Black Hills National Forest

US Forest Service
Black Hills National Forest
1019 N. 5th Street
Custer, SD 57730
605-673-9200

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
605-673-9227

News Release

USDA Forest Service

Black Hills National Forest

Contact: Dave Pickford or Laura Burns (605) 673-4853, or email us at r2 blackhills webinfo@fs.fed.us

KEEP SAFETY A PRIORITY WHEN HIKING AND HORSEBACK RIDING

CUSTER, SD: MAY 21, 2008

The Hell Canyon Ranger District trail crew is busy clearing trails in the Black Elk Wilderness and Peter Norbeck Wildlife Preserve.

"The weather has warmed up and we know a lot of people will want to go hiking and horseback riding this weekend," says Dave Pickford, Recreation Specialist for the district. "There are more trees down on the trails than normal due to the recent high winds and beetle killed trees."

Hikers and horseback riders are advised to be aware of hazardous trees along the trails. Some trails have been cleared but trees will continue to fall throughout the summer. Trees that are "hung-up" can fall unexpectedly. Visitors are encouraged to look up occasionally and be aware of their surroundings. The trails will continue to provide an excellent means of access to the woods. Endless opportunities await visitors to the Black Hills National Forest and recreationists are asked to plan on a little extra time to negotiate fallen trees.

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, visit the website at www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills.