Category Archives: Flagstaff

Coconino County Officials Endorse New Presidential Designation of Grand Canyon National Monument

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FLAGSTAFF —— On April 11, 2023, Coconino County Chair Patrice Horstman and District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler, joined eleven tribal leaders of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, alongside Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), to launch an effort to call on President Joe Biden to use his authorities under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to designate the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. The proposal builds on Coconino County’s long established and ongoing commitment to permanently protect the region from mining and uranium development.

The Monument designation would protect 1,102,501 acres adjacent to the Grand Canyon by making the current 20-year moratorium on mining permanent across the vast landscape of the Grand Canyon region. This moratorium would protect the water and land, while allowing the area to continue to be used for existing activities like ranching, logging, hunting, and outdoor recreation, so that generations of residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the tremendous natural resources and beauty of the region for decades to come. The monument designation would also honor the deep cultural and spiritual ties of the many tribal nations that inhabit the region.

“Protecting the pristine Grand Canyon landscape has been a longstanding position of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors since adopting resolution 2008-09 to oppose uranium mining near the Grand Canyon within Coconino County,” said Fowler. “This designation won’t have an effect on recreation, hunting, or visitation, but it will safeguard our natural resources, our clean drinking water, our wildlife habitats, and our region’s very fragile natural watersheds.”

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors have long recognized the critical importance of protecting the land and water from the risks of contamination created by uranium mining, which has already left a toxic legacy on portions of tribal lands in the area, and they have worked persistently to engage our federal representatives in putting permanent protections in place. The county applauds the efforts of Congressman Grijalva and Senator Sinema to preserve this special region.

The Antiquities Act of 1906 was the first U.S. law to provide general legal protection of cultural and natural resources of historic or scientific interest on Federal lands and set an important precedent by asserting a broad public interest in the preservation of these resources. Some of the country’s original National Parks, including Grand Canyon, were originally designated as National Monuments by President Theodore Roosevelt under the Act.

“Protecting the greater Grand Canyon area and keeping it forever free of mining would recognize the historic, cultural, and religious importance of this special place and protect the beauty and water sources for many tribal members and the western communities that rely on Colorado River water,” added Patrice Horstman, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 1. “It would allow Arizona, the United States, and the whole world the ability to keep our Grand Canyon even grander for now and for all future generations.”

The Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition consists of leadership representatives of the Havasupai Tribe, Hopi Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Kaibab Paiute Tribe, Las Vegas Band of Paiute Tribe, Moapa Band of Paiutes, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Navajo Nation, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, Yavapai-Apache Nation, Pueblo of Zuni, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes.

Coconino designates April Earth Month.

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FLAGSTAFF — At their regular meeting on April 11, 2023, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) unanimously approved a proclamation designating April 2023 as Earth Month in Coconino County.

“Coconino County affirms that all that inhabit the Earth have a right to a healthy, sustainable environment,” the proclamation reads. “… as humans we are caretakers of the planet, and have an obligation to change human behaviors that contribute to climate change and environmental degradation and work to preserve the Earth’s beauty and its resources.”

The proclamation was drafted by Coconino County’s Green Team, a collaboration of County employees from all divisions of the administration and staff that serve Coconino County.

“This shouldn’t be about just one day or one month,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Vice-Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 2. “In order to have a sustainable future we need to think of ways we can minimize our carbon footprint and provide opportunities for the community to see the little things that we can each do to contribute to that sustainable future.”

The first annual Earth Day celebration started in April 1970 as a response to the lack of legislation about pollution in America’s air and water. Then, in 1990, the celebration spread worldwide. Now, Earth Day draws over 1 billion people throughout 190 countries to draw attention to worldwide sustainability issues.

“I remember when Earth Day was created,” added Matt Ryan, Supervisor for District 3. “The benefit I got out of it as a high school student was the introduction of environmental sciences to the curriculum and how that started to influence people wanting to make a difference.”

Coconino County’s Green Team and Friends of Coconino County Parks would like to invite the public to celebrate Earth Day and join a cleanup at Ft. Tuthill County Park on Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. On that day County employees will also participate in the City of Flagstaff’s Earth Day celebration at Bushmaster Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Seasonal road closures still in place across Coconino NF

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest authorities would like to remind the public to stay off forest roads that are closed, and do not drive around gates, barricades, or signs that indicate a road is closed for the season.

Forest Service personnel have found broken locks on gates and tracks of drivers ignoring road-closed signs, which have created deep ruts and damaged forest roads and sensitive areas.

Coconino National Forest closes many forest roads every winter season in order to protect resources, watersheds, and forest roads from damage caused by even the lightest vehicles on soft, wet soil.

Damaging forest roads and areas costs valuable resources and personnel time to repair the damage after the roads dry out. It also prolongs road closures, which affects recreational opportunities in areas that must remain closed until repaired.

There is no set date by which districts on the forest close or re-open forest roads. Districts will re-open forest roads as the weather dries out and the soil on and around forest roads harden enough to safely accept the weight of vehicles.

When roads do begin to open, drivers are reminded that care should be taken when driving on the soil, and drivers should not continue driving on an open road if the vehicle begins to create deep ruts or otherwise damage the road or soil.

Remember to only stay on open and authorized roads that are shown on the Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), which is free at any Ranger Station or can be downloaded on a smartphone. More information about how to download the Avenza app and MVUM is available on our MVUM web page.

The smartphone map, available through the Avenza Maps app, transforms your phone to a GPS unit that can aid navigation, allow you to collect route data, and identify waypoints. The Coconino National Forest Travel Map includes additional detail and information, with shaded relief topography, game management units, hiking trails, and all designated motorized routes and areas. Once the map is downloaded, it works without cell coverage.

As an additional reminder before the camping season begins, camping is allowed on the national forest up to 14 days in a 30-day period. Camping beyond 14 days is prohibited.

West Side of Lower Lake Mary closed due to leaking levee

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) has issued a closure order for a portion of Lower Lake Mary’s west side due to a leaking levee.

The closure has been issued as a precaution due to visible leaks in the levee.

“The safety of the public is our No. 1 priority,” said Deputy District Ranger Nicholas Mustoe. “Luckily, heavy snowfall this past winter means there are still numerous spots in the Lower Lake Mary area that visitors can still safely access.”

Lower Lake Mary visitors are advised to check the closure order map and abide by all posted signage.

Forest engineers have been working to assess the structural integrity of the levee since Friday, and forest personnel are seeking to contract a qualified third-party to assist with the analysis.

Should the levee fail, Lower Lake Mary will empty out into a side tributary. There are no campgrounds, recreation sites or private homes at risk should the levee fail. Forest officials ask the public to comply with the closure order and find other areas around Lower Lake Mary to recreate until the levee can be assessed and repaired.

Forest Road (FR) 296 may become impassible should the levee fail. Forest visitors are reminded to check the status of all forest roads at coconinonationalforest.us prior to any forest excursion.

Weekend pedestrian accident in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – On April 8th, 2023, at approximately 8:27 pm The Flagstaff Police Department received a call regarding a pedestrian versus a vehicle crash at N Highway 89 and N Cummings St.

Flagstaff Police Department Patrol responded to find the pedestrian, Clinton Brown of Louisiana, had been struck by a vehicle. Life saving measures were performed on Mr. Brown by medical personnel. At approximately 8:57 hours Mr. Brown was pronounced deceased.

The driver of the vehicle stayed on scene and was cooperative with law enforcement and the investigation.

It was reported by witnesses that the vehicle was traveling northbound approaching the intersection in the number three lane, closest to the sidewalk, when the crash occurred. The witnesses advised the vehicle had the green light to proceed through the intersection. It was reported that Mr. Brown was not in a cross walk and was crossing the road from the west.

Detectives, the Collision Reconstruction Team, and the Coconino Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene to investigate the crash. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Attempted armed robbery in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – On April 5th, 2023, at approximately 1:47 pm a male entered the Swift Travel Center located at 3099 W Shamrell Blvd. Once inside the male attempted to purchase dog food. He handed the clerk money and when the money drawer was opened, he had a handgun at his waist and demanded money. The suspect left without receiving any money. He fled in a vehicle southbound on I17. He was described as a white male with face tattoos and driving a blue Dodge Durango.

Flagstaff Police Department Patrol Officers arrived on scene, obtained a description and Dispatch placed an attempt to locate out to local agencies. The Criminal Investigations Unit responded and processed the scene for evidence.

Coconino County Deputies responded to the Chevron in Munds Park, after receiving a phone call from the Clerk that they had just been robbed at gunpoint. The Clerk advised the Suspect had left the scene and left south bound on interstate 17 from Munds Park.

Responding Deputies were given a description from the clerk of the suspect and the suspect vehicle. The Clerk described the Suspect as a male wearing a black sweatshirt with white writing on the sleeve, a red Angel’s ball cap, and a black mask over his face. The Vehicle was described as a Black or dark colored Dodge Durango with a Colorado license plate.

While Deputies were responding to the Munds Park Chevron an attempt to locate was put out Department of Public Safety and other agencies south along Interstate 17.

At approximately 2:33 PM, Department of Public Safety Troopers observed a vehicle matching the description of the Armed Robber traveling southbound on Interstate 17 at Mile Post 275 in Yavapai County. State Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit was ended after the use of Stop Sticks brought the vehicle to a stop on I-17 in the Camp Verde Area at Mile Post 278. The suspect was identified as Christopher Williams, a 39-year-old male out of Westminster, Colorado. Williams was taken into custody and booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility on several felony charges.

This matter is currently under investigation and no further information is available at this time.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Department of Public Safety and the Flagstaff Police Department for their assistance in this incident and bringing it to a safe conclusion.

Coconino High School shelter-in-place ordered

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FLAGSTAFF – On March 21st, 2023, Coconino High School (CHS) was placed in a shelter in place at the school’s administrator’s direction. The Flagstaff Police Department responded to the campus due to a report of public safety issue outside of the school building.
The school continued to operate as usual with learning continuing in the building. The shelter in place lasted for approximately 15 minutes and has since been lifted.
A shelter in place is initiated when the potential threat is outside of the school building and staff needs to stay inside the building for safety.
Flagstaff Police Criminal Investigation and patrol personnel remain on the campus while this investigation is on-going and for safety purposes. There are no current on-going threats at the school.
For additional information, please contact the Flagstaff Police Department at (928) 774-1414.

Fraudulent Scam Targeting Individuals in Coconino County

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has received several concerns from citizens reporting an apparent phone scam with the caller identified as “Captain Smith” of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office does not employee a “Captain Smith”.

The scammer poses as local law enforcement, contacting the victims and accusing  them of failing to appear for jury duty, stating a warrant for their arrest will be issued until the fine is paid. CCSO will never call to solicit funds or collect fines over the phone. Jury summonses are sent through the mail and communication through any other medium should be considered suspicious.

Anyone receiving such a call should contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office or their local law enforcement.

Reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a scam by following these crime prevention tips:

  •  Always be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls, texts, or emails.
  •  Be cautious of mimicked telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. Even if the information displayed on the caller ID appears the same as a law enforcement or government agency, hang up and call the agency directly to verify the caller’s legitimacy.
  •  Never use a phone number provided to you by the caller to verify their credibility.
  •  Never give money or personal information to someone with whom you don’t have ties and did not initiate contact with.
  •  Take your time and trust your instincts: if an unknown caller makes you uncomfortable or says things that don’t sound right, hang up.

Public Meetings Set for Proposed Increases to County Fair Fees

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Parks & Recreation is hosting public meetings about the proposed Coconino County Fair fee updates. Two meetings have been scheduled for the public to hear the presentation, ask questions, and inform the Department of any concerns they may have.

Those meetings are scheduled for Saturday, March 18 beginning at 10:00 a.m. and on Wednesday, March 22 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Both meetings will be held in person at the Fort Tuthill County Park Mess Hall Conference Room and online through Microsoft Teams. The presentations will last approximately 1 hour including the Q&A.

Residents can learn more, RSVP, and provide comments at coconinocountyfair.com/feeupdate. The public may also post comments and questions to the County Fair’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CoconinoCountyFair.

2.5-mile Stretch of Garland Prairie Road Closed Due to Flooding

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Public Works Department, in conjunction
with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Forest Service, has closed the
2.5-mile stretch of Garland Prairie Road between Sycamore Creek to the east and
McDougal Flat to the west due to flooding along the roadway. Access to Garland Prairie
Road from White Horse Lake Road, which intersects from the south, also has been
closed, and signage is in place to direct motorists away from the flooded area.
This closure is necessary for public safety as flows of at least two feet in depth have
been reported on this section of Garland Prairie Road. The closure will remain in effect
until weather conditions allow Public Works to safely reopen the roadway.