Dixie forest officials remind hunters, others to stay on trails

CEDAR CITY — Dixie National Forest officials are reminding hunters and other forest users to stay on designated trails.

Motorized hunting needs to take place on designated trails. Cross-country motorized travel is no longer allowed, officials said.

"The new designated system of routes will provide for better water quality and wildlife habitat," said Rob MacWhorter, Dixie National Forest supervisor. "While we understand we are asking people to use the forest differently than they have in the past, we think that asking people to stay on designated trails — especially during the hunts — will be better for the resources we manage over the long term."

Maps are available at the U.S. Forest Service offices, 1789 N. Wedgewood Lane, Cedar City; 345 E. Riverside Drive, St. George; or at other district offices in the forest.

A map of Dixie National Forest's trail system can be downloaded at www.fs.fed.us/r4/dixie/projects/MTP/index.shtml.

— Laura Hancock