Lolo Motorway open to visitors

The Lolo Motorway (Road 500) is now open for visitors wishing to spend time in the historic area.

The Motorway, north of U.S. Highway 12, follows a ridgeline route and basically parallels the highway from Canyon Junction northeast of Kooskia eastward to Powell near the Idaho-Montana state line. Forest Service crews recently cleared winter's downfall from the road after the last snowdrift melted.

Visitors planning to travel the Lolo Motorway through the historic Lolo Trail corridor do not need trip permits this year. Clearwater National Forest managers implemented a permit system in 2003 to regulate visitation for the protection of natural and cultural resources during the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. The permit system allowed Forest Service managers to monitor use and talk to people about the sensitive environmental, cultural and historic resources along the corridor.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game regulations still state that trip permits are needed in 2006, as the regulations were printed prior to discontinuing the permit requirement. Road crews are removing the few remaining signs informing visitors of the permit requirements.

"We really appreciate everyone who participated in the permit system," said Carol Hennessey, Lewis and Clark Bicentennial coordinator for the Clearwater National Forest. She added, "We found visitors extremely respectful of the resources, and our hope is that this will continue into the future."

Lolo Trail rangers will continue to monitor use and assist visitors along the corridor.

Those planning a trip to the Lolo Trail corridor this summer, visit the web site at www.fs.fed.us/r1/clearwater or call the Kooskia Ranger Station at 208-926-4274 for more information.