BHNF: Ground Conditions Ripe for Resource Damage

Recent unseasonably warm weather means saturated roads and trails on the Bighorn National Forest, with some being unstable in some areas.

Forest Service officials are encouraging visitors to use caution when traveling.

In a release from the Bighorn National Forest, they are asking visitors to do their part to ensure safe and legal access for everyone.

Stick to travel routes, as it is illegal to drive off-road to avoid a snowdrift, mud hole, or down tree. If you are creating ruts, turn around and return to pavement.

It is best to wait until the route is dry to prevent resource damage and to protect public safety. As a reminder, unauthorized maintenance of any road or trail is not permitted and can lead to citations or inadvertent damage to the route.

Traci Weaver, Powder River District Ranger, said in the release “We are urging you to respect and comply with regulations. The need to repair ruts and other damage to roads and trails can divert resources and limit the overall amount of road maintenance the Forest Service can complete in a year and it may make travel difficult. This type of road and trail damage could also lead to closures.”

The Bighorn National Forest urges caution, especially on Forest Road 22, where logging operations recently began.

It is best to avoid areas where loggers are working.

For more information, contact your local Forest Service Offices in Sheridan or Buffalo.

We have provided the contact information with this story at sheridanmedia.com.

Contact the Sheridan Office at 307-674-2600, or the Buffalo Office at 307-684-7806.