Tonto NF travel management plan

[ChaseTruck]

I'm sure you guys have seen this...

I didn't see any red flags in the areas that I'm familiar with.

The change to 'closed unless posted open' policy is a loophole for deliberate closures without public input, and I don't know whether there are any trails that have been deliberately omitted from the map.

I did see a whole bunch of trails that I've never been on, though...

[inkpot]

Howdy! Here's the long version. I spent a long time last Saturday talking to Tammy Pike, and others, of the FS and BLM, and they really do want input on where you want to keep trails open. Tammy is a very active offroader, and she does not want trails closed. I expect you all at the meeting on November 17 so we can maintain the maximum access in the Florence area. John



BLUERIBBON COALITION LANDUSE UPDATE!
Tonto National Forest to Host Travel Management Planning Open Houses

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

The Tonto National Forest, located in central Arizona, is proposing changes to their motorized vehicle travel system. During the month of November, six public open houses are scheduled to explain the process used to review the current route system, the criteria for determining needs for change, and to discuss any issues people may have with the proposed changes. Dates, times, and locations of the open houses are shown below

The Forest Service is seeking input from the public on these proposed changes before making a final determination on the designated route system. The public is invited to come and share their ideas about the forest's system of roads, trails, and/or areas, review the proposed system, and submit comments about the proposal.

A copy of the Forest Travel Management Proposed Action can be found on the Forest website at Tonto National Forest - Travel Management. You may also get a copy by visiting the Supervisor's Office at 2324 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, Arizona, or at one of the district offices.

Open House Schedule

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 6:30-8:00 pm
Tonto Basin Elementary School
445 South Old Hwy 188, (Punkin Center)
Tonto Basin, AZ

Thursday, November 5, 2009 6:00-7:30 pm
Old High School Auditorium
401 High Street
Globe, AZ

Monday, November 9, 2009 6:30-8:00 pm
Black Mountain Elementary School
33606 N. 60th Street
Scottsdale, AZ

Thursday, November 11, 2009 6:00-7:30 pm
Pleasant Valley Community Center
47533 Hwy 288
Young, AZ

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 7:00-8:30pm
Broadway Recreation Center
59 E Broadway Rd
Mesa, AZ

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 6:00-7:30pm
Julia Randall Elementary School
601 S Greenway Parkway
Payson, AZ

Written comments regarding this proposed action may be submitted through December 4, 2009. Comments should be mailed to Travel Management Team Leader, Tonto National Forest, 2324 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix AZ, 85006.

For more information, contact Genevieve Johnson at 602-225-5213, or visit the Tonto National Forest webpage at Redirect.

JUST REMEMBER, PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IS CRUCIAL TO KEEP RECREATION AREAS OPEN; PLEASE GET INVOLVED!

Thanks in advance for your support,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107

[ChaseTruck]

Ok, I missed it, here's the red flag: the section maps on the website are the current maps; they do not show the proposed changes.

The data e.g on the Mesa Ranger district PDF map shows closures, whereas the same route is listed green on the section maps. For example, on the section maps, FR160 is listed entirely as green, whereas on the PDF file it is marked as slated for closure from the river to the intersection with 1089.

So, you have to download the PDF files in order to see the proposed changes.

[sjpitts]

I just spent some time looking at the roads around Young. They are proposing to close a lot of roads. And even more troubling, they are proposing to designate a ton of roads as "administrative" only. I guess that means the FS can use them, but no one else.

And it looks like they decided to permanently close off sunflower. And a bunch of roads around bloody basin. They are closing the road along Red Creek that goes to the Verde. And I can't tell what they are doing with the river crossing and roads at Childs

Jared

[murf]

Last I heard they were going to reopen the Sunflower area after a "regeneration" period.

You heard that is now a permanent closure?

[sjpitts]

Originally Posted by murf

Last I heard they were going to reopen the Sunflower area after a "regeneration" period.

You heard that is now a permanent closure?

I just looked at the proposed Map. It did not appear that there would be any open roads going into sunflower. The reno pass road would be open from the east, but only about 2/3 the way across.

Jared

[DSRTRDR]

Originally Posted by sjpitts

They are closing the road along Red Creek that goes to the Verde.

that has been officially closed since the big fire, actually; same time when they closed FR42

I called the Forest Service ~two years ago and they said anything not explicitly listed as open is still closed

looks like they are extending that indefinitely

[Tools R Us]

I'm planning to attend this meeting, anyone else going?

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 7:00-8:30pm
Broadway Recreation Center
59 E Broadway Rd
Mesa, AZ

[inkpot]

Absolutely, in my red shirt, too!! John

[Tools R Us]

I interpret "Route Open for Administrative Use Only" as closed to the public? If so, even all of Bulldog Canyon area is closed according to this map?

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/travel...saRD102509.pdf

[ChaseTruck]

Originally Posted by Tools R Us

I interpret "Route Open for Administrative Use Only" as closed to the public? If so, even all of Bulldog Canyon area is closed according to this map?

http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto/travel...saRD102509.pdf

Yes, that's how I read it, too . Well, it's easy to close, too - the gate's already locked.

[Tools R Us]

Comparing maps, looks like they are making a new entrance to the coves? The wash entrance from Butcher Jones and high ridge road both closed? I don't see the point, it's not like that is close to a pristine area and would be hard to enforce, very popular with quad riders?

The road along the lake by Bagley flat, that was a nice drive.

[Tools R Us]

Some pix of what we are losing in the Bulldog, Willow Springs and Packsaddle area. A great place very close to town.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/az-copper-st...h-wheelin.html
http://forum.ih8mud.com/az-copper-st...heeling-3.html