“PSAR” at the Monuments
The summer season in Flagstaff brings with it warmer temps and hot days. With our visitors coming from all over the country, we find many people unprepared for the heat and dry conditions that they may encounter at our high elevation. In the past few years, we have implemented and expanded our Preventative Search & Rescue (PSAR) program here at the monuments.
This program educates our visitors on what trail conditions are, the necessary water and footwear they should have, in an effort to prevent medical incidents and rescues before they happen. Specifically, the Island Trail at Walnut Canyon with its 273 stairs, can be an arduous trip for anyone not prepared. Expect to see our park staff and volunteers staffing a desk on the Island Trail patio, engaging every visitor with a safety message!
Preventing Wildland Fires
Flagstaff Monuments, along with the Coconino National Forest and Coconino County are in Stage 2 fire restrictions at this time. We still allow small propane fueled stoves at our picnic areas, all other fires are never allowed within FLAG. Smoking is also now restricted to inside of vehicles only.
Our historic Ranger Cabin at Walnut Canyon is protected by an exterior sprinkler system to protect it in the event of a fire in the area. We work closely with our USFS partners to ensure all Flagstaff Monuments resources are protected and planned for in the event of a fire.
FLAG has 8 Wildland Fire carded staff working here and have been busy this season already, detailed multiple to local and regional fires helping as GIS specialists, Fire Fighters, Law Enforcement Officers, and Resource Advisors.
Craig Janicki
Chief Ranger
Flagstaff Area National Monuments
Friends of the Flagstaff National Monuments Receives New Capacity Building Grant from National Park Foundation