Trails closed for winter for timber improvement project

A portion of the trails in the Bearlodge that are popularly used by recreationists during the snowy months of the year will be closed this winter due to a timber stand improvement project.

The U.S. Forest Service has announced that certain trails north and west of Warren Peak will be closed to snowmobiles to make way for the Woods Timber Stand Improvement project, which will involve thinning of certain pine stands to improve the growth of the remaining trees, diversify habitat and reduce fire hazard.

 "The trails that will be closed are due to a timber sale operation and will be used as haul routes to harvest the cut timber," says District Ranger Mike Gosse.

"Therefore, depending on snow conditions, those trails/roads will be bladed or plowed to allow for logging truck travel and for everyone's safety we ask the public to stay off of those closed roads for this winter."

For those looking to plan a winter excursion, Gosse notes that, "The snowmobile trails on the South Bearlodge around the Cement Ridge Fire Lookout will also be open for snowmobile use."

The Woods project was first proposed a year ago in support of the Black Hills National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. The intent is to reduce the competition between trees, decrease crown fire hazard and produce timber, while continuing to provide a range of forest habitats for diverse plant and animal species.

According to the project approval document, "Trees are closely spaced in a majority of the pine forest in the project area. Resulting slow growth, high fuel loading and fuel contiguity are inconsistent with Forest Plan goals and objectives for timber production and fire hazard."

The project area is north of Sundance between Highway 24 and Warren Peak on the west side of the Bear Lodge Mountains.