Category Archives: City

Bald eagle breeding season kicks off, leads to restrictions

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PHOENIX — Arizona’s bald eagle breeding season is on the horizon and multiple public land and water areas will be closed to protect the majestic animals and ensure even more young eagles take to the skies this spring.

Each year as part of its highly successful program to conserve and protect bald eagles in the state, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) asks outdoor recreationists, aircraft pilots, drone operators and motorized paragliders to do their part not to disturb the state’s 87 eagle breeding areas.​​​​​​​

“December is a sensitive time for bald eagles because they’re often busy preparing their nests for eggs,” said Kenneth “Tuk” Jacobson, AZGFD bald eagle management coordinator. “The birds often nest, forage and roost at rivers and lakes that are also popular recreation spots. Because of that, it’s important for us all to do what we can to protect the birds to ensure their populations statewide continue to flourish. That success wouldn’t be possible without the cooperation of outdoor recreationists who respect the closures during breeding season.”

During the 2018 breeding season, a record 87 young hatched and 70 reached the important milestone of their first flight, known as fledging.

To further protect the eagles, various land and wildlife management agencies will also close areas around breeding locations, including near popular recreation sites.

Pilots are reminded to maintain the FAA-recommended 2,000-foot above ground level advisory when flying over bald eagle habitat, while drones and paragliders are asked to avoid the areas completely. Bald eagles are sensitive to even short durations of low-flying aircraft activity near their nests and just a few minutes of disturbance can lead to a nesting failure.

AZGFD’s bald eagle management efforts are supported by the Heritage Fund, an initiative passed more than 20 years ago to provide for wildlife education and conservation through Arizona lottery ticket sales.

AIRSPACE ADVISORY
Statewide
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established a 2000-foot above ground level (AGL) advisory along the Salt and Verde river drainages and lakes such as Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake and Alamo Lake. These areas are designated on the Phoenix Sectional Aeronautical map and also include Alamo Lake, Ashurst Lake, Greer Lakes, Crescent Lake, Luna Lake, Show Low Lake, Chevelon Canyon Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, Lake Mary, Dogtown Reservoir, White Horse Lake and the Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge. Special brochures for pilots regarding this advisory can be obtained by calling the Arizona Department of Transportation or the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Terrestrial Wildlife branch at (623) 236-7506.
SEASONAL CLOSURES
Verde River
  • Verde River at the Needle Rock Recreation area is closed to foot and vehicle entry on the east and portions of the west side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing on east side of river is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, (480) 595-3300.
  • A closure for the Verde River below Sycamore Canyon Wilderness is not planned this year unless the eagle pair resumes nesting. Verde River below Sycamore Canyon Wilderness may be closed to foot and vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 15. Floating through is allowed, but contact the Coconino National Forest, Sedona Ranger District office for more information at (928) 282-4119.
  • Verde River near Chasm Creek is closed to foot and vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact Prescott National Forest Verde Ranger District (928) 567-4121.
  • Verde River near Cold Water Creek, allows watercraft to float through but no stopping on the river or landing is allowed Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Prescott National Forest Verde Ranger District at (928) 567-4121
  • Verde River upstream of the East Verde confluence is closed to vehicle and foot entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest Cave Creek Ranger District at (480) 595-3300.
  • Verde River near Mule Shoe Bend allows watercraft to float through but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest Cave Creek Ranger District at (480) 595-3300.
  • Verde River below Horseshoe Dam is closed to vehicle or foot entry on the southwest side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing on the southwest side of the river is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest Cave Creek Ranger District at (480) 595-3300.
  • Verde River below Bartlett Dam is closed to foot or vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest Cave Creek Ranger District at (480)595-3300.
  • Verde River at the Needle Rock Recreation area is closed to foot and vehicle entry on the east side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing on east side of river is allowed. A small area on the west side may also be closed depending on nesting locations. Contact Tonto National Forest Cave Creek Ranger District at (480) 595-3300.
Tonto Creek
  • Tonto Creek from Gisela to 76 Ranch is closed to vehicle, foot entry, and floating through from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest Tonto Basin Ranger District at (928) 467-3200.
  • Tonto Creek inlet to Roosevelt Lake is closed to vehicle and foot entry within 1,000 feet of the nest on land and to watercraft within 300 feet on water from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest Tonto Basin Ranger District at (928) 467-3200.
Salt River
  • Salt River from Horseshoe Bend to Redmond Flat allows watercraft to float through, but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest Globe Ranger District at (928) 402-6200.
  • Salt River near Meddler Point is closed to vehicle and foot entry within 1,000 feet of the nest on land and to watercraft within 300 feet on water from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact Tonto National Forest Tonto Basin Ranger at District (928) 467-3200.
  • Salt River below Stewart Mountain Dam is closed to vehicle or foot entry on the south side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact the Tonto National Forest Mesa Ranger District at (480) 610-3300.
  • Salt River near Goldfield-Kerr Fire Station is closed to foot and vehicle entry on the north side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact Tonto National Forest Mesa Ranger District at (480) 610-3300.
Crescent Lake
A portion of the west side is closed closed to all entry from March 1 through Aug. 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Springerville Ranger District at (928) 333-6200.
Greer Lakes
(Tunnel and River) (not enacted unless pair moves nesting location) – Portions of the lakes may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from March 1 through July 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Springerville Ranger District at (928) 333-6200.
Horseshoe Lake
A portion of the lake is closed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (623) 236-7506.
Lake Pleasant
No vehicle, watercraft or foot entry is allowed into the Lower Agua Fria Arm from Dec. 15 to June 15. Contact Maricopa County Parks and Recreation at (928) 501-1710.
Lower Lake Mary
(Not enacted unless pair moves nesting location) There may be no vehicle or foot traffic allowed on a portion of the north side of the lake from Jan. 1 to Aug. 30. Contact the Coconino National Forest Flagstaff Ranger District at (928) 527-8288.
Luna Lake
The north side of Luna Lake is closed to vehicle and foot traffic from Jan. 1 to June 15. Contact Apache National Forest Alpine Ranger District at (928) 339-5000.
Lynx Lake
A portion of the lake’s east side is closed to vehicle and foot traffic from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Prescott National Forest Bradshaw Ranger District at (928) 443- 8000.
Show Low Lake
A portion of the lake may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from March 1 through Aug. 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Lakeside Ranger District at (928) 368-2100.
White Horse Lake
A portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from March 1 to Aug. 31. Contact the Kaibab National Forest Williams Ranger District at (928) 635-5600.
Woods Canyon Lake
A portion of the lake may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline is closed to foot entry from March 1 through Aug. 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Black Mesa Ranger District at (928) 535-7300.
TIPS FOR VISITING EAGLE AREAS
If you are visiting bald eagle country, an advance call to the local land management agency, such as the local U.S. Forest Service district office, or the Arizona Game and Fish Department may help to plan your trip to avoid disturbing bald eagles. By following these simple guidelines, we can all help ensure that our living wildlife legacy will last for generations to come:
  • Enjoy bald eagles from outside the closures, which are marked with signs and/or buoys. Watch from a distance using a spotting scope, binoculars or telephoto camera lens.
  • Anyone approached by a nestwatcher and asked to cease an activity or leave a closed area should comply. A few good places to see bald eagles without disturbing them (during December and January) are at Lake Mary and Mormon Lake near Flagstaff, on the Verde Canyon Train in Clarkdale or Roosevelt Lake.
  • Bald eagles protecting an active nest will let you know if you are too close. If a bald eagle is vocalizing and circling the area frantically, you are too close and need to leave the area quickly. Bald eagles incubating eggs or brooding small young should never be off the nest for more than 15 minutes.
  • Help from anglers is especially needed. Fishing line and tackle have killed two nestlings and been found in two-thirds of all bald eagle nests in the state. Every year biologists remove these lethal hazards from nests and/or entangled nestlings. Discard of any fishing line properly in specially-marked recycling containers or at fishing stores. Also, use fresh line that isn’t old and brittle. Use the correct test line for the fish you are trying to catch. Also, do not cut the line when an undesirable fish is caught and return it to the water with the hook and line attached.
  • Duck hunters should scout out their hunting area to ensure that bald eagles are not nesting nearby.  
You can help bald eagle research and recovery efforts by reporting any harassment or shooting of bald eagles. Call the Arizona Game and Fish Operation Game Thief Hotline at (800) 352-0700 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement at (480) 967-7900.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Arrest three Suspects in Vehicle Burglary Ring

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Coconino County Sheriff booking photos.

FLAGSTAFF – On November 29, 2018, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office arrested three suspects involved in a vehicle burglary ring. These Burglaries spanned through multiple communities in Northern Arizona.

On November 20, 2018, three separate vehicle burglaries were reported in the Timberline neighborhood, north of Flagstaff. Deputies noted several firearms and personal banking credit cards were taken during the burglaries. Detectives were able to track the credit cards through use at local businesses in Flagstaff and developed potential suspects involved with the theft and use of the stolen property.

On the morning of November 29th at 3:30 am, police officers with the Sedona Police Department responded to a report of a burglary at Thai Palace in Uptown Sedona. Three suspects were observed by officers and fled on foot from the scene leaving a vehicle behind.

A search warrant was served on the vehicle by Sedona Police Detectives. During this search information was obtained identifying Kaiden Cox, Jonathan Hernandez, and Hipolito Zavala Molina as suspects to the burglaries in Timberline on November 20th.

On November 29th at 3:30 pm, Sheriffs Office Detectives located the three suspects at their homes in Flagstaff and served a search warrant at one the home of one of the suspects in the Fox Glenn neighborhood.

Stolen property was located at the residence of the suspects and has been recovered by Sheriff’s Office and Sedona Police detectives. The property included four firearms (two handguns and two rifles), WIIO stolen vehicles, and electronic equipment. Additional items were obtained which link these suspects to additional burglaries within the City of Flagstaff.

The following subjects have been arrested for their involvement in these events:

  • Kaiden Cox, 18-year-old, charged with 1st Degree Burglary, Theft, Theft of a Credit Card, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia;
  • Jonathan Hernandez, 18-year-oid, charged with 1st Degree Burglary, Theft, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, Forgery;
  • Hipolito Zavala Molina, 18-year-old, charged with 1st Degree Burglary, Theft, Theft of a Credit Card, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card.

Detectives from the Sheriffs Office, Sedona Police Department, and Flagstaff Police Department are following up on additional leads and information that has been obtained during this investigation which could result in additional charges. Cox, Hernandez, and Molina are in Custody at the Coconino County Jail with $25,000 bonds,

The Coconino County Sheriffs Office would like to remind the community to lock their vehicle when unattended and secure valuables out of sight if being stored inside the vehicle.

SR 67 to North Rim of Grand Canyon to close for winter Monday

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PHOENIX – State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is scheduled to close for the winter season on Monday, December 3.

ADOT doesn’t clear snow from SR 67 during the winter since North Rim visitor accommodations are closed. The highway reopens each spring, usually around mid-May. US 89A remains open during the winter.

State routes 261, 273 and 473 leading to lakes in the White Mountains region will also close for the winter on December 31. The highways could close earlier depending on weather.

ADOT reminds motorists heading into snow country to drive with caution and follow this advice:

  • Don’t let GPS and navigation apps replace common sense. When a highway is closed, a suggested alternate route involving an unpaved, unplowed road can lead you into danger.
  • Pack an emergency kit, a fully charged cellphone, extra clothing, blankets, water and snacks.
  • Slow down. Drive defensively. Be patient and allow additional time for your trip. Never pass a snowplow.
  • Leave sufficient space between your vehicle and those ahead of you. Give yourself plenty of room and time to stop or to avoid hazards.
  • Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel.
  • Check weather and road conditions before you travel. Let someone know your route.
  • Bring a small bag of sand (or cat litter) for wheel traction.

Additional information on winter driving is available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Arizona boaters: prepare to clean, drain and dry

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds boaters to “clean, drain and dry” – and especially decontaminate — their watercraft and equipment before exiting waters designated as having aquatic invasive species (AIS).This reminder is especially important for out-of-town visitors who moor their boats at AIS-affected waters and are preparing to head out of state.

Boaters are required to comply with all AIS regulations of the respective states where they are traveling, as well as those of their final destination. Many states require that watercraft must stop for inspection, which may include both motorized and non-motorized boats. If you see signs that indicate that an inspection station is open, please stop and have your watercraft inspected by the state you in which you are traveling.

To ensure a smooth process at inspection stations while traveling home, AZGFD has authorized providers that perform free inspection and decontaminations for those with boats that have been on a quagga mussel-infested waters. Call the Arizona Game and Fish AIS Program two to three weeks in advance of departure to schedule a free inspection and decontamination at (623) 236-7608.

“As outdoor enthusiasts, it is our responsibility to be stewards of the places that we love,” AZGFD Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator Erin Raney said. “Stopping the spread of AIS is a big job, but with everyone pitching in, we can all do our part to protect our waters.”

Aquatic Invasive Species are non-native species that are often unintentionally introduced by human movement. They do not have predators outside of their native range, and are able to outcompete native species. These animals, plants and even pathogens that cause disease in native fish or other aquatic animals can often be invisible to the naked eye, making them even more difficult to control. Once introduced, they can alter ecosystems.

Stop the spread of AIS and keep our waters clean and beautiful for ourselves and future generations. Under Arizona law, boaters and all recreationists who take watercraft and other equipment out of waters designated as having aquatic invasive species must use the steps below when leaving a listed water. Remember to:

  • Clean boats, waders, anchors, equipment and gear by removing mud, plants, attached animals such as snails.
  • Drain all residual water from engines and motors, ballast tanks, live wells and bait wells. Pull your bilge plug and leave out during transport. Store with boat keys or in a location where you will remember before launch.
  • Dry all equipment that comes in contact with water, such as life jackets, ropes, buoys, tubes, etc.

There are additional steps to complete for watercraft that have been on AIS-listed waters for six or more consecutive days.

See more information on all statewide decontamination requirements, how to schedule a no-fee decontamination, and the Director’s Orders lists of aquatic invasive species and waters.

For interstate travel, be sure to contact your local state AIS authorities for any additional questions on local regulation compliance.

Expect lane closures on State Route 89A near Sedona November 26 to December 7

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for lane closures on north- and southbound State Route 89A near Sedona between mileposts 383 and 385 while crews maintain roadside vegetation.

The work is scheduled to occur on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, through Friday, Dec. 7.

  • SR 89A will be narrowed to one lane during daytime operations.
  • Flaggers and a pilot car will direct motorists through the work zone.
  • No restrictions are scheduled to be in place during weekends.

Please proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for maintenance personnel and equipment.

North Kaibab Ranger District to host Holiday Open House

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Kaibab Forest Service photo

FREDONIA — The North Kaibab Ranger District will host a Holiday Open House at the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center at Jacob Lake on Saturday, November 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a holiday craft activity for families and tree permits for sale.

As a reminder, the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center will be open for Christmas tree tag sales from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 17-18, November 24-25 and December 1.

Christmas tree tags may also be purchased at the district office in Fredonia from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. In addition to the normal district office hours, Christmas tree tags may also be purchased from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on two Saturdays, November 24 and December 1. Please bring cash or check made payable to ‘USDA Forest Service’ for Christmas tree tag purchases.

For more information on the Holiday Open House, call (928) 643-7395.

For detailed Kaibab National Forest Christmas tree tag information throughout the season, visit http://bit.ly/KNFChristmasTags.

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.

Robert Martin Pena obituary

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We are saddened by the loss of our brother, Robert M. Pena, in the early morning hours of Saturday, November 10. Though he will be dearly missed, we are grateful that the Lord saw fit to end his lingering illness and take him home.

Bob was born in Williams to Ramon and Inez Pena. They lived in Ash Fork until 1961 when the family moved to Williams. Bob entered Williams High School as a Freshman and graduated in 1965.

Bob joined the army in May of 1966 and attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Bliss, Texas. He served with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Artillery in Korea until October 1967. He served at the 47th General Hospital in Denver, Colorado until his honorable discharge on May 16, 1969.

After his discharge, he attended Yavapai Community College until he was accepted in the Forestry Program at Arizona State University. While working for the Coconino National Forest, he attended Northern Arizona University where he studied education. He continued his Forest Service career at the Tonto National Forest. He relocated to the Lincoln National Forest in Alamogordo, New Mexico. Bob began his forest service career as a Hot Shot and later traveled as a fire consultant.

After retiring from the Forest Service, he continued his passion by teaching forestry at the New Mexico State University-Alamogordo.

After his stroke, Bob returned to his family home in Williams where he passed away peacefully in his sleep. He will be missed for his animated personality, great stories and jokes. He was also an avid photographer.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ramon and Inez Pena and his sister Rachael McHenry. He is survived by daughter Amy Pena of Austin, Texas, Son Andrew Pena of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, his brother John and wife Phyllis Pena of West Palm Beach Florida, his sister Anna and brother-in-law Travis Dick of Williams, Arizona and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on November 23rd at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 900 W. Grant Street in Williams, Arizona. Rosary begins at 1:30 p.m. followed by Mass at 2 p.m. Military graveside services will take place at the Williams Cemetery at 3 p.m. Celebration of his life will follow at St. Joseph’s Hall.

Bighorn sheep restored to historic habitat near Tucson, Payson

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PHOENIX — Sixty of Arizona’s bighorn sheep have a new home.

Dozens of bighorns were returned to their historical ranges last week as part of two translocations from robust populations of desert bighorns in the Silver Bell Mountains northwest of Tucson and Rocky Mountain bighorns near Morenci.

The first 30 animals relocated from near Tucson were moved in an effort to re-establish bighorn sheep in their historical range in the Picacho Mountains to the north.​​​​​​​“When we can help re-establish a native species to their historic habitat, we’re truly part of something special,” said Amber Munig, AZGFD’s big game management supervisor. “Projects such as these help us to conserve and protect bighorn sheep by establishing subpopulations within their native ranges, which could help if there ever were a disease outbreak. Such an outbreak wouldn’t have a devastating effect on the entire population.”

The capture and relocation near Tucson las week was the first of two completed by AZGFD and its wildlife partners. The second involved the capture and relocation of 30 Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep from Eagle Creek near Morenci to East Clear Creek/Leonard Canyon north of Payson.

The Tinder Fire, which in April 2018 charred more than 16,300 acres just southwest of the East Clear Creek/Leonard Canyon release site, helped provide proper habitat for the relocated bighorn sheep by ushering in new vegetation such as grasses, forbs and browse plants. Improved habitat conditions should assist in anchoring these bighorn sheep to in their new home, which is within historic bighorn sheep range.

The translocations were no small operation as each required extensive planning and expertise of dedicated helicopter pilots, net gunners, muggers – those that exit the helicopter and safely secure the animals on the ground – and dozens of support staff and volunteers to protect and conserve Arizona’s wildlife.

All of the animals were given an identification ear tag and complete health evaluation before being released. A few were fitted with a GPS tracking collar to monitor their movements in their new locale.

The projects were a cooperative effort between the department and its partners, including Freeport-McMoran, U.S. Forest Service Apache-Sitgreaves and Coconino National Forests, State Land Department, the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, the federal Bureau of Land Management, the Central Arizona Project, private landowners and volunteers.

Board recommends 2 candidates to governor for Arizona Game and Fish Commission appointment

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board has forwarded the names of two candidates to Gov. Doug Ducey for his consideration in making his 2019 appointment to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

James E. Goughnour of Payson and Patrick W. Headington of Yuma were selected from three candidates who were interviewed by the board at its public meeting on November 13 at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters in Phoenix. The three who were interviewed were chosen from an initial slate of eight applicants considered by the Appointment Recommendation Board at its October 23 public meeting.

Per Arizona State Statute 17-202, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board shall assist the governor by interviewing, evaluating and recommending candidates for appointment to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. The board shall recommend at least two, but no more than five, candidates to the governor. The governor must select and appoint a commissioner from the list submitted by the board.

For additional information about the Commission Appointment Recommendation Board, contact the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions at 602-542-2449, toll free at 1-800-253-0883, or on the Web at www.azgovernor.gov.

For more information about the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.