Upper Smith Fire Closure - Forest Road 281 and Trail 16

PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (b) the following are prohibited on
the National Forest System (NFS) FSR 281 and the Canyon Creek NRT in the Bonners
Ferry Ranger District, Idaho Panhandle National Forests, described below and shown on
the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A the “Described Road/Trail
Closure”:
1. Being on the road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54 (e)
2. Being on the trail. 36 C.F.R § 261.55 (a)

EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Persons with Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order, including grazing permittees in Grass and Cow Creeks, and private in-holders with access rights under 36 C.F.R § 251.50.(e)(1).
2. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
3. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED ROAD and TRAIL
ROAD: Forest Service Road (FSR) 281 (Smith Creek) from Westside Road to the junction with FSR 2545.
TRAIL: 16 Canyon Creek National Recreation Trail from the trailhead to the terminus.
 

PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is for public and firefighter safety due to active fire suppression activities on Upper Smith fire burning in the area.

IMPLEMENTATION
1. This Order shall be in effect from July 13, 2026 at 1500 through December 31, 2026 at 0000, unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Roads/Trails is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/idahopanhandle/alerts
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
5. Contact the Bonners Ferry Ranger District in Bonners Ferry, ID, (208) 267-1523, and Idaho Panhandle National Forests Supervisor’s Office in Coeur d’Alene, ID (208) 765-7223, for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts on the same Described Road and Trail.

Signed and issued on July 13th, 2026