Additional forest closures in the Apache Sitgreaves

FOREST CLOSURES—BLACK MESA RANGER DISTRICT

Springerville, AZ –Continued rising temperatures, extemely dry forests, current wildfires on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, and the forecast of possible dry-lightning in the area this week has prompted officials of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests to impose additional Forest Closures.

Black Mesa District Ranger Dee Hines reported at a community of  near 300 people Saturday night in Heber, “We will be closing the rest of the Black Mesa District, but have decided to keep some manageable areas open.”  He added, “I need to stress that closures mean closures to all public.  If private lands border “closed” national forest land, access is still prohibited.”

Closed to public access:  All national forest system lands, roads and trails as they currently exist within the administrative boundaries of the Black Mesa Ranger District.

Areas that will remain open with fire restrictions include:

·     Black Mesa Ranger District Administrative Site and the Tall Timbers County Park

·     Camp Shadow Pines Organization Camp Permit Area, The Arizona Department of Public Safety Administrative Site, and the Heber Work Center

·     Canyon Point Campground

·     Sinkhole Campground, Willow Springs Lake Day Use Area, Willow Springs Boat Ramp, and Willow Springs Lake

·     Rim Top Trailhead, Rim Lake Vista Trail (NFST # 622) between the Rim Top Trailhead and mile Post #3.7), including the Military Sinkhole Vista, Rim Vista, and Woods Canyon Vista occurring,  

·     Rim Campground

·     Woods Canyon Recreation Area including the following Campgrounds:  Aspen Campground, Crook Group Site, Rocky Point Day Use (Picnic) Area, Spillway Campground, Spillway Group Site, Woods Canyon Group Site,  Woods Canyon Dump Station, Woods Canyon Administrative Site, Woods Canyon Maintenance Area, Woods Canyon Lake, Woods Canyon Store and Marina, and the Meadow Trail (NFST # 505)

·     Mogollon Rim Visitor Center

·     Routes EXCLUDED from closure include (depicted within Exhibit B):

·     National Forest System Road (NFSR) 238 the entire segment of road from its junction with Hwy 260 to the Canyon Point Campground, including NFSR segments 238A and 238B which are campground loop roads.

Visitors to any of the sites that remain open are allowed to be in the developed site only.  Walking, hiking, biking or other types of travel outside the boundaries of the “open” developed site is prohibited.

Current fire restrictions prohibit campfires, and coal, wood or charcoal fires, smoking outside of a vehicle or building, and discharging firearms.  Fire restrictions and area closures will be rescinded when the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests receives sufficient precipitation to lessen the risk of fire. 

Fireworks are always prohibited in national forests.

Forest Service Law Enforcement and other personnel will be patrolling forest roads and trails. “We ask that people be extremely cautious outdoors at this time, be aware of your surroundings and report all illegal activity to proper law enforcement authorities.

The emergency Area Closure Order and Fire Restriction Order is available on the Forest website at http:  www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf or 1-877-864-6985; check for all Apache-Sitgreaves Closures and Restrictions: Fire Restrictions Website

Know before you go!