Kamiah,
Idaho, September 2, 2015 –
A
forest closure for the entire Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests except
the Palouse Ranger District is being rescinded to allow public access to many
popular areas in advance of the Labor Day holiday weekend.
Forest
Supervisor Cheryl Probert said fire activity has moderated since a nearly
forestwide closure was enacted Saturday.
On that day, high temperatures and strong winds created extreme fire
behavior and caused many fires to spread rapidly creating concerns for public
safety, prompting the County Sheriff to issue evacuation notices for Elk City,
Newsome, Red River and other communities in that vicinity.
“With
current and predicted weather conditions, shorter burning periods and more
moderate fire behavior, we believe it is safe for the public to access many
areas of the national forests,” she explained. “Our intent is to allow as much
access as is safely possible.”
When maps are finalized and notices
signed Thursday, September 3, the forestwide
closure will be rescinded and a number of smaller, more focused closures implemented. The changes allow Labor Day recreationists
and hunters to access the majority of roads and trails in the popular North
Fork and South Fork Clearwater River Corridors.
Access
to campgrounds and trails along the Salmon River, Selway and Lochsa Corridors will
be limited.
Forest officials were not able to
complete the necessary maps and orders by close of business September 2. They are striving to post detailed
information by mid-afternoon Thursday, September 3.
Nez
Perce-Clearwater closure and fire information is posted at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/nezperceclearwater/home. Click on the
“Fire Information” icon at the top of the page.
Restrictions
and closures are constantly changing.
Additional information and new restrictions will be posted at http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/nezperceclearwater/alerts-notices.
