Forest Service Takes Steps to Reduce Human Caused Wildfire during Global Pandemic

Albuquerque, NM, April 21, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, Southwestern Region is enacting a campfire ban to protect the health and safety of employees and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning April 22, igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire will be prohibited on all six national forests in Arizona until June 30, 2020, or until rescinded.

Forest Service officials are taking the necessary steps to ensure first responders are available to safely respond and manage incidents. This campfire restriction will prevent the drawdown of fire and medical resources to unwanted human-caused wildfires and reduce firefighter exposure to COVID-19 during the current pandemic.

“While we know that going outside provides forest and grassland visitors needed space, exercise and satisfaction, we are taking the risks presented by COVID-19 seriously,” said Acting Regional Forester Elaine Kohrman. “We are providing some recreation opportunities where we can while protecting and keeping employees, the public and our communities safe from the virus and unwanted human-caused wildfires.”

The following is prohibited under the April 22 campfire ban order:
• Igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, including charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood burning stoves.

Violating the campfire ban may result in an appearance in federal court, fines, and possible time in jail. Forest visitors will still be able to use pressurized liquid or gas devices (stoves, grills or lanterns) with shut-off valves, in an area at least three feet from any flammable materials. While these restrictions are in place, the majority of the six national forests in Arizona are still open, and dispersed camping – outside of developed campsites – and other recreation opportunities are available.

Visit the Interactive Visitor Map at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ivm for more information on available activities. For additional information on COVID-19, go to https://www.coronavirus.gov. Information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is available at: www.usda.gov/coronavirus. Information on public lands use in Arizona is available at https://tourism.az.gov/responsible-recreation-across-arizona/

With all of the time that people are spending at home because of the Stay-at-home order, we are encouraging everyone to get outside and get your defensible space made before fire season. Trim the trees, move the wood piles, remove debris, and cut the grasses. 

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Close All Developed Recreation Sites in Response to COVID-19

Springerville, AZ – March 23, 2020 – The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests began an orderly closure of developed recreation sites today, Monday, March 23, to protect public health and safety and to align with state and local measures already in place to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

Although developed campgrounds, restrooms and other developed recreation facilities on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are closed, the vast majority of the forests will still be available to visitors who want to spend time outdoors. At this time, recreational opportunities that support social distancing and small groups include hiking and biking on trails, and dispersed camping. For more information on available activities, please visit the Interactive Visitor Map: https://www.fs.fed.us/ivm/.

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests asks members of the public to recreate responsibly by avoiding high-risk activities, such as rock climbing, that increase the chance of injury or distress. Law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19. In addition, visitors can help mitigate resource impacts while recreation sites are closed by bringing home their trash (pack it in, pack it out), and by appropriately managing human waste by burying it at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from water, trails and recreation sites.

“We know how much our communities and our visitors value the recreational opportunities the national forests have to offer,” Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Supervisor Anthony Madrid said. “This decision was not made lightly, but we believe people understand the serious risks posed by facilities that draw large numbers of people into close proximity with each other. We appreciate your patience and understanding of our efforts to mitigate those risks to protect public health and safety.”

The developed recreation site closures will remain in effect until May 1, 2020 and will reevaluate as needed. The Forest Service thanks all visitors and partners for their cooperation. Please report any instances of vandalism to facilities to the local ranger district office.

All Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests offices are conducting business and providing services virtually and will continue to coordinate its COVID-19 response in alignment with all federal, state and local guidance. While being outside is believed to be safer than indoor spaces, visitors to national forests are urged to take the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended precautions. For tips from the CDC on preventing illnesses such as the coronavirus, please visit their website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Closed Developed Recreation Sites:

Alpine Campgrounds

No Campgrounds affected by May 1 date

Black Mesa Campgrounds

Canyon Point Campground

Aspen Campground

Black Canyon Rim Campground

Gentry Campground

Rim Campground

Mogollon Campground

Crook Group Campground

Woods Canyon Lake Group Campground

Spillway Campground

Spillway Group Campground

Sinkhole Campground

Chevelon Lake Campground

Chevelon Crossing Campground

Clifton Campgrounds

Blackjack Campground

Coal Creek Campground

Granville Campground

Strayhorse Campground

Honeymoon Campground

Upper Juan Miller

Lower Juan Miller

Lakeside Campgrounds

Scott Reservoir Campground

Lewis Canyon Group Campground

Los Burros Campground

Fool Hollow Campground

Springerville Campgrounds:

Rainbow Campground

Grayling Campground

Brookchar Campground

Cutthroat Campground

Apache Trout Campground

Benny Creek Campground

Winn Campground

Hoyer Campground

For more information about the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests developed recreation site closures and recreational opportunities, please visit our webpage https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/asnf/home and/or follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs) or Twitter @A-SNFs.