Black River and Escudilla Wilderness to Open

[Pine Donkey]

 

 

 

 

NCA 2012 BBQ ●July 28, 2012

 

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests reopens Escudilla Wilderness and other areas for Memorial Day weekend

 

 

Springerville, AZ; May 8, 2012—The Escudilla Wilderness Area Emergency Closure Order is being lifted on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNF) after nearly a year since last May’s historic Wallow fire. “The resilience of the Escudilla Wilderness is truly remarkable! Escudilla is no stranger to fire, as it was nearly 61 years ago when fire swept across its landscape.  But, as you will see, meadows are green, aspen groves are springing up, and some areas have mixed conifer. We are asking the public not to loose sight that there are still a lot of hazardous conditions when entering any forested area, burned or not,” ASNF Forest Supervisor Jim Zornes stated. 

 

Many areas of the Apache National Forest at a glance will look pretty similar, but the Forest wants to remind campers, hikers and all visitors to Look Up, Look Down, and Look All Around. What to look for? Look for stump holes, unstable trees and if there is a chance for rain, the possibility of flash flooding may occur. When strong winds occur, which is typical of the White Mountain area; hikers and campers may want to stay out of burned areas just as a precautionary measure. “We aren’t telling people that they that can’t go into the burned areas, we are just encouraging people if there’s another place to hike or camp they may want to do so,” according to Eric Flood, Alpine Ranger District recreation staff officer.

 

NOTICE: Low clearance vehicles and those pulling trailers are being advised not to use FR276 through the East Fork Recreation Area that will be open, because of the number of deep drainage ditches and salvage logging occurring on the north end of the road between FR249 and FR37. Visitors should access the East Fork area via US191, and take FR26 west, and then FR24 north, or follow FR 24 south from the Big Lake area.

 

Routes to (re)open: NFSR #81 (Auger Canyon Rd.) and NFSR #276 along the East Fork of the Black River. 

 

Recreation Sites to (re)open: Aspen Camp Ground (CG), Deer Cr. CG, Buffalo Crossing, Diamond Rock CG, Horse Springs CG, and Raccoon CG, Rainbow CG, and South Fork Day Use Area (the area was a campground, but is now closed to all overnight camping).

 

Areas that will remain CLOSED to Dispersed Camping Until Further Notice: Auger Creek Closure Area, Fish Creek Closure Area, Middle Mountain Closure Area, Milligan Valley Closure Area, Prime Canyon Closure Area, and West Fork Closure Area.

 

Recreation Sites that will remain CLOSED Until Further Notice:

West Fork Dispersed CG

 

Please check out the ASNF website for more information at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

 

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place forest-wide on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.  What does this mean to the public?

 

Due to increasing fire danger, the following fire restrictions are deemed necessary to prevent human-caused wildfires and protect public health and safety: 

 

Fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are allowed in developed campgrounds only.

These restrictions limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles, buildings, or in developed campgrounds.

Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters that can be turned off are allowed.

The fire restrictions will remain in place until lands within Apache, Greenlee, and Navajo Counties receive significant precipitation.

 

White Mountain visitors 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 www.593info.org) or by dialing 593 or 928-333-3412.

 

 

 

[Snapshot]

Thanks for the update

[billrquimby]

"We are asking the public not to loose sight that there are still a lot of hazardous conditions when entering any forested area, burned or not,” ASNF Forest Supervisor Jim Zornes stated."

 

Lose -- (looz) verb (past and past part.) Be deprived of or cease to have or retain something.

Loose -- (loos) adjective. Not firmly or tightly fixed in place.

 

Rest assured, Mr. Zornes. We will not "loose" sight of the dangers lurking out there.

 

Bill Quimby

[Snapshot]

"We are asking the public not to loose sight that there are still a lot of hazardous conditions when entering any forested area, burned or not,” ASNF Forest Supervisor Jim Zornes stated."

 

Lose -- (looz) verb (past and past part.) Be deprived of or cease to have or retain something.

Loose -- (loos) adjective. Not firmly or tightly fixed in place.

 

Rest assured, Mr. Zornes. We will not "loose" sight of the dangers lurking out there.

 

Bill Quimby

 

Writers!

[Poppa Cap]

Don't bother bringing any trailers if you go up to Escudilla. There are about 15-20 new water bars in the main road now, most are about 3-4 feet high!! Totally rediculous.

[Pine Donkey]

We spent Friday on the East Fork of the Black River. The fire damage, is evedent but not the total disaster that had been feared. Both sides have severe burned areas, but the East side has much more damage.

 

 

Although damaged, this is still a beautiful area. Here is Laurie fishing a little hole that was loaded with both Apache and Brown trout.