Wildfire Season Has Begun
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As drought conditions persist and spring winds continue to desiccate the parched landscape, the possibility of wildfires grows every day. Until the return of healthy monsoon rains it will be incredibly important that all Arizona Trail users exercise extreme caution while hiking, running, riding and camping on the AZT. Did you know that over 80% of fires in Arizona last year were human-caused? And do you recall that nearly 10% of the 800-mile Arizona Trail was scorched by fires last summer? Let’s all work together to protect the deserts, mountains, forests, canyons and communities throughout the state.
Here are just a few things you can do to help:
- Give Up Campfires – when you’re camping, avoid campfires altogether. While the ambiance may be nice, the risks just don’t outweigh the rewards. Cook on a campstove and let the starlight be your evening entertainment.
- Don’t Park on Dry Grass – when you park, make sure your car is completely clear of dried grass, pine needles, and other potentially flammable vegetation. Too many fires are inadvertently started by hot car engines igniting grasses nearby.
- Use Caution with Cigarettes – if you’re a smoker, keep all ashes and butts within your vehicle. Avoid smoking while on the trail to help protect natural resources.
- Watch Those Chains! – if you’re towing a travel trailer, make sure the tow chains aren’t touching the roadway as they throw sparks at high speed that can cause wildfires.
- Don’t Shoot Exploding Targets – recreational target shooters should always carry a fire extinguisher due to the high occurrence of shooting-related fires; and don’t ever bring exploding targets on to public lands.
To stay informed about fires (prescribed burns and wildfires) in Arizona, we recommend using the InciWeb website. If any portions of the Arizona Trail are unsafe, closed, or otherwise impacted due to fires, we will post the information on our Facebook page, as well as on the Guthook smartphone app and on our website.
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Big Map of the Arizona Trail
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We just printed a fresh batch of our big wall maps with a great new design! Maps are 6 feet tall by 2.5 feet wide and are sized to fit on a wall or back of a door. The trail itself is printed in white so you can color in the passages and segments you’ve already experienced. Maps feature passage names and numbers, gateway communities, mountains, canyons, lakes, rivers, and other geographical features. There are color-coded land management layers showing National Forests, National Parks, wilderness areas, tribal lands, and much more.
For this new 2021 version we also added some of the charismatic critters commonly seen along the trail, including roadrunner, coyote, rufous hummingbird, Arizona black rattlesnake, Chiricahua leopard frog, black bear, northern goshawk and Kaibab squirrel. Original wildlife images were generously contributed by local artist Rachel Ivanyi. There’s also a proper land acknowledgement with all of Arizona’s tribes represented.
Two versions are available on heavy paper ($60), and laminated ($85).
Order yours from the Online Store, and ATA members login for a discount.
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Patagonia Documents Stewardship in Action
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Earlier this month, Little Village Films traveled to Arizona to document trail maintenance activities along the AZT as part of a mini-film for Patagonia. Decked out in Patagonia’s new line of industrial hemp workwear, ATA stewards hit the trail to demonstrate their stewardship skills on the Tonto National Forest. A small crew removed a massive tree that had fallen across the trail near the Cross F Trailhead on Passage 22, then tackled some erosion issues near Picketpost Mountain.
“We are delighted that Patagonia chose to feature the Arizona Trail Association,” said ATA Executive Director Matthew Nelson, “and hope this footage inspires others to get involved with trail maintenance activities nationwide.”
Among the crew members featured in the Stronger Together shoot were a diverse mix of ATA staff, stewards, Trail Skills Institute grads, as well as Shonto and Shamira from Arizona Conservation Corps’ Ancestral Lands Crew. We will let you know once the video is out in the world.
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Gear Girls Program Seeks Lead Coach
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The ATA is seeking a Lead Coach for our Gear Girls program in Flagstaff. If you love mountain biking, snowsports and trail work, and want to inspire young women in the outdoors, consider joining our team!
Gear Girls uses mountain biking, trail work, and snow sports to build confidence, outdoor competence, community, and character in young women grades 4-8. Girls learn practical skills in trail building, mountain biking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing, while absorbing lessons in mindfulness, teamwork, and determination that will prepare them for life’s bigger challenges. Girls from Flagstaff meet weekly for ten weeks per session and are coached by a supportive all-women staff in a low pressure setting. More information about the Gear Girls program can be found here.
To learn more about the Lead Coach Responsibilities, Desired Skills & Experience, Schedule & Compensation, and How to Apply, please visit our Employment Opportunities page.
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2021 Virtual Summit - May 19 & 20
All the great ideas - none of the travel time!
May 19
4 - 6:30 pm
Celebrating and Learning from Successes
Tools for Success exploring motorized and non-motorized projects statewide.
May 20
9 - 11:30 am
The Working Power of the Network
Work with fellow trail managers, non-profits and professionals to elevate trail recreation in Arizona.
Register for the Virtual Summit here.
Recreational trails are a critical economic, social, health and environmental asset to the people of Arizona. The Network for Arizona Trails (NAzT) is a broad collaborative of non-motorized and motorized trail builders, planners, managers, advocates and supporters that seeks to elevate trail recreation throughout our state and community.
The Network is for everyone who has a stake in the future of trails in Arizona, whether they're a professional or volunteer, advocate or manager. They're convening motorized and non-motorized trail groups, all engaged user groups and diverse populations. As they move ahead, embracing and expanding the diversity of those interested in sustainable recreation is critical to ensuring its future, everyone is welcome to the table.
For more information on the network, visit our website or contact us here.
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Circle Z Ranch is a proud supporter of the Arizona Trail Association.
Located near Patagonia, Circle Z Ranch is a renowned dude ranch offering all-inclusive vacations featuring trail rides, gourmet local cuisine, and unforgettable hospitality. Immerse yourself in the grasslands and sky islands of southern Arizona through vacation experiences that will envelope you in a time and place when days were spent on horseback and nights under a blaze of stars. Check out their 4-day and 7-day packages, with openings beginning in October at https://www.circlez.com/ -- where authentic tradition meets unspoiled adventure.
Circle Z Ranch is a Premier Legacy Partner.
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