“We understand that it has been several years since riders have had an opportunity to enjoy South Dakota’s snowmobiling opportunities,” Dravland said. “But it is very important that utility crews are able to repair the damage and remove the debris to ensure snowmobilers have a safe experience. There are currently some very serious hazards located within the road rights-of-way.”

Dravland said the advisory affects several state snowmobile trails. Those trails include the Heartland, Coteau des Prairie, Glacial Lakes, Whetstone Valley, Four Lakes, Dakota Midland, Northeast and James River Valley trails. Each trail will be assessed by utility crews and local snowmobile clubs to determine whether the advisory will be lifted on specific trails. These updates will be posted on the Game, Fish and Parks website and through daily news releases. 

State Trails Program Specialist Scott Carbonneau said work has already begun to determine which trails will be lifted from the advisory. The trails are groomed and maintained by local snowmobile clubs through an agreement with the State Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

“We hope to have many of the groomed trails up and running as soon as possible.” Carbonneau said. “Some of these trails have been groomed, but we need to coordinate with the local utility companies to ensure all hazards have been removed. Safety is our number one priority at this time.”

Bob Miller, executive director of the South Dakota Electric Utility Companies, said he appreciates all that snowmobilers have done to assist in the aftermath of last week’s storm. He said that local clubs assisted utility crews by transporting people to areas not readily accessible by wheeled vehicles. The South Dakota Snowmobile Association also assisted local officials in contacting people door-to-door.

“The snowmobilers have been great partners in the recovery efforts,” Miller said. “The last thing we want to do is see someone injured and we ask that they give our crews just a little more time to get the rights-of-way back in shape.”

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