Federal officials are exploring a proposal that would continue to restrict wildlife feeding on the Allegheny National Forest in the wake of the discovery of a deer testing positive for chronic wasting disease in Warren County.

A temporary restriction was enacted last September.

“The restriction has been very effective, with a high degree of compliance observed,” ANF Public Affairs Officer Christopher Leeser said, “and we now propose to extend the order indefinitely.”

He explained that “generally there was public acceptance” of the order. “Compliance was based on the observations of our Forest Service law enforcement officers.”

The nuts-and-bolts of the proposal would restrict the “laying or placing” or “any food, fruit, hay, grain, chemical, salt or other minerals on the Allegheny National Forest,” according to a statement.

Exceptions would be made for bird feeders in developed campgrounds unless other wildlife are visiting the feeder, those who obtain a permit, or officials involved in a rescue or fire fighting force “in the performance of an official duty.”

According to the ANF, feeding deer can “amplify the transmission” of the disease and also result in habitat destruction, increased vehicle collisions, habituation to humans, alteration of normal behavior and pose risks to other wildlife.

“We have since determined that a longer-term restriction is necessary to most effectively contain the spread of CWD,” Leeser said. “The Pennsylvania Game Commission has been very supportive of this restriction and supports extending it indefinitely.”

In addition to seeking comment on that restriction, the ANF is also seeking comment on a 45,000-acre project in Warren County.

The Fourmile project would bring vegetation treatments, timber harvesting, wildlife habitat improvements, aquatic restoration, non-native plant treatments and road management activities to portions of Mead, Sheffield, and Glade townships as well as Clarendon Borough and a municipality in McKean Co.

Comments can be made by telephone, mail or email to the ANF.