Outdoors briefs for January 13, 2011

Free transceiver course offered

SANDPOINT - Schweitzer Ski Patrol presents Transceiver Sundays, a free weekly transceiver training course.

The training sessions will meet each Sunday at 10 a.m. by the clock tower and welcomes all ability levels. While no equipment is necessary to participate, Schweitzer does recommend bringing one's own gear if possible.

This program will educate skiers and snowboarders on how to use their backcountry equipment properly. Participants will practice searching with beacons, using probes and proper digging techniques. Special topics might include deciphering weather patterns, understanding snowpack and the etiquette of backcountry skiing.

Information: www.schweitzer.com or call (208) 255-3081

Road closure on Kelly Creek Road

ST. MARIES - The St. Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests said section of Forest Road 1237, Kelly Creek Road, is still closed to public traffic every Monday through Friday.

The closure is needed to allow Forest Capital Partners to safely conduct logging operations and haul timber from their privately owned lands in the area.

The closure runs from 3 a.m. until 5 p.m. beginning at the road's origin in Avery to the 3-mile marker at Roundhouse Saddle.

The road is open to the public outside commercial haul hours and on the weekends.

Information: www.fs.usda.gov/ipnf