PUBLIC LANDS -- Forest road access to wood cutters and hunters will be increasing starting next week as the Idaho Panhandle National Forests begin opening forest roads that have been gated to help provide security for grizzly bears.

Gates will be opened starting Nov 16 in the Selkirk Mountains and starting Dec. 1 in the Purcell and Cabinet Mountains of the forests’ North (Kaniksu) Zone.

"The difference in opening dates between the two areas is based on local research findings and provides additional habitat security for grizzly bears that have not yet denned," said Jason Kirchner, forest spokesman in Coeur d'Alene. "Gates will be opened as weather conditions and personnel availability allow."

Some roads will continue to be closed to motorized vehicle traffic as shown on the forest's latest Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). The maps are available at forest offices. 

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