EMIDA, ID — Nearly 8,600 acres of private timberland in North Idaho have been removed from a public access program following repeated rule violations and property damage, according to the Idaho Fish and Game Panhandle Region.
The land, owned by Manulife Investment Management, is located in the southeast portion of Unit 5 near Emida and had been part of Idaho’s Large Tracts Program, which provides public access to private lands through agreements with landowners.
The acreage has now been divided into two parcels that will be leased for exclusive access, ending general public use.
Manulife cited ongoing unauthorized activity on the property, including illegal trails, dumping, vandalism, theft, unpermitted fires, and damage to roads, gates and wetlands.
Fish and Game conservation officers also documented repeated violations on the parcels.
“Access to private land through programs like Large Tracts depends on following the landowner’s rules,” said Senior Conservation Officer Mark Maret. “Those violations led to a loss of public access in this case.”
Officials said the Large Tracts Program depends on cooperation between landowners and the public. The agency does not control private land management but helps fund access and enforce landowner rules.
Outdoor users are urged to confirm access through the Idaho Hunt Planner before visiting. Entering private land when access is closed or restricted may be considered trespassing.
