Public safety concerns due to drought conditions, hot temperatures and increased fire danger are causing the Tonto National Forest to implement two area closures beginning today, Wednesday, May 23.

State highways 87, 260 and 188 are open for public travel.

County roads through the Tonto National Forest remain open unless the road is specifically closed by the agency managing the road.

All national Forest System roads and trails within the area are closed. The closure region includes all Tonto National Forest Land north of Payson to the forest boundary (Mogollon Rim) between the White Mountain Apache Reservation on the eastern boundary, and the Coconino National Forest on the western boundary.

Also, the southern boundary of the closure starts at the Fossil Creek Trailhead and heads southeasterly along the powerline corridor to Arizona State Highway 87 into Payson and along Arizona State Highway 260 east from Payson, along National Forest System Road (NFSR) 405 and NFSR 405A to the National Forest System Trail 178 east along Haigler Creek to the White Mountain Apache Reservation.

Also closed are all national forest system lands, roads and trails within the Mt. Ord, Four Peaks and Three Bar Wildlife areas.

National Forest System Road 583 from State Highway 87 will remain open for access to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.

The Tonto Creek and Canyon Creek Fish Hatcheries operated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department will be closed for public access.

Owners and leases of private lands within the boundaries of the described areas may travel to and from their private property.

View the Closure Order and maps on the Tonto National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/tonto/