Pine Ridge District Ranger Tim Buskirk is reminding those wanting to visit the Cliffs Picnic Area about 8 miles southeast of Chadron over the Labor Day weekend that the road to it is still closed to through traffic because of a repair project.
The National Forest System Road #723, also known as the Cliffs Road or Little Wolf Road, is closed just east of the Cliffs Trailhead parking lot while a culvert is replaced.
      Buskirk says those wanting to go to The Cliffs to hike, enjoy the scenery, or take advantage of opening weekend for grouse, dove and archery deer seasons.can still do so because both ends of the road remain open.
Those coming from the east off Bordeaux Road will have to park and walk across.the work area while those driving from the west can drive all the way there.
Buskirk recommends reaching Cliffs Road via the Job Corps Bypass Road off Hwy 385 immediately south of the Pine Ridge Job Corps Center.
The culvert project is listed as taking up to 4 months, but began a couple weeks later than planned. Buskirk says good progress is being made and that the contractor has fully extracted the old culvert
He also reminds visitors to the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands that the fire danger is increasing as the recent hot and windy days have been curing grasses.
Buskirk asks drivers to stay on designated roads and trails, park in appropriate areas, and never park in tall grass while also reminding campers to never leave a campfire unattended and always make sure it’s out prior to going home.