The current situation of “open unless signed closed” in the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota makes it difficult to establish violations. It is illegal to cause resource damage, but the definition of that is obscure and could be interpreted differently by different persons.
Examples of violations would be:
1. Establishing unauthorized trails, and producing ruts. 2. Riding across drainages and causing erosion and bank instability. 3. Using motorized vehicles where it is signed to prohibit motorized travel. 4. Using motorized vehicles where routes are blocked by berms, tank traps, or large boulders. 5. Riding along drainages and through wetlands and affecting water quality and vegetation. 6. Littering or dumping in the forest. 7. Mud Bogging.
The USFS suggests that you report the violations immediately (phone appropriate numbers below) so that the Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) can reach the scene in time to apprehend the offenders. If the violation report is made during business hours, the USFS asks that you call the supervisor's office first (605)673-9200, and County Sheriff's Office if no one else can be reached. After hours, and on weekends, call the appropriate Sheriff’s office who will contact the appropriate LEO. Make sure that you can accurately describe the location of the violation.
USFS District and LEO (Law Enforcement Officer)
BHNF Supervisor's Office (605)673-9200
Hell Canyon District Office (605)673-4853 LEO Vince Sidders Mystic District Office (605)343-1567 LEO Northern Hills District Office (605)642-4622 LEO
Bear Lodge District Office (307)283-1361 shared LEO with Northern Hills District
Fall River County, SD Sheriff (605)745-4444 Lawrence County, SD Sheriff (605)578-2230 Crook County, WY Sheriff (307)283-1225 Weston County, WY Sheriff (307)746-4441 Custer County, SD Sheriff (605)673-8146 Pennington County, SD Sheriff (605)394-2151 Meade County, SD Sheriff (605)347-2681
Warning
One should be cautious in approaching or confronting violators – treat them politely - they could be armed or threatening. You might consider that educating them on proper etiquette might be a wise action. If the vehicle has a registration plate, note the number. Be careful about photographing them, but of course photographs would be good evidence.
