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Forest Service: Closed forest roads are closed for good reason

The Forest Service is warning that many roads on the Coconino National Forest are still closed from the long winter snow season. 

The concerns are mostly within the forest’s southeast portion known as the Mogollon Rim Ranger District. Rangers there have reported gates forced open and locks cut so people could get out into the forest.

But officials say those roads are closed off for a reason: mainly, the record breaking amounts of snow that fell on northern Arizona this year. And driving out into those areas while they’re still wet damages roads, habitats and watersheds. 

There is no scheduled date for those roads to reopen.

Fronteras Desk senior editor Michel Marizco is an award-winning investigative reporter based in Flagstaff.