News Release

USDA Forest Service

Tonto National Forest

Tonto and Coconino national forests announce temporary Fossil Creek area closures

Payson, Ariz. (August 13, 2008) – Due to continuing de-construction efforts on the Childs-Irving Hydroelectric facilities, a temporary closure of Fossil Springs and Fossil Creek on the Tonto and Coconino national forests will be in effect from Monday, August 18, 2008 through Saturday, February 28, 2009 (unless terminated sooner).

The closure area boundaries include: Fossil Springs trailhead north to Fossil Springs, west to the Irving Power Plant, and south along the east side of Forest Road (FR) 708 (Fossil Creek Road). Exemptions to the order will include security personnel and law enforcement in the performance of their duties.

This temporary closure is requested by Arizona Public Service (APS) in connection with the ongoing decommissioning of the power plant and facilities at Fossil Creek.

The closure order and map of the closure area can be found on the Tonto web site at www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto

The Payson Ranger District office, Tonto National Forest , can be contacted by telephone at 928-474-7900 for further information.

The Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest , can be contacted by telephone at 928-203-7500 for further information.

Closure Order (pdf)

Closure map (pdf)