Monthly Archives: April 2017

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Leads Multi-Agency Response to Two Separate Rescues

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and its Search and Rescue Unit coordinated two rescues yesterday afternoon. Both individuals needing rescuing were transported by ground ambulance for further medical treatment, neither had life-threatening injuries.

The 70 year-old woman rescued from West Clear Creek was a Sedona, AZ resident on a day hike. Special thanks to the USFS which had an engine crew and hot shot crew in the area as well as the Blue Ridge Fire Department for their assistance with the rescue. Downed trees across the trail needed to be removed to assist with carrying out of the woman. She was the transported by ground ambulance to Flagstaff Medical Center for further medical treatment.

The young man injured during a fall near Water Holes Canyon was an 18 year-old Page, AZ resident. The subject had injuries to his upper body and was unable to climb out. The Sheriff’s Office is thankful for the assistance from National Park Service, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Page Fire Department personnel helped the injured subject to an alternate exit route. He was transported by ground ambulance to the Page Hospital for further medical treatment.

Prescribed burn planned to begin Wednesday south of Tusayan

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TUSAYAN – Crews plan to begin ignitions on a prescribed burn on the 681 acre Reed Prescribed Fire Project on Wednesday April 19 and intend to continue burning for approximately three days in the area if conditions remain favorable. The burn area is located approximately three miles south of the town of Tusayan.

Smoke may be visible from Highway 64 and in the communities of Valle and Tusayan. Light smoke may linger overnight and in the early morning hours. To minimize smoke impacts, fire managers will limit ignitions to approximately 200 acres per day and will only conduct ignitions when conditions exist that will allow smoke to ventilate away from sensitive areas.

“Because this prescribed fire will be burning immediately adjacent to Highway 64, we suggest that motorists slow down when driving through the area and use extreme caution due to firefighters working along the roadway and potential impacts to visibility.” said Fire Management Officer Quentin Johnson.

Smoke is expected to disperse to the east and northeast during the day. Residual smoke may settle into drainages and low lying areas overnight but will dissipate rapidly throughout the morning hours.

Prescribed fires are essential tools for restoring the forests in a fire-adapted ecosystem, and smoke is an unavoidable byproduct of these efforts. Fire managers strive to minimize smoke impacts to the community as much as possible. Burns occur when winds and other atmospheric conditions will push the majority of smoke away from homes and ultimately limit the number of days smoke is in the air. Fire managers work closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, partners in the Grand Canyon National Park, as well as surrounding Native American tribes to monitor air quality.

Notifications of upcoming prescribed burns are provided regularly throughout the season. The public can find this information online or through a recorded hotline. Contact your local Kaibab National Forest office for additional information.

 

Vandalism damages recreational facilities on Williams Ranger District

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WILLIAMS – A recent trend of vandalism occurring at numerous Kaibab National Forest recreation sites on the Williams Ranger District has prompted a public service announcement in an attempt to curtail these unlawful activities.

Unsightly graffiti paint, physical structure damage, and theft are among the latest offenses identified at several recreational locations that are about to open for the summer season.

“This kind of unruly activity makes it difficult to prepare our facilities for opening by the scheduled dates.” said Recreation Specialist Dutch Maatman. “Not only does it take extra time to make these repairs, but it can be very costly detracting from our limited budget allocations. It negatively impacts both our visitors and our program.”

Forest officials are encouraging all members of the public to speak up if you witness any activity that disturbs, defaces or damages any property being managed by your national forest. If you see something, say something.

As with any crime you may be witness to, contacting your local law enforcement authority is always the safest action to take. You can also call the local district offices directly to report a crime or any other suspicious activity that may be occurring. Contact your local office at these locations:

• Williams Ranger District, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (928) 635-5600
• Tusayan Ranger District, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Tusayan; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 638-2443
• North Kaibab Ranger District, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 643-7395

The mission of the United States Forest Service is “To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.” Its motto is “Caring for the land and serving people.”

Kaibab National Forest Officials would like to invite everyone to take a vested interest in helping with the success of the mission by participating in the protection and conservation of your national forest resources.

For more information about the Kaibab National Forest, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab

Flagstaff to host second public hearing for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Program

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation continues to gather comments for its proposed Five-Year Construction Program by reaching out to all members of the public and communities statewide for their input on which projects should move forward over the next few years.

The second public hearing for the 2018-2022 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, April 21, at the Coconino County Administration Building, first floor board meeting room, 219 E. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff, 86001. The monthly State Transportation Board meeting will follow.

In its Tentative Program, ADOT proposes accelerating some key expansion projects for Greater Arizona because of federal funding increases, grants and state budget appropriations. They include:

  • two Interstate 10 widening projects in Pinal County (State Route 87 to Picacho and Earley Road to Interstate 8), now accelerated to fiscal year 2018 due in part to a $54 million federal FASTLANE grant;
  • the first phase of a project to improve State Route 189 in Nogales between the Mariposa Port of Entry and Interstate 19, now planned for fiscal year 2019 because of a $25 million state budget appropriation aimed at accelerating the project;
  • two major widening projects along US 93 in fiscal years 2018 and 2020 that will bring ADOT closer to its goal of completing a four-lane divided highway from Wickenburg to Interstate 40, laying the groundwork for the proposed Interstate 11;
  • widening Interstate 17 in areas between Anthem and Sunset Point in fiscal years 2021 and 2022, with specific areas and projects still under study.

These are just some of the projects that are included in the 2018-2022 Tentative Program. The complete report is available at azdot.gov for review and comment until May 30.

Many of the major projects in this Tentative Program focus on improving some of Arizona’s busiest corridors. Better mobility means better daily commutes and travel for everyone. Improved roads also enhance freight movement, trade, commerce and economic development, all of which benefit the quality of life statewide.

ADOT is also committed to protecting Arizona’s nearly $21 billion investment in the state highway system through dedicated preservation funding. This Five-Year Program meets ADOT’s target of $260 million per year for preservation. Projects like repaving highways, repairing or reconstructing bridges and projects to extend the life of existing pavement all help to preserve the highway system and keep it functioning as it should.

The public comment period for the 2018-2022 Tentative Program began on March 17. It includes public hearings in Tucson (March 17), Flagstaff (April 21) and Phoenix (May 19). The State Transportation Board will make its final decision in June about what will be in the updated Five-Year Program.

The Tentative Program is available for public review and comment at azdot.gov/FiveYearPlan, where a “how to read it” guide is available. ADOT welcomes feedback through Survey Monkey at surveymonkey.com/r/M36583J, by email at fiveyearconstructionprogram@azdot.gov and by calling 855.712.8530. The comment period ends at 5 p.m. on May 30.

Following are details about the two remaining public hearings and the State Transportation Board’s June meeting where the final Five-Year Program is expected to be approved:

April 21 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and State Transportation Board meeting at the Coconino County Administration Building, first floor board meeting room, 219 E. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff.

May 19 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and State Transportation Board meeting in the ADOT Administration Building Auditorium, 206 S. 17th Ave., Phoenix.

June 16 at 9 a.m.: State Transportation Board meeting in Payson. Meeting details will be announced when finalized.

Visit the Tentative Five-Year Program website at azdot.gov/fiveyearplan for more information.

ADOT improving Twin Arrows interchange along I-40 east of Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – An Arizona Department of Transportation project underway at the Twin Arrows interchange along Interstate 40 just east of Flagstaff will improve access for drivers.

The $4.5 million project between mileposts 218 and 220 will create new eastbound off- and on-ramps, and improve the bridge structure with new girders, wider abutments, a widened and repaved deck, and new safety barriers.

I-40 drivers will encounter a lane restriction in both directions at the interchange as work continues. Access to Twin Arrows Road and I-40 will be maintained, though occasional detours can be expected. Work is expected to be complete by fall.

Coconino Sheriff’s Office Leads Multi-Agency Response to Two Separate Rescues

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FLAGSTAFF – At approximately 1:20 pm Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a 70 year-old female with a broken ankle in West Clear Creek near the Maxwell Trailhead which located approximately 55 miles south of Flagstaff. Members of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit are currently responding and conducting a coordinated rescue effort assisted by hotshot crew personnel from the Coconino National Forest and Blue Ridge Fire Department.

Also occurring at this time, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Search and Rescue Unit are responding to a report of a male subject injured from what was reported to be an approximate 30 foot fall. The subject fell while climbing near Water Holes Canyon which is southwest of Page. This call came in at approximately 3:40 pm.

Counterfeit bills showing up in Williams

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WILLIAMS – Counterfeit bills have been showing up recently in Williams. It is reported that they are in $20 and $100 denominations.

The Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe is the latest business to get hit with one of the fake twenties. The persons passing the bill are known to them and they routinely travel through Williams and the Grand Canyon. It is possible that they received it not knowing it was counterfeit.This particular bill is not a particularly good replication. The watermark face on the back side is actually drawn on. Just holding it to the light would shows the face, but not very clearly. On the front, the seal is dull where on a real bill it is shiny. The “20” on the lower right corner of a real bill has little lines through it. On this fake bill is is printed without lines. Another clue is to feel the face on the bill. It should be rough. If it is smooth, you should suspect the bill. The actual paper of the bill may feel real, but most bills are printed on regular ink jet printers.Businesses, no matter how busy, should start to take time to check bills carefully. Citizens should check bills they receive in change. Another option is to purchase a counterfeit bill If you receive a fake bill, you are stuck with it.

The U.S. Secret Service has produced a PDF explaining how to spot counterfeit bills. The New York Post reported in November of 2016 about a counterfeit ring in Peru that produced excellent quality counterfeits of bills from around the world.

Board of Supervisors participates in meeting hosted by Department of Interior

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors participated in a meeting hosted by the Department of the Interior on Wednesday, April 12 in Washington, D.C. focused on the impact of the premature closure of the Navajo Generating Station (NGS).

Closure of NGS will not only impact the Navajo Nation and Coconino County but will have significant downstream impacts on Arizona’s economy. It is estimated that over 3,100 jobs will be lost when NGS is closed. In addition to these job losses, this closure will negatively affect the revenue used to support critical services to the region including law enforcement and court services, and core public health and education services.

“Closing NGS will greatly affect schools, hospitals, libraries and public services across the region. Our special districts rely on these funds to provide services to the most vulnerable populations,” said Supervisor Lena Fowler. “We are encouraged by the participation of Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke at Wednesday’s meeting and that this issue is receiving appropriate attention in Washington. Everyone at the table understands the full impact that closing NGS will have. We are committed to making sure these impacts are understood and all partners work together to find solutions.”

“We support Navajo Nation President Begay and the Salt River Project in their work to renew the lease agreement to keep the Station in operation through 2019” said Supervisor Jim Parks. “That will give us time to breath and design education and agricultural opportunities in order to re-direct employment options for the Navajo Nation, Hopi and all those who will be impacted by the closure.”

The Board of Supervisors remains committed to working with its partners to ensure an extension of the operation of NGS and subsequent decommissioning of the plant to allow for a measured transition of the area’s economy.

“Shot Heard ‘Round the World Day” salutes historic moment

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PHOENIX — April 19, 1775. At 7:30 a.m., the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” was fired on the village green in Lexington, Mass., between the colonial militia and British army, regarded historically as the start of the American Revolutionary War.
On Wednesday – 242 years to the day – recreational shooters of all skill levels are invited to gather socially at the main range of the world-class Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix to commemorate that historic moment, while enjoying a fun shooting event.
Schedule of events:
  • 6 a.m.: Gates open (parking is free).
  • 7 a.m.: Color guard raises American flag at nearby BASF Activity Center for the playing of the national anthem. Larry Voyles, director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, will provide opening remarks, along with distinguished guests.
  • 7:15 a.m.: Participants assemble on the firing line of the small bore range and main range. Targets commemorating the event will be pre-set for the first line. Download additional commemorative targets at https://shotheardroundtheworlddaydotcom.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/bullseye-tabloid-outlined.pdf.
  • 7:30 a.m.: Firing will commence to commemorate the first shot of the American Revolutionary War. Additional participants will be cycled through in the course of normal business.​​​​​​​
Participants are encouraged to save time and register in advance on the event’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/events/793853997450340/). First-time shooters also are urged to watch AZGFD’s shooting safety video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bK6Zn13MBqI) before attending the event.
The event, being promoted at public shooting ranges across the nation, also will provide an opportunity to increase participation and boost the economic benefits that shooting sports provide. As recreational shooters visit BASF from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., they will be connected to recreational shooting mentor groups and shooting industry manufacturers and retailers inside the nearby indoor air gun and archery building.
For more information about “Shot Heard ‘Round the World Day,” visit www.shotheardroundtheworldday.com. 

AZGFD takes in captive deer fawn following traffic stop by law enforcement

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department took possession of a “kidnapped” deer fawn during a recent traffic stop in Wickenburg.

AZGFD wildlife managers received a tip that a deer fawn was being kept inside a single-wide home and yard with three dogs. While being surveilled by the wildlife managers, the residents were seen placing the deer in their vehicle and leaving the home.

Department officers stopped the vehicle and one of the occupants was arrested on outstanding warrants. The fawn was confiscated and transferred to the department’s wildlife center in Phoenix, where it continues to be treated by a local veterinarian.

The fawn will be placed at a licensed zoo in Arizona once deemed healthy enough to be transported.

“Because of the irresponsible actions of one or more individuals, this deer fawn is now reliant on humans for its survival,” said Mike Demlong, AZGFD Wildlife Education program manager. “While their actions may have been well intentioned, in reality they have doomed this fawn to a life in captivity. Although some baby wildlife may appear to have been abandoned, its mother likely ‘parked’ the fawn in one location while they foraged for food and water. The best choice would have been to leave the fawn alone and to walk away.”

AZGFD reminds those who come across young or baby wildlife that most often the best decision is to leave them alone.

“Picking up or ‘rescuing’ seemingly abandoned baby wildlife is often unnecessary, and in most cases only results in an animal being left an orphan,” Demlong said. “Baby wildlife raised by humans are less likely to survive if they are released back into the wild.”

Some species of baby animals, such as elk calves or deer fawns, may be euthanized because they cannot be released back into the wild due to disease concerns and the unfortunate fact that zoos and sanctuaries have limited space to hold them.

Fortunately, AZGFD was able secure a new home for this deer fawn, but that is not usually the case.

The department’s Wildlife Center and others around the state are inundated every year with baby birds, rabbits and other wildlife that were unnecessarily taken from the wild.

The public should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if they encounter an animal that is clearly sick or injured with wounds or broken bones, unresponsive or lethargic, has been attacked by a cat or dog, or there is strong evidence that the mother is dead.

Young wildlife found in your yard or in the field is rarely abandoned. Typically, once the perceived predator (you, or your cat or dog) leaves the area, one or both parents will return and continue to care for the young.

Baby birds are the most common wildlife species encountered by the public and removed from the wild. Young birds that have fallen from the nest can be placed back in the nest, or as close as possible. If necessary, an artificial nest can be built and placed near the original location. Those baby birds that are partially flighted should just be left alone or in some cases moved nearby out of harm’s way.

Contrary to popular belief, human scent will not prevent the parents from returning to care for their young. Eggs of ground-nesting birds like quail should be left in place when discovered.

Those with questions about a specific situation should contact one of the wildlife rehabilitators listed on the department’s website at: www.azgfd.com/wildlife/urbanrehab/ or contact your local Game and Fish office.