The Regional District of Central Kootenay has closed a portion of the Nelson-Salmo Great Northern Trail because of bear activity near Cottonwood Lake. The closure will be in effect until June 15.
The annual closure includes the trail south of Cottonwood Lake parking area to Hall Siding. Signs will be posted accordingly at the trail entrances.
Collared bear data has shown the area from Cottonwood Lake to Hall Siding, particularly the areas of Apex and Camp Busk, are heavily used by grizzly bears in the spring because of its high valued forage habitat.
In most cases the bears move on to higher elevations by the middle of June. The annual closure is intended to help ensure public safety and keep the local bear population from overexposure.
(CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story said the closure was until May 15.)