Bill Williams Watershed Closure 2014

 Kaibab National Forest To Take Additional Precautions

To Prevent Human-Caused Fires

UPDATE: closure will be lifted at 8 a.m., July 8, 2014.

Kaibab NF Press Release, 6-2-2014:

 WILLIAMS, Ariz. – The Kaibab National Forest is taking additional steps to reduce the risk of preventable human-caused fires.  As of Friday (June 6) at 8 a.m. the North Kaibab Ranger District will enter campfire and smoking restrictions, and the Williams Ranger District will close the Bill Williams Mountain Watershed to public entry. 
Under the North Kaibab Ranger District’s campfire and smoking restrictions, which are also known as Stage 1 fire restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves will be allowed in developed campgrounds only.  The restrictions will also limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles or buildings or in developed campgrounds. 
 On the Williams Ranger District, which is already under Stage II fire restrictions, the Bill Williams Mountain Watershed will be closed to public entry.  This includes hiking, horseback riding, driving, camping and all other recreational and industrial activities.
 The Bill Williams Mountain Watershed closure area will be bounded to the east by 4^th Street and County Road 73, to the south by Forest Service Road (FSR) 122, to the west by FSR 108, and to the north by Interstate 40.  (THIS INCLUDES BILL WILLIAMS MOUNTAIN TRAIL, BENHAM TRAIL, BIXLER SADDLE and all trails on or around the mountain.)
 Forest managers often close the Bill Williams Mountain Watershed to public entry during fire season.  Bill Williams Mountain is the primary watershed for the City of Williams, and a major wildfire and subsequent flooding would be devastating to the city and surrounding communities. 
The entire Williams and Tusayan ranger districts remain under Stage II fire restrictions, which prohibit campfires, even in developed campgrounds; prohibit discharging a firearm, except while engaged in a lawful hunt; and, limit many industrial activities.
 For detailed information about fire restrictions and the closure of the Bill Williams Mountain Watershed, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab or call the Kaibab National Forest fire information phone line at (928) 635-8311.
 For information about fire restrictions across Arizona, visit http://firerestrictions.us/az/ or call 1-877-864-6985.