A contractor will begin using heavy equipment this week to thin trees on 42 acres of Prescott National Forest land. The Blackjack Stewardship Project is located northwest of the City of Prescott on the north side of Iron Springs Road. Alto Pit OHV Day Use/Campground and associated trail system will be closed to maintain public safety.
Thinning operations are dependent on weather and soil conditions, but visitors can expect equipment to be in the area for the next month. As the operator moves through the project area, numerous signs will be posted to make trail users aware of thinning operations, and the status of trail closures. The Coop Trail #619 that starts on Contreras Rd will be closed at the entrance to Alto Pit for the duration of the project. Measures will be taken to protect the surface of trails and impacts will be remedied by the contractor and the Forest Service as needed. In addition, there will be increased truck traffic along Iron Springs Road.
Prescott National Forest personnel will ensure that agency-approved events experience only minimal interruptions. Until mechanical operations are concluded, Forest Managers recommend that visitors take advantage of recreational opportunities along White Spar Road, Granite Basin Recreation Area, or the Lynx Lake Recreation area.
