Tag Archives: Tonto National Forest

Tonto National Forest to implement restrictions on shooting targets

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PHOENIX — The Tonto National Forest has announced it will implement reasonable restrictions on the types of shooting targets that will be allowed beginning Monday, November 20.

In an effort to reduce the amount of trash being left behind by recreational target shooters, only the following types of shooting targets will be allowed on the forest:

  1. Cardboard, and/or cardboard targets with reusable frames (excluding wooden pallets), which are removed from the site after shooting.
  2. Paper, and/or paper targets with reusable frames (excluding wooden pallets), which are removed from the site after shooting.
  3. Reactive targets designed to move or bounce along the ground when hit, are made of non-metallic materials and removed from the site after shooting.
  4. Self-healing targets, which are removed from the site after shooting.
  5. Metal targets specifically made for firearms. These targets are designed to swing, spin or fall down when struck and are removed from the site after shooting.
  6. Biodegradable clay targets.

“Over the last seven years, volunteer groups who organize and assist the forest with clean-up events have collected 192 tons of trash at these shooting sites,” said Neil Bosworth, forest supervisor. “We’re grateful for volunteers’ efforts, but all visitors should keep in mind that littering on forest land is prohibited and is a punishable offense.

“We want to keep areas open for target shooting. Target shooters can help by removing their targets and trash, including spent shell casings. This benefits the forest by protecting its resources and also fosters a positive image toward target shooting.”

Read the target restriction order on the Tonto National Forest’s website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices/?aid=44243.

Tonto National Forest to hold public meetings on preliminary proposed management plan

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The Tonto National Forest has announced that the Tonto Preliminary Proposed Plan, the first step toward revising the current Tonto National Forest land and resource management plan, will be released for public comment on Monday, November 6, 2017. Forest officials are hosting eight public meetings in November to share information with the public about the preliminary plan, the next steps in the plan revision process, and how to get involved to help shape the future management of the Tonto National Forest.

Meeting dates, times and locations are:

  1. Tuesday, November 7, from 5 – 7 p.m. (Mesa)
    Franklin at Brimhall Elementary/Franklin Junior High, 4949 East Southern Ave, Mesa
  2. Wednesday, November 8, from 5 – 7 p.m. (Cave Creek)
    Desert Foothills Library, 38443 North Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek
  3. Monday, November 13, from 5 – 7 p.m. (Roosevelt)
    Tonto Basin Ranger District Office – Roosevelt Lake Visitor Center, 28097 AZ-188, Roosevelt
  4. Tuesday, November 14, from 5 – 7 p.m. (Payson)
    Payson High School, 301 South McLane, Payson
  5. Wednesday, November 15, from 2 – 4 p.m. (Young)
    Pleasant Valley Community Center, Highway 288, Young
  6. Thursday, November 16, from 5 – 7pm (Globe/Miami)
    Bullion Plaza Cultural Center, 150 North Plaza Circle, Miami
  7. Monday, November 20, from 5 – 7pm (Superior)
    Superior Junior/Senior High School, 100 W Mary Dr., Superior
  8. Tuesday, November 21, from 5 – 7pm (Phoenix)
    24th Street Conference Center, 1841 N 24th St #10, Phoenix

The Tonto National Forest is developing a revised land and resource management plan for the Tonto National Forest, utilizing the 2012 planning rule. The current plan, approved in 1985, is outdated and does not address current issues relevant to the Tonto National Forest including recreation, healthy watersheds, open spaces, ecosystem restoration and wildlife.

More information about the meetings will be available on the plan revision website www.tontoplan.org. Those with additional questions are encouraged to contact the Tonto National Forest via email at: tontoplan@fs.fed.us.

Public comment sought to help develop revised Tonto Forest Plan

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The Tonto National Forest on April 6 published in the Federal Register a Notice of Intent to develop the Revised Tonto National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan and associated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Forest Plans are used to guide management of the National Forest for 15-20 years.

The current Tonto National Forest Plan, approved in 1985, is in need of updating to reflect current conditions, and uses of the Forest. The plan revision process will be an extensive, multi-year public process, throughout which the Tonto National Forest will promote public comment and participation in development of the revised forest plan.

Publication of the Notice of Intent initiates the public involvement process, which guides the development of the Revised Plan and EIS. The Forest Service has allocated a 45-day scoping period, which will end on Monday, May 22, 2017. This is the first formal opportunity for the public to provide comments on the proposed action, or the need to change direction from current management of the Tonto National Forest.

“If you enjoy the Tonto National Forest and care about how it will be managed for your enjoyment and that of future generations, please review the Notice of Intent and provide comments to help the Forest Service develop the revised Tonto National Forest Plan,” said Neil Bosworth, Forest Supervisor, in a news release.

Public comments during the initial 45-day scoping period can be submitted by e-mail to tontoplan@fs.fed.us or by U.S. mail to Tonto National Forest, Attn: Tonto Plan Revision, 2324 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85006.

See the Tonto Forest Plan Revision page to learn more about the Tonto Forest Plan Revision; the process, final assessment, needs to change, and public involvement leading up to this point.