Officials warn ATV riders to exercise caution in Black Hills National Forest

 By Journal staff

A significant snow melt combined with more than 1 inch of rain throughout the Black Hills region has U.S. Forest Service officials asking ATV and OHV users to think twice before heading out on the trails.

 Frank Caroll, Black Hills National Forest planning staff officer, said recent rains have left roads and trails soft and susceptible to damage.

  "We are getting reports of trailer loads of ATVs and OHVs covered with mud so we know people are driving where they should not drive,” Caroll said. “Roads and trails are turning to mush.”

 Forest officials are asking off-highway drivers, and people driving for fun on dirt roads, to be extra careful throughout the spring and early summer.

 Incidents of people getting stuck four-wheeling led to several arrests and some significant damage last year, officials said. The asked the drivers avoid open meadows or areas in valley bottoms, as well as roads with lots of standing water.

 “People are in such a hurry to get outside and have fun,” Carroll said, “but one person’s fun can be another person’s problem.” 

 Carroll said if people use some judgment they should be able to drive some parts of the Forest without doing damage.

 “If in doubt, don’t go out,” he said.

 People can call their local Forest Service office, Sheriff’s Office, or private landowners to find out about current conditions in Black Hills National Forest.

For more information, go to www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills.