On December 1, 2025, the Nez Perce Tribe’s Department of Forestry and Fire Management will be replacing tread boards on the O’Hara Bridge, which spans the Selway River. Travelers should expect delays of up to four hours between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. during this project.
The repairs are part of the ongoing partnership between the Tribe and the Forests under the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) that advances environmental restoration and hazardous fuels reduction across the Moose Creek Ranger District and improves public access by leveraging the resources of state, tribal, and county partners. GNA authorizes the forests to utilize the unique capacities of Tribal, State, and local governments to achieve shared stewardship objectives. This authority allows partners to perform work that will reduce fuels, improve forest resilience, and directly benefit local communities and small businesses. The ability to leverage partner resources to achieve shared outcomes is highlighted by projects like this tread replacement, where existing agreements and a deep working relationship through GNA, allow the Nez Perce Tribe to add capacity through contractors and Tribe staff.
The bridge, originally constructed in 1956, is a key link for recreational travel and access for fire and vegetation management projects. Replacing these boards will ensure safe travel for future forest users and firefighters. Moose Creek District Ranger Ron Tipton explained: “Our partnership with the Nez Perce Tribe, including this project, has enhanced visitor safety, improved roadways, restored ecosystems, and reduced fuels across the Moose Creek District.”