Pine Trailhead (Just South of Pine)

[Nighthiker]

The area east of AZ 87 at the Pine Trailhead is closed until mid June. Though the Highline Trail will remain open access to the trailhead will be closed. The trail west of AZ 87 to Oak Springs will be closed.

[xsproutx]

Interesting; had to look this up because this includes a short section of the AZT and normally see stuff when that's affected. USFS order here for those who care:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/al ... ?aid=86454

If you look into it a bit more it's a little less clear if the Pine TH is affected or just the western part because the orders and maps for RA6 and 7 seem to conflict but I'm also an idiot who can barely read so who knows.

[Nighthiker]

The map online depicts closure area west side of AZ 87, however the postings in Payson (Bashas and Safeway) depicts the closure area East of AZ 87.

[nonot]

I think this is a case of an error by the USFS website content manager.

The order linked by @xsproutx is actually linking to the RA6 closure order and RA6 closure map, rather than the actual RA7 closure order and map.

The RA6 closure is under this order:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/al ... ?aid=85623
Which closes the area west of the highway.


The RA7 closure is at the link xsproutx posted, but doesn't have the correct links (currently links back to the RA6 files).
The RA7 closure affects areas east of the highway.

Both closures can be seen on the closure map (must zoom in on the USFS website) see https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices)

[nonot]

Found the RA7 closure and map

Order:

Poco Pino Restoration Area 7 Temporary Closure Order Number: # 03-12-04-24-02
The Payson Ranger District is implementing a Temporary Closure Order to protect the safety of volunteers, Forest Service partners and National Forest System resources during a large-scale clean-up and restoration project known as the Poco Pino Project in the 4FRI footprint. Some of the ecological goals of the Poco Pino Project are to improve and sustain watershed health, improve wildlife habitat, conserve biodiversity, reduce the risk of uncharacteristic wildland fire, and restore forest health, structure, and function so that forests are more resilient to disturbance and climate change. This closure order is for public health and safety while we continue restoration efforts around the Community of Pine to reduce wildfire risk to people, communities, critical infrastructure, and natural resources while sustaining and restoring healthy, resilient fire-adapted forests.
The closure will be in effect from March 18, 2024, at 6 a.m. through June 18, 2024, at 6 p.m., unless rescinded.
Note:
- NFS Road 297 will be closed from the interaction with State Route (SR) 87, traveling east to the intersection with NFS Trail #16 Oak Spring and NFS Trail #31 Highline.
- Motorized Trail (MT) -1011 will be closed starting from the intersection of MT-1011 and SR 87, following north until its terminus.
- NFS Trail 16 (Oak Spring) will be closed starting from intersection of NFS Road 297, following southeast until the junction with SR87.
- NFS Trail 19 (Old Highline) will be closed starting at the intersection of NFS Trail 16 (Oak Spring), then following southeast, east, and then northeast until its terminus at the intersection with NFS Trail 31 (Highline) at the Described area boundary
- SR 87 and Highline Trail #31 will remain open.
Exemptions:
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
3. Forest Service volunteers and partners operating under a signed volunteer agreement or partnership performing official project work (i.e. sign installation, trash pickup) in the Described Area, Roads, and Trails.
4. Thru hikers on Forest Service Trail 16 (Oak Springs/Old Highline/AZ Trail) may use NFS Road 297 (via State Route 87 easement) for alternate route.

Map: