Category Archives: Flagstaff

Kaibab National Forest to host additional public meeting for proposed landscape-scale forest restoration project

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WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest plans to host an additional public meeting later this month to provide information and seek input and comments on a proposed project to reduce the threat of uncharacteristic, high-intensity wildfire and to restore the structure, species composition and function of ecosystems on the Kaibab Plateau.

This will be the third in a series of public meetings for the proposed Kaibab Plateau Ecological Restoration Project on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. The meeting is scheduled for November 27 from 9:30 a.m. to noon in Flagstaff. There will be a brief overview presentation starting at 9:30 a.m. followed by an opportunity for in-depth group discussion and questions. All interested members of the public are encouraged to attend.

Those planning to attend the November 27 session in Flagstaff should RSVP to Sue Farley, environmental coordinator for the Kaibab National Forest, at 928-635-8331 or sfarley@fs.fed.us. A confirmation, directions and additional background information will then be provided to those who respond.

The Kaibab National Forest has been hosting this series of public meetings in order to provide information and seek comments on the Kaibab Plateau Ecological Restoration Project. The project is designed to increase resiliency and overall health of vegetation and watersheds and to restore low-intensity fire to the fire-adapted ecosystems of the area. Specifically, the proposed action includes prescribed fire and non-commercial, mechanical vegetation treatments on about 511,000 acres of the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.

Most of the Kaibab National Forest’s vegetation is adapted to recurring wildfires, and fire naturally plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health. The condition and structure of the project area’s forests, woodlands, shrublands and grasslands have changed dramatically from natural conditions, in large part because fire has been excluded due to decades of successful fire suppression efforts. Today, the project area contains uncharacteristically dense forests with many more young trees than were present historically, and climate change is making them vulnerable to more frequent high-intensity wildfires.

The project is intended to address those changed conditions by implementing prescribed fire and non-commercial, mechanical vegetation treatments. Prescribed fire would include broadcast burning and pile burning to reduce fuel levels and tree densities, control conifer regeneration, and promote understory plant vigor. Mechanical treatments would include pruning ladder fuels, mastication, chipping and thinning to remove smaller trees with the goal of protecting larger or older trees by targeting understory and ladder fuels.

For detailed project information, including the full proposed action document, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54226. For questions or to RSVP to the November 27 public meeting in Flagstaff, please contact Farley at 928-635-8331 or sfarley@fs.fed.us.

Rescue off Humphreys Peak

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FLAGSTAFF – An injured hiker was rescued off Humphreys Peak by Coconino County Search and Rescue and Arizona Snowbowl.

On November 12 at approximately 9:20am the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a call about an injured hiker above the Humphrey’s Saddle on the Humphrey’s Peak Trail. A party of three hikers from Flagstaff reported that they were hiking the trail when one slipped on some ice and sustained a shoulder injury. The hikers reported the injured person could not walk and requested a helicopter to pick them up. As Search and Rescue teams were responding, the Arizona Department of Public Safety Northern Air Rescue helicopter responded and visually located the hikers but was unable to assist with the rescue due to the high winds. The temperature on the ridge at 12,000 feet near where the hikers were located, was 17 degrees with winds of 56 miles per hour.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue and Guardian Medical Transport personnel were transported by Arizona Snowbowl Snow Cats to the Midway catwalk to access the Humphrey’s Peak Trail.

At approximately 12:30pm rescuers reached the hiking party and began to treat the injured hiker. The injured hiker’s arm was splinted and he was assisted in hiking down the trail. The Sheriff’s Office Snow Cat was used to transport the hikers and rescuers from the Midway Catwalk back to the Agassiz Lodge. The injured hiker refused additional medical care.

The hikers were identified as 24-year-old NAU student Salvatore Bonanno, 20-year-old Coconino Community College student Christian Matthew and 19-year-old Coconino Community College student Ethan Murray. The group had started the hike at 4:30 am. When interviewed after the rescue, the group told rescue personnel they had checked the weather and felt prepared for the hike. The hikers had minimal outer wear, clothing and gear for the conditions they faced.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind those recreating in the winter backcountry to be prepared for the conditions. Hikers on the San Francisco Peaks can involve encountering snow, ice, and windy conditions on the trail and especially above tree line. Appropriate clothing and equipment is necessary to recreate safely in these conditions. Cotton clothing should not be worn as when it gets wet it does not dry easily or quickly and can lead to hypothermia for the wearer. Instead, synthetic or wool clothing should be chosen. Appropriate footwear is also a necessity. In addition to quality hiking boots, crampons may be needed for hard packed and icy conditions. An ice axe may be needed to assist in travel on steep and icy slopes.

Rescue of Injured Climber at Oak Creek Vista

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FLAGSTAFF — On November 10, 2018 at approximately 2:45 pm, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call about a climbing accident at Oak Creek Vista off of State Route 89A.

Multiple agencies responded to assist in the rescue of the injured climber. A 34-year-old female from Phoenix, AZ had sustained multiple serious injuries, including a back injury, when she fell approximately 40 feet as she began her rappel. Due to the location of the patient and the nature of her injuries, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue and Sedona Fire District Technical Rope Team members established a technical rope system to lower a rescuer and basket litter to the patient. Highlands Fire and Guardian Medical personnel, along with a Deputy Sheriff, had hiked to the patient’s location to provide initial treatment and help prepare the patient to be raised by the rope system.

Due to the extent of climber’s injuries and difficult terrain, an Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue helicopter was called in to determine if a short-haul operation would be feasible. After determining a short haul operation was in the best interest of rescuers and the injured climber, a Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Coordinator, who also is a member of the Northern Arizona Regional Heli-Rescue Team, and the climber were short-hauled to the Oak Creek Vista parking lot. From there, the climber was transferred to a Guardian Air Transport helicopter and was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment of her injuries.

This incident was another example of the close working relationships between Northern Arizona public safety agencies.

WIC Program hours expanded

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Public Health Services District Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program has added new walk-in and Saturday hours to better serve clients. Clients can now access services without an appointment on scheduled walk-in days and on the second Saturday of each month at 2625 N. King Street in Flagstaff.

Walk-in hours:
Tuesday afternoons 2 – 4:30 p.m.
Thursdays 9 a.m. – noon & 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Fridays 8– 11 a.m.

Saturday hours:
2nd Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. – noon.

WIC services are also available Monday through Wednesday by appointment. Call CCPHSD WIC at 928-679-7250 to make an appointment or stop by during walk-in hours.

WIC is a public health nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and connections to community services for income-eligible women who are pregnant and postpartum, infants and children up to five years old. To learn more, call the CCPHSD WIC Clinic at 928-679-7850 or visit www.azwic.gov.

Multi-Agency Rescue of Injured Hiker on Mt Elden

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Coconino SAR rescue Mt Elden hiker – CCSO photo

FLAGSTAFF — On October 21 at approximately 2:53 pm the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, responded to Mount Elden Trail and Sunset Trail for the report of an injured adult female hiker incapable of extricating herself.

The adult female hiker from Kayenta was reported to have a lower leg injury that made her unable to continue her hike. Bystanders provided aid until emergency responders arrived at the scene. Emergency responders hiked to the patient’s location and initiated care while Search and Rescue hiked in with a litter, litter wheel, and warming blankets to assist with carrying her out.

The Department of Public Safety Air Rescue Helicopter had been staged at the top of Mount Elden. The patient arrived at the top of Mount Elden and was transferred to the helicopter at approximately 6:00 pm and flown to Flagstaff Medical Center for additional treatment.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit, Summit Fire District, Guardian Medical Transport, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety Northern Air Rescue Unit responded to the injured hiker on the Mount Elden Lookout Trail near the intersection with the Sunset Trail.

This incident highlights the close working relationship between local public safety agencies to respond to and resolve rescue situations. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the hikers who rendered aid prior to our arrival and remind hikers to be prepared for the unexpected emergency on the trail by carrying at least the Ten Essentials in addition to a charged cell phone.

  1. extra water
  2. extra food
  3. extra warm clothing
  4. navigation equipment
  5. headlamp or flashlight
  6. first aid kit
  7. shelter material (large leaf bag or emergency blanket)
  8. fire starting kit
  9. pocket knife
  10. signaling equipment (whistle/signal mirror)

Amateur radio operators should have local repeaters programmed into their radios. The Mount Elden repeater is 146.980 (162.2 tone – offset), the Bill Williams Mountain repeater is 146.780 (91.5 tone – offset) and the RIMLINK repeater is 146.140 (162.2 tone + offset).

Fredonia Moccasin Unified School District seeking Governing Board Applicants for Appointment

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for appointment to the Fredonia Moccasin Unified School District Governing Board. Currently, three seats are vacant.

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.

Application information:

  • Download the application here http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication
  • Deadline to submit is November 30 by 5pm
  • Submit by email to aterhaar@coconino.az.gov (live signature original required)
  • Submit by fax to 928-526-1469 (live signature original required)
  • Mail/Drop off Coconino County School Superintendent, 2384 N Steves Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

An advisory committee may be assembled, consisting of district residents and a current board member to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointments.

For more information, please call the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928-679-8070 or email: aterhaar@coconino.az.gov.

Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry, and Technology (CAVIAT) Educational District seeking Governing Board Applicants for Appointment

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for appointment to the Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry, and Technology (CAVIAT) Education District in Page and Fredonia. Currently, one seat in each district is vacant.

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.

Application information:

  • Download the application here http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication
  • Deadline to submit is November 30 by 5pm
  • Submit by email to aterhaar@coconino.az.gov (live signature original required)
  • Submit by fax to 928-526-1469 (live signature original required)
  • Mail/Drop off Coconino County School Superintendent, 2384 N Steves Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

An advisory committee may be assembled, consisting of district residents and a current board member to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointments.

For more information, please call the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928-679-8070 or email: aterhaar@coconino.az.gov.

Maine Consolidated School District seeking Governing Board Applicants for Appointment

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for appointment to the Maine Consolidated School District Governing Board. Currently, two seats are vacant.

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.

Application information:

  • Download the application here http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication
  • Deadline to submit is November 30 by 5pm
  • Submit by email to aterhaar@coconino.az.gov (live signature original required)
  • Submit by fax to 928-526-1469 (live signature original required)
  • Mail/Drop off Coconino County School Superintendent, 2384 N Steves Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

An advisory committee may be assembled, consisting of district residents and a current board member to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointments.

For more information, please call the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928-679-8070 or email: aterhaar@coconino.az.gov.

County pays down pension liability, saves nearly $30 million over the next 20 years

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved payments to pension liabilities that will result in a $30 million savings over the next 20 years for county taxpayers. The Board approved a $10 million, one-time payment to the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS), with funds from the Capital Facilities Fund. Additionally, the Board also approved the use of Jail District Fund Balance to pay an additional $5.5 million contribution to the Arizona Correction Officers Retirement Plan (CORP).

Over the past several decades pensions have been impacted by lower than expected investment returns, unanticipated impacts from benefit increases (DROP and PBI programs) and adjusted actuarial assumptions such as life expectancy and population growth. These impacts have created a pension system that is substantially underfunded. Recent court cases have reinforced the Arizona Constitution language that protects changes to pension benefits. Pension liabilities are essentially a debt that will be paid, if not now, then in the future at a higher cost to taxpayers.

Coconino County adopted a Financial Planning process in 2007 to establish a process to address financial risks and opportunities as investments for the County over a long-term planning horizon. Included in this process is the alignment of mission critical operating costs balanced with recessionary revenue forecasts that create the capacity of one-time funds to address legacy costs such as lagging investment in infrastructure, including facilities, and unfunded pension liabilities.

These payments approved by the Board will result in reduced pension contributions over the next several decades, secure pensions for retired deputies, provide facility infrastructure funding that keeps the Capital Facility fund and Jail District on track for facility needs and saves a projected $15 million over the next 20 years net of the initial payment and estimated interest expense for a facility related debt issue.

As part of the Board’s approval, the related reduced pension contributions will be accumulated to continue providing funding for capital facility needs and could provide the debt service funding for facilities when needed.

“I’m proud that previous Boards and my colleagues on the Board had the political will to adopt a financial planning model to establish a sustainable financial opportunity and to take this innovative and smart approach to pay down the County’s debt while saving future taxpayer dollars,” said Chairman Art Babbott. “We are tackling the PSPRS and CORP issue now and not passing it on to future Boards or generations of taxpayers. This investment, which has been recognized as a financial industry best practice, will reduce our future liability and allow us to use County resources strategically.”

Over the last few years, the Coconino County PSPRS funded status will have increased from 25 percent to 71 percent and the CORP funded status increased from 60 to 95 percent. These current payments and the additional contributions over the last few years provide a cumulative projected net savings of nearly $30 million over the next 20 years, and the reduced contributions will continue many years beyond this projection.

Closures scheduled in conjunction with I-17, I-40 and Beulah Boulevard improvement project

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FLAGSTAFF – Flagstaff-area drivers should plan for closures while deck work continues on four Interstate 40 bridges that carry traffic over I-17 and Beulah Boulevard. The Arizona Department of Transportation advises motorists to use detour routes and allow extra travel time while the following restrictions are in place:

  • The closure of the ramp from southbound I-17 to eastbound I-40 will remain in place around the clock through Wednesday, October 17. Detour: Use southbound I-17 to the J.W. Powell/ I-17 interchange, then travel north on I-17 to eastbound on I-40.
  • Northbound Beulah Boulevard will be closed from 8:30 p.m. Sunday, October 21, to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 22, and from 10:30 p.m. Monday, October 22, to 5 a.m. Tuesday, October 23. Detour: Travel south to the J.W. Powell/ I-17 interchange, then north on I-17 to Forest Meadows Street and west to Beulah Boulevard.
  • Southbound Beulah Boulevard will be closed from 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 23, to 5 a.m. Wednesday, October 24, and from 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 24, to 5 a.m. Thursday, October 25. Detour: Travel north to Forest Meadows Street, east to I-17 and south onto southbound I-17 to the J.W. Powell/I-17 Interchange, then north on Beulah Boulevard.

Work to repair and replace the decks on the four bridges began eight months ago and is scheduled for completion later this year. Learn more on the project webpage. ADOT advises drivers to slow down in the work zone, follow posted detour routes and use caution around construction personnel and equipment.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.