Have a safe holiday

Independence Day is almost here. The holiday's celebrations come with important responsibilities, especially for those who will be spending time in Idaho's national forests.

Here are guidelines for a safe and responsible Fourth of July, as recommended by Idaho Panhandle National Forests Supervisor Mary Farnsworth:

Fireworks: Fireworks are prohibited in national forests, all year.

Responsible motorized use: Please stay on designated routes and obtain the appropriate maps before traveling. In the Coeur d'Alene River, Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint and Priest Lake Ranger districts, visitors should carry the free Motorized Vehicle Use Maps, available in Forest Service offices throughout North Idaho. No mud bogging is allowed anywhere on National Forest System lands. Idaho traffic laws apply to all motor vehicles including off-highway vehicles (OHVs) an motorcycles of all types. For the latest information on road conditions, including restrictions, closures and construction, please visit the Idaho Panhandle Forests' "Road Status" web page.

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). Visit the Idaho Panhandle National Forests' "Recreation" web page to check the status of particular sites.

Campfire safety: Even if it's "green," please practice good sense by using caution with fire and smoking at all times, in all places. Drown, stir and check campfires for heat with bare hands. All fires must be completely out when left unattended and before leaving the site.

Keep it clean to avoid bear encounters: Proper food storage practices are recommend throughout Idaho Panhandle National Forests and are required in the Sandpoint, Priest Lake and Bonners Ferry districts. 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. Wash up, change clothes and remove all nearby scented articles before going to bed. Wild bears avoid people, but bears conditioned to human food can be aggressive and may be euthanized if problems occur. For information on safety in bear country, visit the Idaho Panhandle National Forests' "Food Storage" web page.

For information visit the Idaho Panhandle National Forests' website, http://www.fs.usda.gov/ipnf or contact the local Forest Service office. Idaho Panhandle National Forests Headquarters in Coeur d'Alene: (208) 765-7223.