It’s not just snowmobilers that recreate on North Idaho’s National Forest land, said Back Country ATV and UTV Association President Bret Uhlich.

Hikers, cross-country skiers, and even sled dog teams take advantage of the groomed backroads and trails that make winter recreation accessible.

“We all love the backcountry,” Uhlich said.

It was this love for the backcountry that united 75 volunteers on Dec. 20, enough manpower to clear nearly 500 fallen trees along Bunco Road, Fernan, and the Fourth of July Pass.

Most volunteers were members of local organizations, including the Back Country ATV and UTV Association, the Coeur d’Alene Snowmobile Club, and multiple Jeep clubs.

“Calls for action” were issued last week after high winds tore through North Idaho, downing trees, damaging infrastructure and resulting in one death.

One member of the Snowmobile Club had driven up into the Fernan Saddle area on Dec. 17 to assess the road conditions and found trees nearly 2 feet in diameter toppled across the dirt road.

The club member was able to clear a quarter mile of the roadway by himself.

“Progress is possible, but it is slow, hard work,” the Snowmobile Club shared to social media Dec. 18.

With volunteers split into nine teams, several dozen miles of roadway were cleared of downed trees and other debris.

Cutting and moving the downed trees out of the roadways will save groomers both time and resources once the area receives significant snowfall, said Coeur d’Alene Snowmobile Club President Steven Cox.

The work will also allow outdoor enthusiasts to access the trails earlier in the season.

“I figured we should use the brief window we have before it started to snow,” Cox said.

These efforts underscored the importance of organizations like the Snowmobile Club, he added.

“This shows exactly what the need for this club is,” Cox said. “It was really good to see how many people came together to do this.”

And though there’s still plenty more work left to do, time and weather will determine whether crews can safely get back out there.

“There’s more to go, but unfortunately it’s a little dicey out there,” Uhlich said.