May 1, 2015—The ASNFs hopes implementation of a ‘new’ special order will help visitors have a safe time while camping, hiking and recreating. Due to continued bear activity in the spring and summer months in the Big Lake Recreation Area on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs) south of Springerville, AZ a Special Order was needed.

“Due to food being a constant attraction and lure to bears in the Big Lake Recreation Area campgrounds, a bear had to be terminated due to its repeated return for food. So, the public needs to respond to this Order to keep yourself, your family and bears safe while sharing this beautiful landscape,” according to Tom Osen, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Supervisor. “You are responsible for your safety and the safety of the bears. Please help keep our bears wild by not approaching or feeding them.”

The Order is a year round requirement for day use, as well as, for campers to store their food in wildlife resistant manner, and to throw personal garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters that are available in the Big Lake area (a map is attached). Click link below for ‘Be Bear Aware’ video that gives advice when camping: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r3/recreation/?cid=stelprd3805661

Purpose of order: The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety by minimizing adverse interactions between bears and humans.

The attached order requires that (Order 36 CFR 261.58) (click here to read the entire order: 01-15-576_Big Lake Food Storage Order)

A. All food and refuse must be stored in a wildlife resistant manner between sunset and sunrise unless attended by at least one adult person physically present within 100 feet of the items. These items included any human, pet, livestock food (except baled or cubed hay without additives), and garbage.
B. All toiletries (shampoo, lotion, etc.) must be stored in a wildlife resistant manner between sunset and sunrise unless attended by at least one adult person physically present within 100 feet of the items.
C. To the extent practical all food residue must be cleaned or burned off grills personally-owned or provided by the Forest Service. Food particles must be disposed in bear-resistant garbage receptacles.
D. Food is not to be kept or eaten in sleeping areas unless sleeping area is within an enclosed recreational vehicle or rigid-walled camper trailer.
E. No bird, squirrel, or other wildlife feeding of any kind is allowed in any campgrounds within the boundaries of the Big Lake Recreation Area.

Restricted Area:
These restrictions apply to all National Forest System lands within the boundaries of the Big Lake Recreation Area, Springerville Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.

Implementation:
1. This Order will be in effect when signed and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2017 or rescinded, whichever event occurs first.
2. Any violation of this prohibition is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months or both. [Title 16 USC 551, Title 18 USC 3559, 3571 and 3581].
3. This Order supersedes, rescinds, and replaces any previous order prohibiting the same acts covered by this Order.

Remember, “A Fed Bear is a dead bear”