Access restricted to area lookout towers

SANDPOINT — Several historic lookout towers across the Idaho Panhandle continue to be staffed by various agencies, including the Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands.

In alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure health safety of its employees, visitors, and volunteers, managers have decided to restrict access to the top level of the towers this summer.

“These restrictions are being put in place to protect the health of the public as well as our volunteers and employees who reside at the lookouts,” officials said in a press release.

Towers are staffed during fire season, from early July through early September. Restrictions apply to the Sundance, Lookout Mountain, Hughes Ridge, Indian Mountain, Gisborne, and Middle Sisters lookouts.

Visitors to national forests and other public lands are urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, go to cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.

Information: Idaho Panhandle National Forests Fire Information Line, 208-557-8813 or Idaho Department of Lands Priest Lake office, 208-443-2516