FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) segments near Frances Short Pond will be closed effective Tuesday, July 11 for the safety of the public during dredging work at the pond. The impacted FUTS segments will be reopened after the dredging work is complete, which is anticipated by the beginning of August.
Dredging is required due to the large amount of sedimentation, ash, and debris from post-Pipeline Fire flooding that entered the pond last summer. Dredging removes sediment, ash, and debris that has settled to the bottom of the pond, thereby increasing the capacity of the pond for future post-wildfire flooding runoff. Removing ash from the bottom of the pond also allows a healthy pond ecosystem to develop.
The pond is currently dry after having been drained of water over the spring. Fish stocking will re-commence after the pond has been dredged and post-wildfire flows produce a lower concentration of ash and debris.
For related questions, please contact Adam Miele, City of Flagstaff Project Manager at AMiele@flagstaffaz.gov