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Rexford Bench Beach Area Temporary Closure
Portions of the beach and recreation area at the Rexford Bench Campground and Beach, near Rexford, MT, will be temporarily closed beginning Monday, July 13th while much need improvements take place on the existing water and wastewater system.
The project will replace the 50-year-old water and wastewater system at the Rexford Bench recreation complex. Improvements include replacement of decaying piping, fixtures, and pump-house infrastructure to meet the demands at one of the largest and most popular recreation sites on the forest, eliminating periodic system closures due to failures, leaks, and deferred maintenance.
The purpose of the closure is to provide for both public and workers’ safety during construction operations, which will only occur Mondays through Fridays, with no active operations on weekend days.
Closed areas, illustrated on the closure order map, include:
- The beach and recreation area above the high-water mark and all amenities, including flush restrooms, within that area.
- Overflow parking at Kamloops will also be closed during the project.
Forest staff are doing their best to keep the majority of the Rexford Bench Campground and amenities available to visitors.
Available areas and amenities include:
- The sand area below the high-water mark, adjacent to the boat launch, is accessible for swimming and water access.
- The boat launch is open and accessible.
- Camping at the main Rexford Bench and Kamloops Terrace remains open
- Rails to Trails (NFS Trail #255) is open.
- Water and dump station services remain available.
With the ongoing project and heavy equipment operations, please use caution and avoid the closure area. The closure will remain in effect until October 30, 2026, unless work is completed sooner. We greatly appreciate your cooperation as we work to improve this popular recreation site. For more information, please call the Rexford/Fortine Ranger District at 406-296-2536.
Alert Start Date: July 10, 2026
Alert End Date: October 30, 2026
Order Number: 01-14-01-26-10
Contact Information
Contact Name: Rexford/Fortine Ranger District
Contact Number: 406-296-2536
Associated Documents
Forest Order
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Kootenai National Forest
Rexford Ranger District
Road and Area Closure
(Rexford Bench Beach)
Pursuant to 16 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 551 and 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §§ 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on National Forest System (NFS) road 7947 (Rexford Bench Beach Road) and Rexford Bench Beach Area located on the Rexford Ranger District, Kootenai National Forest, Lincoln County, State of Montana as described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A.
PROHIBITIONS
1. Being on the road, pursuant to - 36 CFR § 261.54(e)
2. Going into or being upon an area - 36 CFR § 261.53(e)
EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. 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).
2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
DESCRIBED ROAD
As depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A and hereby incorporated into this Order, NFS Road 7947 (Rexford Bench Beach Road) from the junction with NFS Road 7940 (Rexford Bench Campground Road) to its terminus.
DESCRIBED AREA
As depicted on the map attached as Exhibit A and hereby incorporated into this Order, The Rexford Bench beach area which includes the picnic tables, restrooms, parking area and foot bridge.
This area is bordered to the north by the high-water mark; continuing to the east it is bordered by NFS road 7940; continuing south it is bordered by NFS trail 255 and then continuing west it is bordered by Western section line of section 12 of Township 36N Range 28W.
NFS Road 7940, NFS Trail 255 and the sand below high water will remain open.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to provide for public safety and safe construction operations while the existing and outdated septic system at the Rexford Bench Campground and Beach is upgraded.
IMPLEMENTATION
1. This Order shall be in effect from July 13, 2026 through October 31, 2026, unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Road and Area 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/kootenai/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 Rexford Ranger District in Eureka, MT, (406) 296-2536, and Kootenai National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Libby, MT, (406) 293-6211, for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts on the same Described Road.
Signed and issued on 7/9/2026.
/s/ Chad W. Benson
Forest Supervisor
Kootenai National Forest
Maps
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