The Fossil Creek recreation area, located within the Backbone Fire burn scar, will remain closed for the remainder of the year and possibly through next Fall as personnel work to assess and repair damage. Coconino National Forest officials say the decision to keep Fossil Creek closed was made at the recommendation of a BEAR team due to elevated post-fire risks in the area, such as flash floods, debris flows and dead trees. In addition, due to a combination of fire damage and monsoonal rain damage, Forest Roads 708 and 502 are currently impassable. During the closure, personnel will be implementing a variety of projects recommended by the BAER team. The projects include clearing roads and monitoring them after storms, treatments to prevent the spread of invasive species and the installation of new signage. All permits issued through recreation.gov have been canceled and refunded.
