February 20, 2018; —The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ Lakeside Ranger District will be burning 40 acres of slash piles on February 21 until completed, if conditions allow. The ignition area is on Timber Knoll just south of Ojo Bonito Estates on County Road 3163.

Smoke impact is anticipated along U.S. Highway 60 and within the Vernon Community. In the interest of safety, forest visitors are reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of the pile burn as smoke may reduce visibility in the area.      

Prescribed burning provides many benefits and is essential to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems. It provides habitat diversity, recycles plant nutrients into the soil and encourages new growth for a variety of plants used by wildlife and livestock. Pile burning allows land managers to reduce forest fuels and provide communities with increased protection from future wildfires. Prescribed fire operations are subject to cancelation due to unfavorable weather conditions.

All prescribed burns including pile burns, are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignition begins. The ADEQ monitors air quality and determines whether or not it will be a good day for smoke dispersion. Although smoke from prescribed fire can still be noticeable, it is usually for a shorter time and considerably less smoke than wildfires produce. If you are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory problems, stay indoors if possible.

For questions or concerns please contact the Lakeside Ranger District at (928) 368-2100, or dial 311 to reach the Northeastern Arizona Public Information System. Also, check out our website at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs/

February 20, 2018— Snow has arrived on the Mogollon Rim leaving many forest roads impassable and prompting a temporary winter closure of the Rim Lakes Recreation Area on the Black Mesa Ranger District. 

Roads affected by this closure include Forest Road (FR) 300/Rim Road from State Highway 260 west to the Coconino NF/Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests boundary, FR 105 to Woods Canyon Lake, FR 225, FR 34 south of the Black Mesa Work Center, FR 169 south of FR 169B, FR 149 to Willow Springs Lake, and FR 171 including the Mogollon Rim Visitor Center parking lot.

To provide for public safety the Rim Top Trailhead at the junction of Forest Road 300 and State Highway 260 is available for parking and snow play. There is no parking permitted along State Highway 260. Parking along the highway is dangerous and violators will be ticketed.  Parking along the Young Road is also discouraged due to public safety concerns.

While most areas remain open, traveling on forest roads is not advised during the winter and is at your own risk.  When exploring the forest in winter don’t overestimate the ability of your vehicle. If a road looks impassable, it likely is.  If you find that you are leaving ruts in the road, please reevaluate your need to enter the forest.  Visitors found to be causing ruts or other damage to forest roads are subject to fines for resource damage and are responsible for any costs incurred if they need a tow truck to pull their vehicle back onto solid ground.  No extraordinary measures will be taken to help remove personal vehicles and equipment that become stuck on snowy forest roads.  If you must venture into the forest, four wheel drive vehicles are recommended and always carry tire chains, extra clothing, blankets, food, water, and a cell phone. Remember to tell friends and family which roads you plan to travel and when you expect to be home.  Plan ahead and be safe.

For the latest information go to www.azdot.gov/KnowSnow or www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1 to reach Arizona Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Center. For questions please contact the Black Mesa Ranger District at 928-535-7300 or visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/asnf.

February 20, 2018

The Springerville Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is planning to burn slash piles throughout the week starting February 21. The district plans to burn two units just west of Greer, south of Arizona State Highway 260, and along Forest Road 87, totaling approximately 195 acres.

Ignitions will occur throughout the morning to minimize the adverse effects of smoke on the local communities. Smoke may be visible from Greer, along portions of Arizona State Highway 260, and portions of County Road 1122. Motorists are advised to drive safely as smoke may limit visibility.

All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignition begins. The ADEQ monitors air quality and determines whether or not it will be a good day for smoke dispersion. Although smoke from prescribed fire can still be noticeable, it is usually for a shorter time and considerably less smoke than wildfires produce. If you are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory problems, stay indoors if possible.

Pile burning allows land managers to reduce forest fuels and provide communities with increased protection from future wildfires.

Questions or concerns contact the Springerville Ranger District at 928-333-6200 or visit the ASNFs website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf