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Getting outdoors during uncertain times

by Bill Love Jr.
| April 7, 2020 1:00 AM

Idahoans cherish the great outdoors with its easily accessible open spaces. But the COVID-19 pandemic has us questioning whether we should spend time pursuing our favorite outdoor activities. If so, where do we go?

Even with a stay-home order in effect, health officials and state leaders encourage walking and other forms of outdoor recreation. According to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation website, “Outdoor activity is healthy at this stressful time, and we encourage people to enjoy a walk, a hike, or a ride.” But in doing so, they recommend staying close to home and practicing social distancing.

Even without the consideration of travel distance, the backcountry remains covered by a blanket of deep snow. That leaves the frontcountry open to exercise our bodies and calm our minds. But aren’t these lands occupied with homes, subdivisions, farms and private woodlots where the public is not welcome? Not necessarily and it may surprise you how close you live to wildlands allowing access.

Thousands of acres of national forest lands surround us; some not far away. While these federal lands remain open, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests announced closure of most developed recreation sites including Sam Owen, Green Bay, Grouse Falls, and many others. If there is a parking area, vault toilet and picnic table, the site is likely closed. Check with the Sandpoint Ranger District for current details.

Our local state parks, Round Lake and Farragut, are open for day use with some restrictions. In particular, visitors will encounter closed campgrounds and visitor centers. Recommended precautions include staying home if you feel ill and keeping group sizes small. Practice social distancing and let others know of your presence when on trails. Check the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Facebook page for recent updates concerning access and restrictions.

Bart Gutke, Park Ranger at Round Lake State Park, reminds visitors that state park entry fees remain in effect. He also cautions that temporary closures may occur during April to remove 300 downed trees in the campground resulting from the March 13 windstorm.

The Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area, encompassing 7,400 acres, currently allows public access. This WMA consists of 25 parcels ranging in size from two to 1,700 acres. Situated mostly along Lake Pend Oreille, the Clark Fork, Pack and Pend Oreille Rivers, and a couple of small lakes, these lands protect critical wetland, riparian and upland wildlife habitats. For humans, they offer a wonderful opportunity for hunting, fishing, birding and other outdoor pursuits.

Kiira Sittari, Regional Communications Manager with Idaho Department of Fish and Game, discourages visitors from bunching up at boat launches, docks and parking areas. You may want to look for another area if you arrive at a WMA segment and discover more than two or three vehicles. Also, be aware that spring black bear and turkey seasons will open soon.

From my residence in Selle Valley, I can have boots on the ground in a matter of minutes at the Trout Creek, Rapid Lightning Creek and Gold Creek Segments of the Pend Oreille WMA. Best of all, these larger parcels provide plenty of space for people to disperse. For you Southsiders, discover “Little Shepherd Lake” at the Shepherd Lake WMA segment. The local residents will remind you with their honks and quacks to maintain social distancing.

The Bureau of Land Management ownership at Gamlin, or is it Gamble Lake, is currently closed for logging diseased and insect infested trees. But the Kalispel Tribe Wildlife Management Area near Livermore Lake on the Camp Bay Road provides a nice place to hike. The parking area only accommodates one or two vehicles which facilitates social distancing.

Since its grand opening last September, the Pine Street Woods Community Forest has become immensely popular. The assortment of trails accommodates all users including those with disabilities. I personally appreciated the ADA accessible trail last year while recuperating from foot surgery.

Regan Plumb, Conservation Director with the Kaniksu Land Trust, points out that the highest likelihood for congestion at Pine Street Woods occurs at the parking lot. It is a good idea to quickly load/unload your vehicle and avoid visiting with others. Some trails will temporarily close over the next several weeks to remove dozens of downed trees, also from the March windstorm.

This list only scratches the surface of nearby outdoor recreational opportunities available for these uncertain times. Health officials can’t stress social distancing often enough. Has that been mentioned already? As a forester, I seek places where I will not encounter another human. Now days, I do it for my health and your health. If you feel comfortable in doing so, get out and discover these places for yourself. Be safe, be well.

Bill Love Jr. is president of the Panhandle Chapter of Trout Unlimited. For more information on the chapter, go online to panhandletu.org.

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An empty parking lot at the Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area ensures social distancing.