WILLIAMS — Kaibab National Forest managers anticipate a busy Memorial Day weekend and offer forest users the following reminders to help make the visit as safe and enjoyable as possible.

· Monitor the weather with the National Weather Service Flagstaff, find forest information and conditions on the Kaibab NF website or by contacting your local ranger station, and always be prepared for sudden changes.
· When recreating near rivers, creeks, streams, or in canyons, be aware of high ground and escape routes in case of flash flooding.
· Always look up, look down, look all around for potential hazards such as falling branches, trees, or rocks.
· Bring extra water, food, and clothing layers. Let someone know where you’ll be, and when you plan to return.
· Remember that you’re not the only person using the forest; be respectful of other forest users – drivers, pedestrians, equestrians, and bicyclists.
· Drive with caution as some roads still have hazards such as fallen trees, snow and deep mud.
· Vehicles must stay on designated roads. A free Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) is available at our offices and GPS-enabled versions can be downloaded from our website. These show you the roads you’re allowed to travel and indicate the areas where you may pull further off the road for dispersed camping. The MVUM is the only official reference – don’t rely on map apps and don’t expect blockades or signage on every “off-limits” route.
· Along those lines, please don’t use our signs as your practice target, canvas, or home decor.
· Don’t mess with history. Our forest is rich with artifacts that tell the stories of the people who inhabited this land long before us. You might be lucky enough to come across evidence of more recent settlements like old containers and remnants of railroads and homes, or something from the earliest civilizations like rock art, pottery, and sharps. If you do, “oooh’s” and “ahhh’s” are OK; painting, breaking, and taking are not. In fact, it’s all illegal.
· Always be smart with fire. Even though there are currently no fire restrictions in effect, exercise caution with campfires. Keep them as small as practical. Avoid fires during high winds. And never leave them unattended. Stir your campfire with dirt and water until it’s dead out. You’ll know it’s fully extinguished when it’s cold to the touch. If there’s still smoke, there’s still heat.
· Pack it in, pack it out. Responsible recreation includes packing out all your trash and everything you brought with you. Practice the Leave No Trace principals and leave the forest healthy and beautiful.

Bottom line: Plan ahead, make safety your priority, and respect the natural resources and fellow forest visitors.