Trail closure update for salvage logging areas

SEELEY LAKE – Trail closures continue on the Seeley Lake Ranger District to assist with the salvage logging operations on the Rice Ridge and Liberty Fires. Travelers on all of these routes should be mindful of truck traffic and use caution. Questions or for the most up-to-date information please contact the District, 677-2233.

• East side of Rice/Richmond Ridge Loop (FS road 4353): Closure from 12 a.m. Monday to Friday at 12 p.m. for snowmobiles. The road is plowed to the junction with the Pyramid Pass Road from the Cottonwood Lakes Road. This route will be closed for another one to two weeks for hauling and then it will not be plowed anymore. However, the closure will remain in place until the west side of Rice Ridge Loop logging has been completed.

• West side of Rice/Richmond Ridge Loop (FS road 720): No current closure but logging is occurring along the road and snowmobilers should be cautious on this route. The route is currently plowed but not open to vehicles. Hauling will begin in approximately two weeks and this route will then be closed from 12 a.m. Monday to Friday at 12 p.m. for snowmobile traffic.

• East Morrell-Blind Canyon (FS road 467 and 4378): Snowmobile closure is in place during the week from 12 a.m. Monday to Friday at 12 p.m. The roads are plowed but not open to general vehicle traffic. This closure will be in place for approximately three to four weeks.

• Monture Guard Station to Morrell Mountain Lookout Road: Snowmobile closure in place during the week from 12 a.m. Monday to Friday at 12 p.m. The routes are plowed from Morrell Mountain Road to Monture Station junction. Plowing should be done soon on the section from Monture to Dry Cottonwood.

• Cottonwood Lakes Road to the Rich Ranch: A snowmobile closure is in place from 12 a.m. Monday to Friday at 12 p.m. with some exceptions for permit holders and residents. The road will be plowed and log hauling will be coming out to Kozy Korner and then out to Highway 83 at Salmon Lake. The log hauling and closure will likely be in place for approximately four to five weeks.