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NEWS & OPINION
Wyo. State Trails, Forest Service encourages snowmobilers to be safe
Posted: 12/18/2009
Brad Hill, Wyo. State Trails
307-332-5036
Diann Ritschard, Med Bow NF
970-870-2187
(Lander, Wyo. Dec. 17, 2009) - Snowmobilers heading out to enjoy their public lands are reminded to be aware of potential hazards, both above and below the snow.
"The beetle epidemic has left a lot of dead trees along forest routes, including snowmobile trails," said Mary Peterson, Forest Supervisor of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests. "Some dead trees may have already fallen on routes and been covered up with snow, so snowmobilers need to be extra vigilant." The forest service has been clearing roads and trails but with the large number of miles on the Medicine Bow and Routt National Forests, they haven't all been cleared yet. Some winter and summer recreation trails may need to be closed until the trees are removed.
Snowmobilers may also encounter rocks, stumps and other obstacles under the snow.
"Use good judgment and always consider the changing environment. High wind events can and will bring trees down. Use caution when seeking shelter in the trees," said Brad Hill, Program Manager for Wyoming State Trails Program. "
"Always have a map of your route, know the weather, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. And never snowmobile alone."
Please contact the forest service about downed trees on groomed snowmobile trails.
Snow condition information and more snowmobile safety tips are at http://wyotrails.state.wy.us/Snow/Conditions. The Wyoming State Trails Program partners with land management agencies to create, maintain and provide funding and or labor and equipment for trails, including grooming snowmobile trails. An emphasis is placed upon the federal lands that host 98% of the 8,500 miles of trails in Wyoming. For more information about recreating on your national forests, please visit www.fs.fed.us/r2/mbr.
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