Hunters May Find Restrictions Because Of Fire Damage

WENATCHEE -- With many different hunting seasons beginning soon, it is important for hunters and other forest users to be aware of areas of the national forests that are closed due to hazards from recent wildfires. Some fire area closures have been modified or lifted for portions of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest lands within and adjacent to the Carlton Complex, Chiwaukum Complex, Duncan Fire and Mills Canyon Fire. The only Carlton Complex closures remaining in place in the Methow Valley Ranger District are on Roads No. 300 and 370 in Finley Canyon. The Duncan Fire area closure has been reduced to encompass the Entiat Valley Road north of Tommy Creek and the fire area east and north of the road. The closure still includes Shady Pass Road from the Entiat side to its intersection with Big Hill Road No. 112. Mills Canyon Road No. 5200 is closed weekdays through Oct. 13 due to burned area emergency response operations in the Mills Canyon Fire area.  Chiwaukum Fire area closure has also been reduced to include Chiwaukum, Thomson, Painter, Battle Canyon, Hatchery, and Fall creeks. Area closures due to the Hansel Creek and Shoofly fires on the Wenatchee River Ranger District remain unchanged. Go to the forest website for closure area maps and information (http://go.usa.gov/wWZk).

Many areas within the ­­­­recent fire perimeters continue to present significant public safety hazards and in some cases will for several years to come. These hazards are primarily associated with falling dead trees and flash flood impacts. The amount and level of public access provided is largely dictated by these public safety concerns and liabilities.