Driftyard opens to year-round use

CLARK FORK — The Clark Fork Driftyard is being opened to year-round use, the Idaho Department of Fish & Game has announced.

Fish & Game said it has implemented management changes to enhance angler opportunities while reducing damage at the access site, which is part of the Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area on the Clark Fork River.

The driftyard's parking lot and boat launch will be open throughout the year, although the road will not be plowed, Fish & Game said.

Weather permitting, anglers can take advantage of early-season opportunities and non-motorized users can also access the site. Historically, the driftyard boat ramp and motorized access to the parking lot was closed until late spring, after the waterfowl season.

Fish & Game said motorized access elsewhere on the site is prohibited. A gate was installed along the peninsula road to minimize wildlife disturbance, littering, dumping and other vandalism. The gate will remain closed year-round.

Non-motorized use behind the gate is welcome and provides for an easy walk (0.8 miles roundtrip).

The gates to the west of the parking lot (loop road) will be closed starting Feb. 1 to limit resource damage throughout the spring. The gates will be reopened in the spring, after the ground moisture is reduced enough to prevent rutting and weed management operations are conducted.

Parking and/or camping adjacent to the loop road is allowed. Otherwise, no off-road use is permitted, Fish & Game said.