SIERRA VISTA, AZ - Beginning July 1, 2014 the Coronado National Forest, Sierra Vista Ranger District, will close Ash and Hunter Canyons to all recreational shooting.

The emergency closure is being implemented due to excessive resource damage to trees and other vegetation in both canyons and large amounts of trash, shells and lead being deposited in trees and on the ground.

Closing the area to shooting will allow the area to recover, improving vegetative growth and wildlife habitat, and allow for cleanup of damaged hazard trees as well as lead, shells and shooting debris.

The closure order will remain in effect until July 1, 2015 or until it is rescinded. During this time the Sierra Vista Ranger District will develop an overall Shooting Management Plan for all of the canyons along the east side of the Huachuca Mountains.

The emergency closure prohibits discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun in the restricted area. Binary explosives such as Tannerite remain illegal in all areas of the Coronado National Forest at all times of the year.

Exemptions to the closure include persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act and any person possessing a valid Arizona hunting license lawfully involved in hunting and harvesting game. Also included are any federal, state, local officers or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force performing an official duty.

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for individuals and $10,000.00 for organizations, imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

Additionally, Stage Two fire restrictions in effect across the Forest prohibit any shooting on Forest Service system lands until they are rescinded.

Other locations on the Sierra Vista Ranger District are appropriate areas for recreational shooters to enjoy their sport once the fire restrictions have been lifted. Most of the areas are located on the east side of the Whetstone Mountains, and the west side of the Huachuca Mountains. A public shooting range also provides shooting opportunities east of Sierra Vista.

Forest visitors are reminded that recreational shooting is also restricted in Reef and Ramsey campgrounds, Carr Picnic Area, Miller Canyon and trailheads as well as Ramsey Canyon due to proximity to homes, structures and forest facilities in the area.

For more information please contact the Sierra Vista Ranger District located at 4070 S. Avenida Saracino, Hereford, Arizona. The office can be reached by phone by calling (520) 378-0311. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.