Forest Marks Partial Opening
May first is the opening date for many federal areas, including the Refuge Road into the national forest and it’s a popular time for those who enjoy hunting for elk antlers to frequent that area. However, Forest Spokesperson Mary Cernicek points out that not all winter range closures are being lifted at this time. In fact, many of those areas remain closed until midnight May 21st. Specific closure dates are listed on the Forest Service website. Beyond that, Cernicek says Forest roads may remain soft from the recently melted snow and travelers are urged to hold off on traveling such roads to prevent undue damage to them. At the same time, Cernicek says those recreating on the forest should bear in mind the changing weather during any given day. Cernicek says the road one travels on into the forest may be frozen and solid in the morning, but thawed and impassable by afternoon. Forest facilities, Cernicek says, will be opening throughout the month as weather permits. Information about the availability of campgrounds and other forest sites can be found on the Forest’s website as well.
