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U.S. Dept. of Agriculture U.S. Forest Service Coconino National Forest www.twitter.com/CoconinoNF www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest
For Immediate Release October 31, 2013
Contacts: Brady Smith, Forest Public Affairs Officer, 928-527-3490 Dean Jones, Forest Deputy Public Affairs Officer, 928-527-3643
Forest Service to reopen Bull Pen on Saturday
Sedona, Ariz. – The Coconino National Forest Red Rock District will reopen the Bull Pen Recreation Area for day use beginning Saturday, November 2.
Public use at Bull Pen will be limited to day use only, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with no overnight camping allowed. Dispersed camping will be allowed at locations at least one mile from the Bull Pen area.
The presence of numerous cottonwood and sycamore trees with dead hazardous limbs prompted the closure of the area in May. The Forest Service then conducted a risk assessment. As a result of the assessment, management changes are being implemented for public safety. Hazardous trees have been removed or limbed within an area designated for day use. This area includes several parking areas and a toilet location.
The tree cutting was conducted during the past month so biological impacts could be minimized. The creekside forest is environmentally sensitive due to habitat for the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, a bird species proposed for the Endangered Species Act list, as well as Black Hawks and other nesting and hibernating wildlife that depend on trees.
Access to the West Clear Creek Wilderness for backpackers and hunters will again be available by parking at the West Clear Creek Trailhead at the Bull Pen Day Use Area.
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Attachment:
COC-NR-10-31-13-Bullpen-to-reopen.doc
Description: COC-NR-10-31-13-Bullpen-to-reopen.doc
