3 snowmobilers cited in Mokelumne Wilderness

By AP

The U.S. Forest Service has issued a warning after citing four snowmobilers for illegally riding in a designated federal wilderness area in the Sierra Nevada.

The snowmobilers were cited for riding last week in the Mokelumne Wilderness on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

The wilderness is located in Alpine County west of Markleeville, and the snowmobilers entered from Hope Valley off Highway 88.

Carson Ranger District spokesman Dan Morris said the citations are not to be taken lightly because fines range from $425 to $5,000.

He noted the use of snowmobiles and other mechanized equipment is illegal in such designated wilderness areas.

He said the wilderness is posted as closed to motorized use, and the four snowmobilers were observed entering the wilderness directly next to closure signs.