CLARK FORK ­— Access to Johnson Creek will be dimmed out for the next six months to accommodate restoration of the Clark Fork Delta, the Idaho Department of Fish & Game has announced.

The closure will take effect on Oct. 16 and extend through to April 1, 2020.

The closure is necessary to provide the project’s contractor a location to mobilize and stage supplies and equipment, according to Fish & Game. Work will be done to improve the Johnson Creek Access Site by widening the boat ramp, improving parking and bank stabilization to prevent erosion.

While the closure is in effect, the Clark Fork Driftyard will provide the nearest access point on the Clark Fork River to launch watercraft. The site is located north of the delta and will remain open until Feb. 1, 2020, Fish & Game said.

The restoration project is meant to improve and restore vital riparian and wetlands habitat that was being diminished by the operation of the Albeni Falls Dam on the Pend Oreille River. The project is also designed to improve water quality and prevent erosion.

The project modifies existing land forms, creates new land forms and adds erosion-protection features. It also adds new vegetation and addresses noxious weeds.

The project is tranched into three phases. The inaugural phase was completed in 2015.

Phase 2 is underway and full completion of the project is expected in 2029.