More closures scheduled for Apache-Sitgreaves NF

[azbackpackr]

Already in effect, a large area south of Show Low is closed as well as the popular hiking area called Timber Mesa.

New closures will affect Pole Knoll near Greer, and several other areas around Greer. Here is the news release:

NEWS RELEASE

US Dept of Agriculture

Apache-Sitgreaves NF’s
30 S Chiricahua Dr
Springerville, AZ 85938
http://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf
http://www.twitter.com/AS_NF
http://www.flickr.com/apachesitgreavesnf

For Immediate Release: June 15, 2012
Contact: Pamela Baltimore (928) 333-6280

Extreme fire conditions prompt temporary safety closure for the Pole Knoll and Government Spring recreation areas near Greer on June 20

Springerville, AZ—June 15, 2012—The fire danger level is now over the 100th percentile, and Arizona is setting new records for this time of year, especially in the White Mountain area, according to the Energy Release Component Charts (ERCs). Fire Danger models over the last 21 years have never been so high. A ‘Temporary Emergency Closure’ will go into effect Wednesday, June 20 at 12:01 a.m. The public will be restricted from entering the Pole Knoll and Government Spring recreation areas, in addition to several Forest Service roads (listed below).

Drought continues to dominate the southwestern quarter of the country causing areas of below normal fuel moisture conditions extending from New Mexico, Arizona and west through California. In addition, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests received below normal snowpack. Restricting public access in this area will reduce the potential area risk for fire starts.

The Pole Knoll recreation area located off Arizona State Highway (SH) 260, and is west off the Greer exit and of the Arizona State Highway 373 junction. Currently, the Pole Knoll and Government Spring recreation areas along with adjacent several Forest Service Roads are the only places we see the immediate need to close on the Apache National Forest. The closure will be implemented at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, June 20, and will remain in full force and in effect until a significant amount of rain is received to allow us to lift the closure,” according Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Forest Supervisor Jim Zornes.

Closed to public access:
• Pole Knoll Recreation Area (off Arizona SH 260)
• FS Road #112
• FS Road #87
• Hiking within Pole Knoll interior
• FS Road #575 accessing the Gov’t Spring fishing area
• Government Spring recreation and fishing area
• Squirrel Springs parking lot, trail and restroom
• West side of the West Fork of the Little Colorado
• Trail #95

What is open?
• East side of the West Fork of the Little Colorado
• Rolf C. Hoyer Campground

Stage II fire restrictions are in effect on both the Apache and Sitgreaves National Forests (http://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf) banning all campfires (liquid petroleum and LPG stoves that can be turned on and off are allowed—propone fire pits are not allowed), smoking not allowed unless in an enclosed vehicles or building; operating any internal combustion engine is not allowed from 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; fireworks are not allowed, or is welding or other torches with open flames are not allowed; and/or explosives. Fire restrictions and the introduction of a Temporary Emergency Closures will lessen the chance of a human caused fire start to the Greer area until a significant amount of rain is received.

Stage II fire restrictions and this area closure will remain in place until lands within Apache and Navajo Counties receive significant precipitation.

White Mountain visitors and locals 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 (http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php and http://www.593info.org) or by dialing 593 or 928-333-3412.

Violation of the prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000, imprisonment for more than six months, or both. Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest land. Arizona state lands have imposed their own restrictions separately.