While Wyoming is slowly opening in phases, Bighorn National Forest officials aren't quite ready to give the all-clear signal.

Currently, developed recreation sites remain temporarily closed with dispersed camping, hiking and river uses allowed, said Sara Evans Kirol, public affairs officer for the forest. However, summer activities are still undecided.

“At this time, it would be inappropriate to speculate on the status of dispersed camping and other activities during the summer,” she said.

Dispersed camping in the Bighorn Mountains draws thousands of visitors from Wyoming and nearby states. Many businesses rely on summer visitation for much of their revenue.

“National forests and grasslands provide countless benefits. Communities nationwide depend on them to provide recreational opportunities that support businesses, communities and provide a respite from the difficulties like the ones our nation is now facing,” Kirol said. “Closing any site for any reason is not one we take lightly, but protecting our visitors and employees remains our highest priority.”

Last month, Jennifer Eberlien, acting regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service, closed all developed recreation sites on National Forest System land — including the Bighorn and Shoshone national forests — within the Rocky Mountain Region in Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota, and Wyoming. There are 17 national forests and seven national grasslands in the Rocky Mountain Region.

“Stay at home orders in surrounding states along with the closures of ski areas and national parks has led to an increase in visitation to many national forest and grassland sites across the region,” Eberlien said. “Despite state orders in Colorado and Kansas, droves of people have been gathering in national forests and grasslands. This increased recreational use is posing a challenge for COVID-19 response and the health and safety of not only the public, but Forest Service and local law enforcement personnel.”

The regional prohibitions were taken to provide short-term resource protection or to protect public health and safety, she said.

The Bighorn National Forest is working with state and local partners to determine the best path forward to safely reopening sites closed in response to the pandemic and “remains focused on the safety and well-being of our employees and the public we serve across the U.S. and abroad,” Kirol said.

The agency is following the guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure the safety of its nearly 30,000 employees. In areas where the virus has been community spread, telework has been maximized and they continue to work on their technology capabilities to ensure connection and service to the public.

“We are carefully considering our employee travel and public event participation on a case-by-case basis with health and safety at the forefront of our decisions,” she said.

The Forest Service is adhering to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, maintaining social distancing and properly sanitizing and disinfecting facilities and fleet vehicles. Visitors are encouraged to adhere to safety and responsibility guidelines: Stay close to home to keep other communities safe; stay 6 feet apart from others; avoid crowding in parking lots, trails, scenic overlooks and other areas; take CDC recommendations to prevent illnesses like COVID-19; prepare for limited or no services, such as restroom facilities and garbage collection; and prepare to pack out trash and human waste.

“We are looking forward to again seeing these sites filled with the people from the communities we serve, enjoying the full benefits their national forests and grasslands have to offer,” Kirol said. “The health and safety of employees and the nearby communities is always our top priority at the USDA Forest Service.”

For news and updates, visit the Bighorn National Forest’s “News and Events” webpage.