Updated Regulations On The Hoosier National Forest

Last updated on Thursday, October 25, 2018

(BEDFORD) - There are two updated forest orders prohibiting certain activities in areas near the Charles C. Deam Wilderness on the Hoosier National Forest.

These forest orders prohibit unsafe and potentially damaging activities. Some of these prohibitions are not new but are continuations or clarifications of regulations already in place.

In addition to promoting safety on National Forest System lands, these regulations also help preserve wilderness character for the neighboring Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area.

Closure order #09-12-115 was needed to limit the unsafe and potentially damaging activities on or near the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower. The following acts or omissions are prohibited within the area of the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower within the Hoosier National Forest, Brownstown Ranger District.

Possession of an alcoholic beverage, as defined by state law, at Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower trailhead parking lot, on the lookout, and surrounding vicinity. See attached map. [36 CFR 261.58(bb)]
Parking on or along Tower Ridge Road except at designated sites. [36 CFR 261.58 (g)]
Placing paint, ink or other substances on the Hickory Ridge Lookout. [36 CFR 261.9(a)]
Climbing the Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower other than by use of the stairs; rappelling from any portion of the tower, or otherwise attaching an object to the tower structure. [36 CFR 261. 53(e)]

Closure Order #09-12-116 was necessary to reduce damage to areas adjacent to Tower Ridge Road and to reduce potential safety hazards created by vehicles parked along the narrow roadway. The following acts or omissions are prohibited on the portion of Tower Ridge Road adjacent to the Charles C. Deam Wilderness, Hoosier National Forest, Brownstown Ranger District.

Camping within 300 feet of both sides of Tower Ridge Road between Indiana state highway 446 and the junction of the Hickory Ridge Road (1500 W) except Blackwell Horse Camp and along the north side of Tower Ridge Road between Hickory Ridge Road and Maumee Road (1150 N). [36 CFR 261.58 (e)]

Parking on or along Tower Ridge Road except at designated sites. [36 CFR 261.58 (g)]

These orders are in addition to other provisions in the Federal Code of Regulations and other Forest Orders. To view all Forest Orders for the Hoosier National Forest, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/hoosier/alerts-notices.

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