PUBLIC ACCESS -- Access easements will allow public access to the 13,169-acre Clagstone Meadows private timblerlands in Bonner County, starting Aug. 1, the Idaho Fish and Game Department says.

Under the terms of a new Forest Legacy conservation easement, the forested area will continue produce timber to local mills while it benefits wildlife, local economies, clean water and recreation and will be protected permanently, says J.J. Teare, regional wildlife habitat manager.

According to Teare:

 Clagstone Meadows is Stimson Lumber Company’s largest contiguous holding in Bonner County. The land will continue to be owned and managed by the Stimson Lumber Company.  Stimson is a family-owned business that is one of the oldest continuously operating integrated wood products companies in the United States. Stimson has managed timber in Idaho for several decades, giving local families well-paying jobs and keeping timber mills in production – both crucial to the local economy.

As part of the easement 8,847 acres of Clagstone Meadows and 1,263 acres within the Cape Horn area will be open for conditional public use.  Year round recreational opportunities will be available for the public starting Aug. 1, 2017.

Visitors will be required to register daily at any of four access points, which are still being worked out, Teare said. 

Only non-motorized daily use will be permitted. Horses are excluded under the easement.

Additional use rules will be posted and provided to public at the access sites and online.

Says Teare:

Stimson Lumber Company has reserved 4,322 acres of the Clagstone Meadows for company use.  That area is inside the Forest Legacy easement; however, no public access will be allowed on that portion.  Clagstone Meadows remains private property and is still very much working timberland.  Visitors are asked to please respect Stimson’s lands, forest operations, equipment, and infrastructure and to stay out of the Stimson Reserve area. 

Public access will be available beginning Aug. 1, 2017.  Signage, including area maps and public use information are now being made.  Access sites are being developed.  Stimson Lumber Company and the Easement Partners have determined that no visitors will be allowed until Aug. 1.

          Elk, black bear, moose, mountain lion, bobcat and large numbers of white-tailed deer are found on the easement, Teare said.