Road, Trail damage reported on Kootenai Forest
December 5, 2006
(Libby) - Due to the heavy rains experienced early last month, the Kootenai Forest had many roads and other areas damaged around the forest.
Forest engineers and maintenance personnel have surveyed most forest roads to get an estimate of the damage. There were road and culvert washouts, debris slides, and some damaged bridges reported. Most backcountry roads are now closed by heavy snow.
“So far the Fortine, Three Rivers, Libby and Cabinet districts all experienced some damage. The forest will continue to monitor roads and other areas for damage,” said Assistant Forest Engineer Paul Stantus.
To date, the only snowmobile routes impacted were in the Graves Creek and Keeler area. The local snowmobile club plans to do some temporary repairs for snowmobile riders this winter.
Damaged roads and trails are adequately signed and markers have been erected for the safety of the public.
As far as trail damage, the Ross Creek Cedars picnic area and trail were damaged, including the approach to the bridge, but the bridge is still intact. Ross Creek Cedars will be open to cross country skiers, however. Several trails along the east Cabinet face were eroded and along the Middle and North Fork Bull River trails.
“For some trails and other recreation facilities, we probably won’t know the full extent of the damage until next spring,” said Forest Recreation Officer Bill Fansler.
For further information on road damage please contact the engineering department at your local ranger station. Also, if the public spots any damaged area(s), please call the Forest Service so they can be signed to ensure public safety.
Kootenai National Forest news release
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Kootenai National Forest
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