Boat launch temporarily closed

Record low river levels of the North Fork River has resulted in minimal water drafting locations for the Prichard-Murray Fire Department water tender. The fire department has a 3,500-gallon water tender that will draw water from the river in an emergency.

Given the very high fire danger and abnormal weather, the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District is reserving the use of the boat launching site across from the 602 road and just above Shoshone Base Camp for the Prichard-Murray Fire Department and the Forest Service in case there is an urgent need to access water for fire suppression operations. The boat launch site and the road leading to the site will be closed for administrative use until the fire danger reduces.

"I would prefer not to close a boat launch site, however the low river levels has left us with very few options and we are making every effort to prepare for potential fire suppression operations," said Chad Hudson, District Ranger of the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District. The boat launch site will be open for public use once the extreme fire conditions subside.

Forest conditions in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest are among the driest ever seen at this time of year and forest visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution with any source of heat of fire in the forest.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect for all of North Idaho restricting campfires only to developed, designated campgrounds with metal fire rings, and restricting smoking to enclosed vehicles or areas cleared of vegetation.

For more information on fire restrictions please visit www.fs.usda.gov/ipnf or contact the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District Fernan Office at (208) 664-2318.