Category Archives: National Government

Coconino NF in process of lifting many seasonal road closures, opening campgrounds and recreation sites

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest personnel are in the process of opening numerous forest roads as warmer weather hardens surfaces and roads become suitable for motorized travel.

Even though many forest roads across each district will be open by this weekend, there are still some that will remain closed due to wet and muddy conditions.

On the Flagstaff Ranger District, Ashurst Lake Road (Forest Road [FR] 82E), Marshall Lake Road (FR 128), and Kinnickinick Lake Road (FR 125) are all now open. All campgrounds on the district except Dairy and Double Springs and Lockett Meadow open today. As campgrounds reopen, many fees are changing to coincide with a new contract concessionaire operator, ExplorUS. Concessionaire-managed Coconino National Forest day-use sites are now $12 per vehicle and campground fees range from $24 to $30 per night. Group campground fees range from $95 to $175 per night. Fees have been updated accordingly on recreation.gov.

Lake Mary Narrows Boat Launch and Picnic Area and the Upper Lake Mary Boat Launch and Picnic Area will be free until Friday of Memorial Day Weekend (May 26). The Forest will begin collecting $10 fees per day after that date. Local and Interagency Passes, like the America the Beautiful and Red Rock Annual Passes, will also be honored at these sites.

The Mogollon Rim Ranger District opens forest roads north and west of State Route (SR) 87 and along the east side of the Lake Mary Road corridor today. All forest roads south and east of SR 87, and down to the Rim Road (FR 300) will remain closed until they dry out enough for safe travel. Elks Group Campground opens today, with additional campgrounds planned to open the first week of May.

Motorists should be prepared to encounter wet spots, areas of snowbanks and snow drifts on newly opened roads. Use caution before pulling off main roads to camp and refrain from creating deep ruts in areas of the road that are still wet.

Atypical moisture and strong winds have resulted in a significant number of downed trees as well as inaccessible roads throughout the Flagstaff and Mogollon Rim ranger districts.

Personnel will continue to monitor closed roads and will open them as soon as conditions are safe for travel.

Many lower elevation roads, such as those on the Red Rock Ranger District, are primarily open. This excludes roads impacted by recent significant flooding events as well as Fossil Creek Road (FR 708), which is being resurfaced.

Forest visitors are reminded to visit the Coconino National Forest’s Forest Roads Status web page for more information on which main roads throughout the forest are open and closed prior to planning any forest excursion.

The public should remember to only stay on open and authorized roads that are shown on the Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), which is free at any Ranger Station or can be downloaded on the Coconino National Forest website.

Spring prescribed fire operations to begin May 1 near Tusayan and Williams

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WILLIAMS — Fire managers on the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts of the Kaibab National Forest are planning to conduct prescribed fires throughout the spring as conditions allow, starting next week with the Reed Project located just east of Tusayan, Arizona.

Crews plan to begin ignitions Monday, May 1, burning up to 1,370 acres over the course of multiple days. Smoke may be visible from State Route 64, Tusayan, and the Grand Canyon and daytime winds should carry smoke northeast. Residual smoke will settle into drainages and low-lying areas around Tusayan overnight. The portion of the Arizona Trail that is nearby will remain open.

Other projects planned for this spring:

  • Marteen Project (4,200 acres): Located five miles northwest of Spring Valley, east of Red Hill. Smoke possible in the areas of Spring Valley Cabin and Forest Road 141.
  • Russell Project (509 acres) and Blue Stem Project (3,885 acres): Located on the eastern side of the Tusayan Ranger District, 15-20 miles northeast of State Route 64 and Red Butte near Russell Tank; Minimal smoke impacts are expected.

Exact ignition dates are unknown as burning is dependent upon daily agency administrator approval and conditions within the ranges outlined in each prescribed fire plan. However, we are committed to providing the public with ongoing updates and as much advance notice as possible. Sign up to receive Kaibab NF news releases in your email.

Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, including reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. Prescribed fires help reduce hazardous fuels that have accumulated due to drought, climate change, insects and disease, and decades of fire suppression. Fire also recycles nutrients back to the soil, promotes the growth of trees, wildflowers, and other plants, and improves habitat for threatened and endangered species. These efforts align with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy which aims to increase prescribed fire and other treatments to improve forest resiliency for generations to come.

We recognize that smoke can impact residents, visitors, and our fire personnel. We will continue to coordinate closely with our partners and communities to minimize smoke impacts as much as possible. All prescribed fires on the Kaibab National Forest are subject to Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The department’s Air Quality Division: Smoke Management webpage provides details about its air quality program.

Information can be found on the Kaibab NF website, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, or by calling the local ranger stations.

Coconino NF releases updated Motor Vehicle Use Map for forest travel

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest has released an updated Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) used to view forest roads, trails and areas open to motor vehicle use.

The 2023 version of the MVUM includes new information regarding Flagstaff- area camping and campfire restrictions. It also includes updates to several roads and trails in both the Flagstaff and Red Rock ranger districts for improved on-the-ground accuracy.

The MVUM is free to the public and is reissued each year. Hard copies can be obtained by visiting any Coconino National Forest office.

Digital versions of the map — an Avenza Maps version compatible with smartphones and tablets as well as a version dedicated to Garmin GPS devices — and compatible instructions are also available on the Coconino National Forest website.

The digital MVUM is an electronic color map that includes all designated motorized routes and hiking trails. It also features shaded relief topography and game management units. The Avenza map works with cellphone GPS, which enables users to see where they are on the map in real-time. Once downloaded, the digital map will work without cellphone coverage.

Forest visitors can also propose changes to motor vehicle access or submit comments regarding the map by emailing comments-southwestern-coconino@usda.gov.

Kaibab NF firewood permits start April 14 and May 1

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WILLIAMS – The Kaibab National Forest will soon be offering personal-use fuelwood permits for the 2023 season. On the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts, the Forest Service will begin issuing permits Friday, April 14, 2023 and permit holders will be able to collect firewood Saturday, April 15 through April 14, 2024. On the North Kaibab Ranger District, permit sales and firewood collection will run from May 1 through December 31, 2023.

Paid Permits are $20 for 10 cords of wood (limit 20 cords per year) and can be purchased by check, credit card, money order, and cash with exact change. Cash and check purchases are generally faster than credit card. A valid ID is required to obtain a permit. A Free Permit is available for the Tusayan Ranger District and allows for gathering 10 cords of dead and/or down pinyon pine.

Details such as tree sizes and species will be outlined in the cutting regulations issued with each permit. Permit holders will also receive maps and load tags which must be physically attached to each ¼ cord of firewood and visible from the rear of the vehicle.

Customers can obtain permits at the following offices. Office hours are listed on the Kaibab NF website; However, hours are subject to change and customers should call first.

For Williams District and Tusayan District permits:
Williams Ranger District Office, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams; 928-635-5600
Tusayan Ranger District Office, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Tusayan; 928-638-2443

For North Kaibab District permits:
North Kaibab Ranger District Office, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia; 928-643-7395

It’s important to remember that many forest roads are extremely muddy and unsuitable to travel at this time; and may remain that way for the next several weeks. Regardless of the time of year, forest visitors are expected to use good judgement when traveling in the woods. Plan ahead, contact the district office for conditions, and remember that causing resource damage – such as ruts from driving on saturated roads – is illegal.

A wealth of information can be found on the Kaibab National Forest website, including additional details that will be added about the forest’s 2023 Firewood Permit Program.

Seasonal road closures still in place across Coconino NF

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest authorities would like to remind the public to stay off forest roads that are closed, and do not drive around gates, barricades, or signs that indicate a road is closed for the season.

Forest Service personnel have found broken locks on gates and tracks of drivers ignoring road-closed signs, which have created deep ruts and damaged forest roads and sensitive areas.

Coconino National Forest closes many forest roads every winter season in order to protect resources, watersheds, and forest roads from damage caused by even the lightest vehicles on soft, wet soil.

Damaging forest roads and areas costs valuable resources and personnel time to repair the damage after the roads dry out. It also prolongs road closures, which affects recreational opportunities in areas that must remain closed until repaired.

There is no set date by which districts on the forest close or re-open forest roads. Districts will re-open forest roads as the weather dries out and the soil on and around forest roads harden enough to safely accept the weight of vehicles.

When roads do begin to open, drivers are reminded that care should be taken when driving on the soil, and drivers should not continue driving on an open road if the vehicle begins to create deep ruts or otherwise damage the road or soil.

Remember to only stay on open and authorized roads that are shown on the Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), which is free at any Ranger Station or can be downloaded on a smartphone. More information about how to download the Avenza app and MVUM is available on our MVUM web page.

The smartphone map, available through the Avenza Maps app, transforms your phone to a GPS unit that can aid navigation, allow you to collect route data, and identify waypoints. The Coconino National Forest Travel Map includes additional detail and information, with shaded relief topography, game management units, hiking trails, and all designated motorized routes and areas. Once the map is downloaded, it works without cell coverage.

As an additional reminder before the camping season begins, camping is allowed on the national forest up to 14 days in a 30-day period. Camping beyond 14 days is prohibited.

West Side of Lower Lake Mary closed due to leaking levee

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) has issued a closure order for a portion of Lower Lake Mary’s west side due to a leaking levee.

The closure has been issued as a precaution due to visible leaks in the levee.

“The safety of the public is our No. 1 priority,” said Deputy District Ranger Nicholas Mustoe. “Luckily, heavy snowfall this past winter means there are still numerous spots in the Lower Lake Mary area that visitors can still safely access.”

Lower Lake Mary visitors are advised to check the closure order map and abide by all posted signage.

Forest engineers have been working to assess the structural integrity of the levee since Friday, and forest personnel are seeking to contract a qualified third-party to assist with the analysis.

Should the levee fail, Lower Lake Mary will empty out into a side tributary. There are no campgrounds, recreation sites or private homes at risk should the levee fail. Forest officials ask the public to comply with the closure order and find other areas around Lower Lake Mary to recreate until the levee can be assessed and repaired.

Forest Road (FR) 296 may become impassible should the levee fail. Forest visitors are reminded to check the status of all forest roads at coconinonationalforest.us prior to any forest excursion.

Public meeting March 29 for Drake Cement proposed exploration

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WILLLIAMS – The Kaibab National Forest will host a community meeting for Drake Cement’s proposed pozzolan exploration project to answer clarifying questions about the proposal and the overall environmental analysis process. All interested parties are welcome.

Community Meeting for Drake Cement proposed pozzolan exploration
(Open House – no scheduled presentations – come and go at your convenience)
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Williams High School Viking Grill (440 S 7th St, Williams, AZ 86046)
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The purpose of scoping is to help the Forest Service understand concerns people have about the effects a project may have on natural and cultural resources and nearby communities. To be most helpful, comments should clearly articulate your concerns. Be as specific as possible and support your statements with facts and references, and be solution-oriented. Do more than just provide an opinion or vote. Note that names, addresses, and comments become part of the public record for the project.

You can submit your comments by email, mail, fax, or hand deliver it to the Williams Ranger District Office during business hours. There will also be a collection box at the meeting for hard-copy comments. Any hard copy comments should be as legible as possible to ensure they are properly transposed into the public record.

Email: comments-southwestern-kaibab-williams@usda.gov (include “Drake Bill Williams Exploration Project” in the subject line)

Mail and hand delivery:
Kaibab National Forest – Williams Ranger District
Attention: Drake Bill Williams Exploration
742 S. Clover Road
Williams, AZ 86046

Fax: (928) 635-5680

Information about the project can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/DrakeProposedExploration.

Russell Stover Chocolates Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pecan in Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups

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Russell Stover Chocolates of Kansas City, Missouri, is voluntarily recalling two (2) Best Before Dates of its Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups in 2.4 oz packaging due to the potential for undeclared pecans. The recalled Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups may contain Sugar Free Pecan Delights. Pecans are not declared on the label. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to pecans run the risk a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups were distributed nationwide to wholesale and retail stores.

The recalled Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups are packaged in a 2.4 oz plastic bag, and they are labeled with Best Before dates of 01MAY23 and 01JUN23 and UPC of 077260096937 with Lot code(s): K0521, K0321, K0421, L2122, L2221, L2321. The lot code and best before date can be found on the back of the product packaging, below the UPC.

The recall was initiated following consumer contacts regarding the wrong product inside the outer packaging for Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cups product. Russell Stover has received no reports of any illness or allergic reactions related to this issue to date.

Logging operations to begin near airport

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FLAGSTAFF3 — Logging operations will begin this week in Coconino National Forest surrounding Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.

The Southside Airport Timber Project is slated to begin Wednesday (March 1) and is comprised of 31 units and 2,023 acres adjacent to the airport, as far south as Old Munds Highway and as far east as Fay Canyon.

Harvesting this area will benefit the forest ecosystem by thinning overgrown stands of Ponderosa pine, improve foraging habitat for wildlife and reduce extreme wildfire risk to the community.

The public should be aware of falling timber and heavy truck traffic in the area, as operations will involve heavy machinery and log truck traffic along Forest Service roads 3E and 3T, with trucks entering and exiting Lake Mary Road at the intersections of Frontier, J.W. Powell and South Pulliam roads.



Signage will be displayed to inform the public when entering an area of operation

Coconino NF considering changes to fire restrictions

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FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) of the Coconino National Forest is considering fire restriction changes that would limit camping, campfires and motorized use in strategic areas of the district during certain times of the year when catastrophic wildfire risk is high.

Proposed changes to fire restrictions would increase the boundaries of the existing year-round camping and campfire ban located adjacent to the City of Flagstaff. They would also forbid the use of motorized vehicles in areas around the San Francisco Peaks, Walnut Canyon and Pumphouse Wash during Stage 2 fire restrictions. These areas have rough terrain and topography that increase wind speeds, which can limit firefighter ability to suppress wildfire starts.

The proposed changes address the immediate concern for future large human-caused wildfires and are part of a long-term risk reduction strategy focused on forest health and resiliency.

“In taking a hard look at everything the Flagstaff Ranger District could do to reduce risk from human-caused wildfire, we found it necessary to consider additional steps during the hotter and drier part of the year,” said Deputy Ranger Nick Mustoe. “Our top priority is the safety of our communities, and we’re confident that these proposed changes balance community safety with public land access.”

In addition to increasing restrictions in an attempt to lower the hazard from human-caused wildfires, the FRD continues to conduct mechanical and prescribed fire treatments adjacent to communities. These treatments aim to reduce the amount of burnable “fuels” – including pine needles, branches and trees – that would otherwise burn hotter and faster during a catastrophic and unplanned wildfire.

The areas under consideration would still be open for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use during Stage 2 fire restrictions. Summer operations at Snowbowl Arizona Resort, Nordic Center – and parking at popular trailheads suck as Humphrey’s Peak and Fatman’s Loop – would not be impacted.

Should the proposed Stage 2 fire restriction changes be adopted, they will be implemented by April.

The proposed changes were developed in partnership with key stakeholders and agencies, such as the City of Flagstaff Fire Department, Coconino County, Arizona Game and Fish and Senator Mark Kelly’s office.

The Coconino NF plans to hold community meetings and solicit public input prior to implementation. To receive future communication from the Coconino NF regarding options for public comment, please visit coconinonationalforest.us and click the “get news via email” button.