Idaho Panhandle National Forests temporarily closes campgrounds, developed recreation sites to limit COVID-19 spread
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 4 years, 10 months AGO
Effective March 28, many or most developed campgrounds and certain other recreation sites on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests will be closed until further notice for the health and safety of visitors and staff. A full list of restricted areas is available online at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices
As it works through an unpredictable and rapidly changing situation, the health and safety of visitors, as well as Forest Service employees and volunteers is the Idaho Panhandle National Forests’s No. 1 priority. It is working to meet the guidelines for cleaning and to promote social distance per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To support these efforts, rental cabins will be temporarily closed to public entry indefinitely until further notice and will be closed and unavailable to rent via Recreation.gov. Notification to cabin renters will be made as soon as possible and refunds will be processed.
It is committed to continuing to support its communities and fulfill its mission as we all work together to minimize the impacts and spread of COVID-19.
These actions have been taken based on the best available medical advice for cleaning per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and to promote social distancing. Visitors are encouraged to contact the ranger district office with additional questions.
The Idaho Panhandle National Forests continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and evaluate potential impacts and adjustments to reservations and our reservation policies through Recreation.gov. Reservation holders will be notified via email and/or cellphone text messages if there are any changes affecting their reservation. In the event of delayed openings of some, part, or all of our reservable facilities to ensure safe social distancing, reservation holders will receive a full refund for their reservation. Please remember to review current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and focus on recreating safely while protecting yourself, Forest Service employees and its volunteers.