Hunters planning to pursue game in the Gibbonsville area this fall should beware that prescribed fire activities may occur from October through December on both sides of Highway 93 from Lick Creek north to Lost Trail Pass.
Salmon-Challis National Forest officials will use several methods of prescribed fire including Jackpot, broadcast and pile burning. Areas impacted may include Crone Gulch, areas near Moose Creek Estates, along the Continental Divide Trail east of Lost Trail Pass, and in the Lick, Hughes, Twin, Vine, and Pierce Creek drainages. Pile burning may also occur at Wagon Hammer Picnic area, Cougar Point and Crags campgrounds, and near Grizzly Hill near Leadore.
Forest officials said prescribed fire activities are highly weather dependent and will only be used when conditions are present to minimize smoke impacts to local communities and when favorable for a safe, effective burn. Smoke may be visible for several days in the communities of Gibbonsville, North Fork, Leadore, Salmon, as well as along the Highway 93 and Highway 28 corridors.
To protect fire personnel along roadways, motorists are encouraged to use extra caution and observe any posted signs in the area.
The purpose is to reduce the threat of large-scale wildfire to local communities, enhance the defensible space created during hazardous fuels reduction projects, reduce accumulation of natural fuel buildup, improve timber stand resiliency to wildfire, and improve wildlife habitat by increasing forage.
For additional information, contact Wade McPhetridge, Fuels Program Manager at (208) 865-2733 or Ken Gebhardt, North Fork District Ranger at (208) 865-2731.
Hunters should also remember to check Fish and Game's fire information page to see if the area they intent to hunt may be affected by fires. Area closures from recent fires, active prescribed fires, and other fire-related restrictions remain in some areas of Idaho.