FAIRFIELD -- Effective Thursday, Dec. 1, the area along the South Fork of the Boise River drainage east of Featherville to Couch Summit and up Little Smoky Creek to Red Rock Creek will be closed to snowmobiles and other motorized traffic for the protection of wintering elk.

According to Mike Dettori,District Ranger for the Fairfield Ranger District,roads in these areas are normally closed by snow this time of year."The motorized closure is in effect from Dec. 1 through April 30," said Dettori. "The closure is a part of the Sawtooth National Forest Travel Plan and has been agreed to by both the Forest Service and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game."

Randy Smith,Wildlife Regional Manager for the Idaho Department of Fish & Game in Jerome,states that motorized travel near winter-stressed elk could be detrimental to their survival."Motorized vehicles force elk to expend energy reserves to seek security. This energy is desperately needed for survival. Repeated disturbances can result in death of these animals if these reserves are exhausted. Young animals and those in poor condition are most likely to be affected by these disturbances."

Closure signs will be posted east of Featherville where snowplows turn around on the Ketchum-Featherville Road (Forest Road #227); at Couch Summit; on Little Smoky Road near the mouth of Red Rock Creek; and on the Willow Creek Road above the Ditto Flat turn-off. Violators are subject to fines.

The Forest Service has made provisions to provide access to people owning property within the closed area."Permits are available for property owners needing to access their property in the closed area," said Dettori."Property owners are asked to contact the Fairfield Ranger District at 208-764-3202 to obtain a permit."

Dettori added,"There are many excellent snowmobiling opportunities on the Sawtooth National Forest outside this winter range closure. We greatly appreciate everyone's cooperation in past years in respecting this closure."