HIKING, MOUNTAIN BIKING
Sheep grazing in recreation areas near McCall
Sheep ranchers are moving bands in the Payette National Forest, and as many as 7,000 sheep will move through the Bear Basin area west of McCall through July 25 on their way to higher elevations. The bands of sheep will be escorted by guard and herding dogs, as well as herders leading strings of livestock.
Recreationists are advised against walking their dogs in the area during this time. Bicyclists should dismount their bikes and move slowly when encountering guard dogs. Hikers or other visitors may encounter livestock while on forest trails this summer. Popular recreation areas where livestock may be present include: the Lick Creek Road corridor, Boulder Lake and the Warren Wagon Road corridor.
Signs will be installed at trailheads and trail junctions alerting the public to the presence of guard dogs and sheep during the trailing period. For details, call (208) 634-0400.
STATE PARKS
Bruneau Dunes OK after wildfire threatened park
The park’s facilities, campgrounds, observatory and visitor center reopened Wednesday after the park was evacuated after being threatened by the South Indian Fire on Monday.
Fire crews extinguished the blaze before structures within the park were damaged, but evidence of the fire is visible around the perimeter of the park.
For details about Bruneau Dunes, go to parksandrecreation.idaho.gov. Fires continue to burn in southern Idaho, and recreationists should check fire conditions before going. For details, see the wildfire story in the next column.
For more outdoors news and updates, go to voices.idahostatesman.com/outdoors.
