Red Sleep Mountain Drive slated to open

MOIESE - The staff of the National Bison Range would like to remind you that Red Sleep Mountain Drive is scheduled to open for the summer season on Saturday, May 10, 2014, weather and road conditions permitting, of course.  

We are hoping that the worse of the winter weather is behind us and that road conditions will allow travel along the scenic drive.  For photos of the large snow drifts at High Point, visit our website at www.fws.gov/refuge/national_bison_range.

 The main gate will be open by 6:30 a.m. and close at dark (check the gate or website for times).  

Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.  For visitors coming for an evening visit, you will need to start Red Sleep Mountain Drive no later than 6 p.m. to finish the loop before the main gate closes at dark.   

The Refuge closes to all public use at night and visitors should plan to be off the Range by the time the main gate closes.

 Also starting May 10, the Visitor Center will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Fees for the scenic drives will be charged starting May 10.  

There is no charge for the Visitor Center and day use areas or for educational groups.   The Refuge will be celebrating International Migratory Bird Day on Saturday, May 10 as well, with a variety of walks, talks and activities suited for the whole family.

 Be aware that the Winter Drive closes when Red Sleep opens for the season.  

This means that the road by Mission Creek becomes one-way and can not be accessed from the Prairie Drive.  And the 1-mile West Loop is also designated one way.  Please follow all speed limit and traffic signs while visiting the Bison Range.

 Due to safety concerns, large vehicles (over 30 feet in length), trailers and all other towed units are not allowed on Red Sleep Mountain Drive.  They can be left at the Visitor Center parking area.  

The shorter, graveled West Loop and Prairie Drives are open for trailers, buses and large motor homes.  Also for safety reasons, motorcycles and bicycles are not allowed on the graveled scenic drives but may access the Visitor Center and the Day Use Area along paved roads. 

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. 

For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with the Service’s Mountain-Prairie Region via our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/USFWSMountainPrairie, follow our tweets at http://twitter.com/USFWSMtnPrairie, download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/51986662@N05, and watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws.