Newsroom - 2006 Releases

Please click a link below for archived news releases.

December 15 , 2006

Be Prepared for Winter Snow Conditions on the Coconino National Forest

With snow forecast for the weekend, winter conditions may soon dominate portions of the Coconino National Forest. Here’s an update on what visitors can expect when there’s snow on the ground...

November 30, 2006  

Winter Conditions May Warrant Limits On Forest Road Travel

Managers of the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests may implement a wet weather travel policy this winter temporarily restricting motor vehicle travel including all terrain vehicles (ATVs) to a decreased number of forest roads depending on the amount and distribution of precipitation received.

Temporary travel restrictions will be implemented...

November 29, 2006  

Fossil Creek Road Closure Extended

Continuing de-construction efforts on the Childs-Irving Hydroelectric facilities have prompted an extension of the closure affecting Forest Road 708 (Fossil Creek Road). The closure, requested by Arizona Public Service (APS), began October 30, 2006 and will now run through December 31, 2006, Monday through Friday...

November 27, 2006

Areas Along the Verde River Closed to Protect Bald Eagles

The Forest Service will close two bald eagle breeding areas along the Verde River to the public on December 1, 2006.  The closure is expected to last through June 30, 2007 when nesting season ends and fledglings are independent...

November 14, 2006

Kaibab and Coconino National Forests To Host Public Meeting in Phoenix

The Kaibab and Coconino National Forests will host a public meeting at the Days Inn Airport in Phoenix from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 18) in order to seek input about national forest management...

November 14, 2006

Arrests Made in Archaeological Artifacts Case

Five people have been arrested after a two-year long investigation by the U.S. Forest Service into the theft of Native American artifacts from the Coconino National Forest...

November 9, 2006

Motorized Recreation and Wilderness

NAU’s Wilderness Management class, the USFS, andAz Game and Fish will host a public meeting at the Coconino National Forest Supervisor's office Thursday November 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to develop educational materials to lessen motorized impacts within designated wilderness areas...

November 8, 2006

Forest Service To Host Vehicle Auction

The Forest Service plans to host a vehicle and equipment action at 9 a.m. Nov. 16 in Eagar, Ariz...

November 6, 2006

Voice Your Ideas About Coconino National Forest Management

The Coconino National Forest is looking for ideas about national forest management to revise its management plan for the future...

October 23, 2006

Fossil Creek Road to be closed M-F, Oct. 30 – Nov. 30

Due to continuing de-construction efforts on the Childs-Irving Hydroelectric facilities, Forest Road 708 (Fossil Creek Road) closure is required by Arizona Public Service (APS) from October 30, 2006 through November 30, 2006, Monday through Friday. 

Please note that these closures will severely limit access to the upper reaches of Fossil Creek during this period...

October 23, 2006

Forest Service Consider Water Tank Construction In Broken Arrow

The Coconino National Forest (CNF) is considering a proposal by the Arizona Water Company (AWC) to obtain a special-use permit for the construction of two 1-million-gallon water tanks and a 12-inch waterline approximately 4,500 feet in length.  The proposed project is located near the Broken Arrow Subdivision in Sedona...

October 12, 2006

“Fee-Free Day” In Celebration of Veteran’s Day

In honor of Veteran’s Day and those American’s who have served in the armed forces to protect us and our national heritage, the Coconino National Forest announces a Red Rock Pass “Fee-Free Day” Saturday, November 11th...

October 3, 2006

Wildings Permits Available

Wildings permits, which authorize collecting live plants and trees from National Forest lands for personal use, are available now on the Peaks and Mormon Lake Ranger Districts of the Coconino National Forest. Permits are available for about a month in the fall and again in the spring, while the plants are dormant...

September 29, 2006

Shape the Future of the Coconino National Forest

The Coconino National Forest is beginning two major planning efforts that will shape future management and enjoyment of this treasured land. Through these efforts the public will be able to share opinions about national forest management including outdoor recreation, wildlife management, fire protection and others...

September 28, 2006

“Free Day” In Celebration of National Public Lands

The Red Rock Ranger District announces a Red Rock Pass “Free Day” September 30, in celebration of the 13th annual National Public Lands Day.  The Red Rock Pass will not be required for vehicle parking on National Forest lands in and around Sedona...

September 22, 2006

Red Rock Trails Re-Open

The Red Rock Ranger District announces the re-opening of several trails affected by the Brins Fire Closure.  Beginning Sunday September 24, the Soldier Pass, Brins Mesa, Vultee Arch (to the arch), Cibola Pass and the Wilson Canyon trails are open.  Trails that remain closed until further notice include: Wilson Mountain, North Wilson and Sterling Pass (between Vultee Arch and Oak Creek Canyon)...

August 17, 2006

Jordan Road Temporarily Closed for Jim Thompson Trailhead Construction

The Red Rock Ranger District is temporarily closing Jordan Road, FR 633, for drainage and erosion control construction of the trailhead parking area starting August 22, 2006...

August 16, 2006

Snowbowl Road Closed this Saturday Morning

Due to the “Climb the Mountain to Conquer Cancer” event, Snowbowl Road will be closed this Saturday, August 19 from 6:00AM until 11:30 AM...

July 10 , 2006  

Restrictions To Be Lifted On Kaibab and Coconino National Forests

Campfire and smoking restrictions will be lifted on the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests beginning Wednesday, July 12, at 8 a.m...

July 7 , 2006

Oak Creek Canyon Community Meeting – Brins Fire & Potential Rock Slides

Coconino County Emergency Services, Sedona Fire Department and the Coconino National Forest are hosting a community meeting Monday, July 10, 12 noon at the Elks Lodge on Airport Road in Sedona...

July 6 , 2006  

Forest Closures Reduced On Coconino National Forest

Beginning Friday morning July 7, 8:00 am, the Coconino National Forest will lift most area closures; however, “Stage I” fire restrictions remain in place...

June 30, 2006

Coconino National Forest to Partially Reopen on Sunday

Most of the Coconino National Forest will reopen to public access at 8:00 A.M. Sunday, July 2, thanks to enough rainfall to sufficiently dampen the extreme fire danger. The Red Rock Ranger District, essentially the portion of the Coconino below the Mogollon Rim, will remain closed until that area of the forest receives more rain. The entire Coconino National Forest has been under closure since Friday, June 23...

June 28, 2006 

Coconino National Forest Still Closed

The Coconino National Forest is beginning to receive some rain but it is not enough to re-open the forest...“The closure will be lifted when sufficient rain..."

June 24, 2006 

Donations to Brins Fire

Coconino National Forest officials are grateful for the generous outpouring of donations to firefighters involved in fighting the Brins Fire...

June 21, 2006

Reward Offered for Brins Fire Information

The Forest Service is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the Brins Fire...

June 19, 2006

Coconino National Forest Closes Friday

As fire danger increases across the Southwest the Coconino National Forest will close to public access and use Friday, morning, June 23 at 8:00 a.m...

June 19, 2006

Brins Fire Update

The Brins Fire started yesterday afternoon about 1:30 p.m. 1 mile north of subdivisions on Jordan Road and and Soldier's Pass Road, in the north end of Sedona...

June 15, 2006

Woody Fire Update

The 100-acre Woody Fire located southwest of Flagstaff was declared 100% contained by city fire officials at the public meeting held at Flagstaff High School at 10 am today.  According to Jim Wheeler, Flagstaff Assistant Fire Chief, “The fire initial attack strategies are what saved the day.  We were prepared and we stopped it”.  With a containment line around the perimeter, crews continue to extinguish hot spots and mop up interior areas of the fire...

June 6, 2006

La Barranca Fire Update

The La Barranca Fire has transitioned into a Type III Fire Management Team as of Monday June 5, with Dave Coryn as the Incident Commander.  The Incident Command Post is located at the Beaver Creek Work Center off Forest Road 618, in the Beaver Creek area...

June 1, 2006 9:00 pm

La Barranca Fire, Village of Oak Creek

Update
  
Time/Date Started:
2:30pm Thursday, June 1, 2006...

June 1, 2006  

Coconino National Forest Orders More Fire Restrictions

As fire danger increases, additional fire restrictions go into effect on the Coconino National Forest Monday, June 5, 2006 at 8:00 a.m., prohibiting activities which could cause a wildfire...

May 27, 2006

Firefighters Battle Blaze Southeast of Walnut Canyon

Firefighters are battling a blaze on the Coconino National Forest that is located about 4 miles south of Interstate 40 and several miles east of Flagstaff southeast of Walnut Canyon...

May 23, 2006  

Kinnikinick Dispersed Camping

Increasing numbers of dispersed campers near Kinnikinick Campground are violating federal regulation.  This states that overnight camping within one mile of any developed recreation area is prohibited...

May 22, 2006

Restrictions To Be Implemented On Kaibab
And Coconino National Forests

Campfire and smoking restrictions will go into effect on the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests beginning Wednesday, May 24, at 8 a.m.  Forest managers determined that key trigger points have been reached that warrant taking these restrictive actions...

May 17, 2006

Lockett Meadow

To accommodate the numerous visitors at the increasingly popular recreation site, Lockett Meadow, the Coconino National Forest has been implementing certain changes over the past few years.  These changes, which are aimed to reduce negative impacts on the meadow, include developed parking areas, additional restroom facilities, and developed and numbered sites taken from the previous dispersed camping areas.  As with many other Forest Service campgrounds, Lockett Meadow is a fee area.

Scheduled to open May 19, the campground has 17 individual sites, each equipped...

May 15, 2006

Help Aspen, Adopt a Fence

Aspen need help. Not only do aspen communities provide a pleasing patchwork of color and texture across the landscape, but they also represent ecologically unique sites within the Coconino National Forest that contribute to increased biological diversity. Aspen stands have been in a gradual state of decline...

May 15, 2006  

Planning a Visit to Oak Creek Canyon or Red Rock Country?

Given a little spring fever, a fast approaching summer and some incredibly beautiful weather, many of us are anxious to get outdoors once again to hike, swim or explore our favorite spots...

May 11, 2006  

Red Rock Ranger District Hiring Summer Youths

The Red Rock District of the Coconino National Forest is accepting applications for the 2006 summer Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program through May 19.  This program provides individuals a valuable experience of working with a team in an outdoor environment...

May 5, 2006 

Condition of Fire Tower Lookout Improved

The Forest Service lookout who fell on the Elden fire lookout tower is in improved condition...

May 4, 2006 

Fire Tower Lookout Injured

A Forest Service employee who works as the fire tower lookout on Mount Elden reportedly fell on the tower stairs...

May 3, 2006  

Camping Season is Underway

The sun is out, the breeze is cool and the wildflowers are in bloom—camping season is here again.  To accommodate the increasing number of forest visitors as the season progresses, Forest Service campgrounds are beginning to open...

May 2, 2006  

Roads to Trails Along Verde River

The Coconino National Forest is currently working to rehabilitate and close motorized access to the Verde River in the Wingfield Mesa, Cottonwood Basin and Verde Falls areas...

May 1, 2006  

Experience Your Outdoors by Celebrating National Trails Day!

The Coconino National Forest, the Flagstaff Biking Organization (FBO), the Coconino Trail Riders and Coconino County Department of Parks and Recreation are cooperatively sponsoring this year’s National Trails Day local volunteer event on May 6th...

April 28, 2006

Prescribed Fire Planned for Happy Jack Area

Prescribed fire specialists on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District are anticipating favorable weather conditions to ignite the Valley prescribed burn next week.  The project involves approximately 2500 acres and will...

April 27, 2006

Camp Verde Ranger Station Auction to Start Soon

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has announced the scheduled opening date of May 30, 2006 for the auction of 175 acres of Forest Service land at the Verde Ranger Station Administrative Site...

April 27, 2006

Woods Canyon Trailhead Closure

The Red Rock District of the Coconino National Forest is temporarily closing the Woods Canyon Trailhead to recreation access and parking beginning May 1 through June 2006, during pre-construction surveys and on-site testing...

April 17, 2006

Forest Service Seeks Comments on Camp Verde Unified School District Land Grant

The Coconino National Forest announces that comments on the proposed sale of 80 acres to the Camp Verde Unified School District are being accepted for the next 30 days.  A Draft Environmental Assessment...

April 17, 2006

Red Rock Ranger District Recruiting Youth Conservation Corps Candidates

The Red Rock District of the Coconino National Forest is recruiting candidates for the 2006 summer Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program...

April 17, 2006

Arizona National Forests Begin State-Wide Planning Effort

The Southwestern Region of the Forest Service is beginning to revise land management plans for the six National Forests in Arizona.  A new planning rule provides an updated...

April 13, 2006

Wilding Permits Available

Wildings permits, which authorize collecting live plants and trees from National Forest lands for personal use, are available starting April 18 on the Peaks and Mormon Lake Ranger Districts of the Coconino National Forest...

April 7, 2006

Firewood Permits Available / Some Forest Roads Remain Closed

Firewood permits will be available at Coconino National Forest offices beginning Friday April 14 and will be valid Saturday, April 15.  A permit for...

March 27, 2006

Jim Thompson Trailhead Remains Closed to ALL PUBLIC ACCESS

The Jim Thompson Trailhead in uptown Sedona remains closed due to reconstruction. In consideration of the safety...

March 24, 2006

Do Your Part, Don’t Let a Wildfire Start

March 26th through April 1st is Wildfire Prevention Week.  In conjunction with this, the Coconino National Forest asks all Arizonans to do their part in preventing wildfires...

March 15, 2006

Stewards of Public Land Make a Difference in Copper Canyon

Rain, snow or shine was not a determining factor for forty dedicated Stewards of Public Lands who came out Saturday March 11, determined to make a difference. A plan to clean up illegal dumpsites on public lands in the Copper Canyon area...

March 15, 2006

Forest Service Changes in the Works

Change is in progress for the Red Rock District.  Not only are we relocating to the Beaver Creek area the first week in April, we will soon have new leadership to help us settle into our new station...

March 13, 2006

Snow News

Finally, winter has arrived. Since the weekend’s storm brought lower than usual snow levels, almost all roads on the Coconino National Forest have been affected. Due to heavy snow, all forest roads above the rim off of Interstate 17 are closed. Forest Roads off of Highway 180 are closed as well, with the exceptions...

March 13, 2006

Road Re-Construction Begins on Boynton Pass Road

The dirt section of Boynton Pass Road (Forest Road 152C) will undergo reconstruction activities starting March 20, 2006 for the next 3-4 months.  Expect construction equipment...

March 2, 2006

Verde Valley Participates in Archaeology Awareness Month

March is Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month here in Arizona where over 100 events are going on statewide.  The public is invited to come join these festivities and...

March 1, 2006

Jim Thompson Trailhead Temporarily Closed for Renovation

The Red Rock Ranger District is temporarily closing the Jim Thompson trailhead to vehicle access March 6 through March 23, 2006.  The Jim Thompson trailhead is located...

February 23, 2006

Forest Service Proposes Watershed Project to Benefit Rare Frogs

In order to improve the status of the federally-threatened Chiricahua leopard frog, watershed restoration efforts are being proposed in the Buckskin Hills area of the Red Rock Ranger District...

February 23, 2006

Forest Service Proposes Watershed Restoration And Native Fish Protection In Fossil Creek

In an attempt to protect Fossil Creek and its immediate watershed from further degradation, the Red Rock Ranger District is proposing to implement some basic restoration improvements in the Fossil Creek area...

February 23, 2006

Lower Lake Mary Still Open for Fishing, Thanks to Volunteers

Usually during winter months, the Forest Service closes most recreation sites on the Coconino National Forest in the high country, due to decreased use and shrinking budgets. This year is unusual...

February 23, 2006

Rim Forests Begins Fire Restrictions

Drought conditions and increased fire danger have resulted in the implementation of fire restrictions for the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino and Tonto national forests beginning February 23 at 8 a.m...

February 8, 2006

February Fire Update - Feb. 8, 4 p.m. thru Feb. 13, 2006

The February fire north of Payson, AZ, grew to more than 3,615 acres and is not 35% contained...

February 7, 2006

February Fire Update - 7 February 1600

Fire crews are continuing to battle the February Fire, which has
consumed more than 200 acres on the Tonto and Coconino national forests since its ignition Monday
evening...

February 7, 2006

February Fire Burning on Tonto National Forest

The February Fire, a wildland fire located approximately 12 miles north of Payson, Ariz., has burned about 80 acres of juniper and ponderosa pine forest...

February 2, 2006

Temporary Reroute for Bell Rock Pathway

The Red Rock Ranger District will temporarily reroute approximately one half mile of the Bell Rock Pathway Trail effective Tuesday, February 14 through Friday, February 24...

February 2, 2006

Portion of Mogollon Rim Closes

Coconino National Forest officials today are closing a portion of the Mogollon Rim. The closed area was burned by the Packrat Fire in 2002 and since then standing dead trees have become rotten, unstable and are beginning to fall...

January 30, 2006

Hazardous Travel on Mogollon Rim Road

Travel on the Mogollon Rim Road (Forest Road 300) is strongly discouraged. The Packrat Fire burned several hundred acres along the Mogollon Rim in 2002 and there are many unstable trees beginning to fall across the road...

January 23, 2006

Lockett Meadow Road Closed for Winter Season

Due to snowy and icy conditions, Lockett Meadow Road (Forest Road 552) is closed for the season. The 2 to 3 inches of snow accumulated...

January 20, 2006

Forest Service holds Outfitter Guide Mgt. Plan “Open House”

The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest will be hosting an “Open House” meeting to present the “proposed action” for the Red Rock District Outfitter Guide Management Plan and to encourage public participation in decisions to be made. The meeting will be held February 9...

January 20, 2006

Red Rock District Ranger Accepts Job in Oregon

Red Rock District Ranger Ken Anderson has accepted a District Ranger position on the Baker City (Whitman Unit) Ranger District of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in eastern Oregon . He will be leaving the Red Rock Ranger District mid-March after 14 years...

January 11, 2006

Forest Service Response to Court’s Decision on Arizona Snowbowl

The U.S. District Court for Arizona concluded that the Forest Service met all procedural requirements for the approval of the Arizona Snowbowl project...