Potlatch closes Idaho timberlands to recreation

Potlatch Corp. will close its Idaho timberlands to public access effective Tuesday because of the extremely high risk of wildfires. The closure will remain in effect until further notice. Authorized Potlatch employees and contractors can continue to access the land for timber harvest and other activities, but they have to follow state-imposed restrictions. The restrictions prohibit campfires on state, federal, tribal and private forestlands in North Idaho and northcentral Idaho. Smoking must be done inside an enclosed vehicle. Operating chainsaws and similar equipment is prohibited from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., and wood-cutters must stay in the area for an hour to ensure that no fires develop.