Winter logging to close snowmobile Trail R/Forest Road 530

Logging operations will occur on the Laramie Ranger District along Spruce Gulch Road (Forest Road 530) in the southern Snowy Range throughout much of this winter.

This has resulted in the need to temporarily close the treated portion of this road and the overlapping segment of Snowmobile Trail R, between the junctions with Forest Roads 898 and 530C.

The closure will be in effect between approximately 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday (open each Sunday), except for Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and other federal holidays. Operations are anticipated to be completed by around the end of February 2014.

Snowmobilers riding out of Tics Trailhead are reminded that Trails A and T each provide many miles that are not impacted by this closure. Additionally, the area north of the Forest Road 530/Trail T junction contains several trails that are also accessible from the Albany Trailhead.

Riders from both sides, however, are advised to pay attention to road/trail closure information and always use caution when riding near this intersection. Depending on the timing of log haul operations, this part of Trail T may not always be available as a through route and use of alternate routes may be required. While Trail AA and part of the southern segment of Trail R will remain open, they too may be limited at times by log hauling.

Maps and detailed information about closures and alternate routes will be posted at the Tics and Albany Trailheads, as well as at appropriate road/trail intersections and sign boards. Also, to learn more about the complete network of snowmobile trails on the Medicine Bow National Forest, riders can pick up a Southeast Wyoming Snowmobile Trails Map at sticker vendors or the Forest Service office in Laramie.

Forest visitors should expect to encounter log trucks traveling along Forest Roads 530, 512, 898 and Wyo. 230. Between mid-December and early January, tree felling on the east side of the project area will result in log hauling on Forest Roads 530 and 512 to Wyoming Highway 230 (Wyo. 230). By mid-January, operations are expected to move to the west and south, resulting in log hauling across Forest Roads 530 and 898 (Pelton Creek Road) to Wyo. 230.

Recreationists are also reminded to be aware of and avoid heavy equipment operating in the area. Do not enter areas which are posted closed, as they are closed for public safety.

Temporary road closures are a short-term inconvenience needed to provide safe access in the long-term. Visitors need to be aware of ongoing changes that may affect travel on Forest roads.

For more information about this or other projects please call 307-745-2300 or stop by the Laramie Ranger District at 2468 Jackson Street in Laramie between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Information on these and other road/trail closures and projects can also be found on the following website, http://fs.usda.gov/mbr, or one can follow the MBRTB on Twitter, @MBRNFsTBNG.