Black Hills National Forest Assessing Wind Storm Damage

Press Release – The Black Hills National Forest is assessing impacts of a wind storm that occurred last Friday affecting the Bearlodge and Northern Hills Districts.

The storm’s path traveled through the Cement Ridge area of the Bearlodge District and headed east towards Spearfish Canyon.

Crews worked over the weekend to open most of the main roads on the Forest but some interior roads remain blocked by fallen trees.

Hiking trails and motorized use trails are being assessed this week.

“We urge visitors to avoid these area to allow crews to complete the needed work and allow employees to work in a safe environment,” said Mike Gosse, Bearlodge District Ranger. “We also encourage visitors to be vigilant while recreating on the Forest over the busy Independence Day holiday for any trees that may be leaning or weakened from the storm.”

A reconnesaince flight is planned this afternoon to map the storm’s path and get an aerial overview of the damage.

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.