Hello Everyone.

It’s hard to believe summer is almost over and fall is just around the corner. My time here on the Prescott is coming to a close, but the memories I made while here will stay with me well into my future. I have been blessed with opportunities in my career to go on assignments in several different Regions and I have met great employees throughout all levels of the Agency. In all of these experiences, I never encountered a Forest organization with the level of pro- fessionalism, passion and the drive to get work accomplished as I have here on the Prescott. The Prescott is truly a gem and something to be proud of. The Forest will soon have a new permanent Forest Supervisor and I know transition can be hard and can test resilience. Just remember that you cannot reach new horizons without being willing to lose sight of the shore. Please take care yourselves and I will miss everyone dearly.

Take care,

Jessie Berner, Acting Forest Supervisor

Cultural Resources: Questions, Quotes, Quotas, Quips & Cartoons

Why study history? “Those who refuse to learn history are destined to repeat it.” The popular consensus seems to be: –Bruce Nellans; PNF Archeologist “Those who don’t learn history are des- “Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.” tined to repeat it.” Do you know who said that? –Edmund Burke; Irish Statesman; 1729—1797 Nobody—in those exact words anyway— “Those who cannot remember the past, are condemned to but there are numerous versions attribut- repeat it.” –George Santayana; Philosopher/Author; 1863 (Spain) - 1952 ed to everyone from philosophers to co- (Italy) medians. Even PNF’s own archeologists A recurring theme in Charles Shultz’ Pea- “There's an old saying about those who forget history. I nuts: Lucy holds a football for Charlie respond similarly when asked, “Why Brown, then pulls it away at the last second. study history?” (See side bar.) don't remember it, but it's good.” –Stephen Colbert; Comedian

Is history a popular topic in the US?

At the end of the 1990s, the number of US college students majoring in history began dropping, a trend that accelerated in the 2010s. In 2014, there was a year-over-year decline of 9.1% following declines in three of the preceding four years. (Source) What’s going on? If you do a web search for “Why is history an unpopular topic?” you’ll find that:  History is NOT an unpopular topic. According to the Archaeological Institute of America, archeological sites and historic places are major tourist attractions world-wide. “In the last few years, visits to historical sites have ranked third—after dining out and shopping--among activi- ties undertaken by Americans travelling abroad.” Additionally, Site Stewards, volunteers who monitor archeological sites, are one of the largest groups of volunteers on the Forest!  According to the ancestry blog, “Family history research is the second-most popular hobby in the United States.”  The trend of declining enrollment in history classes among college students reversed dramatically in 2016 with history being the top declared major at Yale, a spot it hadn’t held in two decades. (Source)

But, wait... If history is popular, and interest in studying history is increasing, then why doesn’t the seemingly-universal explanation for the importance of learning history have more clout? Why do standardized tests in elementary and secondary schools emphasize math and reading over history? Does our culture no longer value history education? Not so, according to PNF Natural Resources Staff Officer Michael Kellett who says that, “Some people think history is the most important academic topic because without history there is nothing to build upon in any topic area.” An interesting thought...

“Why should we look to the past in order to prepare for the future? Because there is nowhere else to look.” 1901 photo by T.H. Sherraed; Tim- ber cutting under Land Office rules, ―James Burke; British broadcaster, science historian, author, and television producer; Born 12/22/1936 before the USFS was established.

In his essay “Why Study History?” Peter N. Stearns argues that “[h]istory should be studied because it is essential to individuals and society...” He is not alone in his thinking—as evidenced by the quotes following Stearn’s supporting points sprinkled throughout this newsletter:

 History provides identity and is important in our own lives: “If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree.” ― Michael Crichton; Author, Screenwriter, Film Director; Born 10/23/1942 in Chicago, IL

PNF History & Pre-history on the Web: Humans have occupied what is now Prescott National Forest for at least 12,000 years. The desert Southwest holds an extraordinary record of the past. Rock shelters, cliff dwellings, pithouse villages, pueblos, incredible rock art, and the remains of historic homesteads, railroads, and “ghost towns” are but a few of the wonders that await your discovery. Archeological sites give visitors the opportunity to peer into the past which can spark wonder, delight, surprise, and reflection. More-recent forest history was shaped by mining, grazing, and timber harvested to satisfy the needs of settlers of European-descent. Learn more on the PNF website:

 History & Culture: History and pre-history of the area.

 PNF Historic Photos: Historic photos on the R3 website.  History is useful in the world of work: “Study the past if you would define the future.” ― Confucius ; Chinese Philosopher; 551 BC—479 BC

Does history influence our work on the Forest?

Since 1960, National Forests have been administered under the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act (MUSY). Though relatively recent, the spirit of this Act was inspired by Gifford Pinchot’s utilitarian land ethic (i.e., the “greatest good for the greatest number” of people).

Today, PNF Archeologist Bruce Nellans points out that we rely on history in our day-to-day lives as well as at work. The Forest Service has after-action reviews following accidents (e.g., vehicle accidents, fire shelter deployments, and inci- dents of injury or death) to learn what we can from the circumstances that lead to the situation and apply this knowledge to future actions and planning efforts. FS Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) rely on history as well. Crime scenes are sur- rounded by tape to protect evidence from being contaminated until LEOs catalog what was where, whose fingerprints may Available in book or video, “The Greatest Good” be present, how each piece of evidence chronicles the first 100 years of the US Forest relates to the others, and anything else Service. that might help solve a crime.

Similarly, when archeological sites are disturbed we lose critical pieces of evidence that could have helped archeologists piece together parts of our human history that didn’t make it into the history books. If their evidence is contaminated or removed, we forever lose the possibility of learning from the past and applying this knowledge to our current and future endeavors. Lost opportunity. Forever.

What do archeologists do at work? Forest Service Archeologists conduct field surveys, preserve historic buildings, oversee contracts, supervise volunteers, enter accomplish- ments in data bases, and write reports that are used by project managers seeking approval for new projects. The reports provide guidance and direction on management recommendations ensuring protection for archeological and historic resources. Archeologists on forests in Arizona consult with Arizona’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) on the effects of forest projects on heritage sites.

Tools of the Trade By Jeremy Haines, Acting Forest Archeologist

Most of us are familiar with forensics; scientific tests and/or techniques used by law enforcement agencies to solve crimes. Like detectives, archeologists gather evidence from historical and archeological sites using scientific prin- ciples and tools to learn about past events. The tools can be as common as trowels, shovels, levels, and cameras, but technology has brought archaeological investigation to a new level. A powerful tool, recently acquired by the Pres- By applying the tools in Geographic Information Systems cott National Forest, is a an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. This handheld device has (GIS), archaeologists can manage volumes of site infor- the name and appearance of something from Star mation, compare current and historic maps and images, Photo by Sports Photographer Carlos Herrera Trek, but its ‘elemental’ purpose is to blast any and create predictive models for surveying strategies. On given rock specimen with X-rays and provide the PNF, archaeologists are the proportion of elements by parts per million. integrating GIS and elec- tronic records in order to Recent scans of obsidian from sites on the PNF have confirmed that during the AD 1000 -1300 expedite the review process era, native peoples acquired obsidian from for projects, research, and sources northeast of Williams, Arizona. emergency incidents – like wildland fire. For example, It has been used by other program areas to test during the Goodwin Fire, the reactivity (sulfur content) of the waste-rock pile on I-17 at Cienega Spring, lead content in resource maps were rapidly soils during the cleanup at the Prescott shooting generated in the office, and club, and lead content at the Walnut Creek sta- within minutes, shared with tion. It has also been used to assess potential The XRF is being used to assign obsidian samples (flakes) from Heritage sites to archaeologists working in heavy metal contaminants at abandoned mine obsidian source areas, giving archeologists clues about pre-historic trading patterns. the field. sites.

What is the Difference Between History and Archeology? “History is written by the victor.” -Walter Benjamin; born 7/15/1892 in Berlin, Germany, died History is the written record of human existence. Historians use primary sources (accounts 9/27?/1940 near Port-Bou Spain recorded by people who were there) and secondary sources (accounts by people who in- ferred conclusions from primary sources) to learn about past events. But, what if the sources “History is a set of lies agreed upon.” they rely on are biased, or incomplete? Archeologists study clues rather than just the written -Napoleon Bonaparte; born 8/15/1769 in Ajaccio, France, died 5/05/1821 in exile on the island of Saint Helena word to piece together human history: how people lived, traveled, traded, and learned new skills over the millennia. Some say that knowledge gleaned by archeologists is “truer” than “If cats wrote history it would be about cats.” the history found in books because archeologists look at bits and pieces of things that indi- -Eugen Weber; born 4/24/25 in Bucharest, Romania – died cate day-to-day life at a given time and indicate cultural trends over time. 5/17/07 in Los Angeles, CA

Artifact (noun): any object made, modified, or used by people Central Arizona has been home to humans for thousands of years. The surrounding “evidence” was collect- ed by the Forest’s archeologists over the years.

If these objects could talk...just think Prescott black-on-gray Early (Left) and Middle Archaic Points thought to date of the stories they could tell! ceramic; 900-1300 AD between 8,000—2,000BC

Middle-late archaic point Tsegi Orange Ware A.D. 1060-1125

Knife/scraper; 900-1250 AD Black-on-white ceramic; Year ?

Black-on-white ceramic; 1025-1140 AD; fragment that was shaped into a tool, possibly a spoon. Petroglyphs from the Pueblo II-III period, A.D. 900—A.D.1300

“Soundbites” for Protecting Archeological Resources By Jeremy Haines, Acting Forest Archeologist  We aren’t making new ones. Archaeological sites and rock art are non-renewable resources, once they are gone, they are gone forever. “Just like you wouldn’t go  My history, your history, our history. Sites on federal lands belong to all of us and represent our collective history. to a library and rip  Who, what, when, where, how, and (sometimes) why. They can answer the ques- interesting pages from a tions of who lived at a place, when they lived there, what they did to survive, how they lived their lives and interacted with others, when they left—and perhaps why. book to keep at home,  Proof is in the stones and bones. Archaeological sites represent the physical removing artifacts takes proof/evidence of history… and often serve to confirm or challenge the historic record.  Gone but not forgotten. Archaeological sites remain significant to living people. away information critical For example, the Sinagua culture is ancestral to the Hopi and Zuni peoples, and they toward ‘reading’ and feel great connection to these places. How do you feel when you visit a place that your family came from? How about a place where your great-grandparents are buried? understanding  I want my kids and grandkids and great-grandkids to see these places. Archaeo- archaeological sites.” logical sites can be simply cool to encounter and experience. They stir questions, in- spire imagination, and offer an opportunity to physically touch history. Let’s make sure -Jeremy Haines, Acting Forest Archeologist that future generations can have these same experiences. An Insider’s Look at Hilltop Sites Excerpted from a PowerPoint made by Michael Kellett, Natural Resources Staff Officer Prehistoric peoples who dwelt in the area of north-central Arizona, including what is now Pres- cott National Forest, built a variety of structures using readily available local materials includ- ing basalt, limestone, schist, and tabular stone. Hundreds of these sites were constructed on hilltops that offered a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Many structures were built adjacent to preci- pices, which suggests that defense may have been a factor in site selection. Proximity to water also appears to have been an important factor in the location of their dwelling places. Water was most likely transported to the dwell- ings in clay pottery, as evidenced by ceramic scatter in and around prehistoric dwellings. Most of the walled structures were built using a rubble-core technique, which involves The walls of some structures were chinked with clay, as coarse inner and outer walls filled with finer seen in this example, but most were dry-stacked. Hilltop sites allow for defense...with great views! material. Rubble-core walls are usually wider at the base and taper to the upper course. In combination with the fine interior matrix, this results in a highly stable configuration. Some of these structures have stood for 700-800 years so far, a testimony to the craftsmanship of the builders, and the inherent stability of the design. The walls at many sites have one or more con- structed entryways made of stone that matched the surrounding outcrops; a technique that may have helped conceal the entrance. The en- trances to other hilltop structures were con- cealed by overlapping walls. Yet other struc- tures were completely enclosed by walls with no throughway. Perhaps access to such struc- Rubble-core wall overlooking a valley. tures was provided through the roof via ladder. Walls at a few sites feature portals. The builders used a Many hilltop structures included living quarters, capstone technique to support the wall above and main- typically 5-meter by 5-meter “rooms.” Evidence tain an opening through the wall. Portals may have been of long-term occupation at such sites includes for peering outside without being seen and/or for venti- accumulated ceramic and lithic scatter. lation.

Some walls appear to be purely defensive--with no associated structures, ceramics or lithic scatter to suggest extended occupation.

The entrances to some hilltop structures were con- cealed by overlapping walls. Several horseshoe-shaped structures open to the rising sun. Such structures may have had ceremonial purposes.  History helps us understand people and societies: “History is who we are and why we are the way we are.” ― David McCullough; American author, narrator, historian, and lecturer; born 7/07/1933; Pittsburg, PA

Walnut Creek Station: Preserving the Past, Looking to the Future

Note: The Walnut Creek Ranger District, now part of the Chi- no Valley Ranger District, was established in 1908. The his- toric house and barn were built in the 1930’s following a fire that burned the original structure. There was a CCC camp in the area at this time, though there is no definitive proof that these buildings were constructed by the CCC.

The depression-era buildings at Camp Wood (example pictured at left) were decommissioned, and later de- Depression-era barrack at Camp Wood, molished. They no longer served a purpose for the This short video is a collaboration between Heritage & Public Affairs made to commemorate the 50th anniver- 1938, Photo by W.A. Jackson Forest, and the vandalism-plagued structures had be- come a liability. sary of the National Historic Preservation Act. The video Preservation 50: Walnut Creek Station has a happier ending. It chronicles Camp Wood’s neighboring facility, Walnut Creek Station, which may have suffered the same fate had it not been for 1941 the perseverance of a group of dedicated people who forged a partnership that gave the Station new purpose as the Walnut Creek Center for Education and Research (WCCER). (The images below didn’t make it into this short video.)

1990s

The Max Planck Institute from Germany: Ongoing study of Yavapai College: Hantavirus research started around the turn 250 plant genotypes to learn which genes help food crops and of the century and continues today. native vegetation adapt to climate change. 2017

Nominated by PNF archeologists, Walnut Creek, Sycamore, and Crown King Ranger Environmental education is part of WCCER’s mission. This summer a Stations were placed on the National Regis- solar array replaced the diesel generator which previously provided ter of Historic Places in 1993. power to the facilities, making for a greener—and quieter—environment Amateur star-gazers and professional astronomers for education, research, and communing with nature. take advantage of WCCER’s dark skies. For the past several years, PNF Archeolo- gist Elaine Zamora has worked with YCC crews to maintain the historic station at Walnut Creek. The young people learn 2014 2016 2017 about the importance of historic preserva- tion and gain new maintenance skills. Over the years, YCC crews have painted the house, barn, and fences, and trimmed vege- tation on the grounds. Elaine hopes the experience gives them an appreciation for history and cultural resources.

WCCER Phenology Trail

Phenology is the scientific study of periodic biological phenomena—such as flowering, breed- ing, and migration—in relation to climatic conditions. Phenology trails are a network of Na- ture’s Notebook sites located throughout the country that engage citizen scientists in nature study. Recorded observations help researchers better understand how species and ecosys- tems respond to environmental change. The WCCER Phenology Trail is one of two such sites on the Prescott National Forest. The other is located at the Highlands Center for Natural His- tory.

Historic photos of Walnut Creek Station courtesy of Mrs. Jane Koogler Telgen, daughter of William H. Koogler, Walnut Citizen scientists note observations along the trail. Creek District Ranger from 1941-1951. WCCER photos courtesy of facility co-managers Royce Carlson and Nita Hull-

Palace Station: Historic Stage Stop—and 1972 Battle Fire Survivor—Gets a Make-over Palace Station is one of the oldest—if not the oldest—pioneer-era cabin still standing in Arizona. To learn more about Palace Station’s rich history, please visit the HistoriCorps blog three-part series: I Dream of Palace Sta- tion Part I, Part II, and Part III. Currently, Palace Station is undergoing resto- ration so it can be offered to the public as part of the USFS Rooms-with-a- View cabin rental program. Mingus Lookout cabin is also slated for future rental. PNF cabins in the program now include Sycamore and Horse Thief Cabins for overnight use, and Groom Creek Schoolhouse for day use. According to a Prescott Daily Courier story by Joan- Once the main stage stop along the Senator na Dodder, who is married to Highway, Palace Station provided meals to PNF Archeologist Bruce hungry travelers between Prescott and mining Nellans, this headstone in communities to the south including Goodwin, the Palace Station cemetery Crown King, Minnehaha, Bumble Bee, and was saved from the Battle Alexandria. (Drawing from PNF Palace Sta- In May of 2017, HistoriCorps volunteers re-roofed, repaired windows and doors, and Fire of 1972 by two seasonal tion brochure.) worked on the porch and siding. Archeologist Elaine Zamora served as agency liaison. PNF employees (Story).

 History contributes to moral understanding. (Yet, some posit that history is cyclical; made up of repeating patterns): “Everyone

who wants to know what will happen ought to examine what has happened: everything in this world in any epoch has their replicas in antiquity.” ― Niccolò Machiavelli; “Father of modern political theory;” 1469—1527

The Goodwin Fire of 2017 The Battle Fire of 1972 and this year’s Goodwin Fire have a lot in com- mon. If you lived in the area in 1972, life during the Goodwin Fire might have felt like a flashback to 45 years ago. Both fires were human-caused, burned nearly 30,000 acres, started in the chaparral south of Prescott, share a great deal of the same fire-scar footprint, and threatened many of the same communities.

1972 Battle Fire (left) and Goodwin Fire (right); Photo by Christina Montiel taken 6/27/17.

In spite of their similarities, there are some differences between the two fires. The Battle Fire started on Mother’s Day, as did the Gladiator Fire 40 years later. Mid-May is typically when we begin to experience high fire dan- ger. Likely due to a wet and cool Spring, the Goodwin Fire didn’t start un- til late June. Even so, the fire weather conditions were strikingly similar: hot, dry, windy, and burning in tinder-dry fuels. Another difference is that the Goodwin Fire benefited from 45 years of les- sons learned on past fires, and technological advances have improved the way we fight fires today.

The Goodwin Fire was NOT a “good” fire, but collaboration and coordina- The Goodwin Fire had potential to burn Palace Station, but ultimately only tion with partners made it a successful fire fight in the end. For that, we burned to within two miles. The Battle Fire burned much closer to the historic have many people to thank. structure—through the cemetery close to the house.

Reflections on the Goodwin Fire  Studying history is essential for good citizenship: “You can't be a full participant in our democracy if you don't know our history.” ― David McCullough By Pete Gordon, Fire & Aviation Staff Officer

The Goodwin Fire was both an opportunity and demonstration of the outstanding coordination and cooperation that exists in Yavapai County regarding incident response. The Prescott National Forest initial actions, response, and preparation for the emerging and extended wildfire incident was outstanding. There are many individuals responsible for making excellent decisions and performing at the highest level at the onset and for the duration of the incident, but the PNF as a team responded admirably. The internal coordination and expertise came together rather seamlessly, set the Incident Management Team up for success, and maintained a professional and optimis- tic attitude during stressful times. As the incident escalated immediately in complexity, our partners were there at the ready without the Forest needing to request their assistance.

Yavapai County and in this case, the Prescott area respond- ed as it has planned and trained for over the past few dec- ades. All the emergency responding agencies, elected offi- cials, and support services have been preparing for and continue to prepare for large wildfires that will threaten the communities in the wildland-urban interface. The Goodwin Fire on more than one occasion, stood up and gave indica- tions of bearing down on our communities. And, even in moments where significant suppression efforts subdued the threat, all the partners and the IMT maintained an incredible level of support for the firefighters and the communities until Photo by Christina Montiel; 6/26/17 and through the rains presented a new threat to the nearby areas. Many non-local individuals who were here helping with the fire commented on the exceptional coordination, cooperation, and interagency response to the Goodwin Fire. The years of preparing for such an incident, training for the initial actions together, educating our communities, conducting order- ly and timely evacuations, and providing support for those impacted all came together nearly flawless- ly. While there is always more to learn and to improve, all the responding agencies and agencies with jurisdiction should be proud of the response to the Goodwin Fire. The Prescott National Forest has a lot to be thankful for with the Goodwin Fire in the rearview mir- ror. While much has been said about our partners and cooperators, not nearly enough has been said about the PNF employees. While many employees found themselves in direct support of the Goodwin Fire: initial attack, District or Forest fire management, Forest Leadership, IMT membership, BAER team membership, Buying Team membership, etc. many, many more supported the Forest’s re- sponse indirectly by covering the Forest business, maintaining our responsibilities to our public, and Countless heart-felt signs of appreciation for backing-up those directly committed to the Goodwin Fire. Thank you all for the professionalism and the the firefighters efforts sprouted up in area communities. Pictured above, a sign in Mayer. character of the Prescott National Forest…something of which to be very proud.

Are the Forest’s archeologists to blame for the Goodwin Fire? No! In fact, their work on the Forest con- tributes to reducing wildfire danger. FS archeologists’ are involved with every program area from timber and range, to recreation and fire. Laws enacted to protect our nation’s natural Elaine Zamora Bruce Nellans Carlos Herrera Jeremy Haines and cultural resources include the Hired in 1986, Jim McKie was the first Forest Ar- Antiquities Act of 1906, the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, and the Archeo- cheologist employed by the PNF. Jim retired in 2016 after a 30+ year career during which he laid the foun- logical Resources Protection Act of 1979. NHPA mandates are enforced by State Historic dations for the Forest’s Heritage Program that now Preservation Offices (SHPOs). Compliance with the laws is required before embarking on any keeps four full-time archeologists very busy! project. Prescribed burning, thinning, brush crushing, and timber sales can only occur in areas that have been cleared by archeologists. This sum- mer’s Goodwin Fire provides examples of the importance of fuels treatments to mitigating risk of catastrophic wildfires. On a day that this seemingly-unstoppable fire was racing with the wind, fuel-break treatments can be given partial credit in saving some structures in its path. The fire was eventually stopped with the help from decreased winds and to the credit of dozer lines, fire retardant supported by ground crews, burn-out operations, and recent fire scars from fires utilized to restore forest health.

#GoodwinFire Facebook Post Goes Viral The PNF Public Affairs shop manages the Forest’s Twitter and Facebook accounts, and has over 1,100 photos posted to Flickr to date including four albums of the Goodwin Fire. While we’ve steadily gained followers over time, the Goodwin Fire dramatically increased the size of our audience. According to Twitter analytics, we gained around 700 followers while the fire raged, approximately 10 times the num- ber we’d have expected to gain during this time period had the fire not occurred. The Goodwin Fire gave us another edge, the expertise of Kale Casey, an energetic and highly-skilled Public Information Officer who specializes in social media and videography. He posted videos of the morning briefings at the Incident Command Post on YouTube. Kale also helped us spread our mes- sage about why we do prescribed burning during fire restrictions by filming Scott Spleiss at the location of a planned burn. More video news: A handful of PNF specialists regularly appear on Verde Valley TV’s County Wide show to talk about fires and other happenings on the forest. The two below feature Fire & Aviation Staff Officer Pete Gordon Not surprisingly, this touching photo of talking about the Goodwin Fire and the BAER Team’s re- the Flagstaff Hotshots’ rescue of fawns covery efforts: from the fire is the one that got the most attention. The fawns have since taken up Watch video  Pete on the Goodwin Fire residence at the Grand Canyon Deer Farm  Pete on Fire Recovery Efforts & BAER where they will live out their lives.

Employee Spotlight: Archeologist Carlos Herrera What do sports photographers do with their time off? In his free time, sports photographer Carlos Herrera works as an archeologist on the PNF! Carlos shoots for Icon Sportswire, an independent photo wire ser- vice, where NCAA, NASCAR, IndyCAR, MLB, NHL, and BMX editorial images can be seen on Icon’s web- site as well as Getty Images , AP Images, and ESPN.

Carlos Herrera used his own high-quality audio-visual equip- ment to record Preservation 50: Walnut Creek Station, a video made to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act. PNF was lucky to have his expertise in filming and video production for this project!

When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe. -John Muir; 4/21/1838—12/24/1914; Naturalist, Wilderness Advocate, “Father of the National Parks” In spacetime, all events are baked together: a four-dimensional continuum. Past and future are no more privileged than left and right or up and down. -James Gleick; b. 8/01/1954; American author/Historian of science

Comic Strip History Lesson Published by USFS, R3 in 1972, Men Who Matched the Mountains: The Forest Service in the Southwest (pictured at left), includes short descriptions of each forest in the region. Not surprisingly, the de- scription of the Prescott mentions the Battle Fire of 1972, but, oddly, the part about the PNF begins with a description of the comic strip J.R. Williams with his horse Lizard during creator whose work influenced later art- his ranching days on Walnut Creek. Wil- ists including Charles Schultz: liams inspired many later cartoonists— including Peanuts creator Charles Schultz. “J. R. Williams, whose syndicated cartoon “Out Our Way” was so popular in other years, operated the K4 Ranch on Walnut Creek during the 1930’s. Jesse Fears, Ranger in charge of the Walnut Creek Dis- trict, was a good friend of the cartoonists... Wil- liams used the Prescott National Forest as the locale for many of his cartoons, featuring cowboys and Forest Lucy pulled this gag countless times over Rangers.” the 50 years that Charles Schultz’ Peanuts comic strip ran (1950s—2000), but some- how Charlie Brown never learned...

What is it/Where is it?

Hint: The photo at left was taken at a site of historical significance for the era in which it was created.

Answer to the Spring Puzzle: The picture at the right is part of the Phenology Trail at the Walnut Creek Center for Education and Research.