Bitterroot National Forest

1801 N. 1st Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-7100 NEWS RELEASE

__________________________________________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tod McKay Public Affairs Officer (406) 363-7122 (406) 531-1130 - CELL tgmckay@fs.fed.us June 28, 2011 FOREST WELCOMES VISITORS FOR 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND Hamilton, MT. With the 4th of July weekend right around the corner, the Bitterroot National Forest is a great place to get away from the noise of fireworks and enjoy your holiday. A few considerations will help ensure everyones safety and enjoyment: y y Fireworks are not permitted on National Forests. Please leave them at home. Violations are punishable by a fine of $500 or more. All campgrounds on the Forest are open (except Spring Gulch on the Sula Ranger District) and ready for visitors. Campgrounds fill up quickly. For a complete list of campgrounds and to determine if your favorite campground is one in which you can reserve a site, visit our Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot and click on the Recreation/Cabins and Camping sections. Be prepared for wet, muddy roads and trails along with downed trees over roads and trails. Most trailheads are accessible, but the snow level across much of the Forest still reaches down to the 70007500 foot level, so recreationists will find access into the high country still limited. Hiking to high peaks and hiking high-elevation trails may not be feasible until mid to late July. Users should be prepared for early season conditions. Creeks and rivers are running fast and cold. Trail users are urged to be cautious around fast flowing rivers and streams. Streams that are easy to wade across and fun to cool off in during low water are extremely dangerous right now. Hazardous conditions can develop very quickly from rapidly rising waters. Roads and trails passable early in the day may become unsafe in the afternoon as rivers and creeks rise due to melting snow. Ensure your campfires are fully out and the coals are cool to touch before leaving them. And Pack it In Pack it Out is the best practice for all of your garbage. Many roads and sites have been affected by flooding and lingering snow. Motorists are advised to stay off soft and muddy roads as they are unsafe and can easily be damaged, leading to expensive repairs. If you are driving on a muddy road that ruts easily or there is running water on the road, turn around!

y y y

Lost Horse Road #429 on the Darby Ranger District is still closed at the gate before Ten Mile Creek due to wet road conditions and snow on the upper sections. The gate will be opened when the snow melts off.

Forest Road #601 in the Sapphire Mountains east of Florence on the Stevensville Ranger District is also closed due to a recent wash-out. The damage occurred around mile marker 11 near the headwaters of the North Fork of Eightmile Creek. Please stop by or call your local Forest Service office at the numbers below to get the most current information about roads and trail conditions or visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot. A reminder for those planning a trip to the Lake Como Recreation Area this holiday, you will need a recreation pass for parking. Cost of the passes are $5/vehicle or $30 for a season pass and are available at Forest Service offices, area retailers including Bob Wards, Mr. Ts in Darby and the Anglers Roost in Hamilton, and on-site at the recreation area. The Three Frogs (Upper Como) Campground is currently under construction and will be closed until the end of July. Day use fees and camping fees are charged at Lake Como from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. Hiking and camping books, maps, animal and plant guides and Forest souvenirs are also available at the Discover the Bitterroot store in the lobby of the Forest Supervisors office at 1801 N. First Street in Hamilton. Have a safe and happy 4th of July holiday! Bitterroot National Forest District Offices: Sula Ranger District, (406) 821-3201 West Fork Ranger District, (406) 821-3269 Darby Ranger District, (406) 821-3913 Stevensville Ranger District, (406) 777-5461 ###