Category Archives: Phoenix

Court mandates new recovery plan for endangered Mexican wolf

Posted on by

wolvesPHOENIX — An Arizona judge has approved a settlement agreement in a lawsuit filed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office against the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for failing to develop a new recovery plan for the endangered Mexican wolf.

“I’m encouraged this issue is resolved,” said Governor Ducey. “This is yet another example of top-down, out-of-touch management from Washington D.C. that was directly affecting Arizonans and others across the Western United States. We’re looking forward to working with other western states to develop a new recovery plan that makes sense for us and provides real-world guidelines for measuring success.”

Under the terms of the settlement, approved Tuesday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is mandated to update a decades-old recovery plan by Nov. 30, 2017.

The current recovery plan, developed in 1982, fails to provide for several key legal requirements, such as identifying criteria that are required to downlist and delist this subspecies of wolves from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Without these criteria, it would be impossible to remove Mexican wolves from endangered status.

Additionally under the terms of the settlement, the federal agency also must provide the court and other litigants in the case with regular status updates on the planning process, and must complete an independent peer review of the draft plan, through which it will solicit and consider all available scientific information from appropriate state agencies and other entities, including the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.

The state of Arizona, on behalf of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, filed the lawsuit in June 2015. Game and Fish had repeatedly requested an updated recovery plan for several years that would utilize the best available science, as legally required by the ESA.

“Arizonans know what is best for our state and its wildlife,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. “This settlement ensures we have a seat at the negotiating table as the federal government develops an updated Mexican wolf recovery plan.”

“Arizona Game and Fish has long been committed to Mexican wolf recovery in balance with other wildlife and the people who live or recreate on the land where wolves are found, and we are pleased with the court’s approval of the settlement” said AZGFD Director Larry Voyles. “We’d reached a point where, without a current recovery plan to provide a framework by which to operate and objective science-based goals to target, the Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Project would continue to be faced with unwarranted litigation with little regard for how biologically successful our efforts become.”

Game and Fish maintains that to measure success of the recovery program, an updated recovery plan must include an integrated, bi-national approach that incorporates the recovery work already being done in Mexico. More than 90 percent of the Mexican wolf’s historic range is in Mexico.

Arizona Game and Fish’s involvement in Mexican wolf conservation began in the mid-1980s. Since that time, the department has spent more than $7 million on wolf recovery in the state and has been the predominant on-the-ground presence working to manage Mexican wolves.

ADOT’s ‘Drive For Them’ campaign aims to curb selfish driving habits

Posted on by

dms-2_cropPHOENIX – Traffic fatalities on Arizona roads are rising and selfish drivers are too often to blame.

Unless drivers stop making bad decisions – driving impaired, driving distracted, driving aggressively and speeding, and not wearing a seat belt – Arizona will continue on its year-to-date pace and top 900 traffic deaths by the end of the year. The Arizona Department of Transportation’s “Drive For Them” campaign aims to reduce traffic fatalities by reminding drivers that their actions can have tragic, yet entirely preventable, consequences for those they share the road with, which includes their families, friends and neighbors.

Historically, impaired driving, speeding and aggressive driving, and distracted driving are among the leading factors in traffic deaths in Arizona. Still, too many drivers continue to engage in these selfish driving behaviors. If some motorists will not drive in a safe manner for themselves, perhaps they will alter their driving habits when confronted with the impact that poor decisions behind the wheel can have on loved ones. Through the weekend, ADOT will display the following messages on overhead highway signs:

YOUR FAMILY
TRAVELS THIS ROAD
DRIVE FOR THEM

YOUR FRIENDS
TRAVEL THESE ROADS
DRIVE FOR THEM

YOUR NEIGHBORS
TRAVEL THESE ROADS
DRIVE FOR THEM

According to preliminary data, from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30 this year, 690 people have died in vehicle crashes in Arizona. Tragically, many of those deaths were preventable. If drivers did not drive impaired, drive aggressively, drive distracted or speed too fast for conditions, traffic deaths would be significantly reduced.

Relict leopard frogs not in need of federal protection

Posted on by

relict-leopard-frogPHOENIX — A frog species in Arizona and southern Nevada does not need federal protection under the Endangered Species Act, thanks to the multi-partner conservation efforts of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other federal and state agencies that make up the Relict Leopard Frog Conservation Team. The Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that relict leopard frog populations are stable or increasing.

The Service was petitioned in 2002 by the Center for Biological Diversity and the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance to list the relict leopard frog and designate critical habitat for it. The Service, Arizona Game and Fish and other partners were already involved in coordinated conservation efforts for the frog before the petition was filed. Those efforts include ongoing habitat management, establishment of new sites, and restoration activities, which have resulted in an overall reduction of most threats and an improvement in the species’ status.

“This shows that collaborative, on-the-ground efforts lead to conservation successes,” said Jim deVos, assistant director for Game and Fish’s Wildlife Management Division. “By taking proactive measures that preclude the need for listing a species under the Endangered Species Act, we have much more flexibility in actively managing the species so it can ultimately thrive.”

Members of the Relict Leopard Frog Conservation Team have included the Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Nevada Department of Wildlife, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Bureau of Reclamation, Environmental Protection Agency, Clark County (Nevada), the Southern Nevada Water Authority (including the Las Vegas Springs Preserve), the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University of Nevada, Reno.

The relict leopard frog is currently found in springs in southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. The frog historically occupied a variety of habitats, including springs, streams, and other wetlands. Nonnative predators such as crayfish, American bullfrogs, and fish have reduced the relict leopard frog’s range.

ADOT prepared to keep highways open, safe during snow season

Posted on by

towplow-in-action_cropPHOENIX –– With winter and the promise of snow in the high country rapidly approaching, preparation throughout the year means the Arizona Department of Transportation is ready to keep highways open and travelers safe.

Through its certification and training programs, ADOT has 400 certified snowplow operators ready for winter storms.

Regular maintenance by ADOT Equipment Services has the agency’s 200 snowplows ready to go. Last winter, ADOT spent $2.2 million, an average of $11,000 per vehicle, to keep its snowplows in top condition.

“It’s always difficult to predict not only how severe winter weather will be but where problems will occur,” said Dallas Hammit, ADOT’s state engineer and deputy director for transportation. “With our operators trained and our snowplow fleet up and running, however, ADOT has the resources necessary to respond to snow and ice around the state.”

ADOT’s snowplows working on Interstate 40 between Williams and Flagstaff will include a second TowPlow, a steerable trailer that allows one driver in a snowplow to clear two lanes. Attached to the back of a snowplow and steered by the snowplow driver, the TowPlow allows ADOT remove snow and ice more efficiently while using less fuel, and it frees another snowplow and driver to work elsewhere.

As with any snowplow, drivers approaching a TowPlow should slow down and pass only when the operator pulls over to allow traffic to get around. Remember: The road behind a plow is the safest place to be when snow and ice are on the highway.

While ADOT is ready to keep the roads open and as safe as possible in challenging conditions, motorists can do their part by preparing for travel in winter weather.

ADOT’s “Know Snow” website at azdot.gov/KnowSnow has tips that include adjusting your speed to conditions, leaving extra room between your vehicle and the one ahead, carrying plenty of food and water, and packing an emergency preparedness kit. Tips include carrying a small bag of cat litter or sand to provide traction if your vehicle becomes stuck along the roadway.

Ribbon-cutting at Willow Beach hatchery celebrates successful partnership

Posted on by

willow-beachWILLOW BEACH — A ribbon-cutting event on Thursday at the now functioning Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery celebrated the renewed collaborative efforts by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Mohave County that will boost economic activity and preserve trout fishing on the lower Colorado River in Mohave County for future generations.

On Wednesday, Arizona Senator John McCain continued his staunch support for the project as he watched thousands of rainbow trout pour from a stocking truck into the Colorado River below Davis Dam.

Trout stockings at the hatchery, which had ceased in 2013 due in part to a water intake system failure, support approximately 1,700 jobs and generate $75 million in economy activity along this stretch of the river.

“Significant collaborations were needed to rebuild the water intake system at the hatchery,” said AZGFD Director Larry Voyles. “We’re particularly grateful to Senator John McCain, Representative Paul Gosar and Mohave County Supervisor Hildy Angius for their ardent support in bringing trout propagation back to Willow Beach. The collective efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and local stakeholders have come to fruition.”

Stockings from the Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery are anticipated in early 2017. AZGFD’s commitment to anglers for great trout fishing opportunities on this area of the Colorado River is evidenced by great relations with local businesses and organizations. Ongoing stockings have been made possible by donations from local pest abatement districts.

Willow Beach NFH had been unable to rear or stock sport fish after sustaining pipeline and infrastructure damage in November 2013. After the failure, the Arizona Game and Fish Department worked collaboratively with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Senator McCain, the Arizona Congressional delegation, and Mohave County to solve the problem.

In August 2014, Senator McCain toured the hatchery and was briefed on a variety of engineering plans to repair the hatchery’s damaged pipeline. Preliminary cost estimates for repairs totaled up to $9 million. Senator McCain urged USFWS to coordinate with Mohave County and AZGFD to develop an affordable and reasonable solution to move repairs forward.

In March 2015, USFWS and AZGFD finalized an agreement to begin restoring trout stocking operations at Willow Beach.

Rainbow trout eggs are anticipated to arrive at Willow Beach NFH in November 2016 to augment the 50,000 fingerlings the AZGFD provided in August. The eggs will come through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Fish Hatchery System, and are expected to be of catchable size in the autumn of 2017.

Commission Appointment Recommendation Board to meet Oct. 25

Posted on by

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016, beginning at 9 a.m., to review and select for interview applicants for the 2017 vacancy on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. The meeting will be held at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix and is open to the public.

The meeting agenda is posted at www.azgfd.gov/board.

The board will meet again on Wednesday, Nov. 9, beginning at 9 a.m., to conduct interviews with the candidates who were selected at the Oct. 25 meeting. That meeting is also at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix and is open to the public. The board will select from two to five finalists at the Nov. 9 meeting and forward those names to Gov. Doug Ducey for his consideration.

Members of the Commission Appointment Recommendation Board are Susan E. Chilton (chair), W. Hays Gilstrap, Charles I. Kelly, William J. (“Jim”) Lane, and Phillip D. Townsend.

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 Commission Appointment Recommendation 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 or toll free at 1-800-253-0883 or on the web at www.azgovernor.gov.

ADEQ Air Quality Control Permits Energy Fuels Resources Inc.

Posted on by

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality issued Air Quality Permit Nos. 62877, 62878, and 63895 to Energy Fuels Resources (USA), Inc. for the Canyon, EZ, and Arizona 1 uranium mines on Oct. 13, 2016.

The EZ and Arizona 1 mines are located north of Grand Canyon National Park, and approximately 35 southwest of Fredonia, and the Canyon mine is located south of Grand Canyon National Park and approximately 6.5 miles southeast of Tusayan.

Visit ADEQ’s website to view the final permit documents and response to public comments by clicking this link: http://azdeq.gov/EnergyFuelsRes.

Public forums set for 2017 pronghorn, elk hunt recommendations

Posted on by

pronghornPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department will host four public forums to meet with constituents about developing the 2017 hunt recommendations for pronghorn, elk and population management seasons.

The department annually makes recommendations to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission regarding the management of game species for the annual hunting and trapping regulations, which establish the seasons, dates, bag limits, open areas and hunt permit-tag allocations, based on the framework of the hunt guidelines set by the commission every two years.

The meetings will be conducted from 6 to 8 p.m. at the following Game and Fish regional offices:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 19: Kingman, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road.
  • Thursday, Oct. 20: Flagstaff, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 26: Pinetop, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
  • Thursday, Oct. 27: Mesa, 7200 E. University Drive.

Constituents who are interested in specific game management units within those regions will have the opportunity to discuss management direction. The proposed hunt recommendations will be outlined during a short presentation, which will be followed by an opportunity to submit comments regarding those recommendations. All comments will be reviewed by the department.

After the public forums have been completed, the final proposed draft hunt recommendations will be made available for public review at several regional open houses and posted on the department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines by Nov. 21, 2016.

Open houses will be conducted at the following Game and Fish regional offices:

  • 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 23: Flagstaff, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.
  • 3 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 23: Yuma, 9140 E. 28th St.
  • 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 28: Tucson, 555 N. Greasewood Road.
  • 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 28: Pinetop, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
  • 3 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29: Kingman, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road.
  • 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., TBD: Mesa, 7200 E. University Drive.

The final 2017 pronghorn and elk hunt recommendations will be presented to the commission for consideration during its Dec. 3 meeting in Phoenix.

South Mountain Freeway design meetings draw big crowds, important input

Posted on by

meeting-0277_cropPHOENIX – Nearly 800 people attended three public meetings on preliminary design plans for the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway, providing input and asking questions that will guide final design of the 22-mile-long link between the West Valley and East Valley.

The meetings, held in Ahwatukee Foothills, Laveen and west Phoenix, provided an opportunity for residents to learn more about the freeway’s alignment, traffic interchanges, noise walls, landscaping and aesthetics.

Representatives from the Arizona Department of Transportation and the developer, Connect 202 Partners, answered questions, received feedback and encouraged attendees to provide comments on detailed design plans.

“The South Mountain Freeway has generated significant interest, as evidenced by the great attendance at these design meetings,” said Rob Samour, ADOT senior deputy state engineer of major projects.

All input is being assessed by ADOT’s development team and, when possible, will influence how the freeway is constructed.

A comprehensive summary of the public meetings, which will be posted at SouthMountainFreeway.com in November, will address any questions that remained unanswered after the three meetings. Participants submitted about 500 comment forms and question cards.

For those who were unable to attend the meetings, the presentations have been posted online and the public can provide feedback through Thursday, Oct. 20, in these ways:

  • Online: SouthMountainFreeway.com
  • Email: SouthMountainFreewayInfo@c202p.com
  • Phone: 1.855.SMF.L202 (1.855.763.5202), or para Español, 623.239.4558
  • Mail: ADOT Communications, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007

The latest project information is available via the project website at SouthMountainFreeway.com, email and text updates (click “Subscribe for Updates” on the project website) and the project hotline numbers (1.855.763.5202, or para Español, 623.239.4558).

Construction of the South Mountain Freeway began in September with improvements to the Interstate 10/Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) interchange. Work includes extending Loop 202 HOV lanes and widening the shoulders to Pecos Road near 48th Street. Construction of the mainline freeway is scheduled to begin in early 2017.

Approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985 and again in 2004 as part of a comprehensive regional transportation plan, the South Mountain Freeway will complete the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeway system in the Valley when it opens to traffic by the end of 2019.

ServiceArizona.com meets record demand for voter registration

Posted on by

PHOENIX – A record 45,294 Arizonans registered Monday to vote in the general election through ServiceArizona.com, the customer website offered by the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division. Another 18,576 registered to vote on Sunday through ServiceArizona.com, with use beginning to spike during that evening’s presidential debate.

Demand was so great as Monday’s deadline to register loomed that ADOT worked with IBM, the provider behind ServiceArizona.com, to increase capacity.

“We take our role in the voter registration process seriously and are dedicated to ensuring all voters can exercise their right to register at their convenience,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said.

ServiceArizona.com’s previous one-day record for voter registrations was 36,532 on Monday, Oct. 6, 2008, the deadline to register to vote in that year’s general election.

Using ServiceArizona.com via computer, smartphone or tablet, Arizonans can register to vote for the first time or update their voter information such as home address, political party preference, early voting status and other information.

Once a person completes the process either online or in person, their information is sent to the Secretary of State’s Office, where it is recorded and shared with county election offices. Since 2002, ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division has facilitated nearly 6 million voter transactions online and at MVD offices.

“Our long-standing partnership with ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division benefits Arizona by allowing more people to become voters and enabling current voters to update their information in the most convenient ways possible,” Secretary of State Michele Reagan said. “It’s great to see the number of registered voters grow, and I’m optimistic this will translate into higher turnout on Election Day.”