Sonora, CA — A revised Forest Order taking effect now through at least 2029 aims to ensure that people are not living full-time in campgrounds and undeveloped areas in the Stanislaus National Forest.
The order signed by Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken stipulates that people can stay within a developed recreation site (within one ranger district) for 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period. In addition, people can stay 21 days per calendar year in an undeveloped location.
The Forest Order supersedes a similar directive that was implemented in 2022. The Forest Service notes that similar-style orders for the same purpose have been in place over the past 35 years.
The Forest Service relays in a statement, “The Stanislaus welcomes over a million visitors to the Forest on an annual basis to engage in a variety of recreation opportunities. However, the number of people engaging in long-term forest stays has continued to increase substantially year after year, and long-term visitation often results in degraded resources, human waste disposal issues, trash accumulation, and increases the potential for conflicts with other campers and recreators.”
Fines for infractions are not to exceed $5,000 for an individual, and $10,000 for an organization.
