[Al_HikesAZ]

Tonto National Forest lifts fire restrictions, closures http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/news/080105a.shtml

HOWEVER: Tonto Forest's burned areas remain closed to the public
Here are links to the maps of the closed areas
Fire Closure Maps (go to the bottom of this page)
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/maps/

Cave Creek Complex fire area
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/fire/maps ... 250500.pdf

Edge Complex fire area
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/maps/pdf/ ... al-Map.pdf


Here is the Arizona Republic story
Tonto Forest's burned areas remain closed to the public
Peter Corbett The Arizona Republic
Aug. 3, 2005 12:00 AM

NORTHEAST VALLEY - The Tonto National Forest has lifted fire restrictions, but areas burned by the "Cave Creek Complex" and "Edge" fires remain closed.

Closed areas include Bloody Basin and Horseshoe Dam roads, said Chris Frisbee, acting Cave Creek District ranger.

Recent rains have washed out parts of the roads and made them impassable in spots, Frisbee said, adding that some could reopen within about a week.

The Tonto National Forest began campfire restrictions in late April and closed areas as the fire dangers increased. Recent monsoon rains have reduced the fire danger.

The Cave Creek Complex fire burned 248,310 acres, making it the largest fire ever recorded in the Sonoran Desert.

In all, nearly half of the 600,000-acre Cave Creek District of the 2.9 million-acre Tonto National Forest burned this summer.

The Bartlett Dam Road remains open and areas south of it have reopened, but Forest Service officials urge visitors to stay off burned areas.

The Needle Rock area along the Verde River has also reopened.

Off-road vehicle travel will be restricted in the burn areas to protect wildlife and remaining vegetation, the acting district ranger said.

Gene Blankenbaker, Tonto National Forest supervisor, said it has been a difficult fire season, but fortunately there were few human-caused fires to battle.

"We want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding," he said.