[azbackpackr]

Forest Service Press Release

For Immediate Release: May 22, 2012
Contact: Pamela Baltimore (928) 333-6263

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests reopens Escudilla Wilderness and other areas for Memorial Day weekend

Springerville, AZ; May 8, 2012—The Escudilla Wilderness Area Emergency Closure Order is being lifted on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNF) after nearly a year since last May’s historic Wallow fire. “The resilience of the Escudilla Wilderness is truly remarkable! Escudilla is no stranger to fire, as it was nearly 61 years ago when fire swept across its landscape. But, as you will see, meadows are green, aspen groves are springing up, and some areas have mixed conifer. We are asking the public not to loose sight that there are still a lot of hazardous conditions when entering any forested area, burned or not,” ASNF Forest Supervisor Jim Zornes stated.

Many areas of the Apache National Forest at a glance will look pretty similar, but the Forest wants to remind campers, hikers and all visitors to Look Up, Look Down, and Look All Around. What to look for? Look for stump holes, unstable trees and if there is a chance for rain, the possibility of flash flooding may occur. When strong winds occur, which is typical of the White Mountain area; hikers and campers may want to stay out of burned areas just as a precautionary measure. “We aren’t telling people that they that can’t go into the burned areas, we are just encouraging people if there’s another place to hike or camp they may want to do so,” according to Eric Flood, Alpine Ranger District recreation staff officer.

NOTICE: Low clearance vehicles and those pulling trailers are being advised not to use FR276 through the East Fork Recreation Area that will be open, because of the number of deep drainage ditches and salvage logging occurring on the north end of the road between FR249 and FR37. Visitors should access the East Fork area via US191, and take FR26 west, and then FR24 north, or follow FR 24 south from the Big Lake area.

Routes to (re)open: NFSR #81 (Auger Canyon Rd.) and NFSR #276 along the East Fork of the Black River.

Recreation Sites to (re)open: Aspen Camp Ground (CG), Deer Cr. CG, Buffalo Crossing, Diamond Rock CG, Horse Springs CG, and Raccoon CG, Rainbow CG, and South Fork Day Use Area (the area was a campground, but is now closed to all overnight camping).

Areas that will remain CLOSED to Dispersed Camping Until Further Notice: Auger Creek Closure Area, Fish Creek Closure Area, Middle Mountain Closure Area, Milligan Valley Closure Area, Prime Canyon Closure Area, and West Fork Closure Area.

Recreation Sites that will remain CLOSED Until Further Notice:
West Fork Dispersed CG

Please check out the ASNF website for more information at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
More…

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place forest-wide on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. What does this mean to the public?:
Due to increasing fire danger, the following fire restrictions are deemed necessary to prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public health and safety:

• Fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are allowed in developed campgrounds only.
• These restrictions limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles, buildings, or in developed campgrounds.
• Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters that can be turned off are allowed.
The fire restrictions will remain in place until lands within Apache, Greenlee, and Navajo Counties receive significant precipitation.

White Mountain visitors are reminded that some campfire restrictions are always in effect, such as in forested areas within city limits of most northern Arizona communities. Additionally, fireworks are never allowed on National Forests. For more information about restrictions on public lands, call toll free 1-877-864-6985 or visit

[Patrick L]

But, as you will see, meadows are green, aspen groves are springing up, and some areas have mixed conifer.

Good to hear.

[jdcollard]

We are heading up this weekend...was going to hike Mt Baldy...might have to check out Escudilla the other day.

[big_load]

That's great news! I regret not visiting sooner, but I will get there eventually.

[Rick Vincent]

Not sure that I want to see it....Not yet anyway. Maybe in another 20 years.

[Rick Vincent]

Just noticed a haunting topic posted by azbackpackr (Is it Liz?) from October 2010. The title reads, "Escudilla is now or never." Talk about a prophetic statement. Never would have imagined that this would be the last great display of falls colors on Escudilla for what will be a very long time. Glad I made it out that October of 2010.

[desertgirl]

We are heading up this weekend...was going to hike Mt Baldy...might have to check out Escudilla the other day.

Might catch you somewhere on Sunday if you are on the trail -- Plan on doing the loop as a day hike

[azbackpackr]

Hey, people, look me up! I'm half an hour from Baldy TH, and 45 min from Escudilla! I will be busy this weekend but am thinking about hiking Escudilla.