Announcements

Helicopter Operations Training to be held South of Chadron

Loading

Interagency wildland fire exercises to be conducted

This training opportunity has been organized by the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands’ Pine Ridge Ranger District, and the City of Chadron. Invitation to participate has been extended to area partner agencies and volunteer organizations including, but not limited to: Dawes County, Crawford, Harrison, Hemingford, Chadron, Hay Springs, and Rushville Volunteer Fire Departments, and Black Hills Helitack.

Training exercises will be conducted between the City Dams on Highway 385, to the Spotted Tail Dispersed Camping area in the Nebraska National Forest. The Spotted Tail Camping area will be closed July 2, 2024 and will re-open when the training is concluded.

There will be limited access to the City Dams area during this time, with some space available for public viewing on the far south end of the south city pond. Members of the media and public interested in viewing should be aware that this training could be cancelled or rescheduled to July 9, 2024 should weather or current fire conditions change. The public is encouraged to bring hearing protection and eye protection if interested in being present.
The following schedule is fluid and dependent upon conditions:

  • 10:30am, south side of south city pond area opens for public parking.
  • 11:00am, exercises begin.
  • No later than 4:00pm, all exercises conclude.

Highway 385 is not available for public parking during this time. Please contact Ranger Tim
Buskirk (308) 432-0300 at Pine Ridge Ranger District with any questions you have regarding
this event.