G&F notice on unit 29 and 32

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

Important information for hunters regarding road closures in southeastern Arizona

Sept. 30, 2014

 

 

Hunters and others engaging in outdoor recreation in southeastern Arizona are advised to be aware of (1) a road closure in Game Management Unit 32 in the Klondyke area, and (2) temporary storm-related closures of some roads and recreation sites in the Chiricahua Mountains (Game Management Unit 29).

 

(1) Closure of Long Hollow Road access point in GMU 32 -- Klondyke area

 

Due to a change in private land ownership in the area, there is no longer public access to State Trust lands or Forest Service lands through the Long Hollow Road access point (near Klondyke) in Game Management Unit 32.

 

(2) Temporary road and recreation site closures in Chiricahua Mountains (GMU 29) due to storm damage

 

Due to damage from recent storms, the Coronado National Forest has temporarily closed some roads and recreation sites for public safety reasons in the Chiricahua Mountains in Game Management Unit 29. Below is a news release that was issued on Sept. 26 by the Coronado National Forest:

 

TUCSON, AZ (September 26, 2014) -- Some roads and recreation sites located on the Douglas Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest are being temporarily closed due to damage related to recent storms in the area. The affected areas lie within the Chiricahua mountain range.

 

The following recreation sites are temporarily closed to human entry:

• Idlewilde Campground
• Stewart Campground
• Sunny Flat Campground
• John Hands Day Use Area
• Herb Martyr Day Use Area

National Forest System Road 42 from Pinery Administrative Site to Paradise is open to vehicular traffic. Motorists are advised to use caution and observe signs posted for safety purposes.

 

National Forest System Road 42 from the Cave Creek Visitor Center to the closure gate located approximately ½ mile northwest of the Southwestern Research Station, is closed to vehicular traffic, open to pedestrians and bicyclists.

 

The following are temporarily closed:

• National Forest System Roads 42A (Herb Martyr Road) and 42E (South Fork Road).
• National Forest System Roads 314 and 685.
• National Forest System Roads 74E, 628, 4243, 4244, 4245, 4246, 4248, and 7181.

Some areas will be gated, others posted with signs. Copies of the Special Closure Orders and maps will be posted at closed areas, available at the Douglas Ranger District Office, and posted on the Coronado National Forest website.

 

The areas are closed to allow for public safety in the Chiricahua Mountains after recent flood events caused significant road damage and erosion concerns. Closures will remain in effect until September 22, 2015, or until rescinded, whichever event occurs first.

 

Reports indicate that saturated soils and runoff debris are present in many areas of the Chiricahua Mountains. Motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists are urged to use extreme caution while in the area, and are advised that even small amounts of precipitation may result in flash flooding.

 

Alternative recreation sites on the Douglas Ranger District are currently open.

 

Rustler Park Campground can be reached by National Forest System Road (NFSR) 42. At 8,500 feet in elevation, 22 campsites can accommodate tents or trailers up to 22 feet in length.

 

On the west side of the Chiricahuas, Sycamore Campground can be reached on NFSR 41. The campground sits at 6,200 feet in elevation, with eight camp sites which can accommodate tents or trailers up to 16 feet in length.

 

Also on the west side of the Chiricahuas, Camp Rucker Group Site can be accessed by NFSR 74. At 5,600 feet in elevation, 11 campsites are available that can accommodate tents and trailers up to 16 feet in length.

 

In the Dragoon Mountains, Cochise Stronghold can be accessed by NFSR 84. At 5,000 feet, 12 camp sites can accommodate trailers up to 22 feet in length.

 

Drinking water and electricity are not available at the sites.

 

For further information, please contact the Douglas Ranger District Office at (520) 364-3468 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

 

Read the Forest Service news release on the Coronado National Forest website.

 

[Guest 300ultramag.]

Thanks for the heads up-

[PRDATR]

Is the Long Hollow Rd in 32 near Four Mile? I couldn't find it on Google Earth.

[1uglydude]

Is the Long Hollow Rd in 32 near Four Mile? I couldn't find it on Google Earth.

 

It's the next large canyon to the southeast of Four Mile. A mile or so before you come into Klondyke.

 

[GreyGhost85]

the long hollow closure is going to change a LOT of people's plans

[bigorange]

Bummer...my family had camping plans this fall at Sunny Flat. Hopefully it's a short temporary...

[PRDATR]

Maybe something can be worked out with the landowners. I have a hunt in 32 so I'll start scouting in other areas since the unit is new to me.

[Guest 300ultramag.]

how did you get this information? It would be nice if G&F would be oh so kind to relay this stuff to the hunters

[Workman]

how did you get this information? It would be nice if G&F would be oh so kind to relay this stuff to the hunters

They posted it yesterday on their website in the what's new column.

http://azgfd.net/artman/publish/NewsMedia/Important-information-for-hunters-in-southeastern-Arizona.shtml

[MULEPACKHUNTER]

If you sign up for email with G&F you will get all info asap such as deadlines and credit card updates and online wildlife magazine and more. Very good to have.

[Guest 300ultramag.]

thx

[Explorer]

G&F is on Flakebook also. I get notifications any time they have new info for the public.

[Hoss50]

So the way I am reading this is Pinery Canyon is open from the monument side up to the top of the mountains but is closed down on the east side of the mountains toward Portal? Or is Pinery open all the way from the monument side to Portal?