December 8, 2023 |
Photo – Logging truck – Bigfoot99 file photo
Starting next week, the US Forest Service will close snowmobile trails in the Snowy Range for logging operations.
From December 15th to April 15th of next year, the US Forest Service will bar recreational motorists from using certain trails and roads in the Snowy Range. The media relations specialist Aaron Voos with the federal agency in Laramie said the Forest Service will keep the roads, which are normally impassable in winter, open for logging operations only. Voos said the public will not be permitted to use the roads while timber hauling is taking place.
Voos said it is dangerous for snowmobile riders to be around the logging and snow clearing equipment. To keep people away from the timber extraction area, the federal employee said six different snowmobile trails will be closed for the winter.
Along with the snowmobile trails, the Forest Service is also shutting down five roads in the Snowy Range. Voos said his department will keep the roads clear of snow for logging truck use.
Voos said Wyoming State Trails online maps will reflect the closures. In conjunction with the updated trail maps, Voos said the Forest Service has installed physical barriers on the roads to keep people away from the area.
Voos said the Forest Service will not stop people from hunting in the areas affected by the closures. The Forest Service media specialist said only the roads and trails are off limits to the public.
Voos said closing the snowmobile trails the entire winter may inconvenience outdoor enthusiasts. However, the Forest Service media specialist said the logging operations will greatly benefit the entire forest.
Voos encouraged snowmobiles to use their good judgement and avoid any areas where timber hauling and plowing are occurring.
