U.S. Customs and Border Protection wants to reopen a northern Idaho road in designated grizzly bear habitat near the Canadian border the federal agency says is needed for national security.
A 6-mile section of Bog Creek Road in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests would be opened for official use to provide an east-west route in the Selkirk Mountains.
The road cuts through the Selkirk Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone and was closed in the 1980s to protect grizzlies. Officials say it has deteriorated and needs significant repairs.
Border Patrol says agents currently make a 180-mile detour through Washington state to patrol the area.
Border Patrol and the U.S. Forest Service are preparing an environmental impact statement on opening the road and closing others. Public comments are being taken through May 27.
