Concern About Grassland Damage from Mud Bogging

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service says off-roaders are damaging sensitive grasslands that were left waterlogged by recent snow and rain.

Off-roaders can use the Railroad Buttes area of Buffalo Gap National Grasslands east of Rapid City.

But officials say some people are abusing the privilege.

They recently found a pickup mired to the floorboards in a mud hole, and tire tracks from various vehicles have sliced deep gouges in the landscape.

Fall River District Ranger Mike McNeill told the Rapid City Journal (http://bit.ly/HYi604 ) the travel plan was intended to reduce some of the damage done by off-roading by giving off-roaders a place to go — but not when the soil is saturated.

He says mud-bogging is illegal and carries a fine of up to $5,000 and six months in jail.

Source: Concern About Grassland Damage from Mud Bogging

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