Craig Mountain Gates Remain Closed Until More Snow

December 5 marks the beginning of the snowmobile season on the Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area south of Lewiston. However, Idaho Fish and Game reminds winter recreationists that all access gates to secondary roads will remain closed until 16 inches of snow accumulates. The gates are designed to enhance wildlife security not to restrict snowmobile use during the winter. December 5 was selected in cooperation with local snowmobile groups and hunters to allow snowmobile use of the area after hunting seasons have closed and big game animals have moved to lower elevations. Snowmobile users are urged to be prepared and use caution. Because of previous forest fires, many dead trees are expected to fall the next few years and several new fences were constructed to restrict illegal off-road use. Salvage logging may also be in progress during the winter months so users are urged 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.