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TUCSON, Ariz.  – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is temporarily closing the San Pedro House recreation site, located in the San Pedro Riparian Conservation Area (SPRNCA), to prune two ailing cottonwood trees that pose a public safety concern and threaten the long-term sustainability of the San Pedro House.

“The decision to prune the trees is a result of coordination with our partners and the public to find a workable solution that ensures public safety while honoring the cultural and social values associated with the trees,” said acting Tucson Field Manager Karen McKinley. “The decision to temporarily close the work site was made to ensure public safety relative to tree pruning and heavy equipment operations needed to complete the work safely and in the shortest time period possible.”

Work will begin the week of October 16 and could take up to three weeks to complete. During this time, public access to the SPRNCA and parking will remain available at the Escapule, Fairbank Townsite, Hereford, Land Corral, Little Boquillas, Millville, Murray Springs, Palominas, and Terrenate Trailheads.   

Additionally, the contractor will brace the tree limb resting on the railroad tie cabin to reduce further damage to this historic structure. In the future, the two cottonwood trees will be pruned on a regular basis to ensure public safety, and to protect the San Pedro House.

The decision, located at http://bit.ly/SanPedroTree, was signed on March 23, after significant public input. No protests were received during the subsequent 30-day appeal period.

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