Craig Mountain Gates To Open

With major snowstorms covering the area recently, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game will begin opening access gates on the Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area south of Lewiston. The gates are designed to enhance wildlife security not to restrict snowmobile use. The gates will remain open until March 15, 2009, or until snow depths recede below 16 inches. Early season snowmobilers are urged to use caution. The recent snow is very fluffy with no base. This unconsolidated snow can hide hazards, such as stumps, rocks and logs. In addition, because of the Chimney Complex wildfire, many trees are expected to fall the next few years and new fences were constructed in several areas to restrict illegal off-road use. Salvage logging will also be in progress during the winter months so users need to be cautious of the increased traffic. The Lewis and Clark Snowdrifters annually groom and remove obstacles on almost 200 miles of trails on Craig Mountain and surrounding area to enhance access and improve safety.