Safety on Forest Road 12 discussed at Big Horn County commission meeting

U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Mark Foster appeared before the Big Horn County commissioners at their January 2 meeting.

Joining Foster and the commissioners were County Engineer Willie Bridges, Deputy County Attorney Jen Kirk, Clerk Lori Smallwood and Sheriff Ken Blackburn. 

Foster said he was there to discuss Forest Service Road 12 near the Medicine Wheel. Foster said that at the Medicine Wheel consulting party meeting in December, concerns from some of the parties and from the USFS seasonal staff were discussed. 

For background purposes, Foster noted that FS Road 12 is a multipurpose road and a walking path for those visiting the Wheel. The motor vehicle travel has increased significantly over the years. He credits this to the growth of recreational tourism.

“Our staff has run into employees being verbally accosted by members of the public when they have been asked to drive slower, watch for pedestrians, things like that,” explained Foster.

This has led to discussions about solutions collaboratively to help. The FS does not set speed limits, nor does it enforce them. Still, the goal is to have a safe route for both the walking and motorized public.

Blackburn said he has several concerns. One was about a statement in a previous meeting that people are traveling 30 mph on that road. Foster had said that was a seasonal staffer’s observation and assessment.  No radar equipment was used. 

Blackburn said the fastest speed he has ever observed on that road with radar was 18 mph. “Thirty mph would be suicidal,” he said. However, he conceded that some people renting recreational vehicles may not understand what they are doing. 

 He shared two encounters with FS employees that were not professional. Foster asked Blackburn to contact him directly in the future.

One possibility discussed was additional signage at the first parking lot on the road after turning onto the road from U.S. Highway 14A. Signs would remind travelers that pedestrians have the right of way, narrow road, no turn around, etc. Bridges suggested making signage such that it gives teeth to enforcement.

There was some discussion about the possibility of a separate foot path. This could improve safety.

 Foster reiterated that any changes or additions would need to be approved by all consulting parties. 

Another issue is the usage of the road impacting tribal practitioners. However, that will be discussed another day.

ROAD/BRIDGE/ENGINEERING 

Bridges informed the commission that the Bureau of Land Management would be building fences for the Manderson and North Nowood allotments.

Commissioner Dave Neves asked Bridges about a “Road Damage” sign on the Meeteetse highway. The road had been cut by a water district to put in water lines. Last winter, the county put up a sign where the cut was, as the road heaved. Bridges noted that the water district repaved that area this summer to remove the heave. 

There is also heave on Road 8. Bridges was told that it was to be milled off. He is going to double check that it was. He said, “We have a guarantee from the Joint Powers Board that it would be taken care of regardless.” He will follow up with them on both spots.

He also gave an update on the G-P Road construction. 

OTHER BUSINESS 

• A portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comment regarding a potential road vacation of the “old Greybull-Ottoroad.” A realignment was done in the early 1950s. That realignment resulted in the current Greybull River Road.

In attendance were Nate Krieder and viewers Dan Bodtke and Alan Bair. The viewers were contracted with the county as a neutral third party. Krieder had summitted a letter to the commission with his concerns and then expressed concerns as a first responder regarding access to the properties that would be impacted by the closure.

There was no written report from the viewers as they said they were waiting for oral public comments at this meeting. 

However, they provided an oral report. No decision was made by the commission. They will decide on vacating the road at a meeting where all three commissioners are in attendance and have had time to review the written report.