Category Archives: National Government

New Motor Vehicle Use Maps available for Williams and Tusayan districts

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WILLIAMS/TUSAYAN – New Motor Vehicle Use Maps are now available for the Williams and Tusayan ranger districts of the Kaibab National Forest. The maps, which show what roads are open to motor vehicle travel, are the result of years of monitoring public feedback following implementation of the Travel Management Rule on the forest.

The maps, which are available for free at any Kaibab National Forest office, implement the decisions of the South Zone Travel Management Revision Project, signed in December by Williams and Tusayan Districts Ranger Danelle D. Harrison. The biggest change stemming from that project and reflected on the new Motor Vehicle Use Maps is the authorization of motorized dispersed camping along 276 miles of designated National Forest System roads.

Motorized dispersed camping is now authorized for 100 feet from the centerline of designated roads. Motorized dispersed camping is allowed only for ingress and egress following the most direct route from and to a designated road and for parking a recreational vehicle. In years to come, motorized dispersed camping will be authorized for 300 feet from the centerline of these designated roads. However, additional natural and cultural resource surveys will be undertaken over the next three years before the motorized dispersed camping distance is extended from 100 to 300 feet. This is to ensure forest managers can identify forest resources that may require further protection within that zone.

Prior to this new travel management decision, motorized dispersed camping was restricted to within 30 feet of forest roads open to motor vehicle use. That eliminated access for motor vehicles to many historically used and already impacted dispersed camping sites. It also created safety hazards by restricting motorized dispersed camping to within close proximity of traffic on roadways, and it negatively affected people’s camping experience by exposing them to dust, exhaust and noise. Finally, it exposed previously undisturbed portions of the Kaibab National Forest to the effects of dispersed camping-related motor vehicle traffic because people couldn’t access many historically used sites and instead starting creating new motorized dispersed camping sites in order to comply with the 30-foot regulations.

“Something needed to change,” Harrison said. “The South Zone Travel Management Revision Project was directly responsive to the hundreds to thousands of comments we received from our local community members and other forest users. We heard over and over again that our visitors were dissatisfied with their recreation experiences. It was incumbent upon us to find a better way to protect forest resources while also providing a quality motorized dispersed camping experience. We believe we’ve found that balance.”

Also as part of the new travel management decision, the following changes are being implemented:

· 14 spur roads designated for motor vehicle use have been added in the Tusayan Ranger District. These designated spur roads total approximately 1.1 miles and provide access to sites historically used for motorized dispersed camping.

· About 9 miles of National Forest System roads have been closed to motor vehicle use in the Williams and Tusayan districts to mitigate resource impacts caused by motor vehicle use on these roads.

· Approximately 24 miles of National Forest System roads have been added to the road system open to motor vehicle use in the Williams and Tusayan districts. This includes 17 miles of roads that were previously closed to motor vehicle use, 4 miles of user-created routes that were found to have no resource concerns but that provided important access to portions of the Williams Ranger District, and 3 miles of roads in the Tusayan Ranger District needed to provide access to water tanks.

· An adaptive management strategy has been established that will allow for future, limited changes to the South Zone road system.

Motorized big game retrieval was not addressed in the new travel management decision, which means the rules governing it have not changed. Within 1 mile of all open roads, except where explicitly prohibited, hunters can drive off the road to retrieve a legally killed elk using the most direct and least ground-disturbing route in and out (one trip in, one trip out) during all elk hunting seasons as designated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and for 24 hours following the end of each season.

“We made a commitment to the public to be responsive to the feedback we received and to refine our transportation system over time,” Harrison said. “We took our monitoring role seriously, and we have worked hard to make changes that we believe our local community members and other forest users will be pleased to see implemented. And, we plan to continue monitoring and improving over time by being open to what our communities and visitors are telling us.”

The Kaibab National Forest undertook the South Zone Travel Management Revision Project with the goal of improving implementation of the Travel Management Rule within the Williams and Tusayan ranger districts. The need for this effort was revealed through public and internal feedback received by the Kaibab National Forest over the years since the original travel management decisions were implemented. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has been an exceptional partner to the Forest Service during this effort by providing critical data and by advocating for improved consistency among Arizona’s National Forests to assist visitors in understanding motor vehicle travel regulations.

Besides hard copy Motor Vehicle Use Maps being available for free at Kaibab National Forest offices, there are several other motorized travel aid options that can be accessed on the “Motor Vehicle Use Maps & Motorized Travel Aids” page on the Kaibab National Forest website.

To provide feedback on the implementation of the Travel Management Rule on the Kaibab National Forest and associated Motor Vehicle Use Maps, visit the Travel Management Feedback Implementation Comment Form online.

Fire Managers Urge Public Not To Fly Drones Over or Near Wildland Fire Operations

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WILLIAMS – Kaibab National Forest officials along with all federal, state, and local wildland fire agencies are reminding members of the public not to fly “Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)” or drones over or near wildfire or prescribed fire operations at any time.

With fire season rapidly approaching, land managers are taking a proactive approach to alert recreationalists and forest users of the inherent dangers of flying drones near fire management activities. Unauthorized UAS flights can potentially cause serious accidents, disrupt aerial firefighting operations, and pose significant safety hazards to both the public and personnel working in the air and on the ground.

Air tankers and helicopters are valuable resources used to rapidly curtail the spread of unwanted wildfires that can often be very difficult to suppress. They are sometimes the deciding factor in successfully stopping a fast moving wildfire. These aircraft typically fly at very low altitudes and UAS interference can instantly stop operations requiring air resources to be grounded due to the potential for a midair collision. Unforeseen intrusions of this nature impede suppression efforts and compromise the safety of firefighting personnel. The impending consequences have the potential to threaten communities and endanger lives.

With interest and popularity rising steadily in this recreational activity, documented incidents of drone incursions on wildland fire incidents have doubled over the last two years and trends are indicating more of the same as the numbers of UAS sales continue to climb.

A number of websites are available to the public to obtain more information about UAS safe practices and Federal Aviation Administration requirements. For guidance see http://www.faa.gov/uas/model_aircraft/

Also, available is a UAS awareness campaign called “If You Fly, We Can’t” designed to keep UAS pilots away from airspace used by firefighters. See: https://www.fs.fed.us/fire/aviation/uas.html.

To learn more or to report a safety-related UAS event, got to the FAA’s Aviation Safety Hotline website at https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/aae/programs_services/faa_hotlines/

BLM to host two additional public meetings on target shooting management on Sonoran Desert National Monument

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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has scheduled two additional information meetings at which it seeks input on recreational target shooting management alternatives for the Sonoran Desert National Monument. The meeting dates and locations are:

  • Feb. 11: noon to 3 p.m., Copper Sky Recreation Center, 44342 W Martin Luther King Blvd., Maricopa.
  • Feb. 21: 4-7 p.m., Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N Central Ave., Phoenix.

The purpose of the meetings is to present the draft management alternatives, answer public questions, and receive public input to be considered as the planning process progresses. During the first 30 minutes of each meeting, the BLM will provide opening remarks describing the ground rules and will proceed to present the alternatives. The remaining time will be conducted in an open house format, during which staff will answer additional questions and receive input to be considered. Three meetings were previously held Jan. 19-21 in Phoenix and Casa Grande.

The 90-day comment period will close on March 15, 2017. All comments must be received prior to this date in order to be included in the final analysis.

Following the public comment period, the BLM will consider all of the input and begin work to finalize the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA).

Stakeholders and other members of the public are encouraged to submit their comments for the record through the BLM online land use planning tool, ePlanning. Written comments may be mailed to the BLM’s project manager, Wayne Monger, at 21605 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85027, faxed to (623) 580-5623, or e-mailed to BLM_AZ_SDNMtargetshooting@BLM.gov.

SDNM RMP Planning Website: http://bit.ly/SDNMtargetshooting.

Schreiber Processing Corp. Recalls Chicken Tender Products

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A Class I Recall is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.

WASHINGTON – Schreiber Processing Corp., a Maspeth, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,330 pounds of chicken tender products that may be contaminated with plastic and misbranded, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The breaded chicken breast tenders were produced on December 8, 2016 and packaged on December 9, 2016. The following products are subject to recall:

10-lb. boxes containing “Meal Mart BATTERED & BREADED CHICKEN BREAST TENDERS” bearing item code 03-CTB and production code 0246

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-787” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to institutional and retail locations in New Jersey, New York, and Washington.

The problem was discovered after the firm received a consumer complaint.

There have been no confirmed reports of injury or illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Mordechai Milworn, Q&A/HAACP Manager, at (718) 894-2000 ext. 336.

Meetings aim to shape future off-highway vehicle recreation on BLM land

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts who utilize Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands to participate in a series of workshops organized by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC).

“Whether you ride to see the countryside, to view wildlife or while hunting or fishing, OHVs are key for thousands of Arizonans and visitors to access the outdoors,” said Josh Hurst, AZGFD Off-Highway Vehicle Program coordinator. “To enhance OHV opportunities and plan for the future, the public is being given the opportunity to work with NOHVCC to help inform the BLM’s Travel Management and Recreation Management plans.”

To gather feedback, NOHVCC will hold a series of meetings around the state, where people will learn about current BLM activities and can offer their experiences on BLM managed land. The public can also provide input on what experiences can’t currently be found on BLM managed lands in Arizona and what could be done to better enhance OHV recreation.

Meetings are scheduled for the following times, dates and locations:

6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23 at the Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center 850 S. Bluff Street in St. George, Utah
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 24 at the Ramada at 3100 E. Andy Divine Ave. in Kingman
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 at the Quartzite Community Center at 295 Chandler Street in Quartzite
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites at 5151 E. Grant Road in Tucson
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27 at the Coffinger Park Recreation Center at 175 E. Swilling Ave. in Wickenburg
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at the La Quinta Inn at 2510 W. Greenway Road in Phoenix

Those unable to participate in one of the meetings, but would like to provide input, can submit comments and questions to trailhead@nohvcc.org.

Kaibab National Forest plans pile burns on Tusayan and Williams districts

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WILLIAMS – Fire managers plan to burn piles on the Tusayan and Williams ranger districts of the Kaibab National Forest tomorrow and Friday. The piles are the result of forest restoration efforts, and the goal of burning them is to further reduce fuels that could feed high-intensity wildfire.

Tusayan Ranger District

Tusayan Ranger District fire managers plan to burn piles scattered within a 100-acre area tomorrow and Friday just west of the Town of Tusayan and Grand Canyon Airport. The piles have cured over the last two years and are expected to consume quickly. Winds on Thursday are expected to be from the southwest, which would push any smoke produced toward the northeast. However, fire managers anticipate that any smoke impacts to Tusayan or the airport would be very light. At night, downslope wind is expected to move smoke west away from Tusayan and the airport. On Friday, winds are predicted to be from the northeast, which should push any smoke produced southwest away from developed areas. No smoke impacts are anticipated for Tusayan or the airport Friday. No road or trail closures are expected.

Williams Ranger District

Williams Ranger District fire managers plan to burn piles scattered within a 52-acre area tomorrow and Friday near Kunde Knoll, about 8 miles south of Williams. Smoke is expected to drift to the north and northeast during the day and will be most noticeable in the immediate area surrounding the pile burn during ignitions and for a few hours afterward. Smoke impacts to any developed areas or nearby communities are expected to be light.

Also on Thursday and Friday, Williams fire managers plan to burn the single, large natural debris pile at Three Sisters Cinder Pit, located north of Cataract Lake about two miles northwest of Williams. Smoke is expected to be pushed north and northeast during daytime hours, away from Williams. However, light smoke may be noticeable in the northern portions of Williams during overnight hours.

No road or trail closures are expected with either pile burn on the Williams Ranger District.

General Information

Implementation of any particular prescribed fire, including a pile burn, is dependent on weather and fuel conditions including winds, temperature, humidity, moisture of the vegetation and ventilation conditions for dispersal of smoke. All prescribed fires are subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division and to view prescribed burn authorizations for any given day, visit http://www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/smoke-management.

In the interest of safety, visitors are always reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of prescribed fires, as firefighters, fire-related traffic and smoke may all be present.

Notifications of upcoming prescribed fires are provided regularly throughout the year. Members of the public can find this information through the following sources:

The J.M. Smucker Company Announces a Limited Voluntary Recall on Certain Lots of Canned Cat Food

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Orrville, OH – The J.M. Smucker Company today announced a limited voluntary recall on certain lots of 9LivesTM, EverPetTM, and Special KittyTM canned cat food due to possible low levels of thiamine (Vitamin B1).

The issue was discovered by the Quality Assurance team during review of production records at the manufacturing facility. No illnesses related to this issue have been reported to date and the product is being recalled out of an abundance of caution.

Cats fed diets low in thiamine for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency. Thiamine is essential for cats. Symptoms of deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature. Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting, and weight loss. In advanced cases, neurological signs can develop, which include ventroflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, circling, falling, and seizures. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat is displaying any of these symptoms. If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible.

The affected product was distributed to a limited number of retail customers from December 20 through January 3, 2017.
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Houdini Inc. Recalls Blue Cheese Savory Twists, 7 Oz Box Because of Possible Health Risk

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Houdini Inc. of Fullerton, California is recalling limited quantities of Blue Cheese Savory Twists, 7 oz box after the FDA found traces of Salmonella at the manufacturing facility of the ingredient supplier for the powdered buttermilk used to make the Blue Cheese seasoning in these products.  Although no pathogenic bacteria have been found in the powdered products supplied to our Savory Twist supplier by the ingredient manufacturer, nor in any of the Blue Cheese Savory Twists themselves, we have decided out of an abundance of caution to recall products produced from the specific lots purchased from this ingredient supplier.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

A limited quantity of products was distributed nationwide to consumers through Houdini Inc.’s direct to consumer division Wine Country Gift Baskets (catalog / internet) and Houdini Inc’s wholesale division.

Affected product includes the following details:

Gift Basket Name: Lot code number:
Wine Country Gift Baskets:
Wine Trio LC448865
Napa & Sonoma Valley Exclusive LC449695
Bodega de San Antonio Sangria Tradicional LC446420
California Cabernet and Chardonnay Gift LC451463
Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Duet LC450020
Placeholder Six Bottle WOM Wines Collection    LC448789
The Ultimate Wine and Champagne Collection  LC448866
Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Collection LC449703
The Classic LC444761, LC446625, LC446626, LC451389
Lasting Impression LC447394, LC452566
Wine Country Extravaganza LC445632
Grgich Hills Napa Valley Selection LC444483
Gift Basket Name: Lot code number:
Vintners Path Merlot Season’s Greetings LC444763
Stag’s Leap Winery Collection LC449624
Vintners Path Cabernet Season’s Greetings LC445181
Houdini Napa Valley Collection LC445631
Vintners Path Chardonnay  Season’s Greetings  LC444766
Alfasi Cabernet Kosher Selection LC444152
Alfasi Kosher Trio LC446250
Alfasi Chardonnay Kosher Selection LC444153
Napa and Sonoma Duet LC448370
California Wine Crate LC450022
The Classic LC451792, LC454676
TJX Companies:
Metal Basket with Handles LC449614
Metal Basket with Leather Handles LC446548, LC446549, LC446550
Sam’s Club:
The Executive LC442525, LC442751, LC443675
Costco Southeast Region:
Burgundy and Bronze Metal Basket LC448217, LC448218, LC448219, LC50256, LC52057, LC50258
Costco Northeast Region:
Houdini Fabric basket LC448981
Costco Midwest Region:
Wooden Centerpiece LC448210
Costco.com:
Tis The Season LC445630
Sweets For The Season LC446542

Houdini Inc. is committed to providing only the highest quality of product and is taking this action out of an abundance of caution in interest of consumer protection.

This recall only affects the 7oz Blue Cheese Savory Twist in gift baskets shipped or sold in stores from September 1, 2016 to December 12, 2016. There is no issue with any of the other food products in the gift basket.

Houdini Inc. has not experienced any problems or complaints about this product. To date, no injuries or illnesses have been reported. If you have any 7 oz Blue Cheese Savory Twists remaining, please discard them; do not consume. If you gave the product to someone, please let them know to discard the product. This is a voluntary recall as a precautionary measure. This voluntary recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

If you have any questions concerning this recall, please contact Houdini Customer Care at 866-712-5910 between the hours of 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST Monday – Friday.

Sample of lot code label, found on the bottom of the basket, a white label with black printing:

Pictures of the external packaging for the Blue Cheese Savory twists. The product was packaged in a variety of colors. Red Package, Copper Package, Green Package

Internal Package:  If your foil package does NOT have one of the two lot codes listed below printed on the pouch, your item is not part of this recall.

Internal Package Code Date:

1831602 XX (XX=last 2 digits refer to specific packaging machine)

2431602 XX (XX=last 2 digits refer to specific packaging machine)

Williams-Sonoma Announces the Voluntary Recall of Meyer Lemon Poppy Quick Bread

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Williams-Sonoma of San Francisco, CA is voluntarily recalling limited quantities of WILLIAMS-SONOMA MEYER LEMON POPPY SEED QUICK BREAD, as it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The ingredient supplier has issued a recall of the bulk milk powder. Although no pathogenic bacteria have been found in the powdered milk product supplied in Williams-Sonoma’s product, we have decided out of an abundance of caution to recall the product produced from the specific lot received from our ingredient supplier.

Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The affected Williams-Sonoma Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Quick Bread was shipped to Williams-Sonoma retail stores nationwide from August 2016-present. The following product code is affected by the recall:

Williams-Sonoma Meyer Lemon Poppy Seed Quick Bread
NET WT. 1 LB. 2 OZ
Packaged in a yellow paper bag
SKU 7839186 (located on price sticker)
BEST BY: JAN2018 02118:A1 OR JAN2018 02018:A1 (located on the back flap)

Consumers who have purchased Williams-Sonoma Meyer Lemon Poppy Quick Bread are urged to discontinue use and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company by email at customerservice@williams-sonoma.com or phone at 1-844-526-4666, 7am-midnight ET daily.

Ron’s Home Style Foods, Inc. Recalls Tropical Fruit Supreme, Pineapple Nut Delight, and Pistachio Crème

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Houston, TEXAS — Ron’s Home Style Foods, Inc. is recalling Tropical Fruit Supreme, Pineapple Nut Delight, and Pistachio Crème, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Tropical Fruit Supreme, Pineapple Nut Delight, and Pistachio Crème were distributed in Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma to foodservice distributors and retail supermarkets.

Product is packaged in plastic containers with the following information on the label.

Product UPC Size Brand Use By:
Tropical Fruit Supreme 096938842027 5 lb. Ron’s Home Style Foods 12/27/16, 1/18/17, and 2/6/17
Tropical Fruit Supreme 046045022294 5 lb. Golden Harvest 12/27/16, 1/18/17, and 2/6/17
Tropical Fruit Supreme 096938841013 1 lb. Texas Kitchen Salads 12/27/16, 1/18/17, and 2/6/17
Pineapple Nut Delight 096938822029 5 lb. Ron’s Home Style Foods 12/27/16, 1/18/17, and 2/6/17
Pineapple Nut Delight 096938900086 12 oz. Brookshire’s 12/27/16, 1/18/17, and 2/6/17
Pistachio Crème 096938832028 5 lb. Ron’s Home Style Foods 12/27/16, 1/2/17, 1/18/17, and 2/6/17
Pistachio Crème 096938831014 1 lb. Texas Kitchen Salads 12/27/16, 1/2/17, 1/18/17, and 2/6/17
Pistachio Crème 096938900079 12 oz. Brookshire’s 12/27/16, 1/2/17, 1/18/17, and 2/6/17

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall is due to a recall of an ingredient used in manufacturing these products. Valley Milk Products reported that certain lots of dry milk they manufactured have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. While Pistachio Crème does not contain the ingredient, it is made on the same production line as Tropical Fruit Supreme and Pineapple Nut Delight therefore we are recalling it as well.

Consumers who have purchased the above products are urged not to consume the product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1.800.856.3131, M-F 8am-4pm CST.