NEWS RELEASE
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
U.S. Forest Service
Coconino National Forest
www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino
www.twitter.com/CoconinoNF
www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest
For Immediate Release
March 28, 2011
Forest Service hosting volunteer event for Schultz recovery project
Flagstaff, AZ – The Coconino National Forest is seeking participants for a Public Volunteer Weekend in April to help construct fence around the Copeland Canal behind the Fernwood neighborhood northeast of Flagstaff. Thousands of acres of National Forest in the area have been closed to the public since the Schultz flooding events last summer; completion of the fence will allow Forest officials to take steps toward rescinding the closure.
“Since the Schultz Fire, we have received lots of offers from the public to help with the recovery efforts,” says Mike Elson, Flagstaff District Ranger. “We’re looking forward to working with community members on a project that will help us reopen the forest for public use.”
Crews and volunteers will be building approximately 3 miles of fence which will provide a buffer around the canal to help the public to remain at a safe distance, as well as protect the banks of the ditch from damage and reduced capacity.
Who: Anyone eager to help with Schultz Flood recovery efforts. Participants of all ages are welcome, but minors need to be accompanied by an adult.
When: Saturday April 9 & Sunday April 10; 9:00a.m. – early afternoon
Where: Copeland Canal behind the Fernwood neighborhood.
What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, gloves, sunscreen, appropriate attire for the weather, plenty of water, and your lunch.
RSVP: All those planning to attend should RSVP to Justin Loxley or Brienne Magee at the Flagstaff Ranger Station, 928-526-0866.
This fence is part of the Schultz Long-Term Rehabilitation Projects. These long-term rehab projects – which also include preparing roads and trails for safe public use and replanting in some portions of the burn area – are separate from the ongoing burn and flood emergency response efforts.
Continued Burned Area Emergency Response efforts will take place this spring and summer; an assessment in the spring will determine the effectiveness of the previous aerial seeding and mulching, as well as the need for further measures. “While the treatments to address flooding continue, we’re also moving forward with long-term rehabilitation projects such as this fence project at the Copeland Canal,” says Elson. As the Coconino National Forest plans additional projects for long-term rehabilitation, additional volunteer opportunities may also be planned.
For more information on the Long Term Rehabilitation Projects, visit the website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/nepa/index.shtml or contact the Flagstaff Ranger District at 928-527-0866.
For additional information on the upcoming Copeland Canal Volunteer Weekend, or to RSVP, please contact Justin Loxley or Brienne Magee at the above number.
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