Category Archives: Phoenix

Delays expected through Monday on I-17 North due to Verde River bridge project

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Drivers on northbound Interstate 17 north of Camp Verde should expect to see delays through Monday (May 23) as crews complete work on the Verde River bridge.

Only one lane will be open for northbound travel at the Verde River Bridge between mileposts 287 and 288, just north of the State Route 260 interchange. Construction on the bridge and paving for northbound travel are expected to be completed by 6 p.m. Monday.

The on-ramp from SR 260 to northbound I-17 will be closed from 8 a.m. to noon on Monday.

A 12-foot width restriction will remain in place until Monday evening. Vehicles more than 12 feet wide should use SR 260 west to SR 89A, then north to Sedona, and south on SR 179 to return to I-17.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule.

Online applications for 2016 fall hunts now being accepted

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department now is accepting online applications for 2016 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison and pheasant.

To apply online, visit https://draw.azgfd.gov/ and scroll down to “Apply for a Draw.” The deadline by which the department must receive all applications – online or paper — is 11:59 p.m. (MST) Tuesday, June 14. Postmarks do not count. Paper applications can be mailed to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawing Section, P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052, or dropped off at department offices statewide.

The department is announcing an exciting, innovative program beginning with the 2016 fall hunt application period. “PointGuard,” the newest benefit for AZGFD Portal customers, ensures that if a successful applicant is unable to participate in a hunt for any reason, the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated.

PointGuard is available to applicants who apply online for a hunt permit-tag. All applicants must sign up for a free AZGFD Portal account to purchase PointGuard (visit www.azgfd.gov, click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the home page, then select the “Create an Account” option). PointGuard is $5 per species, per applicant, purchased at the time of completing the online application, or prior to the application period deadline.

Applicants who encounter issues related to PointGuard are encouraged to call the department at (602) 942-3000 beginning June 1 through June 14.

For more information about PointGuard, visit https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/pointguard.

As a reminder, applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license to apply for a hunt permit-tag. That license must be valid on the last day of the application period (June 14). Licenses are available online and at department offices and license dealers (PDF) statewide.

Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day on Friday, May 20

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department, together with boating professionals and enthusiasts nationwide, will demonstrate the importance of remaining safe on the water by participating in Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day, Friday, May 20.

The annual event, hosted by the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) serves as a fun, educational element ahead of National Safe Boating Week, which runs from May 21 to 27. The event helps to raise awareness of different life jacket types, while demonstrating their comfort and versatility by wearing them to work.

life_jacket_fitting_-_reduced_1“The life jackets of today are simply more comfortable and less bulky than those of the recent past, and Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day helps to demonstrate just that,” said Josh Hoffman, AZGFD Boating Safety Education coordinator. “Another family-fun boating season has returned and many Arizonans are heading out on the water. Wearing a life jacket should just be another part of putting the boat in the water – it’s literally the simplest thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from drowning.”

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in approximately 68% of recreational boating fatalities in 2014, and that approximately 84 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.
Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day coincides with the official launch of the 2016 North American Safe Boating Campaign, which focuses on educating the boating public about the safety and comfort of life jackets.

AZGFD and the National Safe Boating Council each ask participants to take a picture of themselves in their life jacket while at work and post it to the Ready, Set, Wear It! Facebook page (facebook.com/readysetwearit) or submit directly to the NSBC at outreach@safeboatingcouncil.org. Participants are also encouraged to tweet their picture using #readysetwearit.

Members of the boating public as well as those interested in showing the wear-ability of life jackets are encouraged to participate. More information about the event and safe boating is available at facebook.com/readysetwearit.
For more information on boating in Arizona or to sign up for a free safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

AZGFD adjusts trout stockings in some high country fishing holes

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department will be adjusting trout stockings in some high country lakes to enhance opportunities for fishing adventures and to protect wild trout populations and important trout fishing resources.

AZGFD is adjusting some trout stockings due to a few of Arizona’s state and federal fish hatcheries having tested positive for Bacteria Kidney Disease. The Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD) pathogen is specific to trout and salmon, and in some cases can be lethal to trout and salmon. BKD does not affect humans.

Although it can be easily passed from one trout to another, the pathogen can lie dormant and not cause any sickness. BKD-positive trout are still edible and good quality. The Department always recommends anglers cook all fish to the proper temperature to ensure safe consumption.

Due to the BKD-positive findings, the AZGFD this year will not be stocking trout into waters where the pathogen could be transmitted to wild trout populations, or into stocked trout-dependent fisheries.

What does this mean for anglers?

The biggest impact will be at Sheeps Crossing on the West Fork of the Little Colorado River, which will not be stocked with Apache trout and will not get any hatchery-stocked trout this year.

As the AZGFD protects long-term trout fishing opportunities in Arizona, trout fishing opportunities throughout the summer will remain abundant. In fact, waters such as the East Fork of the Black River, the Little Colorado River in Greer, and Silver Creek, will be supplemented with rainbow trout to ensure level numbers of stocked trout.

Great opportunities for anglers remain at:

Peregrine cam goes dark as efforts underway to save chick

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peregrine_chick_1_-_reducedPHOENIX — A peregrine falcon chick hatched in a nest box on a downtown Phoenix high-rise was seen struggling this weekend, causing the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) to take action. The wild peregrine chick, whose hatching was captured by a dedicated web-video camera, was having difficulty using its legs, causing it to fall and flail its wings.

AZGFD turned off the video feed on Monday morning, and while the peregrine parents were away, removed the chick from the nest box for examination. The chick was taken to the Phoenix Dog/ Cat/ Bird Hospital, where veterinary staff donated their services and took x-rays to reveal any physical problems. The bird was in acceptable health, but had splayed legs, which made it difficult for it to stand or move normally. Small splints were fitted to the bird’s legs to rectify the problem before it was placed back in the nest.

“We knew that shutting down the camera while we worked on the chick and monitored its recovery would disappoint the many people watching the peregrines,” said AZGFD Watchable Wildlife Program Manager Randy Babb. “We wanted to spare everyone the discomfort of watching the chick fall over while it adjusts to braces. We hope the cameras will only be off for a few days. This may be the first time a peregrine chick has been fitted with splints and returned to the nest for the adults to care for. Everything is looking good for the moment, and the parents are caring for the chick as if this disturbance never happened.”

Arizona Game and Fish biologists will continue to monitor the nest-cam and evaluate the chick’s progress over the next several days. Estimates are that, if all goes well, the chick’s splints may be removed in a week.

Two other changes will be noticeable when the nest cam is turned back on. A non-viable egg that had begun to rot was removed from the nest, and a new layer of brown artificial turf has been added to the bottom of the nest to provide better traction for the chick.

“While we are guardedly optimistic about the chick’s chances, despite our best efforts and hopes, sometimes nature has other plans,” said Babb. “It’s important to note that this chick is not out of the woods yet.”

The AZGFD peregrine web-camera is part of the department’s Wildlife Viewing program, which encourages Arizonans to learn more about the wonders of wildlife. A donation account (https://donation.azgfd.gov/donation) has been set up to help defray the costs of the department’s web-cameras.

MVD looks for ways to get Arizonans out of line and safely on the road

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PHOENIX — In the not-so-distant past, someone retaking a road test at an Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division office had to stand in line – not to retake the test but to re-verify the application, a process that required spending several minutes at a window after taking a number and waiting to be called.

Today, that returning individual will retake the test first. Once he or she passes, a customer service representative will then process the rest of the application.

The change, which saves time for the test-taker as well as other waiting customers, is just one of the ways MVD is innovating to achieve its strategic vision of getting customers out of line and safely on the road.

“We’re continually looking to see where we can save time or even a visit to an office,” ADOT Motor Vehicle Division Director Eric Jorgensen said. “’Out of line and safely on the road’ is the way we’re doing business to benefit the residents of this state.”

Jorgensen, who became MVD director in March 2015, said there are several reasons behind the push to streamline processes and create more value for customers, starting with a philosophy his father shared.

“He would tell us, ‘If you see something that needs to be done, do it,’” Jorgensen said. “That saying has stuck with me, and I use it every day.”

He shares that philosophy with employees, noting that suggestions and feedback from those working at MVD offices have driven process improvements.

Another philosophy that drives Jorgensen is “a good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.”

“It’s important to build momentum. Sometimes we have to build the race car while in the race,” Jorgensen said. “We have identified a lot of projects at MVD that will help us build that momentum and carry us to greater things.”

MVD’s vision is part of an agency-wide commitment to continuous improvement that involves every aspect of ADOT operations.

For MVD, finding new ways to leverage technology is another way to get customers out of line. That starts with expanding what can be done through ServiceArizona.com. The website and the 43 ServiceArizona kiosks at MVD offices and courthouses around Arizona offer more than 20 motor vehicle services such as vehicle registration renewal and ordering replacement driver licenses and specialty license plates, with more to come.

ServiceArizona initiatives include rolling out online appointment scheduling for all MVD offices. That’s already happening on a smaller scale for those wishing to convert driver licenses to the new Voluntary Travel ID at select MVD offices.

“We live in a time where technology allows people to conduct a lot of business anytime and anywhere,” Jorgensen said. “We want to do the same with the MVD and reduce or even eliminate the need to physically come into an office.”

An innovative approach is allowing MVD to modernize its computer system over the next few years through a partnership with IBM, which maintains ServiceArizona.com. A portion of all sales through ServiceArizona.com are going toward computer system improvements that will make motor vehicle services more accessible and efficient.

MVD also continues expanding options and convenience for customers through Authorized Third Party providers, with 165 businesses statewide providing services including a growing number offering driver licenses.

Ultimately, getting customers out of line and safely on the road is about helping people get what they need from the MVD in a timely and efficient way.

“Like most people who become public servants, MVD employees ‒ myself included ‒ want to help others, make things better and be part of a solution,” Jorgensen said. “It’s happening here at the MVD. We’re making a difference every day.”

State agencies working to reduce risk of blowing dust from farm along I-10

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PHOENIX — With trucks spraying water, first responders standing by to close Interstate 10 when conditions warrant, and air quality and agriculture representatives advising the land owner, state agencies are working to reduce the risk from dust blowing off recently plowed farmland in southeastern Arizona.

The Arizona Department of Transportation and Arizona Department of Public Safety have closed 60-plus miles of I-10 several times in recent weeks as dust has severely limited visibility at milepost 376 near the New Mexico state line. That has sent traffic on a 110-mile detour from US 191 east of Willcox and from US 70 near Lordsburg, New Mexico, through Safford.

Over the weekend, ADOT began using eight tanker trucks to haul water, transferring it to two larger tankers belonging to a local contractor that are used to spray water in hopes of creating a layer of wind-resistant crust. The trucks have given an initial watering to more than 320 acres of the 640 acres responsible for most of the dust restricting visibility on the interstate.

“We’ve mobilized these forces on a short-term basis to help ensure safety and maintain mobility,” said Jesse Gutierrez, ADOT’s deputy state engineer for statewide operations.

Representatives of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and Arizona Department of Agriculture are working with the land owner on best practices for reducing dust.

Meanwhile, ADOT employees and Arizona State Troopers are stationed along I-10 near the field and are ready to immediately close the interstate when conditions warrant. With strong winds in the forecast for the coming weekend, more closures are a possibility even after trucks have given the field an initial watering.

“We realize that closing I-10 for an extended period is a hardship for motorists, for drivers of commercial vehicles and for those along the lengthy detour route, but in this case the safest option is the only option,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “ADOT and other state agencies are collaborating to improve highway safety and also limit the economic and time costs created by these dust closures.”

The agencies are keeping track of their use of state resources to reduce dust, improve highway safety and limit disruption of the I-10 corridor and will work with the land owner to arrange reimbursement. The owner is cooperating with these efforts, but the Department of Environmental Quality can require action should that change.

“ADEQ continues to work diligently with the other state agencies and the cooperating farmer to find meaningful short- and long-term solutions to the dust issue,” said Misael Cabrera, director of the Department of Environmental Quality. “ADEQ does have enforcement authority to address excessive dust issues but reserves those actions for cases when a property owner or company does not take the required steps to solve ongoing environmental violations.”

BASF introduces exciting target-shooting experience

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Saturday_Steel_-_BASF_1PHOENIX — “Clang!”

That distinctive sound of a bullet hitting steel soon will be ringing out every third Saturday of the month on the small bore range at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix.

Christopher Dean, range manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, said he hopes a new target-shooting experience – “Saturday Steel” – will hit the mark with recreational shooters of all ages and skill levels, beginning Saturday, May 21.

“This is meant to be a fun opportunity,” Dean said. “There isn’t a competitive element. There isn’t a scoring element. This is just an opportunity to shoot some steel targets in an interesting presentation.”

There’s nothing quite like the appeal of steel. Whereas paper targets are great for showing where a bullet hits, the “clang!” from hitting a steel target provides immediate feedback and gratification. That gratification is further enhanced by seeing that target swing and spin.

“We want to create a shooting opportunity in a non-pressure environment,” Dean said. “Some people don’t want to shoot competitively, but they like competitive shooting.”

For a flat fee of $20 for adults, $13 for youths (price includes the $7 BASF daily range pass), customers will have the unlimited option to shoot from several stations, with distances varying from 15 to 85 yards. A range safety officer or mentor will be available to assist customers at each station. Shooting hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Time will be allotted for each customer to shoot one full magazine and reload up to two times, if they have extra magazines loaded and ready. Those customers who are shooting revolvers will be able to reload using speed loaders. Only rifles and carbines chambered in .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle or pistol caliber ammunition will be allowed. Not allowed: rimfire magnum cartridges, handguns chambered in any caliber larger than .45, and magnum loads.

In addition, “hot” loads that could penetrate or deform the steel targets, as well as steel core ammunition of any caliber, are not allowed.

Youths also must adhere to the following stipulations:

1 All participating youths must be accompanied by an adult.
2 No youths under 5 will be permitted on the range.
3 Youths 5 to 9 will be limited to shooting rimfire cartridges in .22-Short, Long or Long Rifle only.
4 Youths 10 and older will be allowed to shoot other handgun calibers, with close adult supervision.

As a reminder, all firearms must be cased or properly holstered before entering the range. Hearing and eye protection also is required.

Dean said targets will come in various sizes and shapes, including silhouettes, circles, squares and rectangles, each presenting a unique challenge.

“If you come back the following third Saturday of the month, it’s going to be a totally different presentation,” Dean said. “It’s not going to be the same. We’re going to make it interesting so there’s a reason to come back and shoot again.”

For more information about BASF, call (623) 582-8313 or visit https://www.azgfd.com/Shooting/BASF.

Updated Arizona Diamondbacks specialty license plate inspired by new uniforms

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118PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks’ updated look doesn’t end with redesigned uniforms rolled out for this season. The organization has worked with the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division to overhaul the look of the specialty license plate raising money for team charities.

The plate, with red and black pinstripes across the top and bottom of the plate against a gray background matching the team’s new road uniforms, is now available for purchase at ServiceArizona.com.

Funds raised by the plates go to the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation for youth education and development, and to provide housing and health care for those in need.

“We are excited to refresh the D-backs license plate to reflect the same look and feel of our new uniforms,” said Arizona Diamondbacks President & CEO Derrick Hall. “We have had such a positive reaction to the new design and look forward to having fans support the team and our Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation on Arizona roadways.”

Also available through ServiceArizona.com is a new Southwest PGA license plate supporting youth golf programs in Arizona that foster sportsmanship, honesty and perseverance, and funding golf scholarships for youth based on community involvement and academic excellence.

“On behalf of the more than 1,300 PGA golf professionals that make up the Southwest PGA and that serve as our daily contact with the golfers throughout Arizona, we are extremely grateful to ADOT and state legislators who helped us create the golf license plate,” said Michael Miller, executive director of the Southwest PGA.

Specialty license plates have an annual fee of $25 for a non-personalized plate and $50 for a personalized plate, with $17 going to support the charities.

There are no special requirements to get the license plates. They are also available with a disability symbol.

Because the Arizona Diamondbacks license plate is a redesign, anyone with the current plate can request the new plate design for a $5 replacement fee. However, the redesigned plate has six characters instead of the seven that are on the current Diamondbacks plate, so some personalized messages won’t transfer. Those holding personalized plates that won’t transfer will have to start the application process from the beginning and pay the full $50 fee.

The original Arizona Diamondbacks license plate design is still valid for use.

For more information on specialty plates, please visit azdot.gov/mvd.

Quagga-affected waters grow: AZGFD identifies Apache, Saguaro, Canyon lakes

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AZGFD_Quagga-GA-2PHOENIX — Conclusive evidence of quagga mussels has recently been discovered at Canyon, Saguaro and Apache lakes, major recreational waters on the Tonto National Forest. Effective May 1, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will list these lakes as AIS-affected waters under AIS Directors Orders #2.

There is not an infestation of quaggas at Apache, Saguaro or Canyon. Yet there is genetic and visual evidence in all these waters of the invasive quaggas that colonize rapidly on hard surfaces and can ruin recreational watercraft motors, alter water quality for aquatic wildlife, and clog water intake structures such as pipes and screens, thereby impacting pumping capabilities for power and water treatment plants.

Eight of the 12 major reservoirs in Arizona (Powell, Mead, Mojave, Havasu, Apache, Canyon, Saguaro and Pleasant) are listed as quagga-affected waters.

The other major reservoirs – Roosevelt, Bartlett, Alamo and Horseshoe – are not impacted by quagga mussels, but require AZGFD’s increased protection.

“By law, boaters and anglers must pull their drainage plugs before transporting a watercraft from these listed waters,” said Tom McMahon, AZGFD aquatic invasive species program coordinator, “but it makes sense to simply pull their drainage plugs, and leave them out, anytime they are transporting watercraft in and through Arizona.”

In addition, inspect your boat and ensure it is completely dried before launching into any state waters. This is where the need to “Clean, Drain and Dry” is vital.

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 following steps when leaving that listed water:

1. CLEAN. Clean/remove any clinging material such as plants, animals and mud from the anchor, boat, motor, hull, trailer, etc.
2. DRAIN. Remove all water drainage plugs (and keep them out during transport). Drain the water from the bilge, live-well and any other compartments that could hold water. Drain the water from the engine and engine cooling system(s). You can do this by lowering the outboard, while on the ramp, until the water is removed.
3. DRY. Ensure the watercraft, vehicle, equipment, or conveyance is allowed to dry completely before placing in water in Arizona. Leaving your plugs out during transport will assist in ventilating and speeding the drying time of those difficult-to-dry areas of your boat.

If you are in need of decontaminating your moored boat before transporting from an AIS-affected water, please contact AZGFD at (623) 236-7608.