Blue Envelopes help drivers with autism during traffic stops

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PHOENIX – Arizona is launching a program through which drivers on the autism spectrum can place their credentials in special blue envelopes to enhance communication with law enforcement officers during traffic stops.

This voluntary program, which includes education for law enforcement officers, follows a model used successfully in Connecticut. The envelope will have instructions for the driver and law enforcement officer to follow and advise the officer that the driver may respond differently to instructions in situations that can increase anxiety.

To provide the necessary groundwork and training, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is partnering with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and the University of Arizona’s Police Department, Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (ArizonaLEND) training program.

“When I heard about this program in Connecticut, I was extremely fascinated and intrigued to see if we could incorporate it here in Arizona,“ ADOT MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “MVD is thrilled to be partnering with DPS and the University of Arizona Police Department to help calm what can otherwise be potentially stressful situations.”

This program will function similarly to the one Connecticut established in 2020. The blue envelope is a voluntary way to hold important vehicle documents such as insurance and registration, while also being a communication tool between the driver and law enforcement during an interaction.

“This program provides explicit support for drivers who choose to participate,” said Jennifer Casteix, UArizona Clinical Professor and ArizonaLEND faculty member. “Better understanding of communication differences should positively impact these interactions.”

After his interim appointment at the University of Arizona in May 2023, Police Chief Chris Olson shared his desire to bring the Blue Envelope Program to the university. Creating partnerships with University of Arizona units that specialize in autism research and caring for the community have been key in laying the groundwork for this program at the University of Arizona.

According to Chief Olson, “The Blue Envelope program is an outstanding public safety initiative that seeks to improve communication between police officers and autistic drivers during traffic stops.”

Director Jeffrey Glover of the Arizona Department of Public Safety said, “The AZDPS is proud to support and be a part of the Blue Envelope Program. A program like this, seeking to enhance safety for both members of the public as well as all law enforcement officers in the State of Arizona, is absolutely invaluable.”

“We are implementing this program with an evidence-based approach to better support law enforcement and autistic drivers to improve safety outcomes,” said Dr. Nell Maltman, UArizona Assistant Professor with the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.

Training with officers and volunteer drivers to simulate a traffic stop with the blue envelopes will be happening next week at the University of Arizona’s Tucson campus.

The envelopes are expected to be available through ADOT MVD offices, various law enforcement locations as well as other locations across the state starting in May.

For additional information about this program, please visit azdot.gov/BlueEnvelope.

Moonset Pit green waste disposal to begin May 4

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WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest, in cooperation with the communities of Parks and Sherwood Forest Estates will be re-opening Moonset Pit on May 4, 2024 for residents to dispose of green waste materials from private property.

The pit will be open every other Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. until September 7, 2024. Moonset Pit is located just west of the Parks community, east of Spitz Springs on the north side of old Route 66.

Green waste may be disposed at the pit only while staff is present. They may close due to lightning.

Local area residents are encouraged to take advantage this free opportunity as they make their private property defensible against the threat of wildfire this season.

Users may discard natural woody debris such a logs, limbs, branches, brush, needles, and leaves. Stumps/roots must be clear of dirt and rocks.

No bagged substances, lumber, construction material, household garbage or any other items can be deposited at the site.

This service would not be possible without the volunteers who have helped manage the site over the last 15+ years. For additional information or to volunteer to staff Moonset Pit, contact community coordinators Kathie Krushinksy, Sue Hamilton, or George Chambers. See attached flyer for contact information.

Protect yourself, protect a bear

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PHOENIX — With Arizona’s hottest months right around the corner, how black bears forage for typical food sources will become more challenging. As a result, the chances of them wandering into populated areas in search of an easier meal will be on the rise.

While bears are typically shy and tend to avoid humans, their excellent sense of smell can be problematic for both the animals and humans. Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) officials advise those living or visiting bear country to avoid feeding wildlife and to not leave trash, food or other attractants accessible (such as pet food or bird seed). Unfortunately, a fed bear is a dead bear.

“If a bear becomes habituated to getting food from trash cans and other human sources, it’s only a matter of time before it loses its fear of humans and begins to actively search out human food sources,” said Larry Phoenix, AZGFD regional supervisor in Flagstaff. “At that point, the bear becomes a threat to public safety.”

Here are some tips to avoid attracting bears:

Keep them away from your home

Keep all trash inside a secured area until collection day. If that’s not possible, keep food waste in a bag in the freezer and place those in the trash as close to collection time as possible.
Take bird feeders down at night.
Keep pet and livestock food inside or remove all uneaten food.

When camping

Keep your food and attractants secured and inaccessible to bears. Do not keep food in your tent.
Don’t burn left-over food or trash on the grill.
Set up your campsite away from places where bears might forage for food, such as creeks, rivers and other bodies of water.

When hiking

Don’t wear scented lotions, deodorant or perfumes.
Make noise or hike in groups.
Hiking with a pet? Keep it on a leash at all times.

In case of a bear encounter

Do NOT run.
Back away slowly while keeping your eyes on the bear.
Make yourself look bigger than you are by flaunting your arms or pulling your shirt/jacket up higher than your head.
Throw items and yell at the bear.
If attacked, fight back.

Bear sightings in areas where there is human activity should be reported to AZGFD’s dispatch center at 623-236-7201. For questions, or to obtain a brochure on living with bears, visit www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/living-with-wildlife/.

Amateur Radio Saves Family in Death Valley National Park

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Death Valley National Park is in a remote desert in southern California, where mobile phone networks are spotty at best. On Saturday, April 6, a radio amateur and his family were enjoying the park when their vehicle became stuck in mud in a dangerous area. Without access to a cell network, the ham called for help on the 10-meter band.

According to a news release from the Black Swamp Amateur Radio Club, Caleb Gustwiller, KD8TGB, jumped into action.

Gustwiller was monitoring from Ohio when he picked up the distress call. He was able to hear the call sign and the general location of the ham in distress. He lost the signal to the noise, so he wrote a post in the Parks on the Air® Facebook group asking for other hams to listen for the calls.

Several hams contacted emergency officials in southern California, which led to the ham and their family being rescued within a few hours by park rangers. The club stated in their Facebook post: “Without Caleb hearing this distress call, it could have quickly become a very deadly situation for the operator and his family.”

Drivers on Interstate 17 should plan for nightly lane restrictions in both directions April 15-20

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation advises motorists to plan for overnight lane restrictions on Interstate 17 during the upcoming week. The restrictions will begin the evening of Monday, April 15, and end the morning of Saturday, April 20, as work continues on the I-17 Improvement Project between Anthem Way and Sunset Point.

Drivers should allow extra travel time, drive with caution, and reduce their speed around construction personnel and equipment while the following restrictions are in place:

Northbound Restrictions

  • Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) near Rock Springs/Black Canyon City (mileposts 239-240) nightly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Thursday, April 18, for earthwork.
  • Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) near Coldwater Road (mileposts 244-245) nightly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Thursday, April 18, for earthwork.
  • Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) near Coldwater Road (mileposts 244-245) from 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, to 6 a.m. Friday, April 19, for earthwork.

Southbound Restrictions

  • Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) south of Sunset Point (mileposts 250-249) nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Saturday, April 20, for earthwork.
  • Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane between Bumble Bee Road and Black Canyon City (mileposts 246-240) nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Saturday, April 20, for earthwork and placement/removal of temporary concrete barriers.
  • Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) north of Table Mesa Road (mileposts 238-236) nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Saturday, April 20, for earthwork and placement of temporary concrete barriers.
  • Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) north of New River Road (mileposts 233-232) nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. beginning the evening of Monday, April 15, and ending the morning of Friday, April 19, for electrical work.

Rabies incidents a reminder to keep pets vaccinated

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds the public to protect themselves and their pets by keeping a safe distance from wildlife, especially animals that may be behaving abnormally, such as those that appear overly aggressive and/or lacking a fear of humans.

The reminder comes after a gray fox, suspected of being rabid, bit three people in two separate attacks earlier this month at Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona. The animal was killed as it approached a park service officer. Another gray fox was located and killed last month after it bit a person in a picnic area on Mount Lemmon near Tucson.

Pets such as dogs and cats, as well as livestock such as horses, should be vaccinated regularly against rabies. In addition, dogs should be on leashes when outdoors and a veterinarian consulted if any domestic animals are injured by wildlife. Unvaccinated animals exposed to wildlife with rabies must undergo a four-month quarantine, and vaccinated animals need to be quarantined for 45 days.

“In Arizona, the principal rabies hosts are bats, skunks and foxes,” said Dr. Anne Justice-Allen, AZGFD wildlife veterinarian. “These animals carry their own distinct strains of the rabies virus. When rabies activity within these animal groups increases, rabies can impact other mammals, such as bobcats, coyotes, javelina, cats, dogs, horses, or cows.”

Kaibab NF firewood permits start Apr 15 and May 1

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WILLIAMS – The Kaibab National Forest will soon be offering fuelwood permits for the 2024 season. On the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts, the Forest Service will begin issuing permits April 15, 2024 and permit holders will be able to collect firewood April 13, 2025. On the North Kaibab Ranger District only, permit sales and firewood collection will run from May 1 through December 31, 2024.

Paid Permits are $20 for 10 cords of wood (limit 20 cords per year) and can be purchased by credit/debit card, check, money order, and cash with exact change. Credit/debit card is the preferred payment method. A valid ID is required to obtain a permit. A Free Permit is available for the Tusayan Ranger District and allows for gathering 10 cords of dead and/or down pinyon pine.

Details such as tree sizes and species will be outlined in the cutting regulations issued with each permit. Permit holders will also receive maps and load tags which must be physically attached to each ¼ cord of firewood and visible from the rear of the vehicle.

Customers can obtain permits at the following offices. Office hours are listed on the Kaibab NF website; However, hours are subject to change and customers should call first.

For Williams District and Tusayan District permits:
· Williams Ranger District Office, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams; 928-635-5600
· Tusayan Ranger District Office, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Tusayan; 928-638-2443
For North Kaibab District permits:
· North Kaibab Ranger District Office, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia; 928-643-7395

It’s important to remember that many forest roads are extremely muddy and unsuitable to travel at this time; and may remain that way for the next several weeks. Regardless of the time of year, forest visitors are expected to use good judgement when traveling in the woods. Plan ahead, contact the district office for conditions, and remember that causing resource damage – such as ruts from driving on saturated roads – is illegal.

A wealth of information can be found on the Kaibab National Forest website, including additional details that will be added about the forest’s 2024 Firewood Permit Program.

Walnut Fire located east of Flagstaff fully contained

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FLAGSTAFF — The small Walnut Fire, located east of Flagstaff along Interstate 40, is fully contained at a quarter of an acre.

Three engines and two hand crews responded to suppress the fire, which was originally estimated at two acres, but determined to be a quarter-acre at the time of containment.

The interior portion of the fire may continue to produce minimal smoke and may remain visible from I-40 for a short period of time.

I-40 motorists are asked to remain cognizant of fire suppression efforts along the roadway as firefighters continue to monitor the fire.

The Walnut Fire was first reported the morning of April 10. Its cause is unknown.

Firewood permit sales begin April 15 as seasonal road closures begin to lift

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will begin selling 2024 season firewood permits at its ranger stations and headquarters Monday, April 15 as seasonal road closures begin to lift for roads suitable for motorized travel.

The minimum cost for a permit is $20, with a maximum purchase of 12 cords per household. Permits allow for the cutting of down and dead wood or standing wood that meets certain criteria in specified areas. The cost for oak, aspen, juniper and maple will be $5 per cord, and the cost for pine and mixed conifer will be $2.50 per cord.

Even though some forest roads across the Flagstaff Ranger District will be opening throughout next week, there are still some that will be closed due to wet and muddy conditions which can be the cause of people getting stuck and cause damage to the roads.

All forest roads in the Mogollon Rim area remain closed due to the amount of snow that is still present. Personnel are assessing conditions regularly and the status of forest roads can be checked on the Forest Roads Status web page.

Many lower elevation roads, such as those in desert areas of the Red Rock Ranger District, have been open for a while, as they are often ready for vehicle use several weeks before higher elevation roads are ready for use.

The public should remember to only stay on open and authorized roads that are shown on the latest Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). The are no changes from the 2023 to 2024 version, so either may be used.

The MVUM contains essential information about road, trail and area designations for drivers. It includes road allowances, restrictions, and prohibitions as they pertain to dispersed camping, campfires and off-highway vehicles.

Paper copies of the MVUM are available for free at all Coconino NF offices, and an Avenza version of the MVUM can be downloaded to smartphones and tablets and used offline.

Emergency Management Receives Federal Funds for Remote Operation Enhancements

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FLAGSTAFF — In March, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema announced $25,018,000 in federal investments they were able to secure for Arizona priorities that include support for Arizona small businesses, wildfire and flood prevention, a stronger microchip manufacturing workforce, increased access to life-saving cancer treatment, increased access to rural health care, and more.

“By expanding access to treatment and upgrading health care facilities in rural communities, preparing Arizonans for good-paying jobs through workforce training programs, and supporting emergency response services, these projects will improve quality of life in communities across our state. Senator Sinema and I will keep working together to secure resources for the people of Arizona,” said Kelly.

As part of these investments, Coconino County’s Emergency Management Department was awarded $637,000 to be used to acquire an additional remote incident command vehicle and enhance the communications systems between field operations and the Emergency Operations Center in Flagstaff.

“Through the leadership of Senators Kelly and Sinema, our Senators have once again delivered for Coconino County by securing $637,000 for Emergency Operations Center Enhancements, which will increase the emergency response capability and capacity for Coconino County,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors and Supervisor for District 2. “This funding is included in the final Homeland Security bill for FY24. We are tremendously thankful for their leadership in delivering critical and necessary resources to our communities to better strengthen public safety and build resilience across our County.”