Category Archives: City

Bearizona closes for a record number of days

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Williams — The recent snow has caused many businesses to shut down. Even Bearizona Drive-Thru Wildlife park was affected.

In a release, Sean Casey wrote, “After getting 13 more inches of snow last night, we are now at 10 feet! Not surprisingly, it has caused Bearizona to close for a record number of days this snow season.”

The latest snow dropped 13″ of snow in downtown Williams. That caused many of the businesses downtown to shut their doors and hunker down at home. Most restaurants and chain-stores remained open.

According to the Flagstaff Weather Service in Bellemont, Bellemont set a record of 146.7-inches beating out the 2009-2010 winter season. Flagstaff received 140.1-inches of snow this season almost reaching the 1948-1949 season when they received 153.9-inches. Williams received over 90″ of snow this season.The good news is that the sun came out about noon and started melting off the current snow. As the sun set, the temperatures dropped and the melt-off quickly started to freeze. The Weather Service long range forecast shows sunny days ahead through Thursday.

Flood Control District Board Approves Two Essential Funding Sources for County Flood Mitigation Projects

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FLAGSTAFF — At this week’s special session of the Coconino County Flood Control District Board of Directors they approved acceptance of two new Federal grants that will enable the District to immediately proceed with the first phase of long-term flood mitigation projects in the Schultz-Pipeline Flood Area.

The Schultz-Pipeline Flood Area is defined as the neighborhoods downstream of nine major watersheds damaged by the Schultz Wildfire in 2010 and the Pipeline Wildfire this past year. The District, along with several engineering partners, have determined that without extensive on-forest and neighborhood mitigation measures, the risk of life-threatening floods affecting our communities will only increase.

“The priority of local government is the health and safety of our citizens, and our citizens’ lives and homes were severely impacted this past monsoon season by the nine watersheds compromised by two major wildfires,” said Chair of the Board Patrice Horstman.

“We want to thank Senators Kelly and Sinema and former Congressman Tom O’Halleran for their strong support with securing this unprecedented funding. Without it, the District and County would have likely had to cut other services to provide flood mitigation.”

The two funding sources include $42 million from the United States Forest Service, which allows the District to commence with on-forest watershed restoration projects. After the Pipeline Fire damaged the nine watersheds, the downstream water flows increased 10 to 26 times resulting a massive amount of sediment leaving the burn area and moving into the downstream neighborhoods. On-forest watershed restoration is the most critical piece of the District’s flood mitigation plans, as these measures help reduce the flow of dangerous sediment and other debris that is impacting downstream neighborhoods.

“The Coconino National Forest is thrilled to continue our amazing partnership with Coconino County and support the important work to manage the impacts from wildfire and flooding in and around our communities,” said Aaron Mayville, Forest Supervisor on the Coconino National Forest. “We’re all in this together and I look forward to seeing the great work this funding will make possible.”

The second funding mechanism is $9 million through an agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service as a part of their Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP) to begin neighborhood flood mitigation projects in the Wupatki Trails and Brandis Way flood corridors. These projects will focus on improvements to channels and box culverts that will better manage the increased flood waters within these neighborhoods. The neighborhood flood mitigation from the Schultz Fire era was overwhelmed by the increased water flows during 45 major flood events in June, July, and August of 2022.

The Emergency Watershed Protection Program, a federal emergency recovery program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, helps local communities recover after a natural disaster strikes. The program offers technical and financial assistance to help local communities relieve imminent threats to life and property caused by floods, fires, windstorms, and other natural disasters that impair a watershed.

“These grants are the product of great teamwork between the District and our partners and representatives in Washington D.C.,” added District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler. “I’m so pleased that we have this good news about being able to address the impacts of both the wildfires and the flooding afterwards.”

For the status of the Flood Control District’s ongoing flood mitigation efforts, important information about proper water management on private property, and information about private flood insurance and FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, please visit: https://www.coconino.az.gov/2926/SchultzPipeline-Flood-Area

Logging operations to begin near airport

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FLAGSTAFF3 — Logging operations will begin this week in Coconino National Forest surrounding Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.

The Southside Airport Timber Project is slated to begin Wednesday (March 1) and is comprised of 31 units and 2,023 acres adjacent to the airport, as far south as Old Munds Highway and as far east as Fay Canyon.

Harvesting this area will benefit the forest ecosystem by thinning overgrown stands of Ponderosa pine, improve foraging habitat for wildlife and reduce extreme wildfire risk to the community.

The public should be aware of falling timber and heavy truck traffic in the area, as operations will involve heavy machinery and log truck traffic along Forest Service roads 3E and 3T, with trucks entering and exiting Lake Mary Road at the intersections of Frontier, J.W. Powell and South Pulliam roads.



Signage will be displayed to inform the public when entering an area of operation

Arizona License and ID cards are getting an updated look

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The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will be releasing brand new driver license and ID cards this March. The new design will include several new security features that help prevent counterfeit reproductions or fraudulent use.

Attempted counterfeits of driver license and ID cards continue to be a concern for law enforcement, as well as personal information security. The advancement of security features in the card help prevent those counterfeit attempts from being successful.

The new design, which highlights several Arizona features, is a result of a new contract with Thales Group. Thales was selected through a procurement process as the new vendor, because of the company’s ability to provide the latest security features on driver license and ID cards.

New features of this card include:

  • 100% polycarbonate material that consists of multiple layers of plastic, fused together without adhesives, to form a solid structure impervious to tampering. The high durability of polycarbonate also provides the longest lifespan of any card, allowing for extended card life without compromise.
  • Laser-engraved information and black and white photo.
    “Dynaprint,” with two high-resolution images that appear based on the angle of the card, provides front-line authenticators with assurance that the card is genuine and strong protection against duplication or reproduction efforts.
  • Saguaro cactus and ponderosa pine tree images were selected to represent the diversity of Arizona terrain and communities.
  • “Secure Surface” is another security feature that incorporates a slightly raised surface and provides a subtle feel to part of the card. This is another quick authenticator for law enforcement and other authorities. It also helps reduce potential alterations or fraudulent cards.

The new cards will be available in mid-March, for both the Travel ID and the standard ID.

The current card design will continue to be issued for requests through Feb. 28, and will remain valid until the expiration date.

Visit azdot.gov for more information about the new card design.

Plan for lane restriction on State Route 89A in Cottonwood March 3

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises Cottonwood area drivers to plan for a lane closure on northbound State Route 89A on Friday, March 3.

Drivers should allow for extra travel time while the following daytime restriction is in place from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

  • Northbound SR 89A will be narrowed to one lane roughly between 12th and Main streets (milepost 353).
  • The sidewalk will be closed and pedestrian traffic diverted to the south side of the roadway at the intersections of 12th Street/SR 89A and Main Street/SR 89A.
  • The speed limit will be reduced in the work zone.

The restriction is needed so crews can safely complete roadway repairs. Due to inclement weather, dates and times are subject to change.

ADOT to host in-person public meeting March 8, in Flagstaff to receive input on the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan

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The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will host an in-person public meeting to share details and receive input from the public on the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), which will set ADOT’s priorities and vision for Arizona’s transportation system over the next 25 years.

The meeting will be held:

Wednesday, March 8, from 5:30 – 7 p.m., formal presentation at 6 p.m.
Flagstaff Aquaplex, 1702 N. Fourth Street, Flagstaff AZ

To learn more about the plan visit www.adot2050plan.com.

For a full list of our public meeting opportunities, including a virtual option and Telefone Town Hall, follow this link.

The public’s input will be used, along with data about anticipating funding sources and future system needs, to develop the LRTP recommendations. ACCOMMODATIONS: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. Persons who require a reasonable accommodation based on language or disability should contact Nancy Becerra at 623.695.7411 or ngbecerra@azdot.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to ensure the State has an opportunity to address the accommodation.

Apply now for 2023 pronghorn, elk hunts

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is accepting applications for 2023 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for pronghorn and elk.

To apply, visit www.azgfd.gov and click on “Apply for a Draw.” For an overview of the application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 8 of the “2023 Pronghorn and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet. The booklet can be viewed at www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations/.

The deadline for the department to receive all applications is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, February 14, 2023.

In the meantime:

  • Applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, to apply for a hunt permit-tag. A license must be valid on the last day of the application period (Feb. 14). Licenses can be purchased online, or at any AZGFD office statewide. Note: License dealers no longer sell paper licenses, but many offer to sell licenses through the department’s online purchase system. AZGFD provides a list of dealers statewide that offer online license purchases at www.azgfd.com/license/. When purchasing an Arizona hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, online, the license number will appear at the bottom of the customer’s receipt. Don’t throw it away! That license number will be required as part of the draw application process.
  • Know your Customer ID. This is a must to submit an application. There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard; 2) Check your hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Draw/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Download “Arizona E-Tag.” Hunters can download this mobile app from either the Apple or Google Play stores, and opt-in to receive an electronic tag in their AZGFD portal account (this is not an option selected through the draw). The Arizona E-Tag app provides real-time delivery of licenses and big game tags purchased or drawn after the app has been downloaded. The app also provides the ability to electronically tag a harvested animal and complete the hunter questionnaire. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting.
  • Check your AZGFD portal account. Take this time to review personal data, including  application history and total bonus points (bonus, loyalty, hunter education). If something seems amiss, call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Open an AZGFD portal account. Just visit accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register and fill in the required information. AZGFD encourages all customers to have an AZGFD portal account; that’s the only place where draw results will be posted. Family account features are available with a portal account, so everyone — including youth — can view their draw results online as soon as they are available.
  • Plan to purchase a PointGuard product. Choosing PointGuard Plus, or the standard PointGuard, ensures that applicants can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason, and the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. A portal account is no longer required to purchase a PointGuard product. Information: www.azgfd.gov/pointguard.
  • Sign up to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message. A new feature has been implemented for the 2023 pronghorn and elk draw. As part of the application process, a customer can enter his or her phone number (ghost number format) to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message on their mobile device.

For more information, check out “What You Need to Know,” a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs), at www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Draw/.
 

Coconino NF considering changes to fire restrictions

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FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) of the Coconino National Forest is considering fire restriction changes that would limit camping, campfires and motorized use in strategic areas of the district during certain times of the year when catastrophic wildfire risk is high.

Proposed changes to fire restrictions would increase the boundaries of the existing year-round camping and campfire ban located adjacent to the City of Flagstaff. They would also forbid the use of motorized vehicles in areas around the San Francisco Peaks, Walnut Canyon and Pumphouse Wash during Stage 2 fire restrictions. These areas have rough terrain and topography that increase wind speeds, which can limit firefighter ability to suppress wildfire starts.

The proposed changes address the immediate concern for future large human-caused wildfires and are part of a long-term risk reduction strategy focused on forest health and resiliency.

“In taking a hard look at everything the Flagstaff Ranger District could do to reduce risk from human-caused wildfire, we found it necessary to consider additional steps during the hotter and drier part of the year,” said Deputy Ranger Nick Mustoe. “Our top priority is the safety of our communities, and we’re confident that these proposed changes balance community safety with public land access.”

In addition to increasing restrictions in an attempt to lower the hazard from human-caused wildfires, the FRD continues to conduct mechanical and prescribed fire treatments adjacent to communities. These treatments aim to reduce the amount of burnable “fuels” – including pine needles, branches and trees – that would otherwise burn hotter and faster during a catastrophic and unplanned wildfire.

The areas under consideration would still be open for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use during Stage 2 fire restrictions. Summer operations at Snowbowl Arizona Resort, Nordic Center – and parking at popular trailheads suck as Humphrey’s Peak and Fatman’s Loop – would not be impacted.

Should the proposed Stage 2 fire restriction changes be adopted, they will be implemented by April.

The proposed changes were developed in partnership with key stakeholders and agencies, such as the City of Flagstaff Fire Department, Coconino County, Arizona Game and Fish and Senator Mark Kelly’s office.

The Coconino NF plans to hold community meetings and solicit public input prior to implementation. To receive future communication from the Coconino NF regarding options for public comment, please visit coconinonationalforest.us and click the “get news via email” button.

Yavapai County Sheriff warns of jewelry fraud.

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Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the ongoing investigation of fraudulent sales of fake gold jewelry being sold as real in the Verde Valley, and more recently, Chino Valley and Ash Fork/Seligman areas. There have been multiple reports from citizens and a local jewelry store of an unknown suspect scamming people by approaching them with a sob story about why he needs money and offering to sell his “gold jewelry” to unsuspecting victims. YCSO would like to encourage our citizens and visitors to refrain from engaging in private sales of expensive goods during random encounters with strangers. These situations often pose a significant risk of malicious schemes designed to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. Don’t fall victim to this fake jewelry scheme occurring across Yavapai County.
If you have any information, please contact YCSO non-emergency line (928)771-3274 or Yavapai Silent Witness 1-800-932-3232.

CCSO Search and Rescue Conducts a Climbing Rescue Near Sedona

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SEDONA – On January 8th at 1717 hours the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a climbing party of five indicating that one of the climbers, a 25-year-old female, had her right leg stuck in crack in the rock after it slipped into the crack while she was climbing up the route on Queen Victoria Spire off of Schnebly Hill Road in Sedona. The climber and her partners could not extricate her leg from the crack. She was at the beginning of the second pitch of a climb on Queen Victoria Spire which meant she was approximately 200 feet above the ground and 150 feet below the summit of the spire. Her climbing partners had tried various methods to get her unstuck but were not successful. She was reported to be in pain, but no obvious injuries were observed.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit responded along with the Sedona Fire District and a request was made for assistance from Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue. Due to the time of day and the operation anticipated a DPS aircraft capable of nighttime hoist capability was needed. Upon the arrival of the Air Rescue helicopter in the area a rescue plan was developed to insert a Trooper/Medic to the scene by hoist to assess the situation and make attempts to free the climber from the crack. A team of Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue technical rescue personnel with rope rescue equipment was prepared to be inserted on the top of the spire by helicopter to rig a rope rescue system to assist. A Sedona Fire District team of technical rescue personnel were staged at the base of the climb to assist if needed.
After the assessment by the Trooper/Medic on scene it was determined that additional assistance from the technical rescue personnel was needed, so four technical rescue personnel and equipment were inserted to the top of the spire by helicopter to begin setting up the system. While the system was being prepared, the efforts by the Trooper/Medic were successful in freeing the climber’s leg from the crack. The helicopter was brought back in to hoist out two climbers and the Trooper/Medic from the scene. In addition, the helicopter was used to pick up the four rescuers and the additional three climbers from the top of the spire to transport them back to the incident command post. The climbers were evaluated by paramedics from Sedona Fire District and later refused additional medical care before leaving the scene.
This mission was complicated by operating in the dark on steep and complex terrain. The interagency relationships and training between the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the Sedona Fire District, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue were instrumental in the successful response and outcome of this mission.