Game and Fish seeks information on elk poaching case near Strawberry

operation_game_thief_footerFLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking the public’s help in finding those responsible for the illegal killing of a yearling elk found in the Strawberry area on or about Sunday, May 22.

The elk was illegally taken out of season and was discovered along Highway 87 north of Strawberry in Game Management Unit 6A. In this case, some of the edible meat was left to waste and was dumped at a different location than where the poaching is suspected to have taken place.

The case remains ongoing, but investigators believe the poaching occurred on the National Forest  between Pine and Happy Jack. Evidence collected at the scene is currently being analyzed by the crime lab.

“Someone may have information about this case and we need them to come forward,” said Game and Fish said Wildlife Manager Garrett Fabian. “Sportsmen and women pay for licenses and tags and contribute to wildlife conservation and management, but poachers do not. Poaching isn’t hunting, it’s stealing Arizona’s valuable wildlife resources.”

Anyone with information about the cases can call the AZGFD’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll free at (800) 352-0700 or use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/thief. Callers should provide case number 16-001353 when calling. Callers may remain confidential upon request.

A reward of up to $750 may be available for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s).

Safety improvement project scheduled on SR 87 north of Strawberry begins next week

STRAWBERRY — The Arizona Department of Transportation will remove dead trees from the right-of-way along a 16-mile segment of State Route 87 for the next two weeks in both directions (mileposts 274 to 290), approximately four miles north of Strawberry.

Work will begin on Monday, Sept. 14 and will continue through Thursday, Sept. 24 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day.

Drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes to allow a safe work zone for maintenance crews to remove fallen trees from the roadway. Flaggers will guide traffic through the work zone.

For safety reasons, motorists are urged to not to stop in the tree-cutting areas to pick up the wood.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 511.

Safety improvement project scheduled on SR 260 Wednesday

The Arizona Department of Transportation will remove dead trees from the right-of-way along a two-mile segment of State Route 260 next week in both directions (mileposts 247 to 249), approximately three miles west of the SR 260/87 junction, and eight miles north of Strawberry.

Work will begin on Monday, April 20 through Wednesday, April 22 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day.

Drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes to allow a safe work zone for maintenance crews to remove fallen trees from the roadway. Flaggers will guide traffic through the work zone.

For safety reasons, motorists are urged to not to stop in the tree-cutting areas to pick up the wood.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Safety improvement project scheduled on SR 87 north of Strawberry next week

The Arizona Department of Transportation will remove dead trees from the right-of-way along a nine-mile segment of State Route 87 next week in both directions (mileposts 276 to 284), approximately six miles north of Strawberry.

Work will begin on Monday, April 13 through Thursday, April 16 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day.

Drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes to allow a safe work zone for maintenance crews to remove fallen trees from the roadway. Flaggers will guide traffic through the work zone.

In the interest of safety, motorists are urged not to stop in the tree-cutting areas to pick up wood.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Shoulder work on SR 87 north of Strawberry through April

Arizona Department of Transportation crews will be mowing the shoulder on State Route 87 in both directions on a 12-mile segment (mileposts 278 to 290) north of Strawberry through Thursday, May 1.

During work hours each day, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., traffic will be restricted to one lane through the work zone. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct traffic in alternating directions using the single lane that is open. Delays of up to 10 minutes at a time are possible.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule.