Big Idea

• All Prescott National Forest offices will be closed Monday, October 12 for Columbus Day
• Please enjoy recreation responsibly, follow CDC COVID-19 guidelines
• Follow Leave No Trace principles
• Remember the forest is still in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
• Read more...

Monday is Columbus Day - National Forest Offices are closed

Prescott, AZ, October 8, 2020 – All Prescott National Forest offices will be closed Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Regular virtual business hours will resume on Tuesday, October 13.

As fall colors start to appear on the Prescott NF, officials would like to remind visitors to please recreate responsibly and follow the Centers for Disease Control guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Reminders for a fun and safe weekend include checking the weather forecast and being prepared for seasonal fluctuations. Use good judgment and basic safety precautions when hiking, fishing or camping; and follow Leave No Trace principles:

• Plan ahead and prepare for your trip to enhance your experience and make sure you return home safely.
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces to prevent resource damage.
• Dispose of waste properly. Leave your campsite at least as clean as you found it and take your trash home with you.
• Leave what you find. Don’t damage live trees and plants and leave natural objects and cultural artifacts where you found them.
• Respect wildlife by keeping your distance, and do not feed, touch or pick up wild animals.
• Be considerate of other visitors. Respect quiet time in developed campgrounds. Keep dogs on leashes and clean up after your dog.

The Prescott NF would also like to remind visitors that the forest is still in Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and the following is prohibited on all Prescott NF lands:

• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove, except in developed recreation sites with metal fire rings or cooking grills.
• Forest visitors are urged to reference the Prescott National Forest website for a list of developed recreation sites allowing campfires under Stage I Fire Restrictions (https://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott).
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or in a developed recreation site in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun; except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal laws and regulations.
• Several Forests in Arizona are still in fire restrictions. Know before you go. Check current fire information and restrictions at www.firerestrictions.us or call 1-877-864-6985.

The public can obtain fire information via the following:

• Prescott National Forest Web Site: www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott
• Follow us on Facebook or Twitter
• Local Ranger Stations: Bradshaw Ranger District, (928) 443-8000; Forest Supervisors Office (928) 777-2200; Verde Ranger District (928) 567-4121