(Black Hills, SD) — Winter closures are underway at the Black Hills National Forest. Seasonal gates and recreation sites that are not open through the season will be closed beginning today, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The agency says this is done in order to provide seasonal refuge for wildlife and protect natural resources. Some of the roads are also converted to snowmobile trials until March 31st. Folks can see those, along with the closed roads and trails on the Forest Service’s Black Hills website under Motor Vehicle Use Maps. There’s also a list of campground sites that remain open during the winter available. Officials are warning that Black Hills National Forest roads are not maintained through the season, and people need to use extreme caution when driving on roads affected by ice and snow in the area.
