The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for delays on State Route 89A between Cottonwood and Sedona this fall while a pavement-repair project is underway.
Crews will have lane closures in place in both directions Mondays through Fridays from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Work is scheduled to begin Tuesday, September 4 and continue through November.
Drivers should always proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.
PHOENIX – While working at ports of entry to ensure that commercial vehicles have the proper permits and can operate safely on state highways, Arizona Department of Transportation officers have to be ready for situations in which they’re called upon to help save a life.
That’s why nearly 100 officers, part of ADOT’s Enforcement and Compliance Division, have been trained so far to identify opioid overdoses and administer a drug to reverse the effects.
“One of the worst feelings as a law enforcement officer is being unable to help someone in an emergency situation,” said Sergeant Sean Dalley with the Enforcement and Compliance Division. “Having the right tools and knowing how to use them is a way to ensure we are always in a position to act fast when called upon.”
ADOT officers who have gone through the training now carry Naloxone, a type of drug known as an opioid antagonist.
“This kind of training allows our officers to respond quickly to various types of situations at the ports of entry and in the field,” said Tim Lane, director of the Enforcement and Compliance Division. “ADOT looks to do its part in helping combat opioid abuse in Arizona.”
ADOT has set a goal of training an additional 100 officers before year’s end.
Since Governor Doug Ducey declared a statewide emergency in June 2017 to address opioid overdoses and deaths, Arizona has expanded access to Naloxone and training among first responders. The Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act, passed in January, enables county health department employees, detention officers, police aides and other ancillary law enforcement and corrections officers to administer such drugs.
“Training and equipping more responders, including officers at commercial ports of entry, is another way we are taking serious action in response to the statewide emergency of opioid overdoses and deaths,” Governor Doug Ducey said. “Too many Arizonans lose their lives as a result of an opioid overdose, and Arizona will continue to be vigilant in combating this epidemic.”
The first training for ADOT officers, offered by the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority in partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services, consisted of identifying opioid overdoses and administering Naloxone. Officers also learned CPR, trauma response and how to protect themselves from opioid exposure.
PHOENIX — When you’re talking about 20 million mourning doves criss-crossing Arizona’s skies on opening day, versus the usual 30 million or so, what’s the difference, really?
Not much.
In fact, Arizona’s dove hunters won’t even notice the drop-off when the 2018 season begins September 1.
“The first half of 2018 was an extremely dry year,” said Johnathan O’Dell, small game biologist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). “Based on what we’re seeing in the field, mourning doves may not have pulled off as many nests as usual. Early estimates are that most doves pulled off three or four nests, instead of the usual five to six nests.
“So what does that mean? Well, you still have to consider the scale we’re talking about. A down year like this one means there will be about 20 million mourning doves on opening day, instead of 30 million.
“You’re still going to find plenty of doves out there.”
Once again, the greatest number of doves – and dove hunters — will be concentrated in the state’s agricultural areas, particularly those that produce small-grain crops like wheat, barley, oats and sorghum. For hunters who prefer a little more elbow room, now is the time to scout desert locations for water sources.
O’Dell said white-winged doves are still abundant in most areas and call counts remain high. All of that could change, however, depending on monsoon weather patterns over the next couple of weeks.
“If we get any really big storms between now and the opener, many of them will start to migrate out of state,” O’Dell said. “If the monsoon slows down, we could be in for a very good opening day for white-winged doves.”
AZGFD reminds dove hunters to review the “2018-2019 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations,” which are posted online at www.azgfd.gov/dove. The regulations have been produced in a format that hunters will find particularly handy in the field. The color brochure is easier to read and features important hunting information, such as season dates, daily bag and possession limits, and legal requirements, at a glance. The printed version is available at all department offices and more than 200 license dealers statewide.
All hunters 18 and older must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, as well as a migratory bird stamp for the 2018-19 season — both of which can be purchased online now. But don’t just buy a hunting license. Why not enjoy the “Best of Both Worlds” and save money at the same time? Go online and select a combo hunt and fish license that will be valid for the next 365 days — and for only $20 more (for state residents) than the price of an individual hunting or fishing license. Visit https://www.azgfd.com/bestofbothworlds/.
For everything else “dove,” visit www.azgfd.gov/dove. Also, check out O’Dell’s video that demonstrates two techniques for field-dressing doves at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DDRZGPzJDI.
Dove hunters play an important role in conservation. Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) funds are comprised of excise taxes collected on the sale of hunting and fishing equipment (including 11 percent on ammunition), the benefit of which comes right back to Arizona for habitat improvements, shooting ranges, boating access and more.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has already exchanged a record number of life jackets this summer — more than 1,000 old, worn-out life jackets have been swapped for brand-new ones during numerous events held throughout the state.
Arizonans have two more chances to swap their life jacket for a new one. In September, the public is invited to join AZGFD and its partner organizations at the following life jacket exchange events (Type I and Type II life jackets will not be accepted):
2018 marks the 10-year anniversary of AZGFD’s life jacket exchange program, and to commemorate the achievement the department is working toward the goal of exchanging 1,700 life jackets and has held events in new areas throughout the state.
“The life jacket exchange in Kingman is another example of AZGFD bringing this important program to new locations,” said Josh Hoffman, boating safety education coordinator for AZGFD. “Come out and meet us and our partner organizations, and take advantage of this program to ensure you have a new, properly fitting life jacket.”
For more information about boating in Arizona or to sign up for a free safety course, visit azgfd.gov/boating.
PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s award-winning television show, Arizona Wildlife Views, has received five regional Emmy® nominations from the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The nominations are:
Category: Environment Program Special
Arizona Wildlife Views Show 3: https://youtu.be/ek0aaAo__Bw
David Majure, Producer
Ben Avechuco, Editor
Arizona Wildlife Views Show 1 (Eagle Conservation): https://youtu.be/FITV_o2g0hU
David Majure, Producer
Ben Avechuco, Producer, Editor
Category: Director – Non-Live (Post Produced)
Arizona Elk West Virginia Bound: https://youtu.be/naPnn8V4rP0
David Majure, Director
Category: Video Journalist
Shootin’ from the Saddle: https://youtu.be/FrztcS7Zk_c
David Majure, Producer, Videographer, Editor, Voice Talent
Category: Writer – Program (Non-News)
Counting Mexican Wolves: https://youtu.be/v8ZaXXET19Y
David Majure, Writer
The 2018 Rocky Mountain Emmy® Awards Gala will be held Saturday, September 22, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix, where winners will be announced and receive their awards. There were 994 entries in this year’s competition. The Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter consists of Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming and El Centro, California.
Arizona Wildlife Views is a half-hour original series produced by the Marketing Branch of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The show airs on local PBS stations, city cable channels across the state and YouTube. Full episodes and individual segments can also be viewed on the Game and Fish YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/magnusgrafex
AZGF Photo
To view ideas received to date, or to submit ideas throughout the 30-day public input period that ends September 8, visit https://www.azgfd.com/agency/dedicated-funding-source/. Ideas also can be emailed to: ideas@azgfd.gov.
Draft funding alternatives, based on this public input, vetting and benchmarking, will be presented to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission during its public meeting September 21 at the Navajo County Heber Complex, 2188 W. Country Club Drive, in Overgaard.
There will be an additional opportunity for the public to provide input on select alternatives, based on Commission direction. AZGFD will host a public forum and webcast at 6 p.m. October 10 at department headquarters (Quail Room), 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix. The public will be able to ask questions or provide comments in person during the forum in the Quail Room, or by email from their smartphone or other device. The webcast also can be viewed at any AZGFD regional office, where the public also can submit their questions or comments via email.
The forum will kick off another 30-day comment period that ends November 8. AZGFD then will present potential funding option(s) to the Commission at its public meeting December 7 in Phoenix.
PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted the 2018-19 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations online at http://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations.
The regulations have been produced in a format that hunters will find particularly handy in the field. The color brochure is easier to read and features important hunting information, such as season dates, daily bag and possession limits, and legal requirements, at a glance.
Hunters 18 and older must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, as well as a migratory bird stamp for the 2018-19 season — both of which can be purchased online now at https://license.azgfd.gov/home.xhtml.
For everything else “dove,” visit www.azgfd.gov/dove.
Dove hunters play an important role in conservation. Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) (SEE PDF) funds are comprised of excise taxes collected on the sale of hunting and fishing equipment (including 11 percent on ammunition), the benefit of which comes right back to Arizona for habitat improvements, shooting ranges, boating access and more.
Buy a combo hunt and fish license – and enjoy the “Best of Both Worlds”
Don’t just buy a hunting or a fishing license. Go online today and purchase a combo hunt and fish license that will be valid for the next 365 days — and for only $20 more (for state residents) than the price of an individual hunting or fishing license.
Fish are biting, doves are coming, so don’t miss out. It’s time to enjoy the “Best of Both Worlds.” Buy your combo hunt and fish license today. Visit https://www.azgfd.com/bestofbothworlds/.
PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking public input on ways to establish and maintain a discretionary, dedicated funding source for outreach, education and public awareness efforts.
A webcast can be viewed at https://youtu.be/pWzMi2o8sEE. All ideas can be submitted by email through Sept. 8 at: ideas@azgfd.gov. Note: Only ideas related to the topic of establishing a funding source will be considered.
Draft alternatives, based on this public input, vetting and benchmarking, will be presented to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission during its public meeting September 21 at the Navajo County Heber Complex, 2188 W. Country Club Drive, in Overgaard.
For more information, including frequently asked questions (FAQs), visit https://www.azgfd.com/agency/dedicated-funding-source/.
VERMILION CLIFFS – There is nothing quite as iconic in the western United States as a California Condor soaring over the red-rock-canyon landscapes of northern Arizona and southern Utah. Thanks to people working together to recover this species, condors have become a fixture in southwestern skies. On National Public Lands day this year, the public is invited to join the recovery effort by witnessing first-hand a spectacular release into the wild of several captive-bred young condors.
California Condors will be released by The Peregrine Fund atop the spectacular cliffs in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in northern Arizona at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 22. The public is welcome to observe the release from a viewing area where spotting scopes provided by partners and Swarovski Optik will be set up and project personnel will be available to answer questions.
The release coincides with National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance America’s public lands. National Public Lands Day involves the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and other federal agencies, along with state and local governments and private groups.
/2010%20VCNM%20California%20Condor%20Release%20Map.pdf
This will be the 23rd annual public release of condors in Arizona since the southwest condor recovery program began in 1996. Condors are produced at The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho, the Oregon Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park and then transported to release sites annually for release to the wild.
The historical California Condor population declined to just 22 individuals in the 1980s when the greater California Condor Recovery Program was initiated to save the species from extinction. As of July 25, 2018 there were 85 condors in the wild in the rugged canyon country of northern Arizona and southern Utah and the total world population of endangered California Condors numbers nearly 500 individuals, with more than half flying in the wilds of Arizona, Utah, California, and Mexico.
The Arizona-Utah recovery effort is a cooperative program by federal, state, and private partners, including The Peregrine Fund, Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management’s Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Grand Canyon and Zion national parks, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and Kaibab and Dixie national forests among many other supporting groups and individuals.
For more information about California Condors in Arizona visit http://www.peregrinefund.org/condor.
Drivers on Interstate 17 in northern Arizona are advised to plan for travel delays because of traffic realignment and ramp closures at Willard Springs Road, 17 miles south of Flagstaff near Munds Park. Crews are replacing the Willard Springs Road bridges on I-17 and will close access under the highway.
Drivers should prepare for delays while the following detours are in place:
Drivers in both directions of I-17 will be re-routed around the bridge construction at Willard Springs Road onto the on- and off-ramps at reduced speeds.
For more information, email MKirby@azdot.gov or call Mackenzie Kirby, Community Relations project manager, ADOT Northcentral District, at 928.525.6494. Information is also available on the project web page.
Schedules are subject to change because of weather and other unforeseen situations. 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.
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.