Some closure orders lifted, others remain

Though the Forest Service has lifted some closure orders issued during peak fire season, others remain in effect.

Closure orders within the areas of the West Fork, Moose Peak and Cub Creek fires recently were rescinded, states an Oct. 23 news release, while closure orders remain in place for trails in the areas of the Caribou, Gibralter Ridge and Weasel fires.

Three trails within the Caribou fire area are completely closed: Geneva Lake Trail No. 22, Young Creek Trail No. 58, and Robinson Mountain Trail No. 59. The closure order can be viewed at www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd561016.pdf.

Two trails within the areas of the Gibralter Ridge and Weasel fires are completely closed: Cat Creek Trail No. 333 and Otter Creek Trail No. 554. In addition, portions of other trails are closed. The closure order can be viewed at www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd559961.pdf.

People who violate the closure orders may be fined up to $5,000, imprisoned for up to six months or both, the news release states.

“All fire line rehabilitation operations impacting public safety have been completed,” the news release states. “With the onset of winter and wind events, please take caution when visiting the land impacted in any fire areas on the forest. Large and small trees will continue to fall and impede travel, please be prepared to saw or chop your way through the roads when venturing out during the hunting season and beyond. 

For more information about closures and other aspects of the Kootenai National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kootenai.