June News

June 25

Fireworks, exploding targets, and other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited on National Forests in Arizona year-round, regardless of weather conditions or holidays. Regulations are enforced, and violations are punishable as a Class B Misdemeanor with a fine of no more than $5,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both.

Before going hiking or camping, always check the Coronado National Forest website, https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coronado/alerts, for fire restrictions or area closures.

Photo from: https://www.fs.usda.gov/rm/pubs_series/rmrs/rp/rmrs_rp108.pdf

June 19, 2026

The Type 4 Nogales Organization team with the Coronado National Forest is managing the Big Casa Fire near Mount Wrightson. Crews remained in place overnight working to secure the perimeter and will be assisted by Type 1 and Type 3 helicopters. Today, helicopters will shuttle personnel and equipment, as well as perform bucket drops.

Law enforcement is in place in Gardner Canyon for traffic control and the area is closed to recreationists.

Type 1 Helicopter https://www.nifc.gov/resources/aircraft/helicopters

June 17, 2026

Negative human and bear encounters have increased on Mount Graham and in the Santa Rita Mountains.  Help keep black bears an uncommon sight in southeastern Arizona by doing your part to stay bear aware.  Remember, a fed bear is a dead bear.

June 10, 2026

New application forms for the Memory Wall are now available on the Memory Wall webpage

May 25 – Sept 30

Critical Habitat for the federally threatened species: Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Required Actions for Volunteers:

1. Stop use of leaf blowers and weedwackers in or near suitable foraging and breeding habitat through September 30
2. Minimize all excessive noise and construction-related activities that could disrupt the quiet environment these birds require for successful rearing of offspring
3. Report sightings: If you see a cuckoo (look for the long tail with white spots and a yellow bill), please maintain a respectful distance to avoid causing stress to the bird

Photo from Tucson Bird Alliance: https://tucsonbirds.org/bird_profile/yellow-billed-cuckoo/

June 18, 2026, 4:50pm

Cause: Under Investigation

Closures: Gardner Trail #143

The Big Casa Fire (Santa Rita Mts) is estimated to be between 3-5 acres at this time. Approximately 40 personnel are assigned with one rappelling crew as well as three air tankers and two helicopters,

At this time the public is encouraged to avoid any recreational activities in this area due to the potential hazards, as well as increased fire personnel and vehicles accessing the area.

June 6, 2026

Volunteers celebrated National Trails Day on June 6 by doing trail maintenance on the Old Baldy trail at Madera Canyon. They cleared drains and rebuilt berms to help prevent trail erosion from the monsoon seasonal rains.