Wet weather restricts travel

Many forest roads temporarily closed

Due to warmer temperatures, melting snow and muddy conditions, Kaibab National Forest managers will implement temporary wet weather motor vehicle travel restrictions on the Williams Ranger District today.

The wet weather restrictions include the temporary closure of many roads and the prohibition of cross-country motor vehicle travel when soils are saturated and resource damage is occurring. When the restrictions go in effect, a backbone system of roads will remain open to allow motorized forest access. The roads that remain open are those that are most suitable for motorized travel during wet conditions and are strategically located to provide reasonable access to the forest. Green dots on carsonite signs indicate routes open to vehicle travel during wet weather restrictions.

"This is a temporary measure we are taking due to the hazardous conditions that exist right now and the potential for long-term damage to forest roads and resources," said Williams District Ranger Martie Schramm.

The goal of the wet weather travel policy, which was developed in 2005 in collaboration with the Coconino National Forest and the Arizona Game and Fish Department, is to provide reasonable motor vehicle access during times of extremely wet and muddy conditions while also protecting forest roads and resources and providing for public safety.

Information on wet weather travel restrictions, including maps showing open routes, is available at forest offices. Also, signs reading, "Entering wheeled motorized restriction area. Use only roads and trails shown on official map," along with a second sign displaying a map showing open routes in the area are posted at strategic access points on the forest. Motorized travelers are required to stay on those designated routes until the restrictions have been lifted.

"We will lift these travel restrictions as quickly as possible," Schramm said. "Forest employees will be monitoring forest conditions daily, and we will lift the restrictions when the soils have dried out."

Wet weather travel restrictions are implemented in a similar way to fire restrictions and area closures. Based on conditions on the ground, an official order is issued that restricts use to those roads that are most suitable for travel. The restrictions are lifted as soon as conditions allow. Just as with fire area closures, wet weather travel restrictions are only implemented when conditions create hazards to public safety and forest resources.