Forest urges respect for seasonal road closures to reduce damage

SHERIDAN — The dry winter and low snowpack have created a new issue for forest users and managers, a Bighorn National Forest official said this week.
Many routes that are typically snow bound now look inviting and open enough to drive in a wheeled vehicle. Even if it looks inviting, check to make sure it’s legally open to the type of vehicle you are driving. Law enforcement recently issued citations to motorists for driving on closed routes and causing resource damage.
“Seasonal road closures are in place for a lot of reasons. One is to protect snowmobile trails and the road from damage,” said Amy Ormseth, Tongue District Ranger. “Roads and trails are the most vulnerable to damage when they are wet and muddy.”
When damage occurs on a trail or road and road crews are unable to make repairs right away, the damage can expand and possibly lead to longer closures. Ormseth urges forest users to respect seasonal road and trail closures and stay off the routes until they are fully open and dry.
Snowmobile grooming is still occurring in locations, and more snow is expected in the forecast. If wheeled vehicles damage the trails now, it could make it worse for over-snow vehicles in the next few months, Ormseth said. Damage slows the grooming process and can lead to impassible conditions in the spring, she added, noting, “Avoid potential injury, expensive tow bills and/or damage to your vehicle and make the right choice to wait until it’s open.”