Bighorn Reintroduction status update for April 28 – May 11, 2014 (all updates are currently available here) – no mortalities this period and the first update that I have seen that has almost no noteworthy content. The one exception may be the statement that “As the lambing season draws to a close it is encouraging to note that the survivability of the known lambs has exceeded expectations”. The yearly prohibition on travel more than 400 feet off of established trails in the Bighorn Sheep Management Area ended April 30.
On 5/1 Stage 1 Fire Restrictions were announced in the Coronado National Forest – including the Santa Catalina Mountains. This seems to happen at some point every year – read the entire document for all the details – the highlights for backpackers –
- Prohibited: “Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove” is prohibited
- Allowed: “LPG-fueled stoves, lanterns, or heating devices which meet the fire underwriter’s specifications for safety and can be tlll’ned on/off are a llowed so long as u sed in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materia ls within 3 feet of the device.”
Coronado National Forest to host workshop May 17 regarding draft land management plan and recommended wilderness – “Interested parties are invited to share ideas with personnel from the Coronado on specific areas under consideration for recommendation for wilderness designation.” None of the areas under consideration are adjacent to the Santa Catalina Mountains but this is an important topic for the Coronado National Forest. The Coronado National Forest – Forest Plan Revision page is a good source for information. A Mountain Project thread about the potential inclusion of popular climbining areas in the Dragoon Potential Wilderness Area.
5/10 – Peppersauce Cave offers “wild” exploration: A short report on/introduction to Peppersauce Cave.
5/13 – The SARA Facebook Page reports that “The Pima County Sheriff’s Department requested SARA’s services to assist a lost/injured hiker Monday night at 21:30. The hiker was located at approximately 0100 this morning, high up in Pima Canyon between Pima Spring and Pima Saddle and is currently being escorted out by a team of four. They’re expected out of the field sometime after 8am this morning. A very long night for our volunteers. Good job as always guys and girls!”