Williams News Logo
Grand Canyon News Logo

Trusted local news leader for Williams AZ and the Grand Canyon

Moonset pit now open for forest debris disposal

PARKS, Ariz. - The public can help prevent fires by disposing of forest debris at several upcoming open pit dates at Moonset Pit.

On open pit dates, people can deposit debris such as tree limbs and pine needles from their private property at the cinder pit, which is located on the Kaibab National Forest west of Parks and east of Spitz Springs on the north side of old Route 66.

"We encourage our local community members to rake, prune and gather debris from their property and deposit it at Moonset Pit," Williams District Ranger Martie Schramm said. "This is an important step in reducing the risk of wildfire damage to your home."

Fire personnel and community volunteers will staff the pit from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on open pit dates to ensure access and prevent disposal of unauthorized materials. People may only deposit natural, woody debris at Moonset Pit. Open pit dates for 2013 include: May 11 May 25, June 8, June 22, July 13, July 27, Aug. 10, Aug. 24, Sept. 14 and Sept. 28.

The use of Moonset pit helps private citizens create defensible space and improve forest health in their communities. The Kaibab National Forest and the communities of Parks and Sherwood Forest Estates offer this service in coordination with the Rural Communities Fuels Management Partnership (RCFMP). The RCFMP provides assistance in protecting private property from wildfire through tree thinning projects. More information about the RCFMP is available by calling (928) 523-8676 or by visiting www.redrockcountry.org/rcfmp/. More information about Moonset Pit and volunteering to staff the pit on open dates is available from Ray Raetzel at (928) 635-0059 or Anne Dudley at (928) 635-0417.


Donate Report a Typo Contact