Some developed recreation sites in the Coronado National Forest will reopen Thursday, May 21, and be open for the Memorial Day weekend.
Because it is wildfire season, there are campfire, smoking and recreational shooting restrictions in place in the forest. Also, offices and virtual services will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day
Nationwide, most national forests and grasslands remain open for visitors to enjoy, and efforts are being made to expand access while following CDC guidance and state and local government orders to protect people and employees during the coronavirus pandemic, forest officials said in a news release.
The following developed recreation sites will reopen at 5 p.m. Thursday:
Santa Catalina Ranger District
- General Hitchcock Campground (restrooms will be open)
- Peppersauce Campground (restrooms will be open)
Concessionaire sites to reopen with the exception of group sites:
- Rose Canyon Campground
- (concessionaire will open restrooms)
- Spencer Canyon Campground (concessionaire will open restrooms)
Douglas Ranger District
- Herb Martyr Campground (restrooms will be open)
- Rucker Forest Camp Campground (restrooms will be open)
- Rustler Park Campground
- (restrooms will be open)
- Sycamore Campground (restrooms will be open)
Nogales Ranger District
- No sites reopening at this time.
Sierra Vista Ranger District
- Reef Townsite Campground and Group Site (restrooms will be open)
- Ramsey Vista Campground (restrooms will be open)
Safford Ranger District
- Arcadia Campground (portable toilets will be in place)
- Noon Creek Campground (restrooms will be open)
- Riggs Flat Campground (portable toilets will be in place)
Throughout the Memorial Day holiday weekend, Coronado forest officials expect large numbers of visitors to forest sites. Visitors are reminded to practice social distancing and maintain a distance of 6 feet between individuals.
Campfire, smoking and shooting restrictions are currently in place on Coronado forest lands to prevent human-caused fires. The following are prohibited in the Coronado forest:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove including fires in developed campgrounds or improved sites.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations.
- Operating any internal combustion engine, except operating motorized vehicles on designated roads so long as you park in an area without vegetation within 10 feet of the road.
- Welding, or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame.
- Using explosives.
Fireworks are always prohibited on national forests.
For more information, go to www.facebook.com/CoronadoNF or www.fs.usda.gov/coronado
"We're tough as saguaros," editorial cartoonist David Fitzsimmons says. He says he saw a video made for the people of Detroit and became inspired to do his own take for Tucson.
Photos for May 13: Tucson gets by during Coronavirus Pandemic
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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The venerable T-Rex outside the McDonald's at Grant and Tanque Verde comes around late, but strong, to the mask game, May 13, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
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Greg Madril, director of Pascua Yaqui Workforce Development, loads a van up with boxes of food to be taken to homes of elders on the reservation who have isolated themselves during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, on May 8, 2020.
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Abigail Pauley (center) and Carmen Solis (right) deliver food to the homes of elders on Pascua Yaqui Reservation who have isolated themselves during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, on May 8, 2020.
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Catalina Foothills High School graduates throw their hats in the air as they are videoed on the stage on the football field at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in Tucson, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Catalina Foothills High School is videoing all 415 graduates individually over three days crossing the stage with their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After video and still pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills School District.
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Graduates follow directions as they are filmed cross the stage at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in Tucson, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and graduations being canceled, Catalina Foothills High School, set across three days, is filming all 415 graduates as they cross the stage with a their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After filming and taking pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills High School.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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Catalina Foothills High School senior Maura Benesch grabs hand sanitizer before picking up her diploma cover at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in Tucson, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Catalina Foothills High School is videoing all 415 graduates individually over three days crossing the stage with their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After video and still pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills School District.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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Senior students follow directions as they are videoed crossing the stage on the football field at Catalina Foothills High School, 4300 E. Sunrise Dr., in Tucson, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Catalina Foothills High School is videoing all 415 graduates individually over three days crossing the stage with their diploma cover. Small groups of graduates are escorted toward the stage and stand next to cones set apart for social distancing. After video and still pictures, graduates are given a t-shirt as they leave. "Its an amazing amount of work and planning, but our grads are worth it," said Julie Farbarik, director of Alumni and Community Relations at Catalina Foothills School District.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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A fully suited worker, part of a crew from ServiceMaster, gestures out the door to a teammate while sanitizing the Little Cesars at 1201 W. St. Mary's, May 9, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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Owner Michael Elefante cleans the pasta bar at Mama Louisa’s, 2041 S. Craycroft Road. Local restaurants and bars must limit their indoor occupancy to no more than 50%.
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Lunchtime is normally standing room only at R&R Pizza Express, 13,905 N. Sandario Road, Marana. But it was sparsely attended on May 11, 2020, as the state allowed restaurants to re-open their dining rooms. Owner Linda Molitor carefully spaced tables to maintain social distancing for dining-in.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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Owner Linda Molitor wipes down one of four tables available for dining-in at R&R Pizza Express, 13,905 N. Sandario Road, Marana, on May 11, 2020.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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Suzanne Elefante, center, office manager, teaches Breanna Jirschele, employee, a discount at the register at Mama Louisa's, 2041 S. Craycroft Rd., in Tucson, Ariz., on May 11, 2020.
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Debra Roff, left, employee, keeps her distance as she takes a families order at Coyote Pause Café, 2740 S. Kinney Rd., in Tucson, Ariz., on May 11, 2020. Restaurants reopened on Monday after Gov. Doug Ducey allowed restaurants to open and the Pima County Health Department issued a list of protective measures in response to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Coyote Pause Café has decreased their seating to less than 50% to allow for social distancing along with signage about COVID-19 and social distancing. There are sneeze-guards, made by the employees, at the counter tops. There are also small trash bags placed at every table for customers to place their trash allowing employees to decrease the amount of items they touch.
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Leo Kresch, left, and Drew Burk, employees from Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails prepare to-go meals at The Carriage House, 135 S. Sixth Ave., in Tucson, Ariz., on May 12, 2020. Janos Wilder, owner of The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails, received a donation to help prepare 1,400 meals for Tucson Medical Center employees. The meal includes two entrees and a desert.
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Devon Sanner, executive chef at The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails, places Thai Green Vegetable Curry on top of rice in to-go meals at The Carriage House, 135 S. Sixth Ave., in Tucson, Ariz., on May 12, 2020. Janos Wilder, owner of The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails, received a donation to help prepare 1,400 meals for Tucson Medical Center employees. The meal includes two entrees and a desert.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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A group of finished to-go meals remain on top of the counter while employees from Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails create more to-go meals at The Carriage House, 135 S. Sixth Ave., in Tucson, Ariz., on May 12, 2020. Janos Wilder, owner of The Carriage House and Downtown Kitchen and Cocktails, received a donation to help prepare 1,400 meals for Tucson Medical Center employees. The meal includes two entrees and a desert.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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Rachel Tineo, Tucson Strength ambassador, wipes down equipment at Tucson Strength, 6130 E. Speedway Blvd., in Tucson, Ariz., on May 13, 2020. Tucson Strength has modified aspects of their gym to fit the coronavirus pandemic. Equipment is spaced out to allow for social distancing and equipment is being cleaned after every use by members as well as employees.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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Diana Sestiaga, a manager at DSW, talks with a customer at the store located at 7191 E. Broadway, on May 12, 2020.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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A customer orders a meal during Cucusa's Caribbean Cuisine grand opening at the Tucson International Business Center, on May 12, 2020.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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Bartender Katelyn Williams confirms an order from Briante Brown after he checked the offerings from a photo on her phone while doing sidewalk service at John Henry's bar, May 6, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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A bench decorated with a thank you to healthcare workers and first responders in the front yard of a home off N Tortolita Road, on May 6, 2020.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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Frank Marini flashes a heart symbol to the staff at Tucson Medical Center in May. The number of hospital beds available in Pima County hasn’t fluctuated much over the last month.
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Recovered Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) patient Larry Delf, retired Tucson paramedic and St. Mary's Hospital EMT, waves to family members, friends, nurses, doctors, hospital staff and Tucson Fire Department as they celebrate Delf's recovery at Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital 1601 W. Saint Mary's Rd., in Tucson, Ariz., on May 7, 2020. After a month of hospitalization, Delf is being transferred to a long-term acute care facility.
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While waiting for recovered Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) patient Larry Delf, retired Tucson paramedic and St. Mary's Hospital EMT, Chevelle Baker, center, granddaughter, holds up a sign with Family members, friends, nurses, doctors and hospital staff to celebrate Delf's recovery at Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital 1601 W. Saint Mary's Rd., in Tucson, Ariz., on May 7, 2020. After a month of hospitalization, Delf is being transferred to a long-term acute care facility.
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David Sounart, vice-president of manufacturing, removes the molds from a batch of Twin Peaks mugs, mugs the company made for the TV series, as HF Coors begins to return to production, May 8, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
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Esmeralda Islava works with client Caroline Stelmach at Bellaza Beauty Bar located at 1951 W Grant Road #110 during their first day reopened since non-essential businesses began closing due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), on May 8, 2020. "Its weird that there are fewer people but it feels [safer]," Stelmach said about the precautionary changes.
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Melanie has her temperature checked before her manicure appointment at Bellaza Beauty Bar located at 1951 W Grant Road #110 during their first day reopened since non-essential businesses began closing due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), on May 8, 2020. When asked what it is like coming back to the salon since the virus Melanie responded "It's different for sure. Having to sign a waiver and get your temperature checked."
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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Stylist Rahnay Curtis with mask on while cutting hair at CDO Barbershop on May 8, 2020, in Tucson.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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Owner Jennifer Ball cuts Carl Arnal's hair at CDO Barbershop on May 8, 2020, in Tucson. Arnal said, "I cheated a little on March 7. My son is a barber." He added, "I started panicking when they talked about (reopening) in the middle of May." When he said down in the chair for a cut, he said, "I will definitely enjoy this one."
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Josh and Meghan Leunen share their helping of lava cake from the bed of their truck while cars still file into the lots at the Tucson Dragway Drive-In Theater Powered by Griffith Automotive Repair & Restoration's showing of Pixar's Cars, May 8, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
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Isaiah Valdez peers out from the trunk of his car, with two stout table legs providing extra support of the hood, before the start of the night's showing of Cars at the Tucson Dragway Drive-In Theater Powered by Griffith Automotive Repair & Restoration, May 8, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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Family members practice social distancing while celebrating mothers day at Agua Caliente Park, 12325 E. Roger Rd., in Tucson, Ariz., on May 10, 2020.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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Wright Elementary School teacher Sheree Garcia packs up leftover items in students' desks for them to pick up, on May 8, 2020.
Tucson gets by during coronavirus pandemic
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Wright Elementary School teacher Sheree Garcia elbow bumps her student Francisco Cruz Silva, 8, as she drops off a computer for him at his family's home, on May 8, 2020.
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Sarah Hemzawi, in Raleigh, N.C., gets to attend the evening meal of her parents Ziad Hemzawi and Raina Kanawati, part of their Ramadan ceremonies at their home, May 7, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
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Rania Kanawati prays in her living room, part of the adapting to the closing of the local mosques due to COVID19 restrictions, May 7, 2020, Tucson, Ariz.
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Owner Jesus Bonillas measures the distance between tables at the American Eat Co. Small businesses can apply for no-interest loans through the city until Tuesday, May 26.
