Forests mapping motorized routes

As a surge of hunters hits the woods this fall, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests are getting word out that while some roads and trails are open to motorized vehicles, many are not.

How does a visitor know which routes are open, closed or under construction? Here are “tips for informed driving” compiled by forest officials.

Get maps: Carry a Forest Visitor Recreation Map available from national Forest Service offices.

These maps are the official travel route guides until forest travel plans are completed and specific motorized vehicle use maps are published. These maps include:

•Road and trail restrictions – They indicate open roads, roads with restrictions, motorized trails and non-motorized trails. They also show routes with seasonal use allowed; and which types of vehicles – if any – are allowed.

•Area restrictions – Some areas may be open or closed year-round; others are accessible only during specific times of the year to protect wildlife and other resources.

Check the Web: The Idaho Panhandle National Forests’ Web site – www.fs.fed.us/ipnf – should be checked before outings for current press releases and recreation.

Contact districts: Local Forest Service ranger district offices should be called before outings for current status of roads and trails that may not be reflected on the Web site. Offices are open Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Generally, officials say, motorized travel on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests’ system roads is allowed as follows:

•Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint and Priest Lake Districts allow motorized travel on National Forest System roads displayed on the Kaniksu National Forest visitor map.

•Coeur d’Alene River District does not allow motorized travel off routes shown on the Coeur d’Alene National Forest visitor map. Until the new travel plan map is published next year, follow this color code for district travel signs:

Green indicates routes open to all motorized vehicles; yellow indicates use is restricted; red signifies a route closed to motorized use.

•St. Joe Ranger District allows motorized travel on routes shown on the St. Joe National Forest visitor map.

Additionally, the Forest Supervisor may issue travel orders and rules that supplement or differ from those on maps. Modifications will be posted in Forest Service offices and at affected sites.