By Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands
Chadron, Neb. — Fire suppression efforts on the South Fork Fire are ongoing, and a US Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (or BAER) team will soon assess the Soldier Creek Wilderness. The team’s efforts will assess post‑fire risks and help protect people, water, wildlife habitat, cultural resources, and roads or trails from hazards like erosion, flooding, and falling trees. They focus on short‑term emergency stabilization to keep landscapes and recreators safe while natural recovery begins.
While the area is being rehabilitated, assessed for safety and cleaned up, the public is asked to seek alternative areas to recreate in and around Pine Ridge Ranger District. The National Forests and Grasslands mobile app is available for download and may give visitors a good idea about what other opportunities are available in the area. Please see the area map that further illustrates the portions of the wilderness under closure, though we encourage the public to avoid the area until the assessment has been complete and the closure is lifted.
Though Hudson Meng Research and Education Center is in the vicinity of South Fork Fire, it is more than 10 miles away from the South Fork Fire burn area and will continue to be open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for Federal Holidays. Please note that Hudson Meng will be closed this
Friday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth. The Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands will reopen trails and campgrounds in the Soldier Creek Wilderness Area as soon as it is safe to do so. Forest and fire managers thank the public for their patience while recovery work continues. The closure is available to review on the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands alerts webpage.
For questions about safe access to forest areas, contact the Pine Ridge Ranger District or stop by the office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.Pine Ridge Ranger District:125 N. Main StreetChadron, NE 69337(308) 432-0300
