BHNF – Custer Free Press – HFR DESIGN STUDIO

Custer, SD – December 15, 2016 marks the beginning of winter recreation on the Black Hills National Forest as Forest officials open snowmobile, cross-country ski and snowshoe trails in the Black Hills area and close seasonal gates and recreation sites that do not remain open through the winter.

Gates are closed to provide a seasonal refuge for wildlife, protect road surfaces and other resources, and provide for public safety as some of the roads are converted into part of the snowmobile trail.

Seasonal closures also occur at many of the recreation sites including some campgrounds and picnic areas. Click here to see a list of campground sites that remain open in the off-season. Most restroom facilities and trash collection are closed for the season.

As a safety reminder, use extreme caution when driving on forest system roads as the road ahead may become impassable or hazardous due to ice and snow cover. National Forest System roads are not plowed or maintained during the winter.

“If heading to the woods this winter, make safety a priority,” said Scott Jacobson, Public Affairs Officer on the Black Hills National Forest. “Always carry extra clothing/blankets, food, water, first aid supplies, a fully charged communication device and let someone know where you are headed and when you expect to return before you go.”

Seasonal recreation sites and roads typically re-open mid-May, weather depending.

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills, follow the Forest on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/blackhillsnf or Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackHillsNF

Updated at 8:10pm MST

Red Canyon Fire

Size: Estimated at 15 – 12 acres
Location: Custer County, approximately 6 miles west of Argyle
Resources: SDS Engines, BHNF Engines, four crews, helicopter, two heavy air tankers, and a SEAT
Cause: Lightning

Posted: 09 Jul 2016 01:04 PM PDT (source) Great Plains Fire Information

Red Canyon Fire

Size: Estimated at 3-5 acres
Location: Custer County, 6 miles west of Argyle
Resources: SDS Engines, BHNF Engines, two crews, helicopter and tanker
Cause: Unknown, Fire Investigator ordered
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By Herb Ryan

Arrived at the fire incident off Pleasant Valley Rd in Custer County around 1:45 PM. The fire was spread out on the back side of a heavily forested ridge on private property at the intersection of Farmer and 20 mile Road. Early on structures were threatened. The owners of the property Jack and Ann Parsells were concerned about two barns and outbuildings on their property and a neighbor’s house that was under construction next to their property. As of 3:30 PM, no buildings had been damaged. The unofficial estimate at that time was 10-15 acres. Multiple units from SD Wildland Fire, Custer Volunteer Fire Dept, Pringle VFD, Edgemont VFD, Hot Springs VFD and the Custer County Sheriff’s Office.

All shots were taken on the backside of a ridge, updates at 10:00 PM tonight.