needles highway closed to snowmobiles
Amsnow
The Needles Highway snowmobile trail in Custer State Park in South Dakota has been closed until March 1. The trail also will be closed from November through February during the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 snowmobile seasons.
The closure is due to active timber sale operations in the area, which is part of the park's ongoing forest management program. The timber sale is aimed at reducing forest density, which is very high in this area of the park. Lower stand densities will help prevent epidemic levels of mountain pine beetle and protect against damage from wildfire.
The public can contact William Hill at 605/255-4515 with any questions.