State Land Closures To Be Lifted

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On Friday, July 9, at 8 am, the Arizona State Land Department and the Department of Forestry and Fire Management rescind recreational closures on State Trust Land in all 15 counties and place some areas back into Stage II restrictions.

With the rescinding of closures, state-owned and managed lands within Apache, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai, and Yuma Counties will reenter Stage II fire restrictions. In conjunction with DFFM’s federal partners lifting fire restrictions Friday in Southern Arizona, state land in Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, and Santa Cruz Counties will not re-enter fire restrictions and will be open fully.

Stage II restrictions prohibit campfires and outdoor smoking. Also under Stage II, DFFM’s Industrial Plan C goes into effect, which includes, time of use limitations for chainsaws, mechanical fellers, masticators and chippers. A fireguard also must be in place for industrial activities. Target shooting and fireworks prohibited year-round on State Trust Lands.

On Friday at 8am, recreational permits will once again be available for purchase from the ASLD. Applicants may apply online at https://land.az.gov/applications-permits(link is external). All recreational users must still abide by any relevant Stage II fire restrictions as mentioned above.

All exemptions to the Stage II restrictions must be approved by the State Forester and the State Land Commissioner. If local authorities have imposed stronger restrictions than State restrictions, the local restrictions shall apply. These restrictions apply to all permit and leaseholders and other authorized users of state-managed lands. Restrictions do not apply to private lands under ARS § 37-1303.

Stage II restrictions are effective on Friday, July 9, 2021, at 8 am, and will continue until rescinded.

For statewide fire restriction information, visit WildlandFire.az.gov.

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