Post Falls Community Forest reopens to public
This map shows what area of the Post Falls Community Forest was affected by the Parkway Fire that burned about 80 acres after igniting Aug. 4. Most of the forest has now reopened.
Image via the city of Post Falls
The Post Falls Community Forest is pictured here after the Parkway Fire, which burned 80 acres in the forest and Q'emiln Park when it started Aug. 4. The majority of the community forest has reopened to the public, the city announced Tuesday.
The majority of the Post Falls Community Forest is back open to the public following a closure in response to the Parkway Fire that burned about 80 acres after igniting Aug. 4.
The city of Post Falls said in a Tuesday news release that keeping the community safe is a top priority as the forest reopens.
"With that, danger still exists in the area directly affected by the fire, which will remain closed through the winter," the news release said.
These dangers include:
• Deep tree stumps and roots that can smolder for months
• Burned out stump holes that are not immediately apparent
• Dead or weakened trees and limbs that may fall
• Slopes destabilized by the fire and precipitation runoff
Post-fire risks will persist until soaking rains or winter snow return to this area and regrowth of vegetation stabilizes slopes, the city said in the release.
Signs are posted onsite indicating which areas of the forest are open and which will remain closed. A restoration plan is being developed for the affected area.
The Post Falls Community Forest can be accessed through Q'emiln Park or the Post Falls Community Forest Trailhead on West Riverview Drive.
For information, to get involved or to report a concern, contact the Post Falls Urban Forestry Division at 208-457-3315.
