The annual closure of a portion of the Nelson to Salmo Great Northern rail trail is now in effect.
That’s because of bear sightings near Cottonwood Lake.
The closure is expected to last five weeks and should be lifted June 5th.
The public must avoid the section from Cottonwood Lake parking lot to Hall Siding. The Apex and Camp Busk areas are heavily used by grizzly bears in the spring before they move to higher elevation.
The closure ensures public safety and protects the bears from over exposure to people.