Seven snowmobilers were issued citations Jan. 17 for allegedly operating their machines in the Mission Mountain Wilderness, racking up possible fines of $325 each.

Forest Service law-enforcement officers were patrolling the wilderness area’s border with the Flathead National Forest when they came upon tracks leading into the restricted area. 

When the snowmobilers exited the wilderness area, they were cited.

Four of the riders were from Kalispell; the other three were from the Polson area.

Under federal law, no motorized equipment or other vehicles are permitted inside designated wilderness areas. 

In separate incidents in January, a snowmobiler from Cut Bank and one from Raymond, Alberta, were issued citations carrying fines of $175 each for allegedly operating their snow machines in the closed Badger-Two Medicine area on the Lewis and Clark National Forest. 

According to a press release, both said they were unaware the area was closed.

Flathead Forest spokeswoman Teresa Wenum said the cases are open but those charged may pay the fines in lieu of going to court.

The federal agency encourages snowmobilers and other users to call their local Forest Service office or consult annually published maps before going out on National Forest land. It’s the responsibility of snowmobilers to know where they can or cannot operate on forest land.

Those maps can be picked up at National Forest offices or found online at www.fs.usda.gov/flathead and clicking on the “Motor Vehicle Use Vehicle Maps” link.

Reporter Samuel Wilson may be reached at 758-4407 or by email at swilson@dailyinterlake.com.