Fossil Creek Closure Extended

Continuing de-construction efforts on the Childs-Irving Hydroelectric facilities have prompted an extension of the closure affecting Forest Road 708 (Fossil Creek Road). The closure, requested by Arizona Public Service (APS), began Oct. 30th, 2006 & will now run through Dec. 31st, 2006, Monday - Friday. Please note that this closure will severely limit access to the upper reaches of Fossil Creek during this period.

Closure location:

The east end of the closure for FR 708 will be located approx. 1/2 mile west of the entrance to the Upper Fossil Springs Trailhead near Strawberry. The west end of the closure will be located approx. 1 mile east of the intersection of FR 502 & FR 708.

Severe construction traffic restrictions will occur on FR 708 from Hwy. 260 near Camp Verde to the intersection of FR 502 until Dec. 31st, due to heavy equipment & truck movement. Traffic diversions to Strawberry or extended delays on this stretch of forest road may occur.

This temporary closure is requested by APS in connection with the decommissioning of the power plant & facilities at Fossil Creek. This closure will affect the Tonto & Coconino national forests. APS crews will construct gates for each end of the closure & provide signs at the gates as well as on upper Fossil Creek Road & on FR 708 at the Camp Verde end.

The Payson Ranger District office can be contacted by telephone at 602-928-7900 or visit fs.fed.us/r3/tonto.