The trails are on Forest Service roads that Plum Creek Timber currently is using for winter logging operations on their privately owned land, which lies beyond the restricted areas. Plum Creek uses the roads under a road easement agreement with the Forest Service.
The restrictions are being implemented for public safety and will affect only weekday traffic. Recreational snowmobile traffic will be allowed on the affected trail sections on the weekends.
The decision to implement the restricted use was made in cooperation with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the Missoula Snowgoers, a local snowmobile organization. They will be lifted once Plum Creek completes work in the area.
Maps with the trail restrictions will be posted at affected trailheads, the Lolo Pass Visitor Center and the Lolo Hot Springs Resort. The maps will be updated as restrictions change and trails become available.
The following trail sections will be affected:
- Trail # 8, West Fk Butte/Elk Meadows from Junction P to Jct Q.
- Trail # 1, East Fork from Junction B to Junction C.
- Trail # 7, East Fork Lolo/West Fork Butte Hookup from Junction C to Junction Q.
- Trail # 5, Granite Creek from its Junction with Highway12 at Lolo Pass toward Granite Pass to the Junction with Road # 5672 in Section 18 (on Clearwater NF, Idaho). Also on the North end of Trail # 5 from the beginning of Fish Creek Road to its intersection with the alternate route out of Lolo Hot Springs.
Snowmobile grooming has not yet begun on these local trails, but the Lolo Pass area reportedly received four to six inches of snow early this week. Under the special use permit administered by the Forest Service, the Missoula Snowgoers may begin grooming anytime after Dec. 1.
For additional information: Carl Anderson, 406-329-3976
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