JACKSON, Wyo. — An individual who had received multiple warnings for occupying Bridger Teton National Forest lands for residential use was given a $2,000 fine and a three-year ban from BTNF in a Federal Court session held last week, announced Public Affairs Officer Mary Cernicek.
The individual who also had expired vehicle registration on a camp trailer was issued mandatory appearance violation notices and pleaded guilty in their appearance before a federal judge at the U.S. Magistrate Court.
According to Cernicek the defendant had previously been warned and cited before being issued the mandatory appearances by the same officer.
“Use of occupancy of public lands for residential purposes can diminish opportunities for the recreating public and create resource damage as the vegetation and other resources in the locations being occupied are often not given time to rest between use of the sites,” said Cernicek.
“Importantly, persons should be aware that use or occupancy of National Forest System land for residential purposes, and exceeding the stay limit, are two different regulations. A defendant may have only been on National Forest System lands for a day and could still be found to be using or occupying National Forest System lands for residential purposes.”
Several other Forest Service cases were on the court docket during the court session, such as having a fire during restrictions, litter, failing to properly dispose of wastewater, food storage violations and operation of vehicles off designated routes. The defendants failed to appear or contact the court and warrants were issued.
