Mechanical thinning has begun in the Groom Creek area of the Bradshaw Ranger District. Contractors will use heavy equipment to grind up hazardous fuels across approximately 1,445 acres. The project area is located south of the City of Prescott and east of Senator Highway.
Forest Service officials say the work is designed to reduce wildfire risk by removing excess vegetation and lowering the amount of flammable material on the forest floor.
Several trails within the project area may be impacted, including Ranch Trail number 0062, Watershed Trail number 0299, Seven Mile Gulch Trail number 9854, and Groom Creek Loop Trail number 0307.
Visitors are urged to use caution in the area and watch for equipment and crews.