Salmo-Priest Changes

Wilderness

The size of parties entering the Salmo-Priest Wilderness this summer will be restricted to “12 heartbeats” according to a new Colville National Forest policy.

For example, that means that no more than 12 hikers could be in one group, or six horseback riders, or four humans with eight head of stock.

Special applications can be made for parties of up to 20 heartbeats. These permits likely will be issued mostly to volunteers doing trail work, officials said.

The new policy manages some areas as semi-primitive and others as primitive. The most restrictive regulations will govern the primitive areas, such as Crowell Ridge, where no stock will be allowed.

Info: Sullivan Lake Ranger Station, (509) 446-7500. , DataTimes