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Lolo Pass visitor center, rest area honored

Clearwater National Forest representatives accepted an award naming Lolo Pass the 2006 State of Idaho Visitor Center of the Year at the Idaho Governor's Conference on Recreation and Tourism held in Lewiston in mid-May.

Lolo Pass, a unique area at the state line between Idaho and Montana along U.S. Highway 12, offers a rest area for travelers and an interpretive center, nature trail, picnic sites and interpretive programs for tourists.

Accepting the award for Clearwater National Forest, Acting District Ranger Tina Lanier noted that Lolo Pass encompasses areas special to Indian tribes for thousands of years, a place where 200 years ago Lewis and Clark crossed the Bitterroot Mountains and a place that holds almost 100 years of Forest Service heritage and history.

Carol Hennessey oversees management of recreation and wilderness for the Powell Ranger District, where Lolo Pass is located. In acknowledging the award she also acknowledged the many partners "who offer continual support in helping us meet the challenges and improve our services" at the pass.

Partners include the transportation departments for the states of Idaho and Montana, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Glade Creek Idaho State Park, Traveler's Rest State Park in Montana, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Northwest Interpretive Association.

Lolo Pass has undergone many changes over the years. In the mid-1920s a primitive dirt road accessed the area. By 1962 travelers followed a paved road to the pass, and a visitor center was constructed. In 1977 a historic log building, remains of the 1923 Mud Creek Ranger Station, was moved from Lolo Creek in Montana to the pass to become the visitor center.

Then, four years ago, a newly constructed log building opened as the Lolo Pass Visitor Center in conjunction with the Stateline Rest Area. Each year 80,000 recreation visitors stop at the site to view interpretive exhibits. In the winter cross-country skiers and snowmobilers enjoy their favorite winter activity in the snow.