Saguaro NP Backcountry will be Closed for BioBlitz 2011

[Jeffshadows]

Just an FYI for those already planning trips: Saguaro National Park will disallow backcountry travel and camping for the period of 20-23 October 2011. That range might get a little larger, but this is what I've heard. BioBlitz 2011 is being held at Saguaro this year.

[BEEBEE]

http://www.nps.gov/sagu/bioblitz-2011.htm

[writelots]

it's, it's a bioblitz
it's, it's a bioblitz
yeahhhhhh it's a bioblitz...

[Jeffshadows]

it's, it's a bioblitz
it's, it's a bioblitz
yeahhhhhh it's a bioblitz...

I wish it was a backcountry jamoboree, instead!

[PaleoRob]

I'm thinking about heading down for it.

[Jeffshadows]

Saguaro National Park News Release 12-02
For Immediate Release
October 13, 2011
Contact: Bob Love at (520) 733-5110
OFF-SITE PARKING REQUIRED FOR BIOBLITZ EVENT
Some Event-Related Closures to Occur in Both Districts
Tucson, AZ – Officials at Saguaro National Park have announced mandatory off-site parking and free shuttle service to the park for the 2011 BioBlitz, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, October 21st and 22nd. In addition, in preparation for the event and to ensure participant safety, limited closures will be implemented a few days in advance of, and during BioBlitz.

BioBlitz is sponsored by the National Geographic Society in partnership with the National Park Service, and is a two-day Biodiversity Festival surrounding a 24-hour species count. The BioBlitz teams up scientists, students and the general public to find and identify as many plant and animal species as possible. The two-day Biodiversity Festival, where the public can interact with scientists as they come in from the field to identify and catalog species, will be held at the Red Hills Visitor Center. Additional activities include science and conservation exhibit booths, demonstrations, speakers, art, music and entertainment. No advance registration is required to attend the Biodiversity Festival, which takes place both Friday and Saturday, October 21st and 22nd, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Parking for the festival will be provided only at the Old Tucson Studios parking area. Free shuttle service will be available from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm both days. No parking will be available at the Red Hills Visitor Center. Use of the off-site parking location and shuttle service will be the only access to the festival grounds.

Closures in the park’s Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) include:
 The Red Hills Visitor Center will be closed Monday October 17th through Thursday October 20th, and from Sunday, October 23rd through Monday, October 24th – during these periods a temporary information station will be staffed at the Desert Discovery Trail parking area, on Kinney Road
 Kinney Road, between Mile Wide and Sandario Roads, will be closed from Friday, October 21st at 6:00 am, through Saturday, October 22nd at 9:00 pm.
 Hohokom and Golden Gate Roads will be closed on Friday, October 21st, from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm

Closures in the park’s Rincon Mountain District (Saguaro East) include:
 Javelina Picnic Area will be closed Friday, October 21st, all day
 The Freeman Homestead Trail will be closed Friday, October 21st, all day
 The Cactus Forest Trail, inside the Loop Drive, will be closed all day
 All backcountry campsites within the Rincon Mountain District will be closed from Thursday, October 20th, through Saturday, October 22nd
During the event motorist may experience increased traffic in and around Saguaro National Park. Please drive safely while traveling through the area.

For additional information please contact Chief Ranger Bob Love at 733-5110.