https://www.chronline.com/stories/widespread-wildfires-could-threaten-hunting-access-in-eastern-washington,269512?

Methow Valley fires forced the closure of a portion of state Route 20, the North Cascades Highway. It’s closed from milepost 165 and 185, about 8 miles west of Winthrop. Above, the Cedar Creek Fire is seen from Highway 20 on Monday, July 12, 2021.WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONPostedThursday,July 22, 20212:33 pmBy Eli Francovich / The Spokesman-Review

Hunters are anxiously waiting to see how this year’s fires impact fall hunting seasons, some of which start as soon as Aug. 1.

“This is terrible what’s happening in Eastern Washington,” said Mark Pidgeon, the president of the Hunters Heritage Council. “Sure, it’s going to have an impact on hunting access. Especially on mule deer territory. (But) the most important thing is that those firefighters are safe.”

News earlier this week that the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are limiting access to their lands…