SNOWMOBILING

Payette alters snowmobile access in three areas

Free maps that show where motorized, over-snow winter travel is allowed in the Payette National Forest are available at area ranger district offices in McCall, New Meadows, Council and Weiser.

The Payette regulates where and when motorized vehicles, particularly snowmobiles, may be used during winter, and it’s up to recreationists to know where seasonal closures exist.

The maps show a special order that closes portions of Granite Mountain northwest of McCall from Jan. 15 to March 31.

Payette officials said they are providing backcountry skiing opportunity without the presence of snowmobiles in the same area. The 2013 winter travel map shows the closure area in detail.

Payette officials also opened Hitt Mountain west of Cambridge and Squaw Point north of McCall to snowmobilers to provide additional opportunities in these areas.

Officials encourage backcountry travelers, skiers and snowshoers to know these areas as well.

Winter maps are also available online at the Payette National Forest’s website: fs.usda.gov/payette. Go to the “Quick Links” box on the right and click on Motor Vehicle Use Maps.

The Over Snow Motor Vehicle Use maps for 2012-13 are located midway down the Travel Management Planning webpage.

Any comments on the map may be emailed to Payette National Forest Recreation Program Manager Jane Cropp at jcropp@fs.fed.us.