Visiting public lands during Memorial Day weekend

COEUR d'ALENE - If you plan to visit local public lands during the Memorial Day weekend, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests and Bureau of Land Management suggest you "Know before You Go."

• Beware of ... Mud?

Snowmelt and rainy conditions have resulted in muddy roads, and in some cases, road closures due to mudslides and collapsed road beds. Forest engineers are working to reopen and stabilize roads as quickly as possible, but some roads may remain closed for several months before they can be repaired. Forest travelers are encouraged to avoid the worst roads and to turn around when encountering soft road beds. Cell phone coverage may not be available to contact emergency responders so it's best to avoid the temptation to plow on through muddy areas.

• Responsible Motorized Use.

Stay on designated routes and obtain the appropriate travel maps before you go. On the Coeur d'Alene River, Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint and Priest Lake Ranger Districts visitors should carry the free Motorized Vehicle Use Maps, available at Forest Service Offices throughout North Idaho. No mud bogging is allowed anywhere on National Forest Service lands.

• Keep it Clean to Avoid Bear Encounters!

Bears often develop a strong liking for human and pet foods. Store food in hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof containers; keep sleeping areas, tents and sleeping bags free from food and food odors; and wash up, change clothes and remove all scented articles nearby before going to bed. Wild bears avoid people, but bears conditioned to human food can be aggressive.

• Camping.

Camping is allowed for up to 14 days within any 30-day period in developed recreation sites; undeveloped recreation sites; campgrounds; wilderness areas; and other general forest areas (previous limit was up to 14 days within a 45-day period). Drown, stir and check your campfire for heat with your bare hand.

• Recreation Information.

Visit the Idaho Panhandle National Forest's "Recreation" Web page to check the status of your favorite site. The BLM will have season passes available for sale on site at the Blackwell Island Boat Launch over the Memorial weekend.

Info: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/coeur_d_alene.html