Wildfires Force Forest Closure

Destination Arizona
B. Thomas Cooper

Due to continued wildfires, the Coconino National Forest has closed. The following notice is posted on the Coconino National Forest website:

NOTICE:
The Coconino National Forest is CLOSED to public access or use due to EXTREME FIRE DANGER.
This is a total closure of the forest. Entrance is not permitted. We appreciate your cooperation.
This notice supersedes any and all information contained on these and other web pages pertaining to the Coconino National Forest including any and all recreation pages.


More information about the Coconino National Forest, and what closures may mean to your recreation plans can be obtained at:
The Coconino National Forest

Destination Arizona 2006

Potato Fire Threatens Nearby Subdivisions

Destination Arizona
B. Thomas Cooper

Unfortunately, as of three p.m. this afternoon, the Potato Fire northeast of Heber, Arizona was continuing it’s march toward nearby subdivisions. Chevelon Retreat and Chevelon Acres, both evacuated Tuesday afternoon, are now less than three quarters of a mile from the wildfire’s raging front. As of this evening, nearly a hundred people have been displaced by the wildfire.

Emergency managers say residents and other motorists wanting a glimpse of the fire are causing disruption to firefighters traveling along the roads. Everyone is being urged to stay away from the area altogether.

Emergency managers are also warning the public to avoid traveling beyond road closures. Those who do, may be cited or arrested.





Navajo County Emergency Management officials are strongly urging the public to avoid traveling on the following forest roads:

• Forest Road 504


• Forest Road 99 (Wildcat Road)


• Forest Road 95


• Forest Road 170 (Wagon Draw Road)

The fire, which has already consumed over six thousand acres is believed to be forty percent contained, although strong winds and unusually high temperatures are hampering efforts to bring the blaze under control.

The American Red Cross, Grand Canyon Chapter has opened a Reception and Care Center for those forced to evacuate their homes due to the fire.

Destination Arizona 2006

Wildfire Rages North of Heber

Destination Arizona
B. Thomas Cooper

Once again, and all too soon, Heber, Arizona, is feeling the heat, as the so called Potato Fire threatens to incinerate over two dozens homes, just eight miles to the north. Having jumped fire-lines constructed over night, the wildfire has already consumed over 5,000 acres, and is within a mile of Chevelon Retreat, a nearby subdivision. Evacuations began Monday evening, and about a dozen residents spent the night at a Red Cross shelter, erected at an Elementary School in Heber. Few residents chose to disobey the order, although some opted to stay and fight back the flames. I wish them luck.





Fire crews worked throughout Tuesday to build additional containment lines along the fire's western and northern boundaries, although, strong winds continued to fan the flames as afternoon progressed. The fire is believed to be about thirty percent contained.

From the town of Heber, while photographing the enormous plume of smoke rising to the north., I spoke briefly with an anxious resident, reminded of the Rodeo-Chediski fire, which consumed over 450,000 acres back in June, 2002. The extended drought has only compounded an already drastic situation. Heber, located 140 miles northeast of Phoenix, seems particularly susceptible to disaster of this nature. We can only hope this story ends better than those previous.

Destination Arizona 2006

The Gentle Splendor of Watson Lake

Destination Arizona
B. Thomas Cooper

When drifting upon the clear, still waters of Watson Lake, one cannot help but feel worlds away. It is early morning, and our canoe seems to know which way to go, my paddle splashing ever so gently. The Earth is quiet. We glide smoothly across the surface of the water, and for a moment I feel graceful. I feel alive.

My wife and I have visited Watson Lake many times in recent months. The views are stunning, and yes, perhaps other-worldly. The granite dells, sculpted by the elements of ions, stand like great lions, gargoyles guarding over the lake. We are but guests here.




I am especially fond of the many coves and beaches, ideal for kayaks and canoes. There are no motorized watercraft allowed, reducing noise and wake potential. This may be a disappointment for some. For them, I recommend Lake Pleasant,
north of Phx…(more on this later).

I cannot imagine a more inviting locale for a morning canoe adventure, or afternoon picnic. Once upon the water, we seldom encounter other boaters. It’s like the world belongs to us, and perhaps for this brief moment, it does.

Once ashore, the adjoining park provides countless hiking and biking opportunities. Just be sure to pay the fee at the gate when you enter. There’s a reason this park appears so clean.
In 1998, residents of Prescott approved a fifteen million dollar bond, allowing the city to purchase Watson Lake and nearby Willow Lake from the Chino Valley Irrigation District.

Watson Lake lies near the center of Arizona, just four miles north of Prescott, along Route 89. From Phoenix, the drive averages about ninety minutes.
You’ll probably want to take Interstate 17, although the traffic northbound tends to be anything but graceful. Although the freeway itself is in pretty good condition, it could obviously use another lane or two to account for recent growth in the area.





Heading south from Flagstaff, you may also wish to catch I-17. From either direction, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the Prescott exit. There are of course, other routes leading to Prescott, each providing a unique experience.

Prescott offers countless lodging and recreational possibilities, depending on personal taste. At over a mile in elevation, the weather is usually much cooler than in other parts of the state, and with so much to see and do, I would recommend Prescott and nearby Watson Lake to anyone in search of Arizona adventure.

Oh, and be sure to bring your camera.

Authors Note: If you are interested in viewing or downloading high resolution photos taken by myself at Watson Lake and around the Prescott area, they are available
here.

Destination Arizona 2006