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Temporary Emergency Closure
The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests are implementing a temporary emergency closure due to severe road and infrastructure damage and hazards caused by the recent record flooding. Field staff evaluations and assessments of current conditions are ongoing, including several hundred miles of roads. Although the flood waters have begun to recede, conditions remain unstable in many areas and roads may continue to deteriorate.
The purpose of this Order is to provide for the public’s health and safety during and following flooding events resulting in road damage, bridge damage, and flood debris.
Alert Start Date: November 6, 2026
Alert End Date: December 31, 2027
Order Number: 03-01-26-004
Contact Information
Contact Name: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
Contact Number: 928-333-6280
Contact Email: SM.FS.ASNF_PAO@usda.gov
Forest Order
PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b) the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, trails in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area/Roads/Trails”):
- Public health and safety 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).
- Being on a road 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).
- Being on a trail. 36 C.F.R. S 261.55(a).
EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following are exempt from this Order:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
- Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
DESCRIBED AREA/ROADS/TRAILS
The Described Area consists of all National Forest System Lands as described below:
- Forest Service Road (FSR) 276 at the intersection of FSR 24 at Buffalo Crossing (33 45’39.05” N, 109 21’24.63” W ) to the intersection of FSR 37 (33 49’14.97” N, 109 16’50.21W ). The Described Area also includes the following campgrounds: Diamond Rock, Aspen, Deer Creek, Racoon, Horse Springs, West Fork, and Buffalo Crossing.
- FSR 116 is closed from the intersection of FSR 249E (33° 53' 22.308" N, 109° 27' 30.924" W), located within SESE of Section 26, Township 6 North, Range 27 East) to the intersection of FSR 72 (° 50' 40.3404" N, 109° 29' 5.0568" W), located within SENW of Section 10, Township 5 North, Range 27 East. This includes Thompson Trailhead # 629. Portions of FSR 116 from AZ 273 to FSR 249E will remain open to public travel.
- FSR 504 is closed from Mile Marker (MM) 18 (GPS: 34°35.942'N, 110°47.570'W) south approximately 2 miles to MM 20 (GPS: 34°37.587'N, 110°47.113'W), located within the NE¼ of Section 18, Township 14 North, Range 15 East. This closure includes Mormon Crossing.
- FSR 75 is closed at approximately MM 5 (GPS: 34°28.257'N, 110°57.958'W), located within the NE¼ of Section 33, Township 13 North, Range 13 East. This closure applies specifically to the Hart Canyon Crossing on FSR 75. All other portions of FSR 75 will remain open to public travel.
- FSR 22 is closed at the Morgan Wash crossing, located at GPS: 34°10.879'N, 109°56.162'W, located within the NE¼ of Section 17, Township 9 North, Range 23 East. This closure applies specifically to the Morgan Wash Crossing on FSR 22. All other portions of FSR 22 will remain open to public travel.
- FSR 140 is closed from MM 2 (34°13.839'N, 110°7.6539'W) approximately 2 miles south to the intersection of FSR 300 (GPS: 34°13.344'N, 110°09.187'W), located with Sections 28, 29, and 31 of Township 10 North, Range 21 East.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to provide for the public’s health and safety during and following flooding events resulting in road damage, bridge damage, and flood debris.
IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order will be in effect on November XX, 2026, at 00:01 hours (12:01 am) and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2027, or until rescinded, whichever comes first.
- A map identifying the Described Area/Roads is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/asnf/alerts-notices.
- Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
- Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
- Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Supervisor’s Office in Springerville, AZ, 928-333-6280, for more information about this Order.
- This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in/on the same Described Area/Road.
Maps
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