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U.S. Forest Service
News Release
Media Contact: Brady Smith
Public input sought on Cragin Watershed Protection Project Clints Well, Ariz., Feb. 25, 2016, For Immediate Release —
The Mogollon Rim Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest is seeking public input on the proposed Cragin Watershed Protection Project, which includes an analysis
that will disclose the effects of forest thinning by mechanical means and using prescribed fire in the area over the next 20 years. C.C. Cragin Reservoir, previously known as Blue Ridge Reservoir, is planned to supply water to the Town of Payson by
year 2018. The reservoir is fed by three main watersheds that sit atop the Mogollon Rim which have the potential for large wildfires that could destroy the reservoir and future plans.
“Forest thinning and prescribed burning in these areas is crucial and necessary to prevent damage and destruction to
the watersheds, C.C. Cragin Reservoir and critical habitat for wildlife and fish,” said District Ranger Linda Wadleigh. “The proposed action will help in all these areas, and we are looking forward to input from the public on this important project.” The proposed action consists of vegetation treatments and mechanical forest thinning across nearly 39,000 acres and
prescribed burning within about 64,000 acres of the project area. The forest restoration would take place over the next 20 years and help move toward desired conditions that can help reduce the risk of large and destructive wildfires. Two public meetings are scheduled to discuss the project. The first meeting is March 2 from 6-8:30 p.m. in Payson
at the Payson Unified School District Boardroom, 902 W. Main Street. The second meeting will be in Happy Jack on March 5 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Starlight Pines Community Center, 2740 Arapaho Drive, which is at milepost 305.5 on the east side of
State Route 87. To view the full proposal and maps, please visit
http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/coconino/CWPP. The public can submit their comments through email to
comments-southwestern-coconino-mogollon@xxxxxxxxx or by attending one of the public meetings scheduled and submitting their comments there. Those without email can submit written comments
to Mogollon Rim Ranger District, Attn: Polly Haessig, 8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, Arizona, 86024. The deadline to submit comments is March 25, 2016.
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