McClellan Creek Trails re-opening after fires

The Black Kettle Ranger District of the USDA Forest Service, Cibola National Forest, will be opening the OHV trails at McClellan Creek National Grassland, located in Gray County just north of Interstate 40, for the 4th of July weekend. 

These public trails have been closed since the March 2006 wildfire swept through the area, resulting in extensive damage to the recreation area. The wildfire resulted in damaging and killing 1000s of cottonwoods at McClellan Creek.

The Forest Service has been working since that time to first reopen the recreation area, including the camping and day use area at Lake McClellan, and now to reopen the OHV trails.
OHV operators will be required to comply with federal and state laws including: wearing protective DOT approved helmet and eye protection; having an annual Texas Parks and Wildlife ATV decal; all operators must have an ATV safety certificate or be with a parent who has obtained a safety certificate; operators under 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; no passengers are allowed at any time unless the ATV is designed to carry a passenger; having a qualified Forest Service spark arrestor; no OHVs over 50 inches wide, no jeeps or 4 x 4 trucks; and OHVs shall not be operated from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise.

Mary Lane, Natural Resource Specialist, of the Black Kettle Ranger District in Cheyenne, Okla., says, “We are excited about getting the trails reopened. Although we have cut 1000s of dead and dying trees along the OHV trail corridor, we want to let recreationists to know of the potential hazards that still may exist in the area from the trees that may continue to weaken and die.

“With a grant from Yamaha, we have cut dead trees, rehabilitated the trails, rebuilt fences, and purchased picnic tables, grills, fire rings and bulletin boards for the trailhead.  As always, there are no fireworks allowed on the Grassland.”
Visitor safety and rules are posted on the bulletin boards. Numerous hazards still exist within the area.

Caution is advised when walking and traveling within the treed areas due to the potential of trees and limbs falling, along with numerous stump holes as a result of wildfire damage.
Daily OHV operator fees of $5 per operator will be charged for users of the OHV trails. For additional information, contact the Black Kettle Ranger District at (580) 497-2143. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 – 4:30.