POST FALLS, Idaho — While the mercury slowly rises toward warmer spring temperatures, the city of Post Falls is reminding the public that climbing is still prohibited in a large portion of the Post Falls Community Forest.
"We expect that to be closed until late spring," Post Falls urban forester Preston Hill said Tuesday.
The 500-acre Post Falls Community Forest, which stretches west along the Spokane River and to the west and south of Q'emiln Park, was extensively burned when the Parkway Fire tore through the area Aug. 4, 2023.
Seven months later, teams continue fire mitigation work as much of the forest is still closed and remains unsafe for public use.
"What we’re concerned about in that area is anything that may have been compromised by the fire or the heat — root systems, trunks of trees," Hill said. "What is not apparent to us is how much erosion or movement of the ground is going to occur over the winter and spring."
With rain, snow, freezing and thawing taking place following the fire's devastation, Hill said the stability of some trails is questionable, especially those along rock faces. He said it's best to allow the rocks and soil to move and settle in the hazardous areas without people getting in the way.
To read the full story, visit our news partners, the Coeur d'Alene Press.
WATCH RELATED: Evacuations upgraded to Level 3 for Parkway Fire in Post Falls
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