May 1, 2014

Forest Service Seeks Input on Upgrades to Sabino Canyon

Sabino’s recreational plan is two decades old and many of the facilities and services are outdated.

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The U.S. Forest Service is asking the public to weigh in on what changes it would like to see implemented at Sabino Canyon, nestled into the mountains of northeast Tucson.

Sabino Canyon hasn’t changed much since it was closed to private vehicles in 1978.

Sabino’s recreational plan is two decades old and many of the facilities and services are outdated.

“You know we could come up with ideas of what we think should happen, but we want to find out what the people that use the canyon want to see happen,” said Heidi Schewel of the Forest Service.

Proposed changes include adding a new trailhead and parking lot to the north of the canyon, closing of unused trails, and expanding bicycle access. The forest service is also considering swapping to a cleaner fleet of trams that carry tourists and locals from the visitor center along a winding road deep into the canyon.

Schewel said all suggestions will be taken into consideration, and this is the beginning of a long process, which includes conducting environmental impact studies, securing funding and implementing upgrades.

The Forest Service will host its public input session at the Sabino Canyon visitor center on Thursday, May 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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