After reporting to you that Idaho's Danskin Mountain were closed for motorized travel due to wet trails, (http://www.dirttoysmag.com/powersport-news/display.cfm?ID=40), the U.S. Forest Service contacted us last week to report that the area has mostly dried and all trails have been reopened for motorized use.
The Danskin Mountains OHV Area is located about 29 miles east of Boise and involves nearly 160 miles of designated motorized use trails. The area had been subject to an extended closure to minimize trail damage and protect resources during the wet spring thaw conditions.
There are still some areas riders need to be alert to, such as the high water flows in Willow Creek. Also, some unchecked motorcycle trails may have debris issues and some gullying on some trails (see photos). A trail machine from Idaho Parks and Recreation will be in use starting this week to repair some of the trails. In addition, the Treasure Valley Trail Machine Association is helping with some trails.
"Pockets of snow remain on a few higher elevation trails, some water crossings are flowing very high and there are some slumps and ruts so users need to use caution as not all trail hazards have been identified," Stephaney Church, Mountain Home District Ranger, said. "We encourage all riders to exercise responsibility and care when riding through any wet areas to prevent damage."
In announcing the opening, the Forest Service did make a point to cover a topic of concern, actually of continued concern. That concern involves the unauthorized use by operators off trails and vandalism, especially with signs being shot or trashed. The Danskin Mountains are a popular recreation site and such incidents only hinder the law abiding rider. Funds are limited so some damage is challenging to repair. We need to police ourselves and riders are encouraged to report illegal use.
Further information is available by contacting the Mountain Home Ranger District office at (208) 587-7961.
