What are the names of the 4 major peaks on the San Francisco Peaks?![Photo of the San Francisco Peaks with identifying labels. Click here for enlarged view [phtoo] San Francisco Peaks with labels indicating the names of each peak](faq-graphics/peaks-identified-thum.jpg)
Please click on the photo at right for labels.
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Can I put up a tree stand in the National Forest?
Tree stands are legal as long as you don’t leave them in the forest unattended and you don’t damage the tree. Tree stands need to be portable and removed when not in use. You cannot put nails or screws in a tree, or remove limbs, without causing damage to the tree. There are tree stands on the market that meet these requirements.
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Are dogs allowed in the forest and
on forest trails?
Generally, dogs (pets), are allowed anywhere in the forest provided they
are contained (as in a vehicle or a cage) or leashed at all times. Please
note the following exceptions:
[See Code of Federal Regulations - Title 36 Sec 261.8(D) and Sec.261.16(J)]
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What type of access is allowed
for November (winter) hunters for camping facilities, or for hunting access
or to retrieve downed game?
Annually we close our developed campgrounds in September and October
as use trickles off and it is no longer cost effective to keep these facilities
open. However, most hunters camp near or in the hunt units at sites along
Forest Roads - what we called dispersed
campsites, not in our developed campgrounds. As such you would be
able to camp along open Forest Roads outside of the City of Flagstaff
corporate boundary - marked on most maps and signed on the ground - where
no camping is allowed.
In terms of open roads - we close
roads as they become snow-covered or saturated with moisture for two
reasons: for public safety and to protect the road surface from rutting
and damage caused by vehicle traffic in wet weather. We anticipate closing
roads for the winter as weather conditions change. These roads
once closed are closed to ALL MOTORIZED TRAFFIC including ATVs.
In terms of using your ATV or vehicle for game retrieval it is your responsibility
to obey posted restrictions, such as any cross-country travel closures
as they are signed on the ground. Information on these areas is available
at all three Forest Service offices in Flagstaff. Where cross-country
motorized travel is allowed we require that people ride safely and responsibly
and attempt to avoid causing any damage to the landscape including ruts
and damage to vegetation.
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May I Decorate Trees in
the National Forest for Christmas?
Decorating trees is a wonderful tradition, but much more appropriate
on private and commercial property than on the National Forest. The Forest
Service will be proactively taking steps to prevent tree decorating on
the National Forest. Decorations will be promptly removed, and individuals
responsible can be issued violation notices under the Code of Federal
Regulations CFR 261.11b for "possessing or leaving litter on the
National Forest" with a fine of $150 or more.
What does
Coconino mean?
It is the word the Hopi use for Havasupai and Yavapai Indians. The Coconino
National Forest was so named because it is located in the central portion
of Coconino County.
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Are maps of the forest available?
Yes! Click "Maps & Brochures" on the Navigation Links to
your left.
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How do I reserve a campsite?
All of our campgrounds have sites that are available on a "first-come,
first-serve" basis. However, some campgrounds have sites that are
reservable. Check out the Recreation Activities page to see which sites
are reservable and then if you would like to reserve a site, call Recreation.Gov at 877-444-6777 (toll free number), TDD at
877-833-6777. For those who prefer solitude and privacy , dispersed
or backcountry camping in allowed anywhere within the forest boundary
(with some exceptions). Although there are some restrictions, signs will
indicate where those restrictions apply.
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What are fire restrictions and how
do they affect me?
Fire restrictions are issued by the Forest Supervisor after coordinating
with District Rangers and Fire Management Officers on local conditions.
Conditions that could warrant the issuance of fire restrictions include,
but are not limited to: high temperatures, low humidities, low fuel moistures,
and an increase in the number of fire starts.
When in effect, fire restrictions mean campfires and smoking are not
permitted. Charcoal, wood and coal fires outside of dwellings are classified
as campfires. However, gas burning stoves and grills are permitted. Smoking
is permitted in designated forest camp and picnic grounds or in a vehicle
provided an ash tray is used.
Permits authorizing campfires may be issued by designated Forest Officers
when local conditions are favorable and/or in some Forest Service developed
camp or picnic grounds. It is advised to call ahead to each local district
office as restrictions may vary on the forest.
Additional information is available at the Fire
page.
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What is NEPA?
"NEPA" refers to the National Environmental Policy Act. NEPA
provides direction for the planning, analysis and public disclosure of
federally-funded project which affect our environment. The Schedule of
Proposed Activities (SOPA) contains a listing of currently planned projects
and other ongoing analysis related to the Forest's environment. Visit
the Coconino Forest NEPA page for more
information.
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What is a closure?
A closure is a restriction upon certain activities or public use of a
defined area on the Forest. For example, vehicular use of certain roads
may be restricted when they are wet. The purpose of this type of closure
would be to prevent damage to the road itself and subsequent damage to
soils or streams from water or mud draining off the damaged road. Closures
might also be implemented to help prevent human-caused fires, protect
human life, or protect property associated with government activities.
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How do I obtain a special-use
permit?
National Forests provide numerous resources which are of value to the
public. Permits for minerals, firewood, recreational uses (family gatherings,
weddings, etc.), and commercial uses are available at Coconino National
Forest district offices. In addition, Christmas tree permits are available
through the sale-by-mail program, or in some instances, over-the-counter
sales. For more information, please stop by or contact any of our offices.
Additional information is available on the Permits
page.
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Are Forest Service roads open
to the public?
Most National Forest roads are constructed and maintained for
use by prudent drivers in high clearance vehicles
(such as pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, and commercial trucks)
as opposed to ordinary passenger cars. Speed of travel is not usually
a consideration in design of "high clearance" roads. Different
skills are needed to drive these roads than are needed to drive down the
highway in the family sedan.
- Commercial use of a Forest Service road requires authorization in
a contract or permit. Commercial operators are required to perform
or pay for road maintenance made necessary by their use.
- Snow is generally NOT plowed on Forest Service roads.
- Individual roads may be closed to vehicles to protect resources or
simply because need for a road is intermittent in nature.
- Forest Service roads closed to vehicles are usually open to foot
travel.
Each Forest Service road exists to serve a specific need or needs identified
as necessary for management of the portion of National Forest the road
serves. Roads are constructed and maintained with funds appropriated by
Congress for management of the National Forests. The Forest Service is
the owner of these roads. (By contrast, "public roads" are owned
by cities, state, and counties; constructed and maintained with highway
user funds such as gas tax and vehicle license fees; and are intended
for all uses in the general commerce of the United States.) Thus, while
the Forest Service roads are necessary for management of the public's
National Forests, the roads themselves may not individually be open to
all types of vehicles at all times.
When you visit the Coconino National Forest, you will probably reach
your destination by traveling on a Forest Service road. Please drive carefully;
paying attention to wildlife crossing the road, other traffic, and surface
conditions.
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What should I do if I spot
possible illegal activity on the forest?
Please call the Coconino National Forest Supervisor's Office at (928)527-3600
so that a Law Enforcement Officer can investigate. Also, the Forest Dispatch
Office could be contacted at (928)526-0600. Dial 911 if there is an emergency.
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How do I inquire about jobs on the
Coconino National Forest?
Well, since you're obviously an internet user, you can access our job
listings on the internet! Go to http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ (or link to it from our Employment
page). The jobs are posted in alphabetical order by their title (i.e.
archaeologist or forestry technician). This is a listing of Forest Service
jobs nation-wide.
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Can I volunteer to work
on the forest?
The public plays a very important part in managing your National Forests.
The Coconino National Forest relies more and more on volunteers to assist
with campgrounds, trails and other programs. Concerned citizens help the
Forest Service to provide better wildlife habitat, identify and preserve
historic sites, and build and maintain trails. We extend a warm welcome
to all who wish to volunteer on the Coconino National Forest. Just contact
the Ranger Station in the area that you wish to volunteer to find out
about opportunities.
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How can I find out about the water
quality in Oak Creek?
Water quality in Oak Creek is sometimes affected by rain or snow runoff
or by the high concentration of people visiting the area. These disturbances
stir up sediment and increase levels of bacteria in the water. If you
plan to recreate in the creek, you should call (928) 542-0202 to find
out what the quality of the water is.
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What about all those dead trees?
Bark Beetle Epidemic: Many people have inquired about
the large number of dead pine trees they are seeing on the Coconino National
Forest and around the City of Flagstaff. The majority of these trees have
been attacked by beetles or have fallen victim to drought stress. More
information..
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What's all that sticky, sap-like
stuff dripping from the trees?
The sticky substance that is causing the sheen on the needles of trees,
the sticky film on your vehicle windshields and the goopy mess on sidewalks
and roads is caused by aphids. Aphids are tiny insects that feed on tree
and plant sap.
Aphids: Questions & Answers
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What kinds of trees grow in the
Coconino National Forest?
Conifer trees of Coconino National Forest
Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii)
Blue spruce (Picea pungens)
Corkbark fir (Abies lasiocarpa var. arizonica)
Subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa var. lasiocarpa)
Bristle cone pine (Pinus aristida)
White fir (Abies concolor)
Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis)
Limber pine (Pinus flexilus)
Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)
Pinyon pine (Pinus edulis)
Single leaf pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla)
Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma)
Single seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma)
Red berry juniper (Juniperus coahuilensis)
Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)
Alligator juniper (Juniperus deppeana)
Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica)
This list does not include deciduous (broadleaf) trees, but there several
of these interesting and exciting trees that grow in various habitats
on the Forest.
Is it legal to pick
up arrowheads on national forests?
Collection of arrow heads is not allowed on National Forests. Doing so
destroys the historical significance of the artifacts.
Are guns permitted?
The Federal Rules for firearm use is the following: 1) no shooting within
a 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation
site or occupied area, 2) no shooting across a road, trail or body of
water, or in any manner or place whereby any person property is exposed
to injury or damage as a result of such discharge, 3) no shooting in a
cave. For state law regarding firearm use please contact a state or local
office to get the best information.
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Is "Paintballing"
Legal on the Coconino Forest?
Paintballing is allowed under the following conditions: you can't shoot
across a road, trail or body of water and you can't jeopardize the safety
of any person(s) that are not involved in the paintballing. You need to
find a remote area to play. You need to pick up any litter and leave the
area the way you found it. It is also a violation to shoot any signs or
other property with paintballs.
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Can you provide any information
on the "Aquifer" beneath the Mogollon Rim?
General information about the aquifer under the Mogollon Rim: The primary
groundwater aquifer for wells is the Coconino Sandstone. It stretches
from the Mogollon Rim northward to the Grand Canyon and is a reliable
water bearing strata between Flagstaff and the Rim. At the rim, the depth
to groundwater is about 600-700' and this gradually deepens the further
north you go. In the City of Flagstaff area, wells in the Coconino Sandstone
and groundwater are 1500'-1800' deep. If you are interested in the aquifer
feeding the springs in the Rim area, most of those are fed from localized
pockets of water in the fissures of the Kaibab Limestone, which is the
geologic layer found on the surface of the Rim and sits on top of the
Coconino Sandstone.
For more detailed information, please see the USGS publication available
online at http://az.water.usgs.gov , click on the recent publication "Hydrogeology of the Mogollon Highlands,
Central Arizona..." The document refers to the C aquifer, which is
the Coconino Sandstone aquifer.
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Does Coconino National Forest have
a policy on geocaches?
No. Currently there is no official policy related to geocaching on this national
forest. There are, however, federal rules and regulations that pertain directly to geocashing.
Concerns and limitations include unauthorized burying or hiking in the
alpine tundra, disturbance (digging and trampling) of sensitive soils
(microbiotic crust at lower elevations), disturbance of archeological
resources, disturbance of TE&S (Threatened and Endangered Species),
and unauthorized use of motorized or mechanized equipment in wilderness
areas.
No soil disturbance is permitted for any geocache placement on the Forest.
Caches should be covered with leaves or woody debris if the geocacher
chooses to screen the cache at the site.
Geocachers must remove their cache if the site receives a large number
of visits by others as evidenced by a well-worn trail or path, as this
disturbs soil and vegetation.
Caches should be removed after one year regardless of site activity and
moved to a new location or removed from the national forest.
More information and regulations sited [Click Here]
Read an article printed in the Denver Post August 30, 2006 regarding Geocaching in the area around Denver, Colorado. (a 22kb .pdf file)
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What will be the effect of a long term drought on the pine forests?
The models are pretty consistent in predicting increased temperature and increased greenhouse gasses over the next 40 to 50 years but there aren't any good predictive models for precipitation. That makes it impossible to predict what may happen to the pine forest. One thing to remember is that we regularly experience drought and have experienced severe, prolonged droughts in the past and the pine forest is still here. If the drought persists, we expect to see increased mortality due to bark beetles and some pine trees dying from lack of moisture. We don't foresee losing the entire pine forest. A good resource for information is the Climate Assessment for the Southwest (CLIMAS) at the University of Arizona. Their web address is http://www.ispe.arizona.edu/climas/index.shtml.
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I've heard the forest is for sale. Where do I get information on available parcels?
The FY 2007 President's budget proposes to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools program for another five years. To help fund this initiative, the Administration recommends selling a limited number of acres of National Forest System lands around the nation. Lands that are potentially eligible have been identified. Please [click here] for more information.
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Equestrian use on the Forest!
If you choose to use some of our constructed trails part of the time for access we have very few that prohibit equestrian use. They are Humphreys Trail, the Inner Basin Trail in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness, and Elden Lookout Trail. We also have a horse campground called Little Elden Springs Horse Camp, which is open until October 16th. A few sites are "first-come-first-serve" and the rest you can reserve by calling 1-877-444-6777. The campground has an 8 person, 4 horse maximum per site and features hitch rails, highlines, water, tables, firerings, trash service, and toilet, as well as "ride from camp" access. The overnight camping fee is $15 per night and if using the reservation service an additional $9 is charged per reservation (not per night).
Hunting units 11M and 7 are fairly high density recreation areas, especially when the fall colors are out, so stay alert. Units 5BN, 5BS, 6A, 5A, and the north end of 6B are much lower density and elk plentiful. These areas also have very good opportunities to "disperse camp" with horses. We ask that all campers, including horse campers, use Leave No Trace camping techniques. For people with horses this includes: using certified weed/seed-free feed, using highlines, hobbles, pickets, or portable corrals (which ever your animals are used to) for containing livestock when not being ridden; raking soil and natural forest litter (kicked up by people and horses) back into place when pulling out of camp; scattering manure piles and remnant hay so they break down naturally and leave the camp ready for the next group; don't tie your horse up to trees for more than 5-15 minutes, especially if your animals have a tendency to paw at the ground or chew on the trees; use a portable toilet or the "cat hole method" for the humans in the group; only collect dead and down wood for campfires and wood stoves or bring wood with you; etc. Also, haul plenty of water as many of our stock tanks are dry. See also "Tips for Minimizing Impacts in Horse Camps" (a 19 kb .pdf file)
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What do I Have to do to mine (prospect) on the Coconino?
The Coconino National Forest is situated on mainly volcanic geology with very few streams. Gems and other valuable minerals (such as gold) are not known to commonly occur in this area. The few live streams we do have are mostly withdrawn from mineral entry to protect other resources.
All prospecting and mining activity on the National Forests is governed by Forest Service regulations 36 CFR 228. Generally, activities that do not cause surface disturbance (such as picking up rock samples) are allowed without any requirement to notify the Forest Service. For activities that cause surface disturbance (such as hole digging) or that use mechanized equipment (such as suction dredges), you may file a "Notice of Intent" with the local Ranger District. Some activities also require a “Plan of Operation”. You should allow at least 15 days for a response for a Notice of Intent and 30 days for an approval of a Plan of Operations.
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Can I use a Credit Card to pay for camping?
Campgrounds on the district take cash or Arizona checks, sorry, no credit cards. If you make reservations via the National Reservation System (Recreation.Gov) you can use a credit card.
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IS THE SIGN CORRECT AT BELL TRAIL? (SAYS NO TRAILERS)?
The sign at the Bell Trailhead is correct in that we discourage trailers at this Trailhead. That is the reason we constructed the Bruce Brockett Trailhead for trailers and equestrian trailer parking and the trail from this trailhead connects to the Bell Trail.\![Return to Top](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090510144204im_/http://wwwtest.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/graphics/top_icon.gif)
Can I gather wood near my campsite for a campfire?
Down and dead firewood may be gathered around your camping area for use at your campsite but it is illegal to load wood in a vehicle to take out of the Forest without a special permit. (You may not cut standing trees nor can you cut limbs off of standing trees.)
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Can I visit the fire tower lookouts?
In general, visits from the public are up to each lookout. For the most part, they're all pretty receptive to the public's visits. Generally, they'll allow people to climb up, show them around, but, if they're busy or want to spend their down-time alone, they may not allow visitors.
Some post their "visitation hours" at the gates at the bottom of the road, but a good rule of thumb is that if the gate is closed, it's a "No-Go".
Also, when the lookouts aren't staffed, the towers are off-limits to the public. |