PUBLIC LANDS -- Colville National Forest officials have lifted the temporary road closure that has been in place since June on the lower portion of Forest Road 2220 (Sullivan Creek Road). The road has been closed due to hazard trees that burned this summer from the Noisy Creek/North Fork Hughes Fires and a culvert replacement.

Here's more information from a release by Franklin Pemberton, Forest Service information officer:

As with all recently burned areas, the area will have new hazards including weakened burned trees, stump holes covered in ash, unstable soils, and changed road and trail conditions. Please be advised that hazard mitigation work will be ongoing in the general area of the North Fork Hughes Fire into the future. Visitors should expect to encounter truck traffic and possible travel delays on these narrow roads. Slow speeds and extra caution on corners is highly advised.

Temporary road and trail closures remain in effect in the Sullivan Lake/Creek area; for maps and specific descriptions of the closed areas, contact a Colville National Forest office or visit us online at the Colville National Forest website www.fs.usda.gov/colville/.

Info: Newport Ranger Station at (509) 447-7300.