Veterans lead project to improve Arizona Trail along Catalina Highway
Contact Information: Adam Milnor adam.milnor@usda.gov
Tucson, Ariz., (November 6, 2024) – The Coronado National Forest and Arizona Trail Association Veteran Engagement and Trail Stewardship (VETS) Program are partnering to improve recreational trails near a popular recreation site on the Catalina Highway. A project to reroute a small portion of the Arizona National Scenic Trail in Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Site will begin on Friday, November 8 and last through Monday, November 11.
Over twenty veterans and their family members will contribute to the project. The mission of the Arizona Trail Association VETS program is to connect those have served our country with fellow service members and the Arizona National Scenic Trail.
Gordon Hirabayashi Recreation Site was the location of a Federal Honor Camp beginning in 1937 to house federal prisoners supplying labor to build what is now the Catalina Highway. The site was named for Dr. Gordan Hirabayashi in 1999, a conscientious objector during World War Two, who served as a prisoner at the camp in the 1940’s.
The Coronado National Forest planned and approved improvements to the recreation site through the Santa Catalina Trail Plan. These include more intuitive and sustainable trail connections and modifications to the parking that will improve parking for day users and trailers without impacting camping opportunities.
Detailed Recreation Opportunity Guides including maps, area information, attractions, amenities, campgrounds, and picnic areas, along with other recreational opportunities are available at the Coronado National Forest website.
For More Information
- For more information about the VETS program visit their webiste.
- For any additional questions contact the Coronado National Forest at Mailroom_R3_Coronado@usda.gov.
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