'Know Before You Go' have fun in area forests

With summer in full swing, Idaho Panhandle National Forest officials would like to remind visitors that fireworks, and the possession of fireworks, are prohibited on National Forest System lands, regardless of weather conditions or holidays. Exploding targets and other pyrotechnic devices, such as Tannerite, are also prohibited on public lands administered by the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

For a fun and safe recreational experience on IPNF forest land, here are a few additional tips to know:

- Visitors to the forest are asked to be very careful with fire. If camping, be sure to pack a shovel and a bucket for extinguishing your campfire. Please practice good sense by using caution with fire and smoking at all times, and in all places.

Never leave your campfire unattended, and before leaving your campsite, douse the fire with water, stir, and check your campfire for heat with your bare hand. All fires must be dead out when left unattended and before leaving the site.

- When camping, store food in hard-sided vehicles or bear-proof containers. The Bonners Ferry, Priest Lake, and portions of the Sandpoint Ranger District all have food storage requirements in place. For more information, read the forest’s food storage order online at fs.usda.gov/main/ipnf/home.

- Stay on designated motorized routes. Visitors should carry a motor vehicle use map, available for free at IPNF offices, and observe all off-highway motorized travel laws and regulations when exploring the forest on motorized equipment.

- Remember to pack out your garbage and clean up your site before you leave.

For more information on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, please contact your local ranger station.