BHNF Temporarily Closes Developed Recreation Sites

Local Bighorn National Forest offices are no longer permitting visitors in their buildings, and most developed recreation facilities are closed in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, although the forest itself remains open.

Closures will remain in effect through April 30^th, when they will be re-evaluated.

According to a release from the BHNF, the temporary closure of the developed recreation areas will discourage dispersed recreation use by reducing congregation at trailheads, facilities, and parking lots.

The BHNF will not be providing public services such as bathroom facilities, trash removal, and parking lot maintenance.

Acting Forest Supervisor Erin Phelps said in the release, “Personal responsibility is now more important than ever. We ask that visitors please be prepared and recreate responsibly. Safe and responsible use of national forests and grasslands will reduce impacts to local communities who may be at risk from the virus.”

Relevant BNF recreation information:

• Broadly, Forest visitors will find limited access for roads, trails and recreation sites, which is typical on the BNF for this time of year.
• All BNF campgrounds and visitor centers, as well as bathroom facilities, are closed and will remain in that state for the foreseeable future.
• All BNF rental cabins are closed for the foreseeable future. Information about rental cabins has been updated on Recreation.gov.
• Many National Forest System roads are impassable due to seasonal closures, snow drifts, waterlogged roadbeds, down trees or other debris. Wheeled motor vehicle users may not travel off designated roads and trails or through wet areas. Refer to Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Maps for routes that are designated open to motor vehicle travel.

All offices on the Bighorn National Forest are conducting business and providing services virtually, as well as continuing field patrols.

Please visit us at https://www.fs.usda.gov/bighorn and access our forest maps at https://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/.

For those that need immediate assistance or have questions, call the following Forest Service offices:

• Forest Supervisor’s Office and Tongue Ranger District, (307) 674-2600.
• Powder River Ranger District, (307) 684-7806.
• Medicine Wheel Ranger District, (307) 765-4435.