Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 18, 2001
For more information: Scott Carbonneau, 773-3391

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS ARE NOT FOR SUMMER USE

PIERRE – Most of the heavy snowfall that covered South Dakota’s Black Hills has melted away, and off-road enthusiasts are gearing up for summer fun. Before they hit the trails, however, state officials are urging riders to ensure their areas are open to public use.

Scott Carbonneau, trails program specialist for the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, said many areas of the 350-mile Black Hills Snowmobile System are not open for use during the summer months. He added that people not familiar with the area should contact the U.S. Forest Service for more detailed maps of the Black Hills.

"The snowmobile system crosses private lands that are leased from landowners during the winter months," Carbonneau said. "These leases expire in the spring and were not intended for summer off-road use. Unless riders are using a detailed forest map, they could very innocently trespass on private lands and be open to prosecution."

Carbonneau said off-road enthusiasts in the Black Hills are restricted to most Forest Service lands and roads, unless otherwise posted. Scattered among those forest service lands, however, are many privately-owned parcels and riders must be aware of their location at all times. 

For more information, riders should contact the Forest Service at (605) 673-9200 or the Department of Game, Fish and Parks at (605) 773-3391.

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