Temporary Trail Closures During APS Powerline Rebuild in Spence Basin
Intermittent closures to occur through June 2024
Arizona Public Service (APS) is currently completing a rebuild of the 12 kilovolt electrical distribution line that runs through Spence Basin to the community of Highland Pines. The powerline generally follows the alignment of the Waterline Trail #733. The Forest is working closely with APS and its subcontractors to implement temporary trail closures to ensure public safety.
The project has 5 distinct phases; location and grubbing (completed), hole digging, material hauling, setting the poles, and stringing the lines. The pole setting and line stringing are the most hazardous to the public and will require trail closures to ensure public safety. The Forest and APS will provide updates to trail users through social media posts when these closures are scheduled to occur.
The railroad grade portion of the Javelina Trail #332 (Prescott Circle Trail) and the Iron Springs TH will be used for hauling materials and equipment for the duration of the project. Trail users should expect large truck and equipment traffic along these two routes through July 2024, please do not assume that drivers and equipment operators can see you, move well off the roadway to ensure your safety. Additionally, Granite Basin Road will be used for trucks and equipment as well for the portion of the powerline on that side of Iron Springs Road.
Many trails cross the Waterline Trail #733, there will be barricades posted to alert trail users approaching work areas, all attempts will be made to inform users of closures before turning around is required. Please stay informed of the project status to ensure APS can complete this important project safely and efficiently by complying with all postings. The 2022 Highland Pines Waterline replacement project in Spence Basin provided the Forest with an example of how we can leave as many trails open as possible with proper public notice and signage, we hope that this project will be as successful and trail users will comply with postings so that a full trail system closure is not required.
Project Website: www.Apsspencebasin.com
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Trail Closures Due to Thinning in Alto Pit OHV Day Use/Campground
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.
The intent of the project is to improve the health and resiliency of fire-adapted ecosystems while reducing hazardous fuels that pose a threat to life and property in the wildland-urban interface.
Visitors can obtain additional information via the following:
- Prescott NF Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott/
- X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/PrescottNF
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF
