     It’s the changing of seasons today for the Black Hills National Forest as seasonal recreation sites and gates close for the winter.Â
Public Affairs Officer Scott Jacobson says gates are closed to provide seasonal refuge for wildlife, protect natural resources, and provide for public safety as some roads are converted to snowmobile trails for the winter.
Seasonally-closed roads and trails are identified on the current Black Hills National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map.
Snowmobile trails are open from December 15 to March 31 with wheeled vehicles not allowed except for one small segment near the Big Hill trails area that allows over-snow bicycles.
Jacobson says Black Hills National Forest asks the public to avoid parking in front of closed Forest gates because staffers may be working some distance behind the gates and won’t be able to leave if a vehicle is parked in front of the gate.
Jacobson also warns that National Forest System roads are not plowed or maintained during the winter and may become impassable or hazardous due to ice and snow..