Grin and Bear It: Forest Service Issues Bear Warning

Some unbearable news being beared forth by the US Forest Service today is this: bears are out, and we all need to get savvy when it comes to camping.

This alert came from the big chief at the White River National Forest, where I live.

Summer camping season begins this month.

So, the White River and other portions for the National Forest system are reminding campers about long-standing food storage rules—as well as other tips for an enjoyable trip.

“Every year campers and backpackers have conflicts with bears because they did not store their food, garbage and other attractants properly as the rules require,” said the Forest Service's Paula Peterson. “Storing these items in a way that prevents black bears from accessing them is important for the safety of you and your family, the campers who are in the area after you, and the bears themselves.”

And you didn't think attractant was a word!

The White River National Forest’s "food storage order" covers all its developed campgrounds and many dispersed camping areas. The order's goal is to help prevent black bears and other wildlife from obtaining food from humans and becoming a nuisance or dangerous. Black bears become conditioned to human food easily, according to the Forest Service, which often results in the bear being euthanized for human safety.

“The basic rules of the food storage order are to keep your food, garbage, coolers, pet food, canned or bottled beverages, and other bear attractants in a hard-sided vehicle, the bear-resistant food lockers provided at many developed sites, or an approved bear-resistant food container, unless you are actively preparing food or within 100 feet of it during daytime hours,” Peterson added.

Backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness are required to use approved bear-resistant food containers for food, garbage, and other attractants, but they are a good idea for backpacking trips anywhere on the White River National Forest because they are the most effective way to prevent black bears from getting into these items in the backcountry. Approved bear-resistant food containers are available at most outdoor stores, online, and in some cases are available for rent. A list of approved bear-resistant food containers is available on the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee website, www.igbconline.org .

Forest orders, including the food storage order, information about fire danger and fire restrictions, and other updates are available at www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver .

Campers should also be aware of some changes made in the past several years.

In many areas of Summit County , dispersed camping on National Forest lands is now limited to designated sites only. More than 60 designated sites are available for free, undeveloped camping in some of the most-visited areas of the Dillon Ranger District, including North Rock Creek, Boreas Pass Road, Peru Creek, Spruce Creek, and McCollough Gulch. These sites are marked with a numbered post and not generally suitable for RVs or trailers. Most of these roads will open to motorized vehicles May 21, conditions permitting.

In Eagle County , several roads that are popular for dispersed camping on the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District now have a seven-day stay limit during the summer. This includes the Homestake road system, Muddy Pass/Red Sandstone Road, Piney Guard Road, and Shrine Pass, among others. Other areas on Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District have new group size limits.

New last summer, backpackers hoping to camp in the most popular areas of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, including the Four Pass Loop and Capitol Lake, will need an overnight permit available at www.recreation.gov . No other wilderness areas on the Forest require permits, but most require self-registration at the trailhead.

Advanced reservations for many developed campgrounds on the White River National Forest are available at www.recreation.gov . Anticipated later this summer, campers who have downloaded the recreation.gov mobile app will be able to pay for first-come, first served campsites as well as day-use sites on location using a QR code and their mobile device. This feature also applies to unreserved campsites in areas that offer reservations.

Anyway, there you have it. The latest from the Forest Service.