, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
• Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
• Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device that is properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order in accordance with U.S. Forest Service Standard 5100-1. 3

The Forest Order is in effect through December 31,2024. To view both Fire Restriction Forest Orders, please visit:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/STFForestOrders

Any questions or concerns should be directed to Forest Public Affairs Officer, Benjamin Cossel: benjamin.cossel@usda.gov or 209.288.6261.