NEWS

August 23, 2013

United States Department of Agriculture

1249 S. Vinnell Way Suite 200 Boise, Idaho 83709 208-373-4100

BOISE NATIONAL FOREST

Information Contact: David Olson 861-0768

South Fork Boise River Area Closure

BOISE, Idaho - The South Fork Boise River area on both the south and north banks remains closed to public use as a result of the Pony and Elk Complexes intense fire activity. The area closed is all public land from the Anderson Dam, downstream to the western border of the Boise National Forest. The South Fork Boise River road is open per a recent modification of the Elk Complex fire area closure, but the road itself is the only open portion within that area. An area closure remains in place from the southern border of the Boise National Forest, which includes the south side of the South Fork Boise River. That closure extends to the north side of the river and the western border of the Boise National Forest to the south shore of Arrowrock Reservoir. Of high concern is the potential for Cottonwood trees or other trees falling unexpectedly due to damaged root systems and/or weakened trunks that were burned. The fire was extremely intense in some Cottonwood stands, and with its shallow roots, prone to falling at any moment. A Burned Area Emergency Response team is currently assessing the damage caused by the intense flames from the lightning storm that passed through the area on August 8. They will complete the assessment in a few weeks, and develop recommended projects to help in the immediate recovery of the area. At the conclusion of that assessment, an evaluation will be made regarding public safety along the river and possible reopening of some areas. Over 180,000 acres burned on lands to the south and north of the river in the first two days with rapid rates of spread and very high flame intensity. Further information is available by calling the Fire Information Center at 208-384-3266 or the Mountain Home Ranger District at 587-7961.