SUMMER SAFETY REMINDER FROM BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK

A visitor to Badlands National Park is recuperating safely, thanks to the consolidated efforts of National Park Service staff. Tuesday, June 10, park naturalist staff received a report of an injured hiker on the Notch Trail, a 1.5 mile trail six miles north of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center in the North Unit of Badlands National Park. Within 20 minutes, seven members of the park's Search and Rescue Team were onsite and able to carry the hiker 0.5 mile to safety. She had slipped on loose gravel above the "ladder" portion of the trail and injured her ankle, leaving her unable to walk out. Within 90 minutes on the scene, she was back to safety. "This rescue operation illustrates the importance of teamwork and commitment to visitor safety that we have worked hard to instill in our 2003 staff," notes Chief of Resource Education Marianne Mills "We've doubled our training efforts in search and rescue this year and it has already paid off in two visitor assists this year." The other incident involved a hiker who ventured off the established route of the Saddle Pass Trail, a short but very steep trail two miles northwest of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Although uninjured, the hiker became disoriented when confronted with a very steep downward path and was assisted back to the trailhead by park staff.

Visitors to Badlands National Park are reminded to know their personal limitations when exploring the rugged terrain. All hikers should carry water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, and a first aid kit for even the shortest hike. Although visitors may explore off-trail, it is recommended that those unfamiliar with wayfinding use the established paths for their safety, as well as protection of the fragile formations. For more information about hiking in Badlands National Park, visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/badl