FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest fire managers with the Flagstaff Ranger District were expected to conduct pile burns in several areas around the forest to take advantage of favorable weather conditions.
The piles are leftover slash from previous thinning projects and are ignited using drip torches and carefully monitored. Burning these piles help remove forest fuels and reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire.
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest fire managers plan to continue pile burning this week following Monday’s snowstorm.
Firefighters will ignite piles located in three different areas of the Flagstaff Ranger District this week, and smoke is expected to be widely visible during burning.
The Coconino National Forest uses the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn ProjectsInciWeb page to relay last-minute project changes with the public should planned projects not proceed due to wind, weather, or other reasons.
FLAGSTAFF — Arizona State Department of Forestry and Fire Management and Coconino National Forest fire managers plan to take advantage of current weather conditions and begin work on a highly visible prescribed burn project southwest of Flagstaff starting (Jan. 22).
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. Prescribed burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.
For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available.
Echoes of Excellence
Ellen Parish is the President of the Diablo Trust, a nonprofit in northern Arizona that provides a forum for active community participation in collaborative land stewardship (see the harmonic highlights article below for more information on the Diablo Trust.)
Ellen grew up near Porterville, California in a family that ranched and worked in the animal health industry. She moved to Arizona to go to school at NAU and, like so many of us do, fell in love with northern Arizona. Ellen’s strong connection to conservation was enhanced through studies in biology and physiology. While at NAU she fell in love with the ceramics department, and to this day makes ceramics as creative outlet during our winter months.
SEDONA — The Coconino National Forest and partners will discontinue the sale of the Grand Annual Pass on Dec. 31, 2024, to simplify pass requirements across the forest, but existing Grand Annual Passes sold through the end of 2024 will be honored at all fee sites through 2025.
ExplorUS, in coordination with the Coconino National Forest, is excited to announce the launch of the new annual Sedona Pass. The annual pass will be sold for $50 starting in January 2025, and will provide visitor access for one vehicle and up to five people per pass to the following day-use sites on the Coconino National Forest.
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest will begin selling a limited number of Christmas tree permits online starting Nov. 14 at 8 a.m., and permit owners will be allowed to begin cutting Nov. 15 through Dec. 31.
A total of 1,300 permits will be available for purchase on the Coconino NF Christmas tree permit site online through Recreation.gov, which also lists details about designated cutting areas, maps, dates, and types of trees that may be cut.
FLAGSTAFF — Fire managers with the Coconino National Forest are currently monitoring a lightning-caused wildfire that was reported the morning of October 25 approximately 11 miles south of Flagstaff on the west side of Interstate 17 near the Newman Park exit.
The Smith Fire is currently 55 acres within the burn scar of the Scott Fire of 2023 and moving at a low rate of spread with no structures threatened.
Fire managers are considering this wildfire as a candidate to manage for forest health but waiting to see what the next couple of days brings in precipitation.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest plans to conduct two prescribed burn projects this week, beginning tomorrow.
For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects Inciweb page, which is updated any time new information is available.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is now accepting applicants for next April’s Women in Wildland Fire training camp.
Women in Wildland Fire camp participants will gain a greater understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of wildland firefighting in a supportive and educational environment.
Upon completion of the program, participants will receive the beginning qualifications needed to start a career in wildfire, whether it be as a firefighter or a supporting role.
SEDONA — After input from the public, community leaders, and user groups, the Red Rock Ranger District is releasing the Red Rock Trails Access Plan Phase II for additional public comments, from Oct. 16 to Nov. 14.
The plan proposes trail enhancements, including adding approximately 31 miles of new non-motorized trails and re-routing and naturalizing other trails, within the Turkey Creek area of the Coconino National Forest. This area is located in the Village of Oak Creek in Yavapai County.
Members of the public can view the recent Scoping Letter and associated maps on the project webpage at https://tinyurl.com/RedRockAccessPhaseII.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest plans to conduct the following prescribed burn project, beginning tomorrow for the next two days.
UBC 2 (Upper Beaver Creek) Project
Dates: Oct. 16-17
Location: 16 miles southeast of Munds Park, near Stoneman Lake.
Size: 500 acres.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is now accepting applicants for next April’s Women in Wildland Fire training camp.
Women in Wildland Fire camp participants will gain a greater understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of wildland firefighting in a supportive and educational environment.
Upon completion of the program, participants will receive the beginning qualifications needed to start a career in wildfire, whether it be as a firefighter or a supporting role.
The program consists of a combination of online and field training. During online training modules, participants will learn about topics such as wildland fire behavior, firefighting strategy and safety, and the wildland fire job application process.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest plans to continue work on several prescribed burn projects this week that will help restore healthier conditions to the fire-adapted ponderosa pine forests of northern Arizona.
Prescribed burns will be canceled if weather conditions – such as temperature, wind or humidity – do not meet the criteria outlined in the burn plans.
FLAGSTAFF — Resources are responding to the Hollow Fire, a roughly 1.5-acre wildfire located in the Schultz Pass area 5 miles north of Flagstaff.
Resources responding to the incident include two engines.
Firefighters are currently working to suppress the fire using adjacent trail systems as holding features.
… In my short time on the Coconino National Forest, the extreme diversity of what our forest has to offer has been amazing to experience. From low deserts and our world-renowned Red Rock Country to the remnants of an ancient volcano that stands as Arizona’s tallest peak to the Mogollon Rim that runs for hundreds of miles across central Arizona, the Coconino is an amazingly diverse forest unlike any that I have worked on.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest plans to continue work on two prescribed burn projects this week that will help restore healthier conditions to the forest and fire-dependent ecosystems.
Prescribed burns will be canceled if weather conditions – such as temperature, wind or humidity – do not meet the criteria outlined in the burn plans.
Managing this fire to allow it to consume hazardous forest fuels such as pine needles, cones, and dead wood, which will help create a buffer in an area that is typically susceptible to the direction of catastrophic wildfires during traditional southwest winds. In the long run, the treatment this fire provides will help protect residents, the surrounding community, powerlines, and the airport.
Fire managers across three districts have plans for 14 prescribed burn projects spanning locations across the national forest, comprising thousands of acres. Since prescribed burns are dependent upon weather conditions, some or all these projects may be implemented. Dates of implementation can also change or projects postponed or cancelled if conditions are not ideal.
CLINTS WELL, Ariz. — Fire managers are preparing to conduct firing operations on several hundred acres of land around the Tango Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire first reported last week and located 8.5 miles northeast of Clints Well.
Fire managers are planning to begin firing operations the morning of Aug. 15 and plan to conclude by the end of Friday in advance of forecasted monsoonal rains.
Smoke will be noticeable to residents of the Happy Jack and Clints Well communities and may also be visible to communities below Mogollon Rim and possibly to motorists along Interstate 17 in the area of Camp Verde.
SEDONA — Several miles of new trails are slated for construction in five different areas of the Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District (RRRD) following public feedback given during a lengthy planning process.
“The first phase of this project includes trails that we think every type of user will appreciate,” said acting District Ranger Alex Schlueter. “Whether hiking, biking, or riding a horse, there’s a lot to look forward to.”
Work is planned to begin later this summer near both Cornville and Sedona, including the Bell Rock, Cornville Oak Creek Elementary School, Doe Mesa, Hardline Trail and Schuerman Mountain areas.
FLAGSTAFF — Due to increased precipitation received across the Coconino National Forest, fire restrictions will be lifted at 8 a.m. tomorrow, July 26, 2024.
While forest-wide restrictions have been lifted, several areas of the Coconino National Forest are subject to permanent year-round fire restrictions, which will remain in effect.
Additionally, forest visitors are asked to adhere to best practices while building a campfire. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires, and keep fires small. Never leave a campfire unattended. Use at least 6 gallons of water and a shovel to completely extinguish a campfire. Before leaving a campsite, make sure all campfires are dead out, wet and cold to the touch.
SEDONA — Coconino National Forest fire managers are working to suppress two lightning-caused wildfires, the Knob Fire and the Clay Fire. Both fires are located outside the Sedona area and pose no threat to communities.
The Knob Fire, located 6.5 miles north of Sedona, is approximately 4 acres in size. Resources working to contain and suppress the Knob Fire include one engine, one hand crew and one Type 3 helicopter.
FLAGSTAFF — Due to the amount of rain the forest has received over the last several days that reduced the criteria for meeting Stage 2, Coconino National Forest will move back to Stage 1 fire restrictions Friday (June 28) at 8 a.m.
Stage 1 restrictions prohibit fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, wood stoves, and smudge pots, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or an official developed recreation site. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forests.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will implement Stage 2 fire and smoking restrictions beginning 8 a.m. Friday, June 21 as the threat of unwanted wildfires increases due to hot, dry and windy weather conditions.
Under Stage 2 restrictions, the following are prohibited forest-wide:
Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire (including charcoal and briquettes) anywhere within the Coconino National Forest, including developed recreation sites. This prohibition also includes smudge pots and wood stoves.
Smoking outside (with the exemption of smoking within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material) …
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest fire managers will begin preparing this summer for the upcoming Timberline prescribed burn project adjacent to the Timberline community northeast of Flagstaff, which burn will be conducted at later dates between mid-October and mid-November.
Residents will begin to see dozers and personnel working in the forest around the prescribed burn area throughout the summer as they prepare the landscape for a safe and successful burn.
This 1,730-acre project is important as it will remove forest fuels in strategic areas, helping mitigate and protect the Timberline-Fernwood and surrounding communities from future extreme wildfires.
FLAGSTAFF — Due to forest conditions and a number of key factors being met, Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions begin 8 a.m., Thursday, June 6, across the entire Coconino National Forest.
Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, wood stoves, and smudge pots are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or an official developed recreation site. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forests.
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest fire managers will resume spring prescribed fire plans following an unexpected delay due to precipitation across northern Arizona.
“Last weekend’s snow and rain is an example of why we always frame our prescribed fire plans as ‘tentative’ until we can conduct our pre-project test fire,” said Jason Clawson, Coconino National Forest Fire Staff Officer.
Successful prescribed fire requires ideal conditions. “Hazardous fuels” – including pine needle accumulation, dead and down trees and decaying plant matter on forest floors – need to be dry enough to burn at a low rate of intensity, but not too dry as to burn hot and fast.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will begin conducting prescribed fire on two of its three districts next week should wind and weather conditions allow.
Fire managers plan to begin a variety of projects across both the Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) and the Mogollon Rim Ranger District (MRRD) starting the week of April 29.
“We’re looking forward to another great season of using prescribed fire to restore our local landscape and safeguard our communities,” said Coconino National Forest Fire Staff Officer Jason Clawson. “The work we’re doing now helps prevent the risk of catastrophic and unexpected wildfire during our hottest, driest and windiest months.”
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will begin selling 2024 season firewood permits at its ranger stations and headquarters Monday, April 15 as seasonal road closures begin to lift for roads suitable for motorized travel.
The minimum cost for a permit is $20, with a maximum purchase of 12 cords per household. Permits allow for the cutting of down and dead wood or standing wood that meets certain criteria in specified areas. The cost for oak, aspen, juniper and maple will be $5 per cord, and the cost for pine and mixed conifer will be $2.50 per cord.
FLAGSTAFF — A popular trailhead leading to two of the most popular trails in Flagstaff will be closed for the next two months for public safety and to make room for workers and equipment while construction occurs.
The trailhead for Elden Lookout trail and Fatmans Loop trail will be closed beginning Monday, April 8 through May as contractors reconstruct the trailhead and repave and expand the parking area to accommodate up to 50 vehicles as well as other visitor facilities.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Flood Control District (The District) and the Coconino National Forest have announced a new Upper Rio De Flag Watershed restoration plan to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and post-fire flooding.
“It’s been proven that forest restoration — including mechanical thinning and prescribed fire — is an effective tool to reduce wildfire spread and severity,” said Coconino County Forest Restoration Director Jay Smith. “The completion of forest restoration in Upper Rio De Flag Watershed will provide a multi-generational benefit to our region.”
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will conduct pile burns in two different locations (for Jan. 31).
The Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) will burn 1,320 acres of piles located at Willard Springs, 5 miles north of Munds Park.
Smoke impact is anticipated to be minimal but may briefly affect Interstate 17.
The Mogollon Rim Ranger District (MRRD) will burn 2 acres of piles located at Bly Pit, 14 miles northeast of Clints Well.
There are no anticipated road or trail closures due to any of the pile burn projects. Please refrain from calling dispatch lines if you see smoke from these pile burns so lines can remain open for any emergencies.
FLAGSTAFF — Fire managers on the Coconino National Forest plan to take advantage of winter weather conditions by conducting pile burns on both the Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) and Mogollon Rim Ranger District (MRRD) this week.
The FRD has multiple pile burn projects planned between Monday, Jan. 8 and Friday, Jan. 12.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will host a virtual public meeting within the coming weeks to give residents and visitors the opportunity to learn more about the ongoing Oak Creek Canyon subsurface withdrawal.
As part of the public meeting, forest and BLM representatives will give updates on the withdrawal submission and the proposed 20-year extension of the withdrawal. Representatives will also share information regarding the planned Draft Environmental Assessment required under the National Environmental Policy Act.
In an effort to protect forest roads from damage, the Coconino National Forest has started closing forest roads in the Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) for the winter and will continue closing roads over the course of the coming weeks across the forest in higher elevations.
While the FRD has closed forest roads north of Interstate 40 along U.S. Highway 180 and U.S. Highway 89, many forest roads currently remain open due to low levels of snow and precipitation.
Seasonal road closures on each district of the Coconino NF occur at different times each year and depend on weather forecasts and road conditions.
Forest visitors are encouraged to check forest road statuses prior to any excursion by visiting the Coconino NF’s Forest Roads Status web page.
SEDONA — Coconino National Forest is seeking public input and comments on proposed trail enhancements at specific locations within the Red Rock Ranger District that would add approximately 39 miles of non-motorized trails and re-route and naturalize other trails.
The proposed locations fall within and near the communities of Sedona, Village of Oak Creek and Cornville and would include 24.42 miles of non-motorized trails, adopting 14.8 miles of user-created routes, and naturalizing 10.14 miles of user-created trails. The specific locations include the Turkey Creek System, Bell Rock Area Bypasses, Cornville School Trail, Doe Mesa Loop, Hardline Trail, and Scheurman Trail Connector.
These proposals are the result of years of planning after a strong public demand for improved and enhanced trailhead access, options, and experiences.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will host a Women in Wildland Fire boot camp in April of 2024 for individuals interested in exploring a career in wildfire and is currently accepting applications.
Boot camp participants will gain a greater understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of wildland firefighting through sessions conducted both in the classroom and in the field.
Class work will consist of online training modules, where participants will learn about wildland firefighting strategy and safety.
During field training, participants will follow guidelines set by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group to explore firefighting as a career in a hands-on way.
When: Oct. 31 or Nov. 1
Where: Along Fort Valley Road 1 mile west of Basecamp at Snowbowl
Why: As part of a Northern Arizona University project to burn a small piece of land on a five-year rotation to further study prescribed fire. This area was last burned in the fall of 2018.
Size: 3 acres
Method/ type of burn: Broadcast and maintenance
Duration: 1 day
Smoke impacts: Light smoke impacts may be felt on Highway 180.
Closures/ restrictions: None
FLAGSTAFF — Firefighters are halting firing operations on both the Cecil and Still fires in advance of forecast increased wind speeds.
Both fires have been staffed with additional firefighters who plan to spend the weekend holding and securing existing fire line.
So far, crews have successfully treated a combined 2,500 acres of Coconino National Forest land on both the Flagstaff Ranger District and the Mogollon Rim Ranger District due to both lightning-caused fires.
Land treatment removes fuels – such as dead trees and pine needle accumulation – from the forest floor to reduce the risk of high-intensity wildfire.
Both the Cecil and Still fires are being managed to reduce those hazardous fuels and improve forest health as guided by Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is responding to two separate lightning-caused wildfires: the Cecil Fire, located on the Flagstaff Ranger District, and the Still Fire, located on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District.
The Coconino NF often strategically manages lightning-caused wildfires to benefit the overall health of the fire-adapted forest and plans to use the natural ignitions of both the Cecil and Still fires in this manner.
Wildfires are a natural part of the Coconino NF’s ecosystem, and when managed diligently and properly following the requisite planning process, improve the landscape long-term in several ways.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District and the City of Flagstaff will both soon begin repairing flood damage to the Inner Basin water pipeline and along nearby forest roads.
The pipeline, which was damaged due to post-wildfire flooding caused by the 2022 Pipeline Fire, has been losing millions of gallons of water each day.
The project – formally titled the Inner Basin Waterline Post Fire Repairs Road Reconstruction Project – is outlined in a decision memo that was recently signed into effect by Coconino NF Supervisor Aaron Mayville.
The Coconino County Flood Control District and the Coconino National Forest will begin the first phase of watershed restoration project in Schultz Creek this spring.
This watershed restoration project is an effort to respond to post-fire flooding caused by the 2022 Pipeline Fire, which damaged the Schultz Creek watershed, dramatically increasing levels of flow and erosion in Schultz Creek, which overwhelmed downstream stormwater infrastructure in the City of Flagstaff. The Coconino County Flood Control District (the District) will begin the project the week of May 22, and the first phase of construction is expected to run through June.
*** Friday, August 3rd @ Bonito Campground 8:00–8:45 p.m. Cunning Coyote. Join Rangers Al and Karen Reed for a presentation on North America’s most capable and most misunderstood survivor. Bring your howling talent! 8: 00-8: 45 p.m. Coyote Astuto.…
