Heavy snow melt has destabilized a road in Badger Game Production Area outside of Spearfish, leading to its closure.

"That road in the Badger GPA is popular with folks who want to go for an evening drive and with turkey hunters," Game, Fish & Parks Department Regional supervisor Mike Kintigh said. "We had no choice but to close it when a large portion of the road bed gave way, making the road impassable."

GF&P is seeking bids to repair the road. Kintigh estimates that it could be a couple of months before the road is open again.

"We're sure some folks will wonder why they were denied access, but public safety has to come first," Kintigh said. "This closure is hampering the department, too. We have food plots to attend to on the GPA, as well as other maintenance projects, and we can't get our work done with the road in this condition."

Anyone with questions about the closure should call the GF&P Regional Office at 394-2391.