Forest Service Lolo Motorway Permit System for 2005

Visitors planning to travel the Lolo Motorway this year need a permit to be on the section of the road between Weitas Butte Road (junction of Road 557 with Road 500) and Imnamatnoon Likoolum, previously known as Grizzly Bear Saddle (junction of Road 567 with Road 568) from July 15 through October 1.

The permits are free and will be issued with the same restrictions as implemented in 2004. Clearwater National Forest Supervisor Larry Dawson said, "In an effort to protect cultural and natural resources, we will again implement some of the restrictions this year." Dawson encouraged those individuals interested in obtaining permits to contact the Lochsa Ranger District for more details.

Permits will be issued free of charge, first, to those parties that applied to the lottery permit system. The remaining permits will be available on a first come first serve basis with a capacity of up to the 10 parties beginning each day, with 10 people and two vehicles allowed per party. The free permits will be available from Clearwater National Forest offices and on our web site beginning April 1. Permits assist the Forest Service in monitoring the amount of use on this primitive road segment. The Lolo Trail area is a National Historic Landmark. It includes the Nez Perce and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trails and the Lolo Motorway.

Motorway Rangers will be monitoring use throughout the season. They will also be available on the motorway to answer any questions and provide information specific to the route.

For more information, visit www.fs.fed.us/r1/clearwater or call the Lochsa Ranger District in Kooskia at 208-926-4274.