Lockett Meadow Road to re-open 9-15-12

From: "Magee, Brienne U -FS" <bmagee@FS.FED.US>

Date: September 10, 2012 1:47:13 PM PDTTo: <USDA-FS-NEWS@NEWSBOX.USDA.GOV>Subject: SOUTHWESTERN-NEWS-RELEASE: Coconino National Forest Information

Lockett Meadow Road reopens 8 a.m. Saturday

Flagstaff, AZ – The Flagstaff Ranger District will be opening Lockett Meadow Road (Forest Road 552) to public use starting Saturday at 8:00 a.m.

Lockett Meadow Road is winding and extremely narrow, and visitors are urged to use caution while in the area and to expect delays. Contractors will continue to utilize the road and portions of Lockett Meadow to haul and stage construction materials for the ongoing Waterline Road reconstruction efforts. Flaggers will be in place Monday through Friday to block traffic at the top and bottom of Lockett Meadow Road while heavy equipment is traveling the road.

Construction activities will not occur on weekends, thus no personnel will be directing traffic; however, drivers should be especially cautious on weekends, as high visitor traffic is expected – drive slowly, be alert, and be prepared to stop for passing vehicles. The road is not suitable for trailers

Lockett Meadow Campground will also be open for free day-use and camping starting Saturday morning. Camping and campfires are only permitted in the designated camp sites, and no trash or water services will be available. Visitors must practice Leave No Trace principles – Pack it In, Pack it Out - remove all trash from the area upon departure. Sites are available on a first come, first served basis, and camping is limited to 14 days.

Both the Locket Meadow Road and Campground will close seasonally if the road becomes too wet to sustain safe vehicular traffic, or with predicted heavy snowfall.

For additional information, contact the Flagstaff Ranger Station 928-526-0866.