Access Trails Coordinator
Demolishing........... or preserving as a peaceful mountain retreat for public
use? We have the opportunity to make a big difference by merely sending an email
or letter. Keep reading, then click the keyboard or pick up a pen!
Outdoor enthusiasts have an opportunity to encourage the National Forest Service
to open two unique facilities to public overnight use in the picturesque Dragoon
Mountains in Cochise County
The Half Moon Ranch and historic Shaw Home in Cochise Stronghold have been
acquired by the Forest Service and are being considered for their "Rooms With a
View" program. The Half Moon would feature group rental accommodations, multiple
horse corrals, and parking for large rigs in a wooded area protected by granite
domes and sheer cliffs rising to 7500 feet. Sharing the same fantastic views and
trail access, the Shaw Home would provide a more rustic experience. The adjacent
Cochise Indian Trail is a beautiful trail taking hikers into the Dragoon
Mountains.
This would offer the unique qualities of a remote cooler climate at 5,000'
elevation and an excellent overnight base camp for hiking the Dragoon area. Due
to significant budget cuts, it is mandatory that facilities such as these be
self supporting and be incorporated into the "Rooms with a View" program which
allows the Forest Service to preserve historical buildings that are seldom used
by turning them into rentals for public use. The alternative is
incomprehensible!!!
If you agree, take the time to show your support by writing a letter of support
to Kathy Makansi, Archaeologist at Coronado National Forest. Letters can be
faxed to Kathy at 520-749-7723 or emailed to
kmakansi@fs.fed.us.
The following is available for cutting and pasting to an email so your voice can
be counted today!
Coronado National Forest Kathy Makansi, Archaeologist To Whom It May Concern: I
am very much in favor of opening up various recreational sites for public
overnight use on Forest lands such as the newly acquired Half Moon Ranch and
Shaw House in the Cochise Stronghold.
These two facilities would provide group accommodations enticing many local and
visiting outdoor adventurers to experience the rich cultural and scenic wonders
of the Dragoon Mountains.
These two sights could be developed into much sought after serene, peaceful
mountain retreats providing opportunities to hike through oaks and junipers.
I urge you to incorporate the Half Moon and Shaw Home into the "Rooms With a
View Program" as an approved public overnight facility and available for
reservations in the year 2008.
Sincerely,
Name and Address
(The above edited information was received from the Cochise Trails Association)
ATTENTION ALL HIKERS
The Coronado National Forest is in the process of developing a Motorized Vehicle
Travel Management Plan. This plan will determine which roads are open to
motorized travel within the National Forest. If the road to your favorite trail,
peak, canyon, camping site or bushwhack is not on this plan, then you will not
have motorized access. This is also the opportunity to suggest new roads. The
Forest Service is especially interested in connecting recreational use areas. To
view the Forest Service maps, enter their web site (Coronado National Forest
Home Page) and click on "Travel Management" "Interactive Map Site" Now is the
time to make your voice heard.
Motor Vehicle Plan
There is some good news regarding public access. The High Creek road closure, in
the eastern Galiuro Mountains, has been bypassed by the Forest Service. They
have built a short road around the locked gate and routed the public through
nearby Harrison Canyon. This lengthens the hike to Paddy and Sunset Peaks by
about 3 miles. Access to the east end of Aravaipa Canyon from Klondyke has been
restored. Court action by the Forest Service and officials in Cochise County has
determined that the road is public and not subject to closure. Thanks to the
Cochise Trails Association, the Forest Service and all those who pursued this,
providing legal public access for everyone.
Thank You
SAHC Access Trail Coordinator
Jim Terlep
