Daily Archives: June 29, 2016

No state highway construction closures over Fourth of July weekend

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PHOENIX — During the Fourth of July weekend, state and local agencies are focusing on keeping motorists safe, and placing equipment and resources along heavily traveled highways to help move traffic should incidents occur. As part of America’s 240th birthday celebration, the Arizona Department of Transportation and its contractors won’t schedule construction closures along state highways from Friday through Monday evening.

While no closures are scheduled during the holiday weekend, travelers should be aware that existing work-zone restrictions with lane reductions will remain in place, including on I-10 near Benson.

ADOT is emphasizing safety in three high-traffic zones that will receive extra enforcement and resources to minimize travel delays. Along Interstate 17 between north Phoenix and Flagstaff, Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson, and State Route 87 between Mesa and Payson, ADOT crews will strategically stage equipment, such as loaders and utility trucks, for faster response times to crashes and stalled vehicles to decrease travel delays.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety will have an enhanced presence on highways, targeting impairment and dangerous driving behaviors. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is working with local, county and state law enforcement agencies on a holiday DUI enforcement campaign. Last year, 11 people died in 11 fatal traffic collisions during the holiday weekend on Arizona roadways. Eight of the crashes were alcohol-related.

To encourage smart driving decisions, ADOT’s overhead signs will display current traffic conditions and safety messages.

Fire restrictions are in place for much of Arizona and those traveling to campgrounds are advised to check with park rangers about campfire restrictions. Because unexpected delays can occur due to crashes and stalled vehicles, those traveling during the weekend should:

  • Pack extra drinking water and snacks
  • Avoid the busiest travel times, if possible
  • Get plenty of rest before driving
  • Check vehicles, including tire pressure, belts and fluid levels

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Travel Information Center at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed @ArizonaDOT.

10 tips for safe, responsible OHV riding during Independence weekend

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DSC_0260-reduced_1PHOENIX — With the Independence weekend upon us, many Arizona residents and visitors are planning to hop on their off highway vehicle (OHV). Before hitting the trail, the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds operators and passengers to do so safely and responsibly by following these 10 tips:

  1. Always wear a helmet. Whether riding in a side-by-side, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or dirt bike, helmets are strongly recommended for all riders. However, those who are younger than18 years old are legally required to wear a Department of Transportation-approved helmet.
  2. Eye protection is legally required for all riders if the OHV is not equipped with a windshield.
  3. Wear proper clothing, including riding gloves, a long-sleeve shirt, pants and over-the-ankle boots.
  4. Supervise children under 16 years old. Be sure your child is riding an age-appropriate vehicle. Adult model machines may be too large and powerful for a child to safely operate. Parents are responsible for their children’s safety.
  5. Only ride with the number of passengers for which the machine is designed. One of the biggest causes of OHV-related injuries is riding with more than the recommended number of passengers. Carrying a passenger can make riding difficult and change how the vehicle responds.
  6. Stay on designated trails. One of the biggest threats to sustainable OHV recreation in Arizona is the closure of riding areas due to irresponsible use. Protect the state’s fragile natural resources, and your ability to visit such spots, by staying on designated trails and avoiding sensitive habitat areas.
  7. Be prepared and equipped. Take area maps and guides, and have a compass, first aid kit, whistle, tire repair kit, tow rope or chain and other basic tools on hand. Also make sure to bring sunscreen, water and food.
  8. Avoid drinking alcohol and/or drugs. Operating any vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is always illegal, regardless of what type of vehicle you’re operating. Alcohol and drugs drastically impair a person’s judgement, responsiveness and ability to operate the machine safely.
  9. Register your OHV and purchase an OHV decal. All vehicles designed primarily for travel on unimproved terrain and weighing less than 1,800 pounds are required to have an OHV Decal to operate on public and state lands. License plates and decals are available at any Arizona Motor Vehicle Division location or at www.servicearizona.com.
  10. Maintain your machine properly, especially the spark arrester and muffler. Arresters help to protect against sparking a wildfire and mufflers help to reduce the noise emitted by OHVs.

Wildfire, recreational safety: Everyone’s responsibility this holiday weekend

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WILLIAMS — Kaibab National Forest officials are expecting increased numbers of visitors at the forest’s more popular recreational areas over the Independence weekend. Visitors are encouraged to use caution during all recreational activities that could potentially cause personal injury or a wildfire. The following are tips for having a safe and pleasant visit to the Kaibab National Forest:

 Campfires, Smoking and Fireworks: Forest visitors are reminded that although some areas of the forest have received some isolated moisture, the forest remains in very high fire danger and campfire and smoking restrictions are in effect in order to protect public health and reduce preventable human-caused fires.

 Stage 1 fire restrictions include:

  • Campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires are prohibited except in designated fire pits in developed recreation sites only.
  • Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters are authorized provided these devices can be turned on and off.
  • Smoking is only permitted in enclosed vehicles, buildings or developed recreation sites.
  • Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework is prohibited year-round on all National Forest lands. This includes “legal fireworks” available in some retail stores.

To learn more about Arizona fire restrictions, visit firerestrictions.us/az.

 Summer Monsoons: The potential for flash floods, lightning and widespread rainfall can occur with little warning. Visitors are advised to check weather forecasts, seek appropriate shelter during storms and visit MonsoonSafety.org for more information regarding monsoon awareness and safety tips.

 Camping: Whether planning to rough it this holiday weekend or simply enjoy a scenic drive, there are many ways to enjoy your National Forest. Forest officials encourage visitors to Know Before You Go. This online resource provides helpful tips to help visitors maximize a memorable and safe experience.

 Dispersed Camping:  Picnicking and camping outside of developed recreation areas on the forest is allowed unless otherwise posted. There are extra responsibilities and skills necessary for dispersed camping. As a reminder, camping rules and regulations are in place to make your experience a safe one while protecting natural and cultural resources so they remain unspoiled for other forest visitors. Visitors should provide their own water, Tread Lightly, and follow Leave No Trace Principles.

 Motor Vehicle Use:  The rules for motorized vehicles may vary between forests and districts. Please refer to the free Motor Vehicle Use Maps for each district for details. Visitors may download district MVUMs for various electronic devices here.

 Wildfire Information: Forest visitors may also call the Kaibab National Forest fire information phone line at (928) 635-8311 or subscribe to wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com for current fire conditions. This web-based app is a free subscription service and may be customized to individual areas of interest and sent real-time via text or email.

Visit the forest’s website at www.fs.usda.gov/main/kaibab for all other forest information or call the local ranger stations for the latest information on outdoor recreational experiences:

  • Williams Ranger District: (928) 635-5600
  • Tusayan Ranger District: (928) 638-2443
  • North Kaibab Ranger District: (928) 643-7395

Head Kaibab National Forest fire official recognized for achievements

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gonzales

Kaibab National Forest photo

WILLIAMS — The head fire official on the Kaibab National Forest was recently recognized for his achievements with two notable awards.

Arthur Gonzales, who has served as the forest’s fire staff officer since August 2011, was named the USDA Forest Service Southwestern Region’s Forest Fire Management Officer of the Year for 2015 as well as being recognized as the Outstanding Student in an advanced fire behavior course by the International Association of Wildland Fire.

“When I found out I was selected for these awards, I felt surprised, proud and very humbled,” Gonzales said. “I don’t do this job for recognition. I do it because I love the work and the benefits I see that it provides to not only me as a forest user but also to my family and my community.”

Gonzales was selected as the fire management officer of the year for his contributions in leading a progressive, balanced fire program on the Kaibab and for leading by example and working in a productive, interdisciplinary environment with other staff areas. He was honored by the cadre of the S-590 Advanced Fire Behavior Interpretation course based on his demonstrated leadership and support of colleagues during the challenging class, which was held at the National Advanced Fire and Resource Institute in Tucson, Ariz., in March.

“Arthur is a great example of honesty, integrity and duty. He truly loves what he does and his passion shows,” said Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Heather Provencio. “He is innovative and forward thinking and is never satisfied with the status quo, but rather is always looking for a more efficient and better way to complete a task, accomplish a job, run the forest, or move the agency forward in some way.”

Under Gonzales’ leadership, the Kaibab National Forest doubled its 10-year average in prescribed fire accomplishments in 2015. More than 16,000 acres were treated, which was the most ever for the forest.

During the same year, there was a total of 21,551 acres burned by wildfires on the Kaibab. Of those acres burned in wildfires, a whopping 98 percent, or 21,111 acres, were from wildfires managed for natural and cultural resource objectives and benefits including grassland restoration, wildlife habitat improvement and overall enhancement of forest health. The Kaibab’s five-year average for acres from such fires was top in the Southwestern Region, with 24 percent of the region’s total coming from the forest.

“All the work we do is intended to benefit the ecosystem, and the communities we live in are part of that ecosystem,” Gonzales said. “I’m as big a user of our National Forests as anybody else out there, and I recognize that fire is essential to continuing to have this amazing place and the opportunities that stem from it.”

Since 2003, a total of 170,596 acres have been successfully managed to achieve natural and cultural resource objectives on the Kaibab National Forest including this year’s 5,983-acre Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District, which allowed fire to be used as a tool to begin important grassland restoration work in the area.

“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have developed an understanding of how fire has shaped landscapes and how it has been critical in developing and providing the opportunities I so greatly enjoy in the outdoors,” Gonzales said. “With this understanding of the role of fire in ecosystems, I have dedicated myself to a career in fire management, with a particular focus in using fire to maintain and enhance landscapes so that everyone can experience all the opportunities that our public lands have to offer both now and into the future.”

Besides actual treatment on the ground, Gonzales’ leadership has proved innovative in myriad other ways. In late 2015, an informational video was released explaining the importance of wildland fire in the ecosystems of northern Arizona from the perspectives of various Kaibab National Forest natural and cultural resource specialists. That video, entitled “Keeping Fire on the Ground: Resource Specialist Perspectives on the Kaibab National Forest,” stemmed from Gonzales’ desire to highlight a part of the wildland fire world that most people never get to see. Gonzales took a truly unique approach to tell the story of wildland fire by highlighting some of the unsung heroes on his unit. He is using the video to help educate employees across the agency, raise awareness, and highlight the collective efforts necessary to build a successful wildland fire management program.

“Arthur is by far the finest fire management officer I have had the pleasure of working with in my nearly 30-year career,” Provencio said. “His depth of knowledge and experience in fire, combined with his strategic thinking and strong leadership among all resource areas within the agency, make him more than deserving of this recognition and the awards that he has received.”

ARRL to Sponsor 2016 Atlantic Season Hurricane Webinar

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Arrl_logo The ARRL will sponsor a 2016 Atlantic Season Hurricane Webinar on Thursday, July 21, at 8 PM ET (0000 UTC on Friday, July 22, UTC). The approximately 90-minute session will address the role of Amateur Radio during the 2015 Hurricane Season. Anyone interested in hurricane preparedness and response is invited to attend this online presentation.

Topics will include a meteorological overview of the upcoming season; Amateur Radio station WX4NHC at the National Hurricane Center: Who We Are and What We Do; ARRL Media and Public Relations; the Hurricane Watch Net (HWN); the VoIP Hurricane Net, and ARRL coordination and interface.

The program will include presentations by representatives of the National Hurricane Center and WX4NHC, the VoIP Hurricane Net, the HWN, the Canadian Hurricane Centre, and the ARRL. Webinar registration is open to all, but should be of particular interest to radio amateurs in hurricane-prone areas. The webinar will conclude with a Q&A session.

For additional information, contact ARRL Emergency Preparedness Manager Mike Corey, KI1U.

From ARRL web site.