WORLAND — The Bureau of Land Management asks recreationists and other travelers to steer clear of muddy roads and trails as spring snowmelt and precipitation have resulted in muddy conditions throughout our area.

“Waiting a bit now for roads and trails to dry up is better for our shared public lands and resources in the long run,” said BLM Wind River/Big Horn Basin District Manager Johanna Kramer. “Whether you’re on foot, bike, horse or motorized vehicle, please plan ahead and choose routes that are more likely to be dry.”

Traveling by off-highway vehicle

Driving on wet two-tracks and roads can cause soil erosion, damage to vegetation and archaeological sites, and ruts. Small ruts made now can compound and make roads impassable later.

In addition, as temperatures increase throughout the day, a road that was frozen in the morning might be muddy by afternoon. Waiting for roads to dry up is the best way to avoid getting stuck.

Finally, let someone know where you’re going in case you do become stranded.

Traveling by foot, bike and horseback

Before heading out, take a moment to search trail conditions online or give us a call. If your destination is muddy, find an alternative.

As tempting as it might seem to step off the trail to avoid mud, this tramples trailside vegetation in the early stages of growth. Over time with hundreds or thousands of users skirting muddy sections of trail, not only are the plants robbed of their opportunity to grow, but erosion increases rapidly.

If you’re horseback riding or mountain biking, please be mindful of how the added weight will impact soggy areas.

Unsafe roads and trails, or those that have been damaged from use, can be reported to the Wind River/Bighorn Basin District Office at 307-347-5100.