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Road closure in effect for public safety during Idaho forest health work

By Dave Nichols daven@spokesman.com(509) 459-5441

The Idaho Panhandle National Forests announces a road closure in effect on Forest Service Road (FSR) 406 in the Burnt Cabin Saddle area on the Coeur d’Alene River Ranger District on Wednesday.

This closure is being implemented for public health and safety while operations are occurring on the Bottom Canyon Stewardship timber sale, a forest health and fuels reduction project. FSR 406 will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Closure orders are posted online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices.

The Forest Service is reminding the public to respect the property and efforts by the contractors working in the area. Unfortunately, a relatively high amount of vandalism of equipment occurred during operations last year. The vandalism delayed implementing these socially and ecologically important projects and resulted in expensive repair costs for the local operator.

Additional road closures and travel delays are expected later this summer in the Burnt Cabin Saddle area.

“I recognize that these closures will impact popular travel routes to the area and we are constantly balancing the needs of the public with land management activities that need to be done to provide services to the land and the publics we serve,” said District Ranger Dan Scaife. “We ask for patience and support from the public as we prioritize public safety and balance these objectives.”

Visitors are asked to identify alternate routes or explore new areas on the district that are not impacted by travel restrictions. For alternate travel options, and to be aware of motorized route designations, Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) are provided free of charge at District Offices or the Supervisor’s Office and are also available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/ipnf/.

Other closures and potential traffic delays:

  • FS Road 406 Hayden Creek Divide – Closed until mid-July 2020.
  • FS Road 1587 –Travel delays until late June due to roadwork. Closure expected late June to early August.
  • FS Trail 802 (FS Road 1513) – Closure expected late June until mid-August. Trail 802 will be closed from FS Road 612 to Burnt Cabin Saddle.
  • FS Road 1511 – Expect long delays starting June 10 through late June.
  • FS Road 206 (Ohio Match Road) – Expect possible delays and heavy truck traffic on weekdays.

The Bottom Canyon project was designed to improve forest health and resiliency, contribute to employment and income by providing forest products, reduce hazardous fuels in the area, and improve water quality, and wildlife and aquatic habitats. Visitors traveling in the area are advised to drive within their sight distance and be attentive to heavy truck traffic, roadwork, and timber harvesting operations.

For additional questions on this project or travel impacts, please contact the Fernan Office at (208) 664-2318.