UNITED STATES v. FRANCIS (2018)

MEMORANDUM ***

Monica Francis was convicted after a trial before a magistrate judge of violating 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a) by camping for a period longer than that allowed by an order. The district court affirmed Francis’ conviction and the fine imposed by the magistrate judge. We have jurisdiction of Francis’ appeal under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 and affirm.

1. The forest supervisor’s order prohibiting camping for more than thirty days a year was properly posted. The order was placed in the offices of the forest supervisor and district ranger. See 36 C.F.R. § 261.51(a). The Forest Service website and signs in the forest where Francis camped “reasonably [brought] the prohibition to the attention of the public.” 36 C.F.R. § 261.51(b).

2. The prohibition of extended camping was valid. The Secretary of Agriculture was authorized to delegate the power to issue the order to the forest supervisor, see Inland Empire Pub. Lands Council v. Glickman, 88 F.3d 697, 702 (9th Cir. 1996) (“[D]elegation generally is permitted where it is not inconsistent with the statute.”), and did so. See 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) (“[E]ach Forest Supervisor may issue orders which close or restrict the use of described areas within the area over which he has jurisdiction.”). And, because the order expressly stated that it applied “until further notice,” there was no need for reissuance when a new forest supervisor was appointed.

3. The $100 fine imposed by the magistrate judge was reasonable, particularly in light of the extended nature of Francis’ camping. See United States v. Orlando, 553 F.3d 1235, 1240 (9th Cir. 2009) (noting standard of review).

AFFIRMED.