Motorcyclist, ATV rider caught in closed areas

Two people recently were caught for illegal motorized use in the Krause Basin area on the Swan Lake Ranger District of Flathead National Forest.

Jason Townley of Kalispell was fined $200 for operating an all-terrain vehicle in the Krause Basin closure area. The closure, in place since 1988, is designed to provide wildlife security during hunting season from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30. Motorized use also is restricted in the area from April 1 to July 1 during the time grizzly bears emerge from their dens.

In a separate incident, a juvenile riding a motorcycle damaged the newly constructed Krause Basin Interpretive Trail off the Strawberry Lake road. Motorized use is not allowed on the trail.

The young motorcyclist received a warning and repaired the damage to the trail.

The Forest Service plans to continue to patrol these areas and encourages forest visitors to report violations of road, trail or area closures.

For more information about the Krause Basin closure or to report any violations, contact the Swan Lake Ranger District, 406-837-7500.