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Coconino National Forest Welcomes New Mormon Lake RangerFlagstaff, AZ - The Mormon Lake Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest welcomes their new district ranger, Terri Marceron. Terri comes to the Coconino after serving as district ranger for five years on the Livingston District on the Gallatin National Forest in Montana. Her Forest Service career also includes experience as an assistant ranger and in land management planning in Montana, New Hampshire and California. Terri holds a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation and Public Administration from San Diego State University and a Master's Degree from the University of Washington-Seattle in Public Policy/Planning and Outdoor Recreation/Environmental Interpretation. Terri's diverse professional experience ranges from performing environmental analysis to conducting bat surveys to presenting outdoor educational programs to working on Incident Management Teams. "I'm pleased to have Terri join us here in Flagstaff as the newest member of the Coconino National Forest leadership team. I know she'll provide the help we need to continue to build relationships in the Flagstaff community," said Jim Golden, Forest Supervisor. Terri's family includes her husband, Glenn and two dogs. Her enjoyment of outdoor activities such as hiking, backpacking and skiing is well suited to her new home. Don't be surprised to see her on the volleyball courts and or softball fields of Flagstaff. "I enjoy working in community efforts that directly or indirectly tie to the Forest Service and look forward to expanding them while living in Flagstaff," remarked Terri this week, while moving into her new office at Mormon Lake Ranger Station.
Christmas Tree Applications Available NowFlagstaff, Arizona -- It's time to think about Christmas in September if holiday plans include cutting a Christmas tree on one of Arizona's National Forests. Applications for a tree-cutting permit are available now and must be mailed in with the permit fee of $10, by October 12, 2002. The application includes instructions how to submit the application and a map of the designated cutting areas. Permits are issued based on a drawing system, and will be mailed to successful applicants in mid-November. The tree-cutting season extends until December 24. Applications are available at the following locations:On the World Wide Web: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/christmas.htm In Flagstaff:
In the Blue Ridge/Happy Jack area:
In Sedona:
In Camp Verde:
In Cottonwood:
For more information, call the Christmas Tree Hotline at 602-225-5258 or the Coconino National Forest at 928-527-3600.
"Kachina Village Forest Health Project" Field Trip RescheduledFlagstaff, AZ - As part of its public involvement efforts related to the Kachina Village Forest Health projects, the Mormon Lake Ranger District is rescheduling the field trip previously slated for August 31st. The field trip will now occur on September 7th and will begin at the Mormon Lake Ranger Station at 9:00 AM. "We changed our field trip for a couple of reasons," said Tammy Randall-Parker, acting District Ranger for the Mormon Lake Ranger District. "The people that came to our first field trip related to us that they'd like to see the results of other thinning projects, in order for them to better understand what we are proposing for the Kachina project. So, on September 7th, we are going to drive out to Fort Valley and some other sites to look at some of the thinning we've already done." Randall-Parker added that some people who would ordinarily go might be out of town for the Labor Day weekend. "We hope to get a lot of meaningful and well-reasoned feedback from the public regarding our Draft Environmental Impact Statement," she said. "This is a vital project for Flagstaff communities, and virtually everyone we've talked to agrees that some degree of thinning and prescribed burning needs to be done. We just have to settle on how much." Some 20 people, mostly residents of Kachina Village, came to the first field trip. The intent of that field trip was to look at how various thinning plans would be enacted by the Forest Service as part of the Kachina Village Forest Health project. The Forest Service is proposing some 4,800 acres of thinning and nearly 6,300 acres of prescribed burning on National Forest lands south of Kachina Village and Forest Highlands. The work would be done in order to reduce risks from major wildfires and to restore healthier forest conditions in the 10,400-acre project area. For more information, contact the Peaks Ranger Station at 928-526-0866.
Inncident Fact Sheet
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Mogollon Rim Ranger District, 928-477-2255 |
Flagstaff, AZ – Last night, the Pack Rat Fire, burning on the Mogollon Rim, exhibited increased fire activity as the fire spread past containment lines. The fire is burning ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest in steep terrain on the border of the Coconino and Tonto National Forests. Smoke from the fire was visible in Payson and Flagstaff.
Origin: Started by lightning on August 15, 2002
Location: 8 Miles East of Pine on the Mogollon Rim
Size: estimated 900 Acres, 20% contained
Estimated Time/Date of Containment: Unknown
Current Threats: Sensitive wildlife habitat, watershed
values. Kehl Springs Campground (closed)
Control Problems: Steep, rocky and inaccessible terrain.
Resources Committed: 3 engines, 2 helicopters, 1 dozer,
1 air attack aircraft, 6 water tenders, 3 air tankers, 4 20-person crews
Approximately 160 personnel total were working the fire earlier today, with additional resources arriving. One of the two Southwest Area Incident Command Teams is ordered and will arrive tomorrow to take over command of this fire. As the size of the fire grows, so does the need for firefighters and support personnel.
Remarks: During unusually low humidity last night, fire activity increased in Chase Canyon, below the rim, then burned back onto the rim and across Rim Road 300. Due to the spread of the fire, earlier today forest patrols contacted campers throughout an expanded area north of the Mogollon Rim to advise them to leave the area. The vicinity of the Pack Rat Fire along the Rim is closed to public entry. For additional information about the fire, call the Mogollon Rim Ranger Station 928-477-2255.
Reminder: Fire danger levels on the Coconino and Tonto National Forests are high to very high. Please use caution with fire in the forest.
Contact: Jeannie Gilbertson or Emilie
Kinney |
Origin: Started by lightning on August 15, 2002
Location: 8 Miles East of Pine near Kehl Springs Campground on the Mogollon Rim
Size: 190 Acres
Estimated Time/Date of Containment: Unknown / Currently 30% contained
Current Threats: Kehl Springs Campground (closed)
Control Problems: Steep, rocky and inaccessible terrain.
Resources Committed: 3 engines, 1 helicopter, 2 dozers, 1 air attack aircraft, 5 Water Tenders, 8 crews, 2 Skidders
Approximately 226 personnel are assigned to the fire. Increased helicopter resources would be beneficial in supplying larger and more frequent bucket drops to the fire and to assist the ground crews.
Remarks: Crews continue to mop and hold the fireline on the ground above the Rim. Although the ruggedness of the steep terrain and poor access create serious problems, the Hotshot crews are making definite progress in constructing handlines on the east and west flanks of the fire. If weather cooperates, the handline on the flanks will probably be completed tomorrow. Some fire growth did occur yesterday in the canyons flanking the fire. With the drying trend beginning, it is anticipated that the fire intensity and behavior will increase.
Predicted Weather: Relative Humidity 30-40%. Winds are expected out of the SW 10 – 20 MPH with gusts up to 25 MPH. Temperature Highs of 68-74. A drying trend is beginning with increasingly drier conditions through the week.
Road Closures: The following Coconino National Forest roads are closed due to the fire: FR147 at FR308, FR300 at FR147, FR141 at FR141H, and FR300 at FR123. WARNING: Heavy equipment is working on the forest roads in and around these roadblocks. Be advised to use extreme caution if you must be in the area.
Reminder: The fire danger on the Coconino and Tonto National Forests remains at a high to very high level. Please use caution when you visit the forests and, by all means, always be careful with fire!
Contact: Jeannie Gilbertson or Emilie
Kinney |
Origin: Started by lightning on August 15, 2002
Location: 8 Miles East of Pine near Kehl Springs Campground on the Mogollon Rim
Size: 170 Acres
Estimated Time/Date of Containment: Unknown / Currently 15% contained
Current Threats: Kehl Springs Campground (closed)
Control Problems: Steep, rocky and inaccessible terrain.
Resources Committed: 3 engines, 1 helicopter, 2 dozers, 1 air attack aircraft, 4 Water Tenders, 8 crews, 2 Skidders
Approximately 205 personnel are assigned to the fire. Additional air support has been ordered as this suppression effort is very effective in support of the hand crews.
Remarks: The helicopter bucket support work has been effective in diminishing the growth potential of the fire runs in the chimney and chutes of the Rim slopes. The east and west flanks are extremely rocky and steep making handline construction an arduous challenge. Access to the lower section of the flanks is very limited and hike-in time to the scouted ridgelines and canyons exceeds an hour. The increased number of Hotshot crews, with their experience and skills, has provided a significant improvement in the handline coverage on the flanks. Fireline above the Rim continues to be held. Previous thunderstorm moisture played a positive role in decreasing the intensity and behavior of the fire growth. Due to the presence of natural fuels and possible drying conditions, the potential for flare-ups is significant.
Predicted Weather: Relative Humidity 38%. Winds are expected out of the west 10 – 15 MPH. Temperature Highs of 76-86. Possible recurring monsoon activity is in the forecast.
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Flagstaff, AZ – As American Frontiers team members continue their trek across the West from the Mexican to Canadian borders, the southern team will be stopping in Flagstaff to learn about land issues such as those associated with archaeological resources, Firewise communities and forest health.
Friday morning, August 23, the trekkers will be joining Killip School 4th graders for some hands-on excavation at Elden Pueblo, a centuries-old Sinagua Indian ruin on the Coconino National Forest.
Saturday morning, August 24, the trekkers will join members of the Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership to take a look at a Firewise community and find out how people are working together to protect homes and improve forest health. The group will also visit a site in the urban interface north of Flagstaff where ecological restoration projects are under way.
Sunday morning, August 25, the trekkers will meet at Walnut Canyon and Sunset Crater Volcano to explore well-preserved archeological sites from the Sinagua culture dating back to 1100 A.D. and the region's most recent volcano.
"This is an excellent opportunity to share some of the treasures and challenges of our western public lands," says Coconino National Forest Supervisor Jim Golden. "Through the team members' eyes we can share the beauty and grandeur of northern Arizona with the rest of the nation."
Flagstaff Area National Monuments Superintendent Sam Henderson reminds the public that August 25th is a special day for the National Park Service. "August 25th marks the 86th anniversary of the creation of the National Park Service. Entrance fees are waived at Wupatki, Sunset Crater Volcano and Walnut Canyon on this day to encourage the public to visit their monuments. The "Trek" is a great way to increase the public's appreciation of these smaller areas of the National Park Service."
Groups hosting the team in northern Arizona include: the Coconino National Forest, the Ecological Restoration Institute at Northern Arizona University, the National Park Service, City of Flagstaff, and Coconino County.
Two teams of adventurers embarked on a first-of-its-kind border-to-border trip across the nation's majestic parks and open lands on July 31 as part of a campaign to introduce Americans to their "larger backyard", the vast public lands throughout the country.
Called "...renewed inspiration in newspaperman Horace Greeley's famous advice to 'go West, young man,'" (Washington Times, July 30, 2002), this historic journey will take two teams of four trekkers more than 3,000 miles through six western states between the Canadian and Mexican borders while remaining exclusively on public lands.
The trek teams, which include a New York City firefighter, two teachers, and a retired Marine, will meet in Salt Lake City on September 27 for a concluding ceremony on National Public Lands Day.
The teams are traveling by a variety of means including on foot, Honda ATV, houseboat, canoe, and horseback.
Conceived and planned by the Albuquerque, NM-based Public Lands Interpretive Association, American Frontiers: A Public Lands Journey is being sponsored by a combination of public and private partners, including the Departments of Interior and Agriculture, National Geographic Society, the Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Reclamation, American Recreation Coalition, American Honda, the Coleman Company, and others, in order to educate Americans about the importance and grandeur of the nation's vast public lands and waters.
Those interested in following the journey may visit the website, www.americanfrontiers.net. It has a virtual fly-over of the trek route provided by Terra Fly, and daily on-the-ground satellite updates sponsored by Earth Analytic.
Note to News Directors/Editors: Representatives from the media are welcome at all events, however, they are not open to the public.
Northern Arizona Highlights:
Mogollon Rim Ranger District, 928-477-2255 |
Flagstaff, AZ – Lightning caused fires kept firefighters and dispatchers hustling today. In several cases, the fire consisted of a single tree struck by lightning and smoldering grass. Approximately a dozen engines and 100 firefighters responded today from the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Flagstaff Fire Department, Summit Fire Department, Highlands Fire Department and Sedona Fire District.
The Ready Fire, which started on Friday about 10 miles southwest of Flagstaff, held at 35 acres. The Eureka Fire, also started by lightning on Friday near Schultz Pass on the southeast side of the San Francisco Peaks, was fanned by winds late yesterday and increased to 7 acres. Smoke was visible from the Doney Park-Timberline neighborhoods. Crews are still working to contain this fire. The Colton Fire, reported yesterday about 10 miles north of the Peaks on State Trust land, grew to 100 acres before it was contained within the natural contours of Colton Crater, a cinder cone. Of the seven additional fires today, all are less than two acres, and all but one are contained.
As Darryl Atchison, Incident Commander of the Pack Rat Fire, put it, "We're hoping for some more showers today, since rain gives us a bigger window of opportunity to get line around a fire. Rain is definitely our ally."
The Pack Rat Fire continues to challenge firefighters by burning in steep canyons and chutes along the Mogollon Rim. The fire is burning ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest on the border of the Coconino and Tonto National Forests.
Origin: Started by lightning on August 15, 2002
Location: 8 miles east of Pine near Kehl Springs Campground on the Mogollon Rim
Size: 160 Acres
Estimated Time/Date of Containment: Unknown/currently 5% contained.
Current Threats: Kehl Springs Campground (closed)
Control Problems: Steep, rocky and inaccessible terrain.
Resources Committed: 4 engines, 1 helicopter, 2 dozers, 1 air attack aircraft, 3 Water Tenders,4 20-person crews
Approximately 130 personnel total are assigned to the Pack Rat fire. Additional crews and another helicopter have been ordered.
The fire is primarily spreading in steep canyons and chutes along the Mogollon Rim. The fire rolls down into fuel pockets in the steep canyons, then makes runs up through lines of trees in the chutes. Thunderstorm activity, erratic winds and steep, inaccessible slopes have aided the fire's spread, adversely affecting suppression activities and assessments for containment. On Saturday, a significant fire run on the upper western flank forced suppression personnel to pull off the line into a safety zone. The fire has continued to spot up to a quarter mile ahead of itself. Crews continue to construct line and are being supported by helicopter water bucket drops. The western section of Forest Road 300 will remain closed to traffic. Though not currently in danger, private property at Washington Park, Camp Geronimo, and Shadow Rim Camp are sites of concern and will be watched for future protection.
Mogollon Rim Ranger District, 928-477-2255 |
Flagstaff, AZ - The Pack Rat Fire, burning on the Mogollon Rim near Kehl Springs Campground, has grown to an estimated 160 acres. The campground remains temporarily closed, as are several sections of forest roads in the area, including the Rim Road, FR300. The fire is burning ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest in steep terrain on the border of the Coconino and Tonto National Forests.
Origin: Started by lightning on August 15, 2002
Location: 8 Miles East of Pine near Kehl Springs Campground on the Mogollon Rim
Size: 160 Acres
Estimated Time/Date of Containment: Unknown
Current Threats: Kehl Springs Campground (closed)
Control Problems: Steep, rocky and inaccessible terrain.
Resources Committed: 4 engines, 1 helicopter, 2 dozers, 1 air attack aircraft, 3 Water Tenders, 4 20-person crews
Approximately 120 personnel total are assigned to the fire. Additional firefighting resources are on order and enroute.
Remarks: The fire is primarily spreading in steep canyons and chutes along the Mogollon Rim. The fire rolls down into pockets of dense fuel in the steep canyons, then makes runs up through lines of trees in the chutes. Handline construction is very difficult and hazardous, due to the steep and treacherous terrain. Fire officials expect containment to take a number of days. The western section of FR300 is closed to the public, due to fire-related traffic. Knoll Lake can be accessed via alternate routes. While smoke is visible from Payson, no communities or structures are currently threatened.
Predicted Weather: Relative Humidity 25%. Winds are expected out of the west 10 – 15 MPH; partly cloudy, with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Record highs of 85 to 90 are forecast. Chance of monsoon activity increasing by midweek.
The Ready Fire, about 10 miles southwest of Flagstaff near the rim of Sycamore Canyon is estimated at 35 acres. Firefighters continue to establish lines around the fire.
Firefighting Resources: About 30 personnel including 2 Engines, 1 water tender, 1 20-person crew.
The Colton Fire was reported today north of the San Francisco Peaks, about 5 miles west of Highway 89. Firefighters from the Forest Service and Summit Fire Department are working to confine the fire, estimated at 15 acres, within Colton Crater. Five other lightning caused fires reported yesterday on the Coconino have all been contained at less than 2 acres. No structures were threatened.
The seven lightning caused fires on the Tonto National Forest, including the Perley Fire near Payson, were contained yesterday.
Mogollon Rim Ranger District, 928-477-2255 |
Flagstaff, AZ - Lightning from yesterday's thunderstorms sparked several fires across the Coconino National Forest.
The Packrat Fire is burning on the Mogollon Rim near Kehl Springs Campground, about 8 miles east of Pine. The campground is temporarily closed, as are sections of Forest Roads 300 (Rim Road) and 141. Estimated size is 50 acres, burning ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest in steep terrain on the border of the Coconino and Tonto National Forests. Very little rain has been received in the vicinity of this fire this summer, therefore there is potential for active fire behavior. There is no estimate of containment. No structures other than the campground are threatened.
Firefighting Resources: About 40 total personnel including 3 engines, 1 dozer, 2 water tenders, air attack plane, 1 air tanker; two 20-person crews are enroute from the Hopi and Navajo Nations. A 20-person Zuni Hotshot crew is headed to the Packrat Fire after assisting on the Ready Fire earlier today.
The Ready Fire is burning in ponderosa pine forest about 10 miles southwest of Flagstaff near the rim of Sycamore Canyon. Estimated size is 25 acres, with spotting observed earlier today.
Firefighting Resources: About 20 personnel including 3 Engines, 1 dozer, 3 water tenders.
Another five fires were reported by 4:00 p.m., all believed lightning-caused: two on the eastern flank of San Francisco Peaks, one on the north side of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, one near the southwest corner of Walnut Canyon National Monument, and one near Happy Jack. All five of these fires are estimated between one half and two acres in size, and all have firefighters currently working on them. No structures are threatened.
Lightning also caused the Perly Fire, burning on the Tonto National Forest about 10 miles northeast of Payson. This 3-acre fire is burning in steep country within the old Dude Fire burn.
Firefighting Resources: Approximately 30 firefighters, including 5 engines and a dozer.
Predicted Weather: Near record temperatures are expected to persist over the next few days. There is a slight chance of afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Winds are expected out of the west 10 – 17 MPH, and gusty near thunderstorms.
Roy Hall, Fuels Specialist for the Coconino and Kaibab National Forest, urged forest visitors to continue to be careful with all fires in the forest. "With this bust of lightning fires keeping our crews busy, we'd like to see the number of human-caused fires kept to a minimim."
Karen Malis-Clark |
Flagstaff, Arizona - Discover what life was like in the Flagstaff area 800 years ago. The next Public Archaeology Day at Elden Pueblo is Saturday, August 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located one mile north of the Flagstaff Mall on Highway 89, Elden Pueblo is an important prehistoric Sinagua cultural site and Hopi ancestral site. This hands-on opportunity to discover the past with local archaeologists will include tours and excavation.
Participants should bring a hat, jacket, sunscreen, snack, water and their sense of discovery. Tools and porta-potties are provided. Public Archaeology Day is a great family outing for children at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult. No fee is charged, nor reservations needed for this open-house event, co-sponsored by Coconino National Forest, Arizona Natural History Association, and the Arizona Archaeological Association. Groups such as Scouts or school classes are asked to call in advance. For more information, call 928-527-3475.
Contacts: Deb Kill, 928-526-0866 or |
Flagstaff, AZ - The Mormon Lake Ranger District has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Kachina Village Forest Health project, a timely set of activities designed to both enhance and protect the forests south of Kachina Village and Forest Highlands. The release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) kicks off a 45-day public comment period, in which anyone can submit written comments relevant to the project document.
"This is a major milestone toward protecting Flagstaff communities from the risks of wildfire and other threats," said Jim Golden, Forest Supervisor for the Coconino National Forest.
The Kachina Village project is the latest forest health project the Forest Service is carrying forward in cooperation with the Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership.
The project area covered by the DEIS encompasses 10,417 acres between Interstate 17 and Highway 89A, stretching north from the Mexican Pocket area.
The preferred alternative described in the document proposes several types of thinning on some 4,800 acres. The preferred alternative also seeks to conduct prescribed burns across some 6,200 acres, and to enact several changes in how recreation is managed in the project area. Recreation changes proposed include building several new trails, designating dispersed campsites in high-risk areas, and closing other high-risk areas to camping. In addition, the preferred alternative seeks to reduce road densities in the project area.
No old-growth "yellow pines" will be thinned under this project, according to Tammy Randall-
Parker, acting District Ranger for the Mormon Lake Ranger District. The only trees to be thinned to create openings in the forest will be younger "blackjack" pines, though some of these trees could exceed 16" in diameter.
An 'open house' public meeting regarding the Kachina Village Forest Health project will be held on Wednesday, August 21st at the Highlands Fire Department, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Forest Service officials, plus members of the Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership, will be on hand to explain the contents of the DEIS and answer questions about the forest health activities contained in the proposal.
The Forest Service will also sponsor two Saturday field trips into the project area to see and discuss project proposals. These field trips will occur on August 24th and 31st. Each field trip will begin at the Pic N' Run gas station, just off of the Kachina Village exit near Interstate 17 at 9:00 AM, and will last approximately three hours. Please RSVP by the previous Friday to the Peaks Ranger District (928-526-0866), so that we know how many to expect.
To obtain a copy of the DEIS, please contact Deb Kill of the Peaks Ranger District at 526-0866 (email: dkill@fs.fed.us), or look on the Internet at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/nepa.
Contact: Connie Birkland, 928-282-4119 |
Sedona, AZ—The Coconino National Forest, Red Rock Ranger District is offering extensions for Annual and Grand Annual Red Rock Passes to compensate pass holders who were not able to use them during the Forest Closure. These extensions are being offered for 1 month beyond the expiration date for passes purchased prior to June 28, 2002. "We would like current pass holders to enjoy Red Rock Country for one additional month to receive the full pass value," says District Ranger Ken Anderson.
Individuals are asked to bring their current annual pass into the Ranger Station on Brewer Road, the South Gateway Visitor Center in the Village of Oak Creek or the Peaks Ranger District in Flagstaff before the end of September to receive this extension. As an example, a pass that expired at the end of December 2002 will be extended through the end of January 2002.
For more information about the Red Rock Pass Program, or this offer, please call 928-282-4119.
Contact: Paul Seitz |
Flagstaff, AZ - Starting Monday, August 12th, the Peaks Ranger District will be doing road work on Forest Road 231 (the Woody Mountain Road) on a six-mile stretch of the road east of Turkey Butte, some 13 miles southwest of Flagstaff. The road work will consist of scarifying, reshaping and resurfacing the road with gravel. The purpose of this work is to improve the road surface and to enhance the road's safety in the project area.
The 231 Road in the project area may be closed for up to two hours at a time, in order to facilitate the road contractor's activities. However, a detour to get around the road work has been established and marked, and the detour route is suitable for most car traffic.
The project should last one to two weeks, depending on weather and other variables. Please drive with caution in this and other work areas. Please call the Peaks Ranger District for more information at (928) 526-0866.
Contact: Ken Frederick |
Flagstaff, AZ - Peaks Ranger District crews did prescribed burns in two areas west of Flagstaff Wednesday. Both projects consisted of pile burns, in which small stacks of slash were ignited. One area was just east of the Flagstaff Arboretum; the other area was in Fort Valley, between Highway 180 and the Chimney Springs Road (Forest Road 164B). A total of 50 acres of slash piles were burned Wednesday.
As of 5:00 PM Wednesday, both areas were still generating smoke, due to residual burning of heavy fuels, such as stumps and some logs. Further, burning crews were lining and mopping up some normal "creeping fire" in the immediate vicinity of the piles. The burns conducted are completely within the project areas secured by roads and firelines constructed previously this summer.
"We understand folks' concern with the smoke these prescribed burns have been putting up," said John Nelson, acting District Ranger for the Peaks District. "We have wrapped up our burning for now, but we will likely resume these pile burns after the next round of moisture. We try to take advantage of the window of opportunity our summer rains give us to get this important work done."
For more information on the Peaks Ranger District's prescribed burning, please call the Ranger Station at 526-0866 between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM weekdays.
Contact: Ken Frederick |
Flagstaff, AZ - The Peaks Ranger District will be conducting prescribed burning Monday, Tuesday and Thursday in the Fort Valley area, five miles northwest of Flagstaff. Crews plan on burning approximately 25 acres of small debris piles today. The burning will occur north of Hwy 180 near Dead Man's Corner.
"We have excellent burning conditions, thanks to getting about three inches of rain in that area over the past couple of weeks," said Clyde Benally, assistant fire management officer with the Peaks Ranger District. "We conducted a test burn on Sunday near the Arboretum and, since it went exceptionally well, we are going ahead with the Fort Valley burning this week."
Burning will start at 10:00 AM today and should be wrapped up by 11:30 AM. Eight firefighters and one engine will be on site during and after the burning.
"We expect very little residual smoke," said Benally. "These small piles burn down to ash rapidly, so it is a safe burn—and a relatively light burn as far as smoke." He added, however, that Hwy 180 make be impacted by smoke until early afternoon.
As conditions warrant, Peaks Ranger District crews plan on burning 200 acres of brush piles this week in the Fort Valley area.
WILLIAMS, Ariz. The Coconino National Forest and the Kaibab National Forests Williams and Tusayan districts will lift fire restrictions and the North Kaibab Ranger District will lift area closures at 8 a.m. Saturday (July 27) because of decreased fire danger across northern Arizona.
When the restrictions are lifted Saturday, campfires and smoking will be permitted on the two Kaibab National Forest districts south of Grand Canyon National Park and in all areas of the Coconino National Forest. Chainsaw restrictions will also be lifted in the areas. Personal use firewood permits are currently available at Coconino National Forest district offices during normal business hours on weekdays and will be available beginning Monday (July 29) at Williams and Tusayan district offices on the Kaibab National Forest. The fuelwood season will end Dec. 15 on the southern districts of the Kaibab National Forest and on all the Coconino National Forest districts.
"With our current weather patterns and the predicted patterns, we have seen higher fuel moisture levels, increased relative humidities and decreased overall fire danger," said Doug Ottosen, fire management officer for the two forests. "We feel comfortable lifting fire restrictions at this time because of those conditions."
The North Kaibab Ranger District, the Kaibabs only district north of Grand Canyon National Park, will reopen to the public Saturday after about a month in area closures. Activities such as camping, hiking, biking and motorized vehicle use will be permitted on the North Kaibab Ranger District.
"We received quite a bit of precipitation over a large area of the district and expect more today and tomorrow," said North Kaibab District Ranger Jill Leonard. "We are happy to be able to invite members of the public back into their National Forest."
While all of the North Kaibab will reopen to public use, restrictions will remain in effect. Campfires will only be allowed in developed campgrounds. Smoking will be prohibited except within enclosed vehicles or buildings or in developed recreation sites. Power saw use by the public will be prohibited, which will delay the issuance of fuelwood permits until the restrictions have been lifted. Forest officials will continue to monitor weather and fuel conditions daily to determine the appropriate time to lift restrictions on the North Kaibab Ranger District.
"The moisture we have received has done a lot of good, and we are glad to be moving out of closures and restrictions,î Ottosen said. ìPeople should be aware, though, that it is going to take substantial winter snowpack to really affect the drought in this area. We all still need to use good judgement when recreating in the forest."
For further information related to public lands in Arizona and New Mexico, please call toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire. Those interested in visiting the North Kaibab can call the district office at 928-643-7395 or the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center at 928-643-7298.
Contact: Ken Frederick |
Flagstaff, AZ - Starting July 24, 2002, the public can expect to see intermittent log hauling down the Snowbowl Road, as thinning on a Fort Valley Stewardship restoration project begins. The hauling will consist of two to four loads per day until mid-August.
"These logs are going to be hauled down the Snowbowl Road between the Freidlein Prairie Road and Highway 180," said Mike Bathen, timber sale administrator with the Peaks and Mormon Lake Ranger Districts. "In the interests of safety, we want people to know about the increased truck traffic."
Bathen said the logs are all from smaller trees thinned from a forest restoration unit east of the Snowbowl Road and are being trucked to a pallet making company in the Phoenix area.
Contact: Dan Panks |
The Forest Service has received a proposal from Arizona Water Company to permit the construction a buried waterline along Highway 179. The purpose of the waterline proposal is to increase water flow from Sedona to the southern outreaches of town. To accomplish this, a 12 inch water line is proposed to extend from the intersection of Hwy 89A and Hwy 179 to the Back O' Beyond Subdivision. A major portion of this project has already been constructed and additional forest access is requested from Oak Creek Cliffs Drive south to Mallard Drive. The project will encompass approximately _ acre of National Forest and will increase Arizona Water Companies existing 10 foot wide permit to a 25 feet wide permit along the west side of Hwy 179. When completed the water line will provide increased pressure and flows for existing customers and fire hydrants.
The Forest Service is beginning the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process on this proposal and welcomes public comments to be considered in the analysis. If you have comments, issues or concerns about the project, please forward them to the following address by August 25, 2002: Dan Panks, Lands/Minerals Asst., Red Rock Ranger District, PO Box 300, 250 Brewer Rd, Sedona, AZ 86339, or by contacting: Dan Panks at 282-4119 or Lee Hetrick or Ray Miller of Az. Water Co. at 282-7092.
Contact: Judy Adams |
The Forest Service has received a proposal from Citizen's Arizona Gas to construct a buried natural gas pipeline. The proposal is the final stage in the construction of a looped gas pipeline system to provide more reliable pressure and service to the Sedona area. The proposal is to construct a buried pipeline near the existing alignment of State Route 179 along the edge of the proposed highway improvements, from the Village of Oak Creek to Back of Beyond Road in Sedona. In addition, the proposal is to connect from the existing pipeline at Arabian Way in the Village of Oak Creek on National Forest lands just south of the private land to the highway right of way and then continuing north along the highway toward Sedona. Citizen's has proposed a section of pipeline along Canyon Diablo Road east of the highway due to space limitations along the highway from Jacks Canyon Road to Bell Rock Blvd.
Representatives from Citizen's Arizona Gas will make a presentation to the Big Park Coordinating Council at 9:00 A.M. on July 25, 2002, during their regular meeting at the Village of Oak Creek clubhouse. Those interested in specific information on this proposal are welcome to attend.
The Forest Service is beginning the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process on this project, which includes opportunities for public involvement and comment on the proposal and analysis. Comments received will be considered in the analysis process.
The Forest Service encourages anyone interested in this project to submit comments on the proposal. If you have comments, issues or concerns about this project, please forward them to the following address by August 25, 2002: Judy Adams, Lands/Minerals Staff, Red Rock Ranger District, PO Box 300, Sedona, AZ 86339; or contact: Judy Adams at 928-282-4119 or Rob Franson of Citizen's Gas at 928-226-2219.
Contact: Judy Adams |
Qwest Communications has made application to the Forest Service for a permit to install a new underground fiber optics cable from the east side of the Town of Camp Verde, through Fossil Creek Canyon, to the community of Strawberry.
The fiber optic line proposed by Qwest will be trenched along the shoulder of Highway 260 for approximately two miles to the junction of the Fossil Creek Road (Forest Road 708). The line would then be buried within the roadbed under the Fossil Creek Road for another 25 miles and connect to existing cable on the west edge of Strawberry that provides service to Pine, Strawberry and Payson.
Before the Forest Service will grant permission to construct the line, an environmental analysis will be conducted to determine what, if any, forest resources or uses could be affected.
Any member of the public that may have a concern with the proposal may provide written comment to Ken Anderson, District Ranger, by August 15, 2002 outlining issues they believe should be addressed in the analysis. Comments may be mailed to Red Rock Ranger District, P.O. Box 300, Sedona, AZ, 86339.
Kaibab National Forest, 928-635-8200 |
WILLIAMS, Ariz. – The Coconino National Forest, the two Kaibab National Forest districts south of Grand Canyon National Park, and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument will reopen to the public at 8 a.m. Saturday (July 20) because of the decreased fire danger in the area.
When the closures are lifted Saturday, activities such as camping, hiking, biking and motorized vehicle use will be permitted on the Williams and Tusayan districts of the Kaibab National Forest and in all areas of the Coconino National Forest.
All developed campgrounds on the forests will reopen, but visitors interested in camping at Dogtown Lake Campground on the Kaibab National Forest should call 928-699-1239 prior to traveling, as all services there may not be immediately available. All area closures and restrictions currently in place on the North Kaibab Ranger District, which is located just north of Grand Canyon National Park, will remain in effect until the area receives significant precipitation.
"We know the public has been very anxious for the forests to reopen, so we are happy to be able to make this announcement," said Bruce Greco, fire staff officer for the two forests. "We want to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation during this unusually extreme fire season."
At Sunset Crater, smoking restrictions will remain in effect. On the Coconino and Kaibab forests, fire, smoking, chainsaw, explosives and welding restrictions will remain in effect in open areas. Campfires are prohibited outside of developed recreation areas. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed.
Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building or in a developed recreation site. Power saw use by the public is prohibited on the Kaibab National Forest. The Coconino National Forest will prohibit the use of power saws between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., which is known as a "hoot-owl restriction." Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame is prohibited, as are blasting operations using explosives. Forest officials will be monitoring weather and fuel conditions daily to determine when fire restrictions can be lifted.
The Coconino National Forest and the southern portion of the Kaibab National Forest have received significant precipitation over the last several days. The forests have also been experiencing cooler daytime temperatures, higher relative humidities and higher fuel moisture levels. Those factors coupled with National Weather Service predictions that the monsoon pattern will continue in the area prompted forest officials to rescind the closures.
"While the precipitation has helped substantially, we are still in a period of high fire danger," Greco said. "People still need to be extremely careful while recreating in the forests. It took a long time for the fuels to get as dry as they did, and it will take a lot of rain and snow to get us back to normal fuel moisture levels."
While current area closures and restrictions on the North Kaibab Ranger District will remain in effect, several areas are open for use by visitors. Those interested in visiting the North Kaibab can call the district office at 928-643-7395 or the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center at 928-643-7298.
"Unfortunately, we often take the use of our public lands for granted," Greco said. "I think the good thing that has come out of this lengthy closure is that people have really learned the value of our nation's public lands."
For further information related to public lands in Arizona and New Mexico, please call toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire.
Forest Closure Info Center |
Flagstaff, AZ – More rain. That's what it will take for the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests to re-open after the longest and largest closures in the history of the forests.
"It'll take some sustained moisture for us to lift the closures," says Bruce Greco, Fire Staff Officer for the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests. "We want to make certain that monsoon storms will be around for awhile so we're not opening the forest only to face another bout of hot, dry weather. We need to make sure we're not still seeing extreme behavior."
Campfire and smoking restrictions will likely stay in effect until fire danger moderates further. Given the "spotty" nature of monsoon storms, it is possible that the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests may not open or lift restrictions at the same time.
"When the forests re-open, that's not the time for firefighters or residents of northern Arizona to become complacent," says Greco. "It's taken an extended period of drought for forest fuels to become as dry as they currently are. It will take a long time and significant snowpack for them to recover. We live in a fire dependent ecosystem, so it is always important to be prepared for fires and take personal responsibility to make homes more defensible from wildfires."
Other factors in addition to rainfall considered in the decision to open the forests are: trends in physical factors such as higher humidity and higher fuel moistures, lower temperatures and winds; fire management factors such as adequate resources available to handle lightning and human caused fires; local or statewide political influences; and relative consistency with neighboring national forests.
Rain measurements are taken from a number of sources: Forest Service district offices, lookout towers, Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS), National Weather Service, and other strategically placed remote rain gauges.
Greco added, "We want to thank folks for their patience and support this summer. Please let's be patient a while longer until we know we've got wetter and safer forests."
Contact: Karen Malis-Clark |
Flagstaff, AZ - A rash of lightning caused fires plagued the Coconino National Forest over the last two days. Yesterday, firefighters responded to seven lightning fires and one human caused fire. Today's action included six lightning fires, including a fire near Old Walnut Canyon Road on Flagstaff's east side. Units from the Forest Service and Flagstaff Fire Department kept that fire under an acre.
All fires were promptly attacked. The largest was a fire near Long Lake that spread to 12 acres, and one southeast of Happy Jack grew to 10 acres.
"This is what we've prepared for," responded Bruce Greco, Fire Staff Officer for the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests. "We've done everything we can to minimize occurrence of human-caused fires, so we can concentrate on the ones Mother Nature ignites."
Have a safe Fourth of July weekend and remember fireworks are illegal on Arizona's public lands. Open fires of any kind are prohibited on public lands, including the National Forests. Please continue to respect the forest closures. For information about forest closures on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, call 928-527-3693 or toll-free 1-877-864-6985 or websites www.azfireinfo.com or www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire.
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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Rodeo and Chediski fires and subsequent evacuations have heightened concern about an evacuation plan for Flagstaff and Coconino County residents. Agencies in the region have received numerous phone calls regarding agency preparedness, evacuation procedures, and recommendations for personal preparedness. Local and regional government and emergency service agencies have recently met to review emergency management plans to ensure that northern Arizona agencies are prepared to coordinate emergency response efforts.
At present city, county and state agencies are prepared to respond to any emergency incident, including potential wildfires and subsequent evacuation, timely notification of citizens regarding the need to evacuate, designated shelters, and post evacuation security of homes and businesses. The most important message to area residents is to have a plan. Preplanning is important to implementing a rapid and orderly evacuation. This includes:
Having important belongings packed
Determining a contact person for family and friends to check in with
Designating meeting points for family members
If an evacuation were to be ordered, residents would be notified via local media (all area radio and television stations).
Coconino County Emergency Services (928) 779-5494 http://co.coconino.az.us
Other valuable links on their website:
A CITIZEN'S GUIDE TO EVACUATION PROCEDURES FOR COCONINO COUNTY
Family Disaster Plan (PDF document 237k)
Red Cross of Northern Arizona (928) 526-2735 http://www.redcross.org
Contact: Karen Malis-Clark, 928-527-3492 |
Flagstaff, AZ - As fire danger increases across the Southwest, additional closures to public access are necessary for both fire prevention and public safety.
Effective Friday morning, June 28, 2002 at 8:00 A.M., the Coconino National Forest will close to public access. This is the first time conditions have warranted closure of the entirety of this national forest. Closures have proven to be an effective means of reducing the number of human-caused fires.
"Right now, given the extreme fire behavior observed on the Rodeo Fire, we can't take chances with public safety and our forest resources," said Jim Golden, Coconino Forest Supervisor. "Indices that measure fire danger are at their highest ever recorded, while fuel moistures are at their lowest. With so much fire activity in the West, and with dry lightning on the horizon, fire fighting and fire management resources are strained. This is not a decision that I take lightly. We appreciate the continued support and patience with this situation from all who value our National Forests."
Included in the Coconino closures:
All campgrounds and day use picnic areas on the forest will be closed. Reservations will be cancelled and refunds issued.
All trails on the Coconino National Forest.
All lakes, including Lake Mary, Ashurst Lake, Kinnikinick Lake, Blue Ridge Reservoir, Stoneman Lake.
Cinder Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area north of Flagstaff.
St. Joseph's Youth Camp and Camp Mardecor near Mormon Lake.
Arizona Snowbowl Skyride, although special events at Snowbowl Lodge will be permitted.
Sedona and Flagstaff still offer a myriad of summer attractions and activities. Private campgrounds and the campground at Fort Tuthill County Park remain open. All Forest Service offices and visitor centers will be open. The closure will be lifted when sufficient precipitation is received to adequately reduce the risk of wildfire to a manageable level, and hot, dry weather conditions are not forecast to continue.
For further information about closures and restrictions in the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, call between 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. 928-527-3693, or toll-free 1-877-864-6985. Information is posted at websites www.azfireinfo.com and www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire.
Contact: Karen Malis-Clark, 928-527-3492 |
Flagstaff, AZ - As fire danger increases across the Southwest, additional areas will be closed to public access, for both fire prevention and public safety.
Blue Ridge Reservoir in the Coconino National Forest, off Highway 87 about 50 miles southeast of Flagstaff, is now closed to public entry. The popular fishing spot is within an area of forest already closed.
For further information about restrictions and closures in the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, call 928-527-3693, or toll-free 1-877-864-6985. Information is posted at websites www.azfireinfo.com and www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire.
Contact: Ken Frederick |
Flagstaff, AZ - Peaks District Ranger Gene Waldrip has announced that traffic on the Snowbowl Road will be restricted to automobiles only, starting June 14th. Automobile traffic on the road is permitted for the express purpose of using the Skyride or attending approved special events at the ski area.
"At the outset of the Forest closure, we kept this road open to allow people to enjoy the Skyride or attend permitted activities at the ski area without restricting their mode of transportation," Waldrip said. "However, some cyclists have taken to riding on the road under the guise of going to the ski area for valid reasons. With no relief to fire danger in sight, and due to cyclists using the Snowbowl Road for their own recreational purposes, I've decided to take this step of limiting transportation on this road to automobiles only."
Waldrip pointed out that the difference between a car using the road and a bicycle using the road is one of accountability. "We can easily account for motor vehicles using the road because their license plates are recorded at the bottom of the road, but we can't account for bikes as easily," he said.
Waldrip noted that one small forest fire has occurred as a result of cyclists illegally accessing trails via the Snowbowl Road during the Forest closure.
"On May 30th, Snowbowl employees with firefighting training and equipment responded to a small fire about 100 yards east of Snowbowl Road near Aspen Corner. They contained the fire to about one-quarter of an acre before Forest Service fire crews arrived. An investigation of the fire determined that it was probably caused by a cigarette of some kind, evidently dropped by a cyclist taking a break from trail riding," Waldrip said.
"The huge majority of cyclists are fully cognizant of the extreme fire danger we are facing this summer," Waldrip said. "They support the stance the Coconino National Forest has taken to protect the forest, our communities and people from wildfire. And, as a whole, the cycling community has far more recreation options than other forest users. Including Highway 180, Lake Mary Road and Highway 89, there are still lots of opportunities for cycling around Flagstaff."
Waldrip said he is taking this action now after several weeks of observing use of the Snowbowl Road and observing the rate at which fire danger is increasing. He noted that a key measurement of fire danger last weekend was at a nearly unprecedented level.
"We realize this restriction won't be popular with everyone," Waldrip acknowledged. "We appreciate folks' cooperation as we work through this drought and closure. Community support of the closure has been excellent."
Contact: Erika Wiltenmuth, 928-226-509 |
Flagstaff, AZ - Travel restrictions for Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon are scheduled to go forward tomorrow at 8 a.m.. The purpose of the restrictions is to reduce traffic so that the canyon could be evacuated in an orderly, safe manner in the event of a wildfire.
The cooperating agencies are placing an emphasis during these restrictions on minimizing impacts to businesses and residents. "We have solicited a lot of public input in the development of this plan and are being responsive to economic and personal needs," says Captain Terry Lawson, the Incident Commander for these restrictions. "While we cannot guarantee one hundred percent safety in the event of an evacuation, our confidence level is much greater with this plan in place."
Sedona remains open for all business. In addition, people with reservations or specific business can still visit lodging, dining and retail establishments in Oak Creek Canyon. Those who currently have reservations at Forest Service campgrounds, will be able to camp. However, new reservations will not be taken for Forest Service campgrounds until the restrictions are lifted.
"Members of the Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon Chamber of Commerce greatly appreciate the spirit of cooperation shown by the public safety agencies," says Dan Shay Chairman of the Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon Chamber of Commerce. "It's important for people to understand that Sedona is open for business while we take these prudent steps to protect this vital scenic and environmental treasure."
While commuters are being encouraged to take an alternate route, if they feel they must use Highway 89A, they will be allowed to do so. However, they are encouraged to carpool to limit the amount of traffic in the canyon. Commuters, residents, business owners and their employees will be given passes at the check points on their first visit. On subsequent trips, they will be able to go through the check point quickly via a lane set up for people with passes.
The check points will be set up south of Flagstaff at Forest Highlands Blvd. and just north of Uptown Sedona at Prutyman Lane.
"An additional value of having the check points already established in the event of a wildfire is that officers will be in place to oversee the evacuation," says Lawson.
Note to news directors and editors: Please see the attached "Questions and Answers". These should be helpful to you in answering commonly asked questions.
Contact: Closure Information Center |
Flagstaff, AZ – Coconino County Sheriff Joe Richards today announced that access will be restricted on Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona due to extreme fire danger conditions. Access to the area will be limited to homeowners and those who have reservations at lodging and campground facilities. However, these people must still adhere to the Coconino National Forest closures in the area. All other routes in and out of Sedona will remain open. Sedona is open for all business.
These restrictions will begin Wednesday, June 12th at 8 a.m. and will remain in effect until we receive sufficient moisture to reduce the risk to the public.
"The current fire conditions in the Oak Creek Canyon area are unprecedented and present a great risk to lives and property," says Sheriff Richards. "This drought is the worst in recorded history in northern Arizona."
"We realize the impact of these restrictions will result in personal inconveniences and will adversely impact the economy of this region, but we feel it is absolutely necessary to reduce the number of people who would be potentially exposed to a life-threatening situation," adds Sheriff Richards.
Under normal conditions it would be a major challenge to evacuate this area. In a year with conditions this severe, it is imperative that the number of people and vehicles in the canyon be reduced. During summer months, traffic can be as high as 12,200 vehicles per day in Oak Creek Canyon. This level of traffic must be reduced for the safety of all concerned.
Fire managers predict that under the current conditions a fire could travel through the canyon at three miles per hour with 35-foot flame lengths and could throw embers up to half a mile ahead of the main fire.
Although highway traffic will be limited through the canyon, property and business owners will be unrestricted. Slide Rock State Park will be closed but Red Rock State Park south of Sedona will remain open.
"We understand the ramifications of these restrictions. However, we perceive the potential for a serious fire event is extremely high which has influenced our decision to proactively pursue these public safety measures," says Sheriff Richards. "We appreciate the cooperation of all those impacted by these restrictions and pledge to work with the public to successfully manage this critical situation."
There will be a public information meeting at Sedona Red Rock High School tonight at 5:30 p.m. in order to provide in-depth information to concerned individuals and answer any questions.
Agencies and organizations consulted in the development of this plan are:
Coconino County Sheriff's Office
Office of the Governor
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Arizona Department of Transportation
Coconino County Emergency Services Coordinator
City of Sedona
Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon Chamber of Commerce
Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
Arizona State Parks Department
Arizona State Lands Department
City of Flagstaff
Sedona Fire District
Coconino National Forest
Contact: Raquel Poturalski |
Flagstaff, AZ - The new Woods Watch program has seen its first result. Just after the Woods Watch training meeting last night, hosted by the Flagstaff Police Department, one of the attendees assumed her new role as a "Woods Watcher." She noticed a sport utility vehicle turning off Lake Mary Road just south of the water treatment plant onto a closed forest road. Following the protocol she learned at the session that evening, she phoned in a report about 9:40 P.M. The information was relayed to a Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer who was still at the meeting cleaning up. Upon responding to the location, he found the road barricade run over, and made contact with two Flagstaff residents who claimed they didn't see the closure sign and barricade. The transgressors were issued a $100 citation for violating the closure.
"Even though at this point people are only patrolling the closure perimeter, this demonstrates that the Woods Watch program works and will help keep our forests and community safer," said Sergeant Gerry Blair of the Flagstaff Police Department. According to Andy Coriell, the Forest Service Officer involved, "The volunteer provided good information and made it possible for us to respond within 15 minutes of her call."
For information about the Woods Watch program and future training sessions, call the Flagstaff Police Department, 774-1414.
Effective Friday, June 7, 2002, several additional areas along Oak Creek, West Clear Creek, Beaver Creek, and Upper Cedar Flat will be closed to access in the Coconino National Forest. Those closed areas include:
Lawrence Crossing area along Wet Beaver Creek, upstream to the Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness Boundary. Includes Beaver Creek Day Use area. Excludes Beaver Creek Campground and V bar V Rock Art Site.
Bull Pen area and Forest Road 215.
Oak Creek upstream of Crescent Moon Day Use area. Includes Baldwin Trail, Buddha Beach and Templeton Trail. Excludes Chavez Crossing Group Campground.
Upper Cedar Flat area, Forest Road 214 from junction with Forest Road 9236K east to Yavapai/Coconino county line.
Encinosa and Halfway Day Use areas in Oak Creek Canyon.
For further information about closures on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, call 928-527-3693 or 527-3676. To report closure violations, call 928-527-3692. Closure and fire restriction information statewide is available toll free at 1-877-864-6985, or websites www.azfireinfo.com or www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire.
Contact:Toni Stafford or Connie Birkland |
Verde Valley AZ - The Girdner family, Red Rock Ranger District and Sedona Centennial invite the community to come listen to some of Sedona's history and hike the Girdner Trail June 7, 2002. The Girdner family will meet with the public at 8:00 am at the Girdner Trailhead. The Girdner brothers will tell the old tales and chat about those early days here in Red Rock Country. Those interested in hiking may join the family as they hike the trail named for their father, who settled in Sedona in the early 1900s. The trailhead is located in the Sedona Cultural Park in West Sedona. Also at the Cultural Park, inside Yavapai Community College, there will be a showing of original paintings by Eva Girdner Stone. The Girdner Stone paintings will be on display from 8:30-5:00 on June 7, 2002.
NAZ Incident Management Team |
Clints Well, AZ – The Tram fire, burning approximately 6 miles west of Clints Well, was 100% contained as of 6:00 P.M. today.
The fire started on the afternoon of May 19 less than a mile south of the West Clear Creek Wilderness. The wind-driven fire eventually spread down the south slope of West Clear Creek Canyon and burned a total of 190 acres. No structures were threatened in the high recreational use area.
When Gene Waldrip's Incident Management Team is released from the fire on Friday morning, 70 firefighters, along with one helicopter and three engines, will remain on the fire to continue with mop-up operations.
NAZ Incident Management Team |
Progress
Continues on the Tram FireClint Well, AZ – Firefighters continue working toward containing the 190 acre Tram fire located approximately 6 miles west of Clints Well.
A total of 377 firefighters and support personnel, 16 engines and water tenders, and 3 helicopters were assigned to the fire today and by 6:00 P.M. the fire was 65% contained.
Helicopters used buckets to drop water on hot spots on steep southern slopes of West Clear Creek canyon. Gene Waldrip, Incident Commander, said: "In spite of rugged terrain and high winds, crews have made remarkably good progress on the fire. We are optimistic that containment is possible by Thursday night."
Contact: Fire Information |
Flagstaff, AZ – The Tram Fire on the Coconino National Forest is 45 % contained this evening and is holding at 190 acres. The fire is located approximately 40 miles south of Flagstaff and 12 miles north of the mountain communities of Pine and Strawberry.
Last night the fire burned from the south rim of the West Clear Creek Wilderness down into the West Clear Creek Canyon itself. There was concern that high winds today would continue to drive this fire forward, however, although the winds were gusty above the canyon, the high winds stayed out of the canyon itself. This slowed the fire's progress significantly and allowed firefighters to make progress towards putting this fire out. West Clear Creek Wilderness is a beautiful area with outstanding recreational values and is home to Mexican Spotted Owls, a threatened species. No homes or private property are threatened. The fire is human-caused and the cause is under further investigation.
The Northern Arizona Incident Management Team is assigned to this fire. Currently there are 210 fire fighting personnel working on controlling the fire. Helping battle the fire are two crews from the Hopi Reservation, three crews from the Navajo Reservation, and Summit and Sedona Fire Departments fire engines. There are also three helicopters dropping water directly on the fire.
This fire is within the boundaries of the areas of the Coconino National Forest that will be closed to public entry beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday. For information on area entry closures on the Coconino National Forest please call the Closure Information Center at (928) 527-3693 or (928) 527-3676.
Contact: Area Closure Information Office |
(FLAGSTAFF, AZ) – For only the third time in nearly 30 years, fire danger is forcing officials to shut down public access to parts of the Coconino National Forest.
Although much of the forest will stay open to the public, beginning Wednesday May 22 at 8 a.m., about 66% of the forest will be closed to all activities such as camping, hiking, biking, walking, jogging and picnicking. Campfires or charcoal grills of any kind will not be allowed in the remaining open sections of the National Forest. Much of the forest areas that have ponderosa pine are being closed to public access.
Deciding to close any part of a National Forest is not a decision that comes easily. Much like the last time area closures were needed back in 2000, a number of factors have come together today to prompt forest officials to implement area closures.
Another dry winter and spring have created bone-dry conditions in the Coconino National Forest. As summer approaches, Mother Nature is offering little help. We continue to have warm, dry and windy weather, combined with a lack of rain and little prospect of significant rain in the near future. These conditions greatly increase the chances of both human-caused and lighting-sparked wildfires.
Similar conditions exist throughout much of the Southwest, which is stretching fire-fighting resources very thin. This raises concerns about having enough of those resources available to battle new fires.
After considerable study and consideration, forest officials feel area closures are the best fire prevention tool available. During the 2000 area closure (June 8 through June 27) there was a total of two human caused fires on the Coconino National Forest. The 10-year average for the same time period without closures is roughly 80 human caused fires.
The approximate cost of implementing the area closure is $7 thousand per day. The approximate cost of suppressing a large wildfire is $250 thousand to $1 million per day.
While the area closures are in effect, there will be no admittance to the closed zones, except by private property owners. People holding special use permits, will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
The only developed campgrounds that will be closed are: the Kehl Springs and Knoll Lake Campgrounds on the south end of the Coconino National Forest and the Little Elden Horse Camp and Locket Meadow Campground on the north end.
The forests will be reopened to the public when enough rain falls to lessen the extremely dry conditions. It's important to note that it will likely take more than just a day or two of rain to reduce the extreme fire danger.
For more specific information about fire danger, fire prevention, forest restrictions and area closures, call the Area Closure Information Office at 1-877-864-6985 or visit www.azfireinfo.com
Contact: Fire Information |
Flagstaff, AZ - Another fire reported in the Coconino National Forest this afternoon has spread quickly in gusty winds and bone-dry fuels. As of tonight, the Tram Fire had burned an estimated 120 acres.
The fire, located about 40 miles south of Flagstaff, was reported at 2:00 P.M. by a lookout. It is burning in an isolated area on the south rim of West Clear Creek canyon and is threatening West Clear Creek Wilderness Area, which has outstanding recreational values and Mexican Spotted Owl habitat. No structures or private property are threatened. The fire is human-caused and under further investigation.
The Northern Arizona Incident Management Team, which just came off the Springer Fir yesterday, has been assigned to this fire. Currently, three Hotshot crews, two regular fire crews, six engines, three water tenders and two dozers have responded to the Tram Fire. Prior to nightfall, five fire retardant bombers and two helicopters were also attacking the fire.
Campfires are currently prohibited in the Coconino National Forest, outside of developed campgrounds. For information on fire restrictions across public lands in Arizona, call toll free 877-864-698
Raquel Poturalski, 928-527-3490 |
Flagstaff, AZ – The Forest Service is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that would assist investigators in identifying the person responsible for causing the Springer Fire. Fire investigators say the origin of the fire is suspicious and they would like to talk to anyone who may have been in the area at the time the fire started.
The Springer Fire started at 12:46 p.m.on May 14 northeast of Clints Well, Arizona near the Mogollon Rim on Forest Service Road 10D. The fire burned 875 acres and was contained today. It took 250 firefighters to battle the blaze, which threatened 150 homes.
"Due to the severity of this fire season, and the danger to the communities near the forest, it is crucial that people are held accountable for their actions," says Special Agent Allen Funkouser.
All wildfires are investigated as to their cause. If an individual is found responsible for causing a wildfire, criminal and or civil action can be taken against them. This includes paying for the cost of suppressing the wildfire. Anybody having information about the cause of any wildfire is urged to contact the local Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer.
Anyone with information about the Springer Fire may contact Forest Service law enforcement officers at the Coconino National Forest Supervisor's Office at 928-527-3600.
Public Affairs |
Flagstaff, AZ – The Hart Fire, located west of the Hart Prairie Road on the western flank of the San Francisco Peaks, was held to 60 acres today and is now contained. Safe and aggressive fire fighting combined with effective air support enabled Forest Service personnel to catch the fire fairly quickly. A quick report from the Kendrick lookout was also a big asset. The cause of the fire is believed to be an escaped campfire.
When the fire started one mile south of Camp Colton, an environmental education camp for Flagstaff Unified School District, 85 children and 12 staff were safely evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Two dozers, three engines, one helicopter and two air tankers battled the fire, which was reported about noon and was contained by 5 p.m. today. 60 to 70 fire fighters were on the scene including the Blue Ridge Hot Shots and other local Forest Service fire fighting personnel. Two engines and a 20- person crew will continue operations overnight.
The Hart Prairie Road (Forest Road 151) and Snowbowl Road were closed temporarily, but are now open to traffic. Non-residential traffic is discouraged on Hart Prairie Road due to the amount of fire equipment on the road.
The Springer Fire, now reported at 840 acres with more accurate mapping, is located 45 miles west of Winslow, AZ. It is currently 60% contained and a fire line has been constructed almost entirely around the fire. The fire is suspected to be human caused and is under investigation.
With two helicopters dropping water on the fire and 150 fire fighters working on the ground, good progress was made today in containing this fire. There is not yet an estimated control date. Thanks to prior selective thinning of the forest and prescribed burning, the Springer Fire's intensity decreased, and helped save homes in a nearby rural subdivision.
Highway 87 will be completely open tomorrow but Forest Road 211 remains closed. Smoke can still be expected and firefighting heavy equipment will be on the roads, so please exercise caution.
Public Affairs |
Flagstaff, AZ – The Hart Fire, burning just west of Forest Road 151 to the west of the Kachina Peaks Wilderness, has grown to more than 30 acres and caused the evacuation of Camp Colton, an environmental education camp for Flagstaff Unified School District sixth graders.
Two dozers, three engines, one helicopter and two air tankers are battling the fire, which was reported about noon today. The Blue Ridge Hot Shots are en route from the Springer Fire to the scene, and three more fire crews have been dispatched.
Forest Road 151, also known as Hart Prairie Road, and Snowbowl Road have been closed in the area. Other private property owners north of the fire have been put on alert for potential evacuation.
Contact: Karen Malis-Clark, 928-527-3492 |
Flagstaff, AZ - More than 200 firefighters continue to battle
the 500-acre Springer Fire this evening two miles west of Blue Ridge Ranger
Station near State Route 87 on the Coconino National Forest. There is
no containment estimate at this time.
The fire, which was reported at 12:46 p.m. today by a Blue Ridge Ranger District employee, was driven by high winds from about five acres to almost 500 acres within a couple of hours. Firefighters were able to protect about 150 homes within about a mile of the flame front when the fire lessened in intensity after moving through an area treated with prescribed burning. The Blue Ridge Wildland Urban Interface Prescribed Burn treated several hundred acres in the area in fall 2001 and spring 2002.
While the fire activity has lessened significantly with cooler nighttime temperatures, the Northern Arizona Incident Management Team was dispatched to the fire and should be in place by 8 p.m. today. Five fire crews, two dozers, five engines, four helicopters and four tankers continue to battle the blaze, the cause of which is under investigation.
While no communities or structures are currently threatened, State Route 87 has been closed between Forest Highway 3 and Winslow. There is no estimate of when the state route will re-open.
Contact: Karen Malis-Clark |
Flagstaff AZ - Due to continued dry conditions in the Coconino National Forest, additional fire prevention measures are necessary this week. Chainsaw restrictions go into effect on the Coconino National Forest on Tuesday, May 14, 2002. Operating a powersaw is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. These restrictions apply to both individual use of a powersaw with a Coconino National Forest Firewood Permit and commercial operations. This is historically known as "hoot-owl shift" since loggers worked late at night or early in the morning when owls were heard hooting.
Campfire and smoking restrictions are already in effect on all National Forests in Arizona. Restrictions will remain in place until sufficient precipitation is received. For further information about fire restrictions on public lands in Arizona and New Mexico, call toll-free
1-877-864-6985.
For information about Fire Management in the Southwest, including updates on wildfires, visit the website www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire.
Contact: Karen Malis-Clark |
Flagstaff, Arizona -- Discover what life was like in the Flagstaff area 800 years ago. The next Public Archaeology Day at Elden Pueblo is Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located one mile north of the Flagstaff Mall on Highway 89, Elden Pueblo is an important prehistoric Sinagua cultural site and Hopi ancestral site. This hands-on opportunity to discover the past with local archaeologists will include tours and excavation.
Participants should bring a hat, jacket, sunscreen, snack, water and their sense of discovery. Tools and porta-potties are provided. Public Archaeology Day is a great family outing for children at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult. No fee is charged, nor reservations needed for this open-house event, co-sponsored by Coconino National Forest, Arizona Natural History Association, Northern Arizona University, and the Arizona Archaeological Association. Groups such as Scouts or school classes are asked to call in advance. For more information, call 928-527-3475.
Contact: Debbie Terrian |
Verde Valley, Arizona -- The Red Rock Ranger District completed a road analysis to determine which forest development roads, if any, will require special use permits for Outfitter or Guide use. Forest Supervisor Jim Golden recently signed Forest Closure order No.-04-02-02, requiring permits on 46 (98 miles) of the 231 roads analyzed. This is about 22 percent of the 490 Forest Roads in the greater Sedona area. This analysis clearly identifies outfitter and guide traffic concerns on these 46 roads. A permit system enables the Forest Service to better manage the effects of traffic in compliance with Amendment 12 of the Coconino National Forest Plan.
On March 13, 2001, Judge H. Russell Holland invalidated the June 1998 Forest Order No. 04-98-03-R requiring special use permits for all forest roads in the Sedona area. This change allowed commercial outfitter and guide use of forest development roads without a permit. Since this 2001 decision, commercial outfitter and guide traffic has substantially increased on some roads. New outfitter and guide tours not previously permitted increased, while a few permitted tours expanded their operations to roads not currently on their permit.
With the literally millions of visitors coming to this special landscape each year, we are experiencing more and more competition and conflict between the general "do-it-yourself" public and the "outfitted/guided" public engaged in adventure and eco-tours. To get a handle on the significance of these effects, we conducted a thorough and critical analysis using current condition information and established Forest Plan standards and guidelines. Factors taken into consideration were public health and safety, natural and cultural resource protection, and quality recreational experiences. Other considerations included evaluation of roads that access private land, resource damage during wet weather, riparian areas, wildlife habitat and sensitive plant species. For additional information, please call the Red Rock Ranger District, at 928-282-4119.
Contact: Gene Waldrip (928) 527-8231 |
(Flagstaff, Ariz.) The Coconino National Forest has received a proposal from the Arizona Snowbowl seeking approval for snowmaking and improvements to the ski area. The proposal includes a number of ideas for improving public safety and customer service, as well as providing economic viability, at the 777-acre ski area.
Components of the proposal include: snowmaking capabilities; improvements to the Agassiz Lodge; creation of a snowplay area; installation of limited ground lighting for lower mountain night skiing; features to bring the ski area into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; realignment and replacement of chairlifts, the construction of ski runs for intermediate skiers; a snowboarding halfpipe and terrain park; a hiking and maintenance trail to the top of Agassiz Lift; and a Native American cultural center.
"Clearly, a sizeable segment of the Flagstaff community supports improvements to the Arizona Snowbowl," said Peaks District Ranger Gene Waldrip. "At the same time, the thought of making changes to the Snowbowl rankles others, because they see such changes as an affront to the sacredness of the San Francisco Peaks. We understand that, and cultural resource considerations are important in this process."
The proposal is a set of ideas the Arizona Snowbowl would like the Forest Service to consider as it starts to build a document called the Proposed Action.
"Currently, these ideas are in a screening phase. Our specialists will be looking carefully at these to determine which ones we feel would be in the public's and the environment's interest in regard to improving the ski area. This is how we determine whether we will accept the Snowbowl's application," said Waldrip. "Our job is to objectively work through the process, treating the proponent and the public with fairness and ensuring good environmental decisions are made. That is exactly what we are going to do."
After the Forest Service develops a Proposed Action, the NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) process begins. Several public meetings and other outreach opportunities will be scheduled to gather input and formulate a set of concerns and issues to be evaluated by the NEPA team. The alternatives developed during this process will then be compared and contrasted in a document called an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
"This will be a lengthy, thorough and involved process, and it will have numerous opportunities for public participation," Waldrip said.
The Proposed Action is expected to be released sometime this summer. The entire process could take up to two years.
Contact: Karen Malis-Clark, 928-527-3492 |
WILLIAMS, Ariz. The Coconino and Kaibab forests plan to implement fire, smoking, explosives and welding restrictions forestwide at 8 a.m. Wednesday in order to reduce the risk of wildland fire starts.
"We are looking at a potentially severe fire season because of extremely dry conditions," said Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Mike Williams. "We put these restrictions in place in order to reduce the likelihood of a wildland fire getting started."
Fires, campfires and stove fires will be prohibited outside of developed recreation areas. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety specifications are allowed.
Smoking will only be allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building or in a developed recreation site. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame will be prohibited, as will blasting operations using explosives. Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest land.
"We want people to continue recreating in their National Forests and enjoying their time here," Williams said. "However, we also want them to be aware that we all share in the responsibility to prevent wildland fires."
Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000, imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
For further information on restrictions or for general wildland fire information related to public lands in Arizona and New Mexico, please call toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire.
Contact: Karen Malis-Clark |
Flagstaff, AZ – Firewood permits are now available at Coconino National Forest offices.
A permit for down and dead wood is $5.00 per cord with a minimum purchase of $20 for 4 cords and a maximum purchase of 10 cords per individual or household. These permits allow for the following:
Any dead wood lying on the ground can be removed.
Dead standing pine or fir can be cut that is less than 12 inches in diameter or less than 15 feet tall.
Dead standing pinyon and juniper can be cut regardless of size, unless there is obvious use by wildlife.
Standing dead aspen can be cut only from June 1 to September 30.
No cutting of any standing oak due to its value for wildlife.
With dry conditions in the forest, woodcutters are reminded that power saws must have a .023- inch mesh stainless steel spark arrester screen. Restrictions on the use of chainsaws may be implemented to reduce the risk of starting a wildland fire.
A free use permit may be obtained for specific areas of the forest. Up to five cords of dead and down wood may be gathered. A map with additional information is provided with each permit. The firewood season is open through December 15, 2002 on the Coconino National Forest.
Permits are available at the following locations, open Monday through Friday unless otherwise indicated:
Blue Ridge Ranger Station, Happy Jack; 928-477-2255
Happy Jack Information Center, Happy Jack; 928-477-2172; open seven days/week through September
Mormon Lake Ranger Station, Flagstaff; 928-774-1147
Peaks Ranger Station, Flagstaff; 928-526-0866
Sedona Ranger Station, Sedona; 928-282-4119
West Gateway Visitor Center at the Cultural Park, Sedona; 928-282-4119; open seven days/week
South Gateway Visitor Center at Tequa Plaza, Village of Oak Creek; 928-282-4119; open seven days/week.
Verde Ranger Station, Camp Verde; 928-567-4121.
Contact: Karen Malis-Clark, 928-527-3492 |
Sedona, AZ -To provide a quality experience for the visitor as well as good resource protection, two popular rock art sites in the Coconino National Forest's Beaver Creek/Sedona Ranger Districts require advance reservations for groups, as shown below. These sites are popular destinations for youth and school group field trips.
PALATKI / RED CLIFFS
Advance reservations are required for groups of 25 or more for the Palatki /Red Cliffs Ruins and Rock Art Site. For reservations, call Palatki at 928-282-3854. Hours are 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., 7 days a week. However, to assure seeing the whole site, groups should plan on arriving no later than 1:30 p.m.
V-V RANCH
The V-V Petroglyph Site on Beaver Creek in the Coconino National Forest's Red Rock Ranger District requires groups of over 14 people to make advance reservations. There is no phone at V-V. Call the Sedona Ranger Station, 928-282-4119, (M-F, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.) to request a reservation. The site manager will return your call to confirm your reservation. . Visiting hours at this site are 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Fridays through Mondays. Because the site capacity at the rock art is only 15 people at any one time, visitors without reservations may have to wait an hour or two after arriving at the Visitor Center before viewing the rock art. Groups should plan on arriving by 2:30 p.m.
GENERAL
Both of these sites require the Red Rock Pass for parking: $5/day, $15/week, or $20/year. Golden Age and Golden Access cardholders receive a 50% discount. Passes may be purchased at the sites or at the Gateway Visitor Information Centers as you enter Red Rock Country.
It is suggested that you call well in advance of your visit and that you be flexible on the dates you wish to visit. There is no additional fee for reservations. Commercial groups who charge a fee for their trip are not allowed at either site.
Contact: Karen Malis-Clark |
Flagstaff, AZ - A small wildland fire about a mile south of the Flagstaff airport reminded residents and firefighters again today that fire season has made an early appearance in northern Arizona. The Munds Fire was reported by the Pulliam Airport Tower at noon today and quickly grew to approximately 6 acres before its progress was slowed by the collaborative efforts of local fire management agencies, aided by cooler temperatures. About 50 personnel responded to the fire, including equipment and staff from Highlands Fire Department, U. S. Forest Service, and Coconino County Sheriff's Office.
"Considering the early season, the coordination on the fire went extremely well. That's good to know, especially for a fire this close to town," said Mike Bradley, Deputy Chief of the Highlands Fire Department who was Incident Commander on the fire. Full containment is expected this evening.
The cause of the fire was an abandoned campfire. According to Dick Fleishman, Forest Service Fire Information Officer on the scene, "It looks like another insufficient attempt to extinguish a campfire, similar to the Leroux Fire last summer."
This incident serves as a reminder to all residents and forest visitors to be very careful with fire. Human-caused fires are largely preventable. Campfires are currently not restricted on the Coconino National Forest, but if you're camping, consider going without a campfire. If you choose to have a campfire:
Have a shovel and sufficient water available.
Use an existing fire ring, clear of all vegetation. Keep your fire small.
When you leave, make sure your fire is cold and dead out. Dowse with water, stir in dirt until there's no more heat. You should be able to put the back of your hand in the fire ring and not feel any heat.
Residents are responsible for ensuring their property is fire safe. Clear pine needles from roofs and rake leaves from the yard. Move woodpiles and other flammable material away from the house. Trim tree branches to eliminate a fuel ladder from the ground to tree crowns. Make sure access to your home is adequate for a fire engine. Local fire departments are available to assess your property and for further advice.
If a fire is seen, report it to 9-1-1. For information on fire restrictions in Arizona, call toll-free 1-877-864-6985.
Contact: Karen Malis-Clark |
Flagstaff, AZ - The Peaks Ranger District is preparing to conduct a prescribed fire project at Hart Prairie in concert with The Nature Conservancy and Northern Arizona University researchers. The burn will aid in restoring the high mountain meadow on the western slope of the San Francisco Peaks. The project is planned to begin April 1 and will conclude within two weeks.
According to Buck Wickham, Peaks District Fire Management Officer, "At the higher elevation, having received more precipitation, fire danger is lower. Conditions at Hart Prairie are safe and conducive for burning."
Approximately 500 acres of grassland will be burned, about 12 miles northwest of Flagstaff near Forest Roads 151 (Hart Prairie Road) and 794. Smoke will be visible from Flagstaff, and may settle in low-lying areas at night, although the grassland fire will produce less smoke than a forested area.
Fire specialists plan to start burning "blacklines" this week, dividing the area in blocks and creating a safety border around the perimeter. Snow forms a barrier on the slope above the planned burn area. Weather and fuel conditions will continue to be monitored daily as the project is expected to take several days to complete. Burning will be stopped if conditions warrant. District Ranger Gene Waldrip stated, "In terms of complexity, this is a relatively simple burn. Because it's in grass and not pine, the current dry conditions are not as much of a factor. We are confident we can do this project safely, otherwise we would not do it."
For information about this prescribed burn, call the Fire Staff at Peaks Ranger Station at 928-526-0866.
Contact: Karen Malis-Clark |
Flagstaff, AZ -- Applications for temporary employment with the USDA Forest Service are now available through a nationwide employment program. The "Automated Staffing Application Program" offers applicants "one-stop" shopping, making it easier to apply for jobs at more than one location.
The Forest Service fills thousands of temporary positions nationwide each year in archaeology, forestry, engineering, wildlife biology, recreation, fire management and other areas. Many of the jobs in fire management are in response to the National Fire Plan, providing funding to address the threat of catastrophic fire throughout the country.
The temporary positions advertised include those on the 11 National Forests in Arizona and New Mexico. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and may be asked to pass a physical fitness test and a drug test as a condition of hire. Most of the jobs will be entry-level forestry aids and technicians assigned to firefighting duty. Some will require more specialized knowledge and skills. Salary rates range from $8.64 to $14.66 (GS-2 through GS-7), and will vary based on location. A listing of temporary fire and non-fire positions is found at www.fs.fed.us/r3/hr, and click on the desired National Forest.
Additional information about hiring through the Forest Service's Automated Staffing Application Program (ASAP), including the Recruitment Notices specific to various positions, are found at http://www.fs.fed.us/people/employ/asap/
An application package can be requested by:
Calling toll-free 1-877-813-3476
From Automated Staffing Application Program 1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 108 Boise, ID 83709
Visit your local Forest Service office.
The Recruitment Notices are open through November, 2002, although most jobs are filled by early summer. Potential applicants are encouraged to check the websites for updated information about job openings with the Forest Service.
This employment system will be used for temporary jobs on the Coconino, Kaibab, Prescott and Tonto National Forests in Arizona. For additional information about this program and other employment opportunities with the USDA Forest Service, visit the website at http://www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs
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U.S. Forest Service - Coconino National Forest
Last Modified: Friday, 02 January 2009
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