Vandals target cleaned-up Redington area

Officials sealed off wildcat shooting areas in Redington Pass after a recent cleanup, but vandals have damaged signs like the one above.

Vandals target cleaned-up Redington area

Rogue shooters have shot up a "Shooting Prohibited" sign on Redington Pass, and vandals smashed another sign to the ground - just weeks after an event marking a cleanup of trashed-out shooting sites.

New group hopes to chart new path for Redington Pass

For years, Redington Pass was a popular place for shooters, and wildcat shooting sites came to look like dumps, with assorted debris used for target practice. Shotgun shells and casings littered one such area, above. Redington is now largely cleaned up.

New group hopes to chart new path for Redington Pass

Almost anything was a target at one wildcat shooting site in Redington Pass. This one had a bullet-riddled computer monitor and appliances.

New group hopes to chart new path for Redington Pass

A cleanup of trashed-out shooting sites has been completed in Redington Pass east of Tucson - and events at the pass next weekend will highlight the many recreation opportunities there.

Forest-fire risk in SE Ariz. is above average, experts say

Southeastern Arizona forests are facing an above-normal threat of wildfires in the coming months - unless we see lots more of the rainy weather we've had recently, officials warn.

Dry grass poses big wildfire threat

Expanses of dry grass and some dead trees along the Bug Spring Trail in the Catalina Mountains could pose a fire threat this winter and as the desert dries out in spring.

Dry grass poses big wildfire threat

It's winter, and moisture is in the area now - but sites in the mountains around Tucson already are showing signs of fire danger on the horizon.

New Rosemont flap centers on power-line capacity

The question of whether it's possible to reduce the juice of a power line for the Rosemont Mine has come up in heated, dueling letters to the Forest Service from Pima County's administrator and Rosemont Copper's CEO.

Dever driving at 62 mph before crash

FLAGSTAFF - The former Cochise County sheriff had been traveling at 62 mph along a dirt and gravel road in Northern Arizona when he lost control of his vehicle and died.

Rosemont says new plan cuts water use

A sign near an artificial pond marks the end of public access in the area proposed for Rosemont Copper's open-pit mine in the Coronado National Forrest in the Santa Rita Mountains southeast of Tucson.

Rosemont says new plan cuts water use

More copper produced - yet less water sucked from the aquifer, less pollution, less juice needed to power the mine and mill, and fewer trucks on the road.

Forest Service now tries to tamp out every flame

ALBUQUERQUE — If lightning strikes in the New Mexico wilderness and starts a fire, the blaze would normally be little more than a blip on the radar of land managers who have earned a reputation for letting flames burn to keep forested lands from growing into a tangled mess.

Madera's paved trails closing for fixes

The Accessible Trails network in Madera Canyon south of Tucson - popular with hikers as well as handicapped users - will be closed for extended periods through Aug. 24.

Madera Canyon paved trails temporarily closing for fixes

Steve Meeks, driving, and Luke McCurdy of Pima Paving pour rubberized tar into cracks along a section of the Accessible Trails network in Madera Canyon. The repairs on the popular trails are expected to be completed by Aug. 24.

Rosemont timetable as murky as ever

The newest U.S. Forest Service statement on the proposed Rosemont Mine leaves key questions unanswered about the project's timetable.

Canadian firm boosts plans to seek silver near Patagonia

A Canadian company is dramatically ratcheting up plans for exploratory silver drilling - and possibly for future mining - in the mountains surrounding the Southern Arizona town of Patagonia.

Canadian firm boosts plans to seek silver near Patagonia

Glen Goodwin, left, Lee Rogers and other opponents of the proposed silver mine stand on a ridge overlooking land where Wildcat Silver Inc. plans exploratory drilling and possible mining. A legal and political battle lies ahead before the firm can begin operations, however.

Canadian firm boosts plans to seek silver near Patagonia

A piece of heavy equipment sits idle at a section of the land where Wildcat Silver Inc. hopes to conduct mining. Much of the land at stake is rugged and remote, requiring four-wheel-drive vehicles for access.