January cleanup for Redington Pass | Environment

The Coronado National Forest will be working in Redington Pass, located on the Santa Catalina Ranger District east of Tucson, beginning in January 2013.   Forest managers will be looking at Redington to evaluate past and current uses, and develop a plan for the future.  Forest and contract personnel will remove litter, assess potential risks, and develop a management plan for the popular recreation area.

Three dispersed shooting sites between mile markers 5.9 and 6.5 on Redington Road (also known as Pima County Road 371) will close temporarily starting January 14, while shooting debris is removed and a risk assessment performed.  The areas are expected to reopen September 30, following an evaluation of risk assessment results.  The risk assessment will aid in determination of further actions, which may be needed for visitor safety and natural resource protection.

Forest personnel are beginning the process to develop a Redington Pass Collaborative Management Plan that will guide management of the area by increasing visitor safety, enhancing multiple uses and recreational experiences, and minimizing user conflicts.  Multiple uses in the area include hiking, mountain biking, hunting, grazing, wildlife watching, off highway vehicle (OHV) use, and recreational shooting.

The Forest has received an application for a managed shooting range in Redington Pass.  Forest personnel are currently working with the applicant on the proposal.

The Coronado has partnered with individuals and groups in the past on volunteer projects to include trash removal and monitoring of shooting areas.  Additional volunteer opportunities will be available following the risk assessment and any risk abatement deemed necessary.