Sheridan County and the Bighorn National Forest will be closing the Thorne Rider – South Piney Trail to public use from September 24th through November 15th. This closure will be from the gate at the end of Thorne Rider Road and continuing up the South Piney Trail past the diversion structure on South Piney Creek. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department will be rehabilitating the diversion structure to protect the Story Hatchery water supply and improve the trail that both have been damaged by spring runoff. Heavy equipment will be working in the area during this time prompting safety concerns for the public utilizing the trail. The contractor anticipates completing the project as quickly as possible, including working weekends. Depending on fall weather conditions, the contractor hopes to complete the project before the November 15th deadline and the trail will reopen at that time. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department apologizes for any inconvenience the trail closure may cause but hopes the improved trail will provide better access for the future.
Contacts:
Steve Diekema – Story Fish Hatchery Superintendent ph. 307-683-2234
Ken Muller – Sheridan County Engineer ph. 307-674-2920
Amy Ormseth – Bighorn National Forest, Tongue District Ranger ph. 307-674-2680
