STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Sawtooth National Forest hopes to have 26 developed recreation sites partially open or open and available for use by Memorial Day Weekend.

Forest Service officials plan to open sites close to local communities or popular with local communities to encourage local travel

Some may even open May 20.

Crews are removing hazard trees, turning on water systems, cleaning campsites and pumping and cleaning vault toilets as weather warms.

One of the challenges this year is procuring necessary personal protective equipment and obtaining an adequate amount of cleaning supplies to deal with COVID-19, said Jim DeMaagd, Sawtooth National Forest supervisor.

Trails and trailheads are open. Conditions at lower elevations are suitable to support vehicle traffic on many roads and some trails without causing damage. Users are asked to stay on designated travel routes and avoid leaving ruts in roads or trails.

Recreationalists are asked to:

• Stay close to home to keep other communities safe.
• Avoid gathering with others in parking lots, trails, scenic overlooks.
• Wash hands often, stick to group sizes of 10 or less and practice social distancing.
• Store food properly to avoid bear problems. Be prepared to pack garbage in and out.

KETCHUM RANGER DISTRICT—Projected Opening Date May 22

Boundary Campground, Boundary Creek, Federal Gulch (non-fee), Sawmill (non-fee), Copper Creek (non-fee), East Fork of Baker Creek (primitive/non-fee). Day use sites: Penny Lake and Lake Creek Lakes

FAIRFIELD RANGER DISTRICT—Projected Opening Date May 20

Bear Creek Transfer Camp, Bird Creek, Bounds, Canyon, Chaparral, Five Points, Hunter Creek Transfer Camp, Pioneer, Willow Creek, Willow Creek Transfer Camp, Abbott, Baumgartner.