U.S. Forest Service officials in the Flagstaff Ranger District presented proposed fire limit changes to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, gaining public support.
The proposed fire limit changes will help prevent man-made wildfires by limiting camping, campfires and the use of motorized vehicles in strategic areas during times of high risk of devastating wildfires. It is hoped that it will help
Changes include expanding the existing year-round camping and campfire ban borders adjacent to the City of Flagstaff, and banning motor vehicles in certain areas during Stage 2 fire restrictions. These areas include San Francisco Peaks, Walnut Canyon, and Pumphouse Wash. Rough terrain and topography can increase wind speeds and limit the ability of firefighters to contain wildfires. These areas will remain open for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding during Phase 2 fire restrictions.
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A map of the southern half of the Flagstaff Ranger District. Areas shaded in red delineate locations where the U.S. Forest Service has proposed either a year-round ban on camping and campfires, or a ban on motorized vehicles during Stage 2 restrictions.
Coconino National Forest, Courtesy
“I support the proposed recommendations by the Forest Service to extend the boundaries of the year-round camping and campfire ban in areas where Forest Service land meets urban development. Official statement.” Supports increasing Tier 2 fire limits by banning the use of motorized vehicles in the area around San Francisco Peaks, Walnut Canyon, and Pumphouse Wash.These proposed changes will allow these significant It helps mitigate the wildfire threat in post-wildfire flooding in the region.”
A map of the northern half of the Flagstaff Ranger District. The red shaded area outlines where the U.S. Forest Service has proposed an annual ban on camping and campfires to reduce wildfire risk.
Coconino National Forest, Courtesy
Horstman adds: It is further recommended that the Forest Service make these fire limits and staging decisions at the local level rather than in the Washington DC Forest.
“Implementing these fire limits and staging also requires more investment in law enforcement on federal land. We need sufficient funding to support the agency’s regulatory oversight and enforcement.”
“Forest management practices and fire regulations need to change to accommodate more and more people going out to enjoy nature,” District 3 Supervisor Matt Ryan said in an official statement. said in “While continuing to allow access to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and other activities, we specifically support changes to the use of electric vehicles during Stage 2 restrictions.”
NBC reports that the US government is stepping up efforts to protect vulnerable parts of the country from devastating wildfires.
Coconino National Forest representatives made a similar presentation to the Flagstaff City Council in early January. During the presentation, the proposal was largely supported, although it was noted that the city would explore how effectively the city could help unprotected people displaced by the camping ban. .
A map of the northern half of the Flagstaff Ranger District. The red-filled area outlines where the US Forest Service proposed banning motor vehicles during Tier 2 fire restrictions.
Coconino National Forest, Courtesy
Coconino National Forest representatives are planning more community meetings to solicit public input before implementing the proposed changes. If the proposed fire limit changes are adopted, they will be implemented by April.
To contact Sean Golightly: sgolightly@azdailysun.com.
