Monthly Archives: March 2018

Public Health Officials identify precautions to protect against rabies

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) officials are reminding individuals to take precautions to protect against rabies. Spring brings warmer weather and a rise in outdoor recreational activity, increasing the potential of exposure to wildlife.

CCPSHD urges people to follow the following precautions to protect from rabies:

  • Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual behaviors, such as showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly, and nocturnal mammals active during daytime.
  • Keep all pets current on vaccinations and obey leash laws.
  • Always keep pets away from wild animals.
  • Never pick up, touch or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, even if they do not appear sick or aggressive.
  • Report any wild animal exhibiting erratic or aggressive behavior.

CCPHSD advises individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they are bitten or have contact with a wild animal.

Pet owners should seek medical care from their veterinarian and call the appropriate authorities if their pet is bitten by wildlife:

  • Wildlife emergency: 911
  • Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management: 928-679-8756
  • City of Flagstaff Animal Control/Flagstaff Police Department: 928-774-1414
  • To report unusual wildlife sightings or behavior call the Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756

For more information on rabies visit www.azhealth.gov/rabies.

Applications accepted to adopt a desert tortoise

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PHOENIX – Approximately 50 desert tortoises will soon awaken from their winter slumber and the Arizona Game and Fish Tortoise Adoption program will be once again be looking for good adoptive homes. There is no charge to adopt a tortoise.

The desert tortoises up for adoption are a wide range of ages and sizes. AZGFD is accepting applications for those willing to provide a special home. Adoption application packets and general information can be found at www.azgfd.gov/tortoise.

Adopters need to have a securely enclosed yard or separate enclosure in their yard, free from potential hazards such as a dog, fire pit or unfenced pool. The enclosed area must include an appropriate shelter for the tortoise to escape Arizona’s extreme summer and winter temperatures.

All of the desert tortoises eligible for adoption will be given health checkups before going to their new homes. Tortoises are only available for adoption to residents living within the species’ native range, which includes the Phoenix, Bullhead City, Kingman, Prescott, Lake Havasu, Tucson and Yuma areas.

Desert tortoises offer a unique alternative to more traditional family pets and can teach many of the same life lessons to children, including responsibility, compassion and commitment. Contrary to many assumptions, desert tortoises can be interactive and provide companionship without as many demands as a cat or dog.

Game and Fish Commission proposes to amend rules for taking, handling of wildlife

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission proposes to amend rules within Article 3, “Taking and Handling of Wildlife,” to enact amendments developed during the preceding Five-year Review Report.

All public comments about the proposed rulemaking will be accepted through April 15:

E-mail: rulemaking@azgfd.gov, or jcook@azgfd.gov.
U.S. Mail: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Jay Cook, Regional Supervisor FOR6, 7200 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85207.
Telephone: Jay Cook, Regional Supervisor FOR6, (480) 324-3540.

The final rule will be presented to the five-member commission at its May 4 meeting at the Mohave County Board of Supervisors Auditorium, 700 W. Beale St., Kingman.

To track the progress of this rule, view the regulatory agenda and all previous Five-year Review Reports, and to learn about any other agency rulemaking matters, visit https://www.azgfd.com/agency/rulemaking/.

Volunteers needed to spotlight endangered black-footed ferrets

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SELIGMAN — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking volunteers to assist with spotlighting efforts to help document the population of endangered black-footed ferrets in Aubrey Valley and on the Double O Ranch near Seligman.

As part of the recovery effort, the department has scheduled two spring spotlighting projects – March 29-31 and April 26-29 (the department also conducts two spotlighting projects in the fall). The spotlighting method involves using high-powered lights to locate and identify black-footed ferrets. Their eyeshine is reflected by the spotlight and helps surveyors with identifying and locating these elusive, nocturnal carnivores.

Volunteers must have the ability to stay attentive from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. while spotlighting for black-footed ferrets and use, or learn how to use, a Global Positioning System (GPS). Volunteers can sign up by e-mailing azferret@azgfd.gov — with “spring spotlighting” in the subject line – by March 23 for this month’s project and by April 20 for the later opportunity.

Volunteers are reminded to include their full name, a contact phone number, month(s) and night(s) available to spotlight, and full names of others who also will be attending (a parent or guardian must accompany any youth under 18). Volunteers also should note any equipment they can bring, such as GPS, clipboard, headlamp, pen, binoculars, walkie-talkies, compass, cordless rechargeable spotlight, backpack or 4X4 vehicle.

A total of 19 individual black-footed ferrets were captured in 2017, slightly up from 16 in 2016. Of those 19, nine were captured in Aubrey Valley and 10 on the Double O Ranch. Almost 200 volunteers totaled 2,086 spotlighting hours over the course of the spring and fall projects.

Visit www.azgfd.gov/wildlife for more information about the black-footed ferret recovery effort.

Court denies Arizona’s request to stop U.S. Army Corp of Engineers’ planned high-flow water release at Alamo Lake

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PHOENIX — A federal court Friday denied the State of Arizona’s motion for a temporary restraining order to prevent the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from conducting a high-flow water release at Alamo Lake beginning this week.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission on February 26 had voted unanimously to request that the Office of the Arizona Attorney General pursue the action.

The Game and Fish Department and Arizona State Parks have expressed concerns over the timing of the project. Game and Fish estimates the rapid draw-down of the lake at this time of year will disrupt reproduction and recruitment in fish such as largemouth bass and black crappie, as they are currently in pre-spawn condition in Alamo Lake and expect to be spawning during the proposed drawdown. In addition, as the lake is drawn down, the shallow areas will dry, and most, if not all, of the current spawning area and eggs would likely be lost.

Game and Fish says the loss of that segment of the fish population at Alamo not only would have biological impacts to the fishery, it would include negative impacts to the state and local economy. Alamo Lake State Park draws visitors from around the state for its premier bass and crappie fishing. Many anglers are reporting some of the best fishing at Alamo Lake in recent years and hope for another successful spring spawn that would be dependent on steady water levels keeping shoreline spawning beds submerged. Most of the visitation to Alamo Lake and Alamo Lake State Park occurs this time of year, and most of the visitors are anglers and boaters. The Department has additional concerns such as safety issues related to launching boats on ramps where cement slabs would be exposed.

The State’s complaint and motion for TRO filed March 2 contended the Corps violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process in its proposed action by failing to adequately evaluate the impacts a high-flow release at this time would have on aquatic wildlife and recreation in Alamo Lake. The motion also contended the Corps’ proposed action would violate the Administrative Procedures Act by failing to comply with the Corps’ binding operational criteria to complete inspection and maintenance under normal operations as prescribed in the Alamo Dam and Lake Water Control Manual, the guiding document for operation and maintenance of Alamo Dam.

The Corps wants to drop the lake level by about 10 feet to facilitate inspection and maintenance of Alamo Dam’s intake sill. It proposes to do this by releasing water at a flow of up to 5,000 cfs, with a total release time not to exceed 20 days and the peak of the release to occur prior to March 15. The project will cause flows below Alamo Dam in excess of the typical non-flood flows of 20-50 cfs.

“We didn’t think this legal action was an egregious demand,” said Jim Ammons, chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. “We don’t object to the project, just to the timing of it. The Corps has failed to explain why the timing in March is the only option for it to achieve its objectives. We still believe it has other feasible options to do this project later in the year when it would have less of an impact on the fishery and the local economy.”

Coconino County implements fire safety program “Ready, Set, Go!”

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County is launching a proactive and collaborative fire preparedness program between local, state and federal governmental agencies focusing on the importance of wildland fire danger. The unusually dry winter and warm temperatures could bring an early start to Arizona’s wildfire season increasing the threat to the safety of residents, visitors and property.

The Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) program educates residents about proactive measures to take before an emergency, such as proper waste management, and actions to follow when communities are threatened. The County adopted the three tenets to encourage citizens to get ready by preparing now for what threatens their community, be set by maintaining awareness of significant danger and to go, or evacuate immediately when the danger is current and life-threatening.

“Fire and post wildfire flooding are the number one danger to the safety of residents and property in Coconino County, especially after this extremely dry winter,” said Chairman Matt Ryan. “It’s important that citizens are prepared and ready to protect themselves this upcoming fire season. Signing up for the County’s emergency notification system and contacting your local fire department or fire district for information about wildland fire threat is key to staying informed and safe.”

This program has also been adopted by the Coconino County Sheriff and the Arizona Sheriff’s Association.

The Ready, Set, Go! program highlights actions residents should take during each step:

READY: “Prepare now”

Be aware of hazards that can threaten your community.
Register for the Coconino County emergency notification system (see below).
Create defensible space around your home by keeping grass mowed short and trimming vegetation.
Build an emergency supplies kit. Start with the five P’s: people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.

SET: “Be alert”

There is significant danger in your area.
Consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area.
This might be the only notice you receive.

GO!: “Evacuate”

Danger in your area is current and life-threatening.
Evacuate immediately to a shelter or to family/friends outside the affected area.
Follow instructions from emergency personnel, and stay on designated evacuation routes.

The Ready, Set, Go! program started in March 2011, when the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) aimed to improve the dialogue between fire departments and the residents they serve.

Sign up for the County emergency notification system at coconino.az.gov/207/Emergency-Management and visit ein.az.gov to learn more about hazards in the state and how to prepare.

Vendors Wanted for the 2018 Coconino County Fair

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Parks and Recreation is currently accepting vendor applications for the 2018 Coconino County Fair, held August 31 to September 3 at Fort Tuthill County Park. Vendors may submit applications for amusement, food, commercial businesses and non-profits. First review of applications will be in March 2018.

To promote local products and services, an early bird rate is being extended to Coconino County-based, for-profit businesses. Interested business owners and operators are encouraged to submit a vendor application by May 31 to take advantage of a 50 percent early bird discount for non-premium outdoor locations on the fairgrounds. Non-profit vendors and food vendors are not eligible for early bird rates.

Vendor applications are available on the Coconino County Fair website at coconinocountyfair.com. The Coconino County Fair is celebrating 69 years. More than 40,000 people regularly attend the fair, which features exhibits by 4-H and community members as well as national, regional and local entertainment, and food and commercial vendors.

For more information on the County Fair, visit coconinocountyfair.com or call the Coconino County Parks and Recreation Department at 928-679-8000.

Public meeting on proposed Lees Ferry rainbow trout stocking is Monday

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PHOENIX – The public meeting on the proposed stocking and the current status of the Lees Ferry fishery will be held 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 5, at the old lodge across from Marble Canyon Lodge on U.S. Hwy 89A in Marble Canyon.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department plans to stock rainbow trout this spring into the lower 3 mile walk-in section of Lees Ferry, a blue-ribbon trout fishery below Glen Canyon Dam in northern Arizona. The meeting will include discussions on the state of the trout fishery at Lees Ferry, the proposal to stock, overall impacts of the stocking, Department perspective on the project and an open forum.

See the agenda, including more information on the project.

Public comments can also be emailed to CCantrell@azgfd.gov.

The overall rainbow trout fishery at Lees Ferry has been in decline since early 2011. Accordingly, AZGFD creel survey results during recent years have shown a dramatic decrease in angler catch rates. Although rainbow trout fishing during the past year seems to have recovered somewhat in the upper portion of the river with reports of large rainbow trout being captured, trout fishing in the walk-in area has not recovered as quickly as the Department had hoped.

This stocking is intended to boost sport-fishing opportunities for rainbow trout at this walk-in portion.

Lees Ferry is regarded as one of the top tailwater rainbow trout fisheries in the nation, and fishing at this massive, clear-running river has a profound impact on the local economy near Marble Canyon.

The Department will plan to stock trout at this portion of Lees Ferry as necessary throughout 2018 to address low catch rates and angler satisfaction.

Nominations sought for Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame

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PHOENIX — The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation is soliciting nominations for this year’s inductees into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame.

The Outdoor Hall of Fame annually recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions toward Arizona’s wildlife, the welfare of its natural resources, and the state’s outdoor heritage.

Nominations will be accepted from March 1 to April 30. To submit a nomination, head to the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame page, download and complete the form, and return it along with all supplemental materials to:

Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation
c/o Arizona Game and Fish Department
Attn: Kent Komadina
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix AZ 85086

Nominations also may be submitted by e-mail to Kent Komadina at Kkomadina@azgfd.gov. For more information, call 623-236-7288.

This year’s inductees will be honored in August at the annual Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet.

Past Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees have been individuals with backgrounds in wildlife volunteerism, corporate leadership, politics, wildlife and the media, including Ben Avery, Barry Goldwater, Morris K. Udall, John McCain, Bill Quimby and Tom Woods, as well as groups and organizations such as Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Volunteers, Arizona Antelope Foundation, Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club, Arizona Deer Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Safari Club International, Audubon Arizona, Arizona Public Service and Salt River Project.

Wildlife for Tomorrow was created in 1990 to enhance the management, protection and enjoyment of Arizona’s fish and wildlife resources. The foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to provide additional support for projects and education activities where traditional resources are not adequate. For more information, visit www.wildlifefortomorrow.org.

MVD to offer written drivers’ test online

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PHOENIX – Arizona teenagers pursuing a driver instruction permit will be able to take the written drivers’ test online beginning Monday, March 5.

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is introducing the Permit Test @ Home available to parents by setting up a free personal AZ MVD Now account, which is accessed through ServiceArizona.com.

Potential drivers will still be required to pass a road skills test prior to receiving a driver license, and all permit holders must drive with a licensed driver in the front seat.

“Online testing is commonplace for things such as college courses and professional certifications, so having the Permit Test @ Home is a modern and convenient way for MVD to serve our customers,” said MVD Stakeholder Relations Manager Jennifer Bowser-Richards.

“Learning to drive is a rite of passage for many teens and the Permit Test @ Home makes the process a bit easier,” she added. “Rather than requiring teens and their parents to come to an MVD office to pick up the manual and then return for the knowledge test, MVD is making everything available digitally.”

Online practice tests have been available at www.azdot.gov/practice for a number of years, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the questions and become better informed about traffic laws and procedures. The Permit Test @ Home expands that to the actual test by establishing a secure proctoring method in which parents log into AZ MVD Now to establish an account using their driver license or ID card.

The parent or guardian will then register their teen for the Permit Test @ Home and agree to the terms. Teens must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to obtain an instruction permit. Parents must certify that they will proctor the exam fairly. For teens under the age of 18, the application for an instruction permit or driver license must be signed by a parent or guardian who is responsible for damage caused by negligence or the willful misconduct of the child.

The Permit Test @ Home requires a $7 application fee, which is the same fee applicable to office visits.

Teens will have three attempts to pass the test within 12 months.

For more information: www.servicearizona.com