Fire-damaged trails reopened on Mount Graham

[Al_HikesAZ]

Just saw this in the news:

Fire-damaged trails reopened on Mount Graham
By Diane Saunders, Staff Writer Eastern Arizona Courier Monday, January 22, 2007

All trails are reopened in the Nuttall Complex fire area with a warning to hikers that potential hazards still exist.

Coronado National Forest officials announced the reopening of the trails Jan. 18. The Pinaleno Mountains — Mount Graham — were damaged by the 2004 Nuttall Complex wildfires. The 29,200-acre Nuttall blaze included two lightning-sparked blazes — the Gibson fire that started June 22 and the Nuttall Fire that began June 26. Coronado National Forest Supervisor Jeanine Derby closed the fire area July 18, 2004, to protect the public.

Since the Nuttall fire, U.S. Forest Service employees and the Arizona Department of Corrections inmate crews have been working to repair trails on Mount Graham. A news release from the Forest Service states the work will continue for the next several years.

Acting District Ranger Sharon Wallace said Jan. 18 that hikers still need to be careful when visiting Mount Graham.

“Visitors still need to remain vigilant to dangers both overhead and beneath their feet as dead trees will continue to decay below ground for years and may fall without warning,” Wallace said.

The burned trees will fall naturally over time, she said. Because of the large number of burned acres, it is not possible to cut down all the damaged trees. Other hazards include treacherous surface and rolling rocks.

Camping is also allowed again in the Nuttall area. Wallace said campers are discouraged from camping in burned areas.

“Campfires are allowed in all existing camping areas. All the things that are normally open are open,” Wallace said.

Wallace noted that the gate on Highway 366 at Shannon will remain closed until April 15 or later, depending on weather conditions.