Monthly Archives: June 2016

Six hours to 10 minutes: Vehicle for hire application process transforms

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vehicles-for-hire-licensing_originalPHOENIX — When the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division took over the Department of Weights and Measures’ Vehicle for Hire program, it immediately began looking for ways to streamline the application process as part of an agency-wide commitment to continuous improvement.

The result: MVD reduced what had been a six-hour application process for owners of taxi, livery vehicle and limousine companies to just 10 minutes.

The application process used to be entirely manual for both applicants and staff, which was time-consuming and involved going back and forth between state employees and business owners. Now it’s offered online at ServiceArizona.com, with business owners filling in the information themselves.

Business owners used to wait for vehicle insurance information to show up in MVD’s database before proceeding with their applications. Now MVD employees can enter the information themselves on behalf of insurance companies.

The 8,500 taxis, limos and other vehicles listed in the database once had to be inspected annually, creating an aggravating process for both inspectors and business owners. Now vehicles are inspected randomly as well as when complaints are received.

“We took an outdated, inefficient application process and applied modern technology and methods to it,” said Tom Opalka, MVD commercial driver license, medical review and vehicle for hire program manager, who oversaw this process improvement. “We’re now able to save our customers time ‒ and money ‒ by automating much of the process and streamlining the rest.”

Due to two pending laws coming out of this year’s legislative session, more improvements are coming to the Vehicle for Hire program later this month.  Instead of requiring a company to apply for an annual permit for each taxi, livery vehicle and limousine, MVD will issue one permit to the company for all of its vehicles to operate for three years at a time – similar to how transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft are permitted.

Streamlining the Vehicle for Hire program is just one example of how the Motor Vehicle Division is, like ADOT as a whole, continuously improving to benefit Arizonans.

For information on the Motor Vehicle Division, visit azdot.gov/mvd.

Learn more about AZGFD’s wildlife conservation activities

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Game_Trails_Spr16_thumbThe Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Wildlife Management Division produces periodic newsletters with overviews of AZGFD conservation projects and activities. One of the newsletters is “Game Trails,” and the latest edition can be viewed here.

Topics in this edition include management of the bison herd at the Raymond Wildlife Area, disease monitoring of bighorn sheep in the Black Mountains, safe capture and handling methods in the Sonoran pronghorn recovery project, and the upgrade of a water catchment providing water for wildlife on the Arizona Strip. 

We invite you to check out the other newsletters from our Wildlife Management Division at https://www.azgfd.com/Wildlife/WildlifeNewsletters.

There are many other ways to connect with the Arizona Game and Fish Department:

We invite you to utilize all of them to find out more about AZGFD’s activities, projects and programs; read compelling stories about wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation; view outstanding videos and still photography; and learn about upcoming events.

Bert Fire experiences largest day of growth

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800-bert-160620-1046WILLIAMS — As expected, the Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest reached its largest day of growth yesterday with just over 700 acres of fire spread bringing the total burned area to 5445 acres.

The Bert Fire is located ten-miles southeast of Valle on highway 180 near Ebert Mountain.

The Northern Arizona Type 3 incident management team assumed management on Tuesday morning after a predicted increase in fire activity. Crews were ready for the change in fire behavior as near record high temperatures combined with low relative humidity prompted the anticipated growth. Containment lines held while several land management objectives continued to be met with positive results including key improvements to grassland restoration.

An increase in high lifting smoke was visible from far reaching areas surrounding the vicinity of the fire but overnight impacts remained minimal. Smoke may continue to be noticeable over the next several days until monsoonal precipitation eventually arrives.

Wildcat Fire 70% contained

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FREDONIA — The final report on the lightning-caused, 1,502-acre Wildcat Fire on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest is 70 percent contained, with no additional fire growth anticipated.

The fire started June 13 south of Highway 89A in the vicinity of the Saddle Mountain Wilderness. A crew of 238 personnel have been monitoring the fire with a goal of full suppression. On Sunday, excessive temperatures caused two fire fighters to be treated for heat-realated illnesses.

There has been no growth on the Wildcat Fire for several days. Crews have successfully mopped up 100 feet in from the fire edge along 70 percent of the fire. In the wilderness, hand crews have extinguished hot spots while implementing Minimal Impact Suppression Tactics. Infrared photography shows little heat, and no spot fires have been found across the fire’s edge in days. Responsibility for management of the Wildcat Fire passed from Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 back to the Kaibab National Forest this morning. A smaller fire organization will patrol and mop up the fire until it is 100 percent contained.

As a reminder, both the North and South Canyon trails are temporarily closed in order to provide for public and firefighter safety. Public notifications will be released once the closure is rescinded. The North Canyon Trail closure starts at Forest Road 631 and extends to the intersection of the Arizona Trail on the west side, approximately three-quarters of a mile from FR 611. The South Canyon Trail closure starts at FR 211 and extends to the west side trailhead near the junction of FR 610 and FR 2599.

New bridge at Hell Canyon on SR 89 opens Thursday night

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The new bridge at Hell Canyon on State Route 89 at milepost 345 will open to traffic on Thursday (June 23) by midnight. Minimal impacts are expected.

For the past year, crews have been working on a new $14.4 million improvement project which included the construction a new four-span steel-plate girder bridge to the east of the existing bridge. The removal of the existing three-span steel deck truss bridge is expected to occur in mid-July.

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

Paving Operations Underway on Townsend-Winona Road

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photo 1_CROPPaving is underway on Townsend-Winona Road between Rio Rancho and Cosnino. Operations will continue throughout the week. Traffic delays of up to 20 minutes can be expected. Motorists are encouraged to leave early, expect delays and use an alternate route.

Fee-Free Weekend: Independence Day, July 2-4, 2016

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FLAGSTAFF — The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest will waive fees associated with many recreation sites and amenities July 2-4, 2016 in honor of Independence Day.

As part of this event, fees will be waived for all Red Rock Pass Fee Program sites including Palatki, Honanki, V Bar V cultural sites, and multiple trailheads.

Campgrounds and recreation sites managed by concessionaires are not included in this event. These sites include Grasshopper Point, Crescent Moon Ranch, and Call of the Canyon.

See full details and the complete list of 2016 Fee-Free Days on the Coconino National Forest.

Registration required: No
Sponsor url: 2016 fee-free days

Sponsor Contact: Red Rock Ranger District
Phone: 928-203-2900

Mount Elden will have 27 acres of forest hand-thinned

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fseprd505663FLAGSTAFF — As part of the Flagstaff Water Protection Project, Coconino National Forest crews will begin hand-thinning 27 acres of forest around Mount Elden Wednesday (June 15) near the Rocky Ridge Trail for the next two months.

The thinning operations will be off of the Mount Elden Lookout Road (Forest Road 557), with the majority of the unit being north and west of the trail causing very little impact to users of Rocky Ridge Trail. The work crews will place signs on the trail on each end stating “tree work ahead” when necessary.

Forest Service personnel will be parking along Mount Elden Lookout road near the Rocky Ridge trail head, so forest goers should be cautious of the firefighters working in the area over the next two months.

Visit the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project for more information about the important work being done to protect Flagstaff area watersheds and communities.

Developed recreation sites on Coconino NF exempt from fire restrictions

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FLAGSTAFF — Certain developed recreation sites on the Coconino National Forest are exempt from fire restrictions, which began June 15, 2016 at 8 a.m. across the forest.

Under the restrictions, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are not allowed throughout the forest—unless in a developed recreation site.  However, fires are never advised anywhere during a Red Flag Warning such as was issued today by the National Weather Service.

The following list includes the only developed recreation sites on the Coconino National Forest exempt from fire restrictions. Note that campfires, and charcoal, coal and wood fires are prohibited at Forest Service rental cabins during Stage I and Stage II fire restrictions.

On the Flagstaff Ranger District (listed in alphabetical order):

  • Ashurst Lake Campground
  • Bonito Campground
  • Canyon Vista Campground
  • Dairy Springs Campground
  • Double Springs Campground
  • Forked Pine Campground
  • Flagstaff Nordic Center Lodge
  • Lake View Campground
  • Locket Meadow Campground
  • Narrows Picnic Area
  • O’leary Group Campground
  • Pine Grove Campground
  • Upper Lake Mary Boating Site

On the Red Rock Ranger District (which includes Oak Creek Canyon):

  • Banjo Bill Day-Use Site
  • Beaver Creek Day-Use Site
  • Bootlegger Day-Use Site
  • Cave Springs Campground
  • Chavez Group Site Campground
  • Clear Creek Campground
  • Crescent Moon Ranch Day-Use Site
  • Encinoso Day-Use Site
  • Grasshopper Point Day-Use Site
  • Halfway Day-Use Site
  • Lawrence Crossing Campground
  • Manzanita Campground
  • Pine Flats Campground

On the Mogollon Rim Ranger District:

  • Blue Ridge Campground
  • Clints Well Campground
  • Moqui Group Site Campground
  • Rock Crossing Campground

USFWS withdraws draft Recreational Boating Compatibility Determination for Havasu Wildlife Refuge, citing need for further deliberation

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usfwsLAKE HAVASU CITY — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has withdrawn its draft Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Recreational Boating Compatibility Determination (CD) for further consideration and deliberation.

According to a June 16 USFWS news release, the Service received and reviewed a substantial number of comments during the formal comment period seeking reconsideration of the draft CD. Sen. John McCain and Rep. Paul Gosar requested the draft be withdrawn.

“After reflecting on input we received at public meetings and the great numbers of letters and comments submitted, I have reached the conclusion that more communication is needed before any additional changes are introduced at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge,” said Dr. Benjamin Tuggle, USFWS southwest regional director, in the news release. “I have decided to withdraw the current draft CD at this time to allow for further discussions with the community and other stakeholders.”

“We’re appreciative that Director Tuggle changed course and that the USFWS recognized the need for a more robust public comment and community engagement process regarding this important issue,” said Kurt R. Davis, chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. “A much broader base of public input than originally was sought is vital in determining the best plan to protect the local economy, recreational opportunity and wildlife conservation.”

The USFWS news release stated that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will provide the framework for ongoing dialogue with the community and interested parties. A representative from the Service’s Southwest Regional Office will lead the coordination effort with city officials and other vested parties and develop possible collaborative measures that ensure natural resource conservation is managed consistently with compatible recreational uses. This coordination will provide the foundation for the Service to develop a revised draft CD to share with the public.