Two Year OHV Closure in Idaho's Gem, Payette, and Washington Counties

Because of the Frenchie Fire that burned 10,610 acres, the Bureau of Land Management has announced a two-year, temporary emergency closure to motorized vehicle use in Idaho’s Gem, Payette, and Washington Counties.  This action is necessary for the protection of watershed resources and highly erosive soils to allow adequate time to allow for the rehabilitation of the burned area. No motorized vehicle travel into these areas will be allowed, including motorized travel for purposes of retrieval of big game, unless specifically authorized (in writing) by the authorized officer (BLM Four Rivers Field Office Manager).

Once rehabilitation of the burned area is determined to be successful, motorized vehicle access will resume in accordance with the 1988 Cascade Resource Management Plan (RMP) Record of Decision (ROD), opening the area to off-road vehicle use, providing no resource damage occurs. Roads and fire lines will be appropriately signed to inform the public of the closure.

This emergency closure will be effective immediately and will
remain in effect until September 12, 2008.  To read the full Federal Register Notice, please go to:
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/E6-22062.htm. 

For further information, please contact:
Mike Barnum
Rangeland Management Specialist
(208) 384-3218
Bureau of Land Management
3948 Development Ave.
Boise, ID 83705