Category Archives: News

Stage II fire restrictions and Bill Williams Mountain closure remain in effect on Kaibab National Forest despite recent rain

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WILLIAMS — While the Kaibab National Forest received some rain over the weekend, forest managers would like to remind visitors that fire danger levels continue to be elevated and that Stage II fire restrictions as well as an area closure of the Bill Williams Mountain watershed will remain in place until much more significant and widespread precipitation is received.

Officials emphasize that the Kaibab National Forest is still at the height of its fire season and that northern Arizona continues to have the potential for large, severe wildfires. The Kaibab National Forest needs the public’s continued support in preventing unwanted, human-caused wildfires.

“We have had excellent compliance with the fire restrictions and area closure that are already in place on the Kaibab National Forest,” said Jerry Parker, Forest Service law enforcement officer. “Members of the public can continue to do their part in protecting our forests by remaining vigilant and abiding by all fire restrictions and area closures.”

The Forest Service uses fire restrictions and closures to help prevent unwanted, human-caused wildfires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions.

Forest officials remind visitors that having a campfire on the National Forest while under fire restrictions is a violation of law requiring a mandatory appearance in federal court and consequent fines and possible jail time. Visitors should use extra caution when recreating on all public lands during times of the year when fire danger is increased.

For detailed information about the Stage II fire restrictions and the area closure of the Bill Williams Mountain watershed currently in effect on the Kaibab National Forest, reference the following sources:

Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
Arizona Fire Restrictions: firerestrictions.us/az

As the monsoon pours down, open this Smartphone App to help protect Arizona waterways

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PHOENIX –– Protecting Arizona waterways is as easy as opening an App on your Smartphone. As the monsoon kicks off, download the Arizona Water Watch Mobile App, recently developed by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Users can easily submit photos and data for any stream, wash, river or lake in the state within a few minutes.

This will be the first monsoon where people can report the status of waterways in Arizona using the Arizona Water Watch App. The information is used by ADEQ scientists to update flow patterns in streams and washes, address water quality issues across the state and identify water bodies for future studies. It is especially important to record when water is observed in normally dry streams and creeks to help ADEQ better understand how water moves through ecosystems.

“Working together, volunteers and state employees can cover more of Arizona, expanding our knowledge of the state’s waterways, especially during the monsoon when desert landscapes are transformed after heavy downpours,” said Meghan Smart, ADEQ Water Quality Scientist. “As information is submitted through the App and our network of Citizen Scientists expands, so does our ability to protect these important natural resources.”

After verification, the submitted information is plotted on an interactive GIS map of the entire state. The Arizona Water Watch Mobile App can be used even when out of range of cell phone service, as is common in the more remote areas of Arizona. Data are sent automatically to ADEQ when the phone returns to a service area.

Resources:

Video Interview with Meghan Smart and b-roll
Mobile App
Mobile App User Guide (PDF)
Arizona Water Watch Program

After you “Pull Aside, Stay Alive,” what comes next?

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PHOENIX – You know not to drive into the towering wall of dust. And if a dust channel whips across a highway and engulfs your vehicle, the mantra “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” can lead you to safety.

But even after you’ve pulled aside, one of the most important actions must still be taken – turn off your lights!

Turn off headlights, emergency flashers, dome lights and take your foot off the brake. Stay buckled up, set the parking brake, go dark and wait for the dust storm to pass.

Here’s why: If you become caught in a dust storm and have pulled off the highway, you’re in a dangerous spot – less dangerous than driving blind on the road, though – and want to hide. You can do that by turning off all vehicle lights. If you leave lights on, drivers behind you might believe you’ve found the way out and follow, crashing into your parked car because low-visibility affects depth perception.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has produced 30-second public service announcements – in English and Spanish – on this topic that will air statewide on television and radio throughout monsoon season as part of ADOT’s partnership with the Arizona Broadcasters Association. The PSAs can be viewed on ADOT’s YouTube channel.

As Monsoon Awareness Week begins and we near the official start of monsoon season, ADOT wants to remind drivers of the No. 1 dust-storm driving tip: Do not drive into a dust storm.

“Road trips are a great way to get out and experience all that Arizona has to offer,” Governor Doug Ducey said. “If there’s a dust storm in your path, it’s time to take a break from driving. Make the safe and smart decision to delay your travel plans and wait for the storm to pass.”

Towering, dense, blowing dust can drop visibility to zero. Just as dangerous are the small dust channels that whip across roadways in an instant, affording drivers little or no opportunity to avoid them. In such events, ADOT has developed the following “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” dust storm safety driving tips, which can help travelers survive a storm.

  • Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
  • Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway – do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
  • Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
  • Turn off all vehicle lights. You do not want other vehicles approaching from behind to use your lights as a guide, possibly crashing into your parked vehicle.
  • Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
  • Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
  • Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.

More information on dust storm safety can be found at PullAsideStayAlive.org and safety tips for driving in rainstorms can be found at azdot.gov/monsoon.

Board of Supervisors adopt tentative budget

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors tentatively adopted the County’s $182 million Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 budget during its public meeting June 5. During FY 19, the County is implementing a Strategic Investment Plan that includes funding for public safety, employee retention, behavioral health programs and criminal justice initiatives.

Some of the budget items include:

  • Adding four additional Deputy Sheriff positions to improve public safety and implementing the Law Enforcement Retention plan to lower costs associated with turnover.
  • A base market pay adjustment for all employees and a pilot housing program to improve retention and help employees with housing affordability issues.
  • County School Superintendent’s Office funding for professional development and training of teachers.
  • Investing resources to address behavioral health and substance abuse issues throughout the County to find efficiencies and reduce recidivism.
  • Hiring a Forest Restoration Director to work with community partners and industry to help prevent wildfire and subsequent post-wildfire flooding.
  • Investing Road Maintenance Sales Tax funds on capital road projects and maintenance.

“The County is excited to implement a strategic investment plan that directly impacts our citizens and empowers our employees,” said Chairman of the Board Matt Ryan. “This year, we made a concerted effort to focus on big picture priorities that will help make a real difference in people’s lives and reduce the long-term demand on County services.”

The County is expected to retain a fund balance in FY 2019 that will help the County respond to emergency situations.

“The threat of catastrophic wildfire and post-wildfire flooding is the number one public safety threat in Coconino County,” said Vice-Chair Art Babbott. “The County’s strategic investments in forest restoration and industry cultivation will help move regional restoration initiatives forward and work to protect our communities. The hiring of a County Forest Restoration Director is a key component of this initiative.”

The FY 2019 final budget will be considered for adoption June 26, 2018 and the final tax rates will be set Aug. 7, 2018.

Happy Flag Day and Honor America Days

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But let it be admitted, for argument’s sake, that mere wantonness and lust of domination would be sufficient to beget that disposition; still it may be safely affirmed, that the sense of the constituent body of the national representatives, or, in other words, the people of the several States, would control the indulgence of so extravagant an appetite. It will always be far more easy for the State governments to encroach upon the national authorities than for the national government to encroach upon the State authorities. The proof of this proposition turns upon the greater degree of influence which the State governments if they administer their affairs with uprightness and prudence, will generally possess over the people; a circumstance which at the same time teaches us that there is an inherent and intrinsic weakness in all federal constitutions; and that too much pains cannot be taken in their organization, to give them all the force which is compatible with the principles of liberty. — Alexander Hamilton, Federalist Paper No. 17

Happy Flag Day, Flag Week and Honor America Days? The Stars and Stripes line the streets of Williams, today, in honor of the event.

President Donald Trump issued the annual proclamation making June 14 flag day and this week Flag Week.

It happens to be President Trump’s birthday.

It also happens to be the beginning of Honor America Days. Honor America Days are a United States Federal Observance observed June 14 to July 4. According to 36 U.S.C. § 112, the 21 days from Flag Day through Independence Day is a period to honor the United States. On these days, U.S. Congress declares that there be public gatherings and activities during that period at which the people of the United States can celebrate and honor their country in an appropriate way.

If you have not heard about Honor America Days that is probably because the Department of Education forbids teaching Patriotic holidays. It does not show up on your calendar. It should, however.

There are a few who actually recognize the holidays. Rome, New York, for example, celebrates with a parade and a 5K Run.

Fort Stanwix honored one of their seasonal rangers who served in Afghanistan at their Honor America Days concert in 2007.

Of course kids can always think on their own. You can take time to read the Constitution of the United States of America. Take a look at the unalienable Bill of Rights. This link will take you to the Bill of Rights as originally written. There were twelve but only ten were approved. WARNING: Your eyes might be opened to how much of your liberty has been eroded. You can even read the Federalist Papers with particular emphasis on Federalist Paper No. 29.

You can read them on your iPad.

World record ahead?

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PHOENIX — David Worsham wasn’t at Prescott’s Goldwater Lake on Saturday, June 2 for the family fishing event or even the stocked rainbow trout. He was there to catch big bass. Yet the Avondale, Arizona resident left with a potential state and world record Gila trout.

Worsham caught a 23-inch, 5.12-pound Gila trout that is in the process of certification as an Arizona state record.

“It kind of fought like a catfish at first,” Worsham said. “Once it started getting closer to shore it started peeling drag. I loosened the drag so she could run a little bit. I didn’t want to horse it to shore and chance it breaking off.” Worsham said he kept the fish.

He caught the behemoth Gila on a lipless crankbait. The rest of his rig consisted of a Megabass Levante Diablo Spec-R rod, a Daiwa Tatula 100 baitcasting reel and 15-pound fluorocarbon line. He said he was fishing one of Goldwater’s coves for big bass when he noticed a lunker cruising from deep water to the shallows and back. He switched from a swimbait to the lipless crankbait and hooked the Gila.

The previous inland waters, hook-and-line Arizona state record Gila trout was 3 pounds, 5.6 ounces and 19 1/4 inches caught by Roberts Woods of Flagstaff from Frye Mesa Reservoir in 2011.

This unique fish species is one of two native trout species to Arizona. Gila trout are found only in Arizona and New Mexico. The New Mexico state record Gila trout is 4 pounds, 8 ounces. The International Game Fish Association All-Tackle World Record Gila trout stands at 3 pounds, 7 ounces and was caught by Bo Nelson in 2011 from Arizona’s Frye Mesa Reservoir. Of course, Worsham’s fish is heavier than both. His catch has not yet been certified by the IGFA.

Ironically, Worsham’s record fish came from brood stock in New Mexico’s Mora National Fish Hatchery. AZGFD believes the fish likely came from a 2016 batch of 2- to 3-pound stocked Gila trout.

AZGFD is stocking more Gila trout this month into Goldwater Lake and the West Fork of Oak Creek.

Look out for wildlife when traveling in Arizona’s high country

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PHOENIX – It’s a traffic call heard too often this time of year inside the control room at the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Traffic Operations Center: “Car versus deer.”

From sunset to sunup, it’s not uncommon for a dozen vehicle strikes with deer, as well as antelope, elk, bear and other animals, to occur during a single evening as wildlife cross rural roadways. In fact, since 2012, more collisions with animals – wildlife, livestock and family pets – happen in June than nearly every other month – October sees the most. Annually, more than 80 percent of animal-related crashes are with wildlife and 86 percent of crashes involving animals occur in rural areas.According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the higher-than-average number of wildlife-related crashes in June is likely related to the beginning of monsoon season, which translates into a “green up” of plants and provides more available water, allowing wildlife to travel greater distances and forage. It also coincides with more motorists traveling to Arizona’s high country, meaning more vehicles on roadways.

In some of the most heavily-traveled migratory corridors, ADOT has implemented creative solutions that promote safe travel, while protecting wildlife and connecting ecosystems. These projects include wildlife underpasses and elk crossings along State Route 260 east of Payson, desert bighorn sheep overpasses near Hoover Dam on US 93 and two wildlife crossing structures on State Route 77 near Tucson.

Partnering with AZGFD, these efforts have increased vehicle-travel safety, while preserving and protecting wildlife. For example, a fencing project linking three existing crossing structures on SR 260 reduced elk-vehicle collisions by 98 percent over a six-year span.

When traveling in rural areas, drivers are encouraged to pay heed to signs indicating areas where wildlife is prone to cross roadways. Obeying the speed limit and paying attention to the shoulders of roadways will also reduce the chance of crashing into an animal. AZGFD advises:

  • Deer are most active in early mornings and evenings.
  • If you see one animal there are probably more, so slow down.
  • Typically, you should not swerve to avoid hitting the animal. Stay in your lane and firmly brake.
  • However, if it is a very large animal and there is no oncoming traffic and the shoulder is safe on either side of the road, it may be safer to swerve rather than risk the impact from a large animal, like a cow, horse or adult bull elk.

Following crashes with wildlife (81.7 percent), livestock is the next most common at 13.6 percent. Family pets in urban areas make up 1.9 percent of crashes involving animals.

Multi-Agency Response to Rescue Injured Climber in Sycamore Canyon Area

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COCONINO COUNTY — On Sunday, June 10th, at 11:00am the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a climbing accident in Sycamore Canyon at the climbing area known as Paradise Forks. The caller stated that a 22-year-old female climber had fallen, was injured, and was in need of rescue. The Sheriff’s Office coordinated the response which included responders from the Sheriff’s Office, the Coconino Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit, Williams Fire Department, Lifeline Ambulance, Arizona Department of Public Safety Northern Air Rescue, and the US Forest Service.

Search and Rescue arrived at the scene at approximately 1:15pm and established a technical rope system to lower a rescuer over the edge to evaluate the patient and prepare for a rope rescue. The patient was in the bottom of Sycamore Canyon approximately 80 feet below the rim of the canyon. Due to the nature of the injury and complexity of the environment, it was determined that a short haul rescue involving the DPS Air Rescue helicopter would be the best option for the patient.

A search and rescue coordinator who is a member of the Northern Arizona Interagency Heli-Rescue Team rappelled to the patient and assisted the first search and rescue member on scene with splinting the injury and preparing the patient for extrication. At 4:25pm the patient and heli-rescue technician were short-hauled out of the canyon suspended below the helicopter to a landing zone a short distance away where an ambulance was waiting to transport the patient to the hospital. The patient was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center where she was admitted for treatment of her injuries.

The fall victim was from the Apache Junction area and was climbing with another person. She appeared to have sustained a serious leg injury.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all of the public safety organizations that responded to this incident as well as the other climbers in the area who volunteered to assist with care for the injured climber while we were responding.

ADOT works with Historic Route 66 community as bridge project nears

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PHOENIX – Connection with Interstate 40 is the lifeblood of a Historic Route 66 town like Seligman, where many tourists drop in for a taste of those neon-lit days gone by.

That’s why the Arizona Department of Transportation is partnering with Seligman to let travelers know the town will be accessible while ADOT improves bridges leading from I-40 to the west side of the community, which is about 60 miles west of Flagstaff.

While the second I-40 exit (Exit 123) and route to Seligman’s east side will remain open, a $4.3 million project starting Monday, June 11 will replace decks on three bridges between I-40 exit 121 and the west side of Seligman. These bridges are between 40 and 50 years old, and the current decks need heavy maintenance. After the 10-month project, new bridge decks will provide a smoother ride into Seligman for decades.

“ADOT understands there is never a convenient time to do construction work, but we partner with local businesses and communities to do what we can to support them through a project,” said Alvin Stump, district engineer for ADOT’s Northwest District.

ADOT representatives have met with Seligman business owners to listen to concerns and suggestions and to coordinate on ways to let travelers know Seligman will remain accessible from I-40.

The result: Signs on I-40 will direct travelers to exit 123, connecting to the east side of Seligman. ADOT also has produced a brochure and video explaining the project and noting that visitors will be able to reach Seligman from I-40 throughout the project.

“You just have to go two more miles to the next exit,” said Bob LaJeunesse, ADOT resident engineer for the project. “Also, Historic Route 66 will be open east and west, and you can still get to your favorite restaurants and tourist attractions.”

For more information on this project, visit azdot.gov/projects and click on the Northwest District.

Only days remain to apply online for 2018 fall hunts

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds hunters that only a few days remain to apply online for 2018 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison and pheasant.

All online applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, June 12.

To apply online, visit https://draw.azgfd.gov/ and scroll down to “Apply for a Draw.” As a reminder, applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license to apply online for a hunt permit-tag. That license must be valid on the last day of the online application period (June 12). Licenses are available online, at department offices and license dealers statewide.

Customer service representatives will be available at all statewide offices until 5 p.m. for those who need assistance filling out an online application. Online application assistance only will be offered until 6 p.m. Tuesday by calling (623) 236-7424.

Meanwhile, the department encourages all online applicants to sign up for a free AZGFD portal account. A portal account allows customers to create a secure account where they can view and manage their contact information, as well as their licenses, draw results history and bonus points in their personal “My AZGFD Dashboard” section. That’s also where draw results will be posted once the process is completed.

Another benefit to having a portal account is being able to purchase PointGuard when applying online for a hunt permit-tag. PointGuard ensures that if a successful online 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 $5 per species, per applicant, purchased at the time of completing the online application, or prior to the online application period deadline.

For questions about creating a portal account, call the department at (602) 942-3000 and press “7.”