Category Archives: State Government

Game and Fish seeks information to catch deer poacher on Arizona Strip

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FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking the public’s help in finding those responsible for the illegal killing of a mule deer doe recently on the Arizona Strip.

The doe was illegally taken out of season and was discovered on the Arizona Strip in an area locally known as Low Mountain, about 20 miles south of St. George, Utah. Investigators believe the doe was killed within the past 10 days in a remote area accessible from a gypsum mine located off Interstate 15.

While some meat was removed from the animal, much of the carcass was left to waste.

“Poaching is a serious crime that impacts every sportsman and woman within the state of Arizona,” said AZGFD Region 2 Field Supervisor Luke Thompson. “Poaching robs all Arizonans of their valuable wildlife resources. This is not the act of a hunter. It’s a crime that can likely be solved with one tip that can help us bring those responsible to justice.”

Anyone with information about the cases can call the AZGFD’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll free at (800) 352-0700 or use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/thief. Callers may remain confidential upon request.

A reward of up to $750 may be available for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s).

Game and Fish seeks information on elk poaching case near Strawberry

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operation_game_thief_footerFLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking the public’s help in finding those responsible for the illegal killing of a yearling elk found in the Strawberry area on or about Sunday, May 22.

The elk was illegally taken out of season and was discovered along Highway 87 north of Strawberry in Game Management Unit 6A. In this case, some of the edible meat was left to waste and was dumped at a different location than where the poaching is suspected to have taken place.

The case remains ongoing, but investigators believe the poaching occurred on the National Forest  between Pine and Happy Jack. Evidence collected at the scene is currently being analyzed by the crime lab.

“Someone may have information about this case and we need them to come forward,” said Game and Fish said Wildlife Manager Garrett Fabian. “Sportsmen and women pay for licenses and tags and contribute to wildlife conservation and management, but poachers do not. Poaching isn’t hunting, it’s stealing Arizona’s valuable wildlife resources.”

Anyone with information about the cases can call the AZGFD’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll free at (800) 352-0700 or use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/thief. Callers should provide case number 16-001353 when calling. Callers may remain confidential upon request.

A reward of up to $750 may be available for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s).

I-11 public comment period begins; six meetings planned for June

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With six public meetings scheduled in June and an opportunity for the public to contribute in other ways, Arizonans can help shape the next step in planning for the proposed Interstate 11 as the Arizona Department of Transportation moves ahead on a three-year environmental study for a corridor stretching from Nogales to Wickenburg.

Planned as much more than a highway, I-11 is envisioned as a multimodal corridor connecting Arizona with regional and international markets while opening up new opportunities for mobility, trade, job growth and economic competitiveness.

ADOT has opened a 45-day comment period allowing Arizonans to provide input on the I-11 study area, a process known as public scoping. It’s an opportunity to ask questions and share comments about topics such as potential locations for the I-11 corridor, environmental considerations, impact on wildlife habitats or cultural resources, and possible opportunities for other transportation modes, such as rail, that may be considered.

“The progress on the Interstate 11 study shows ADOT’s commitment to establish a key border-to-border corridor and a trade route with Mexico that will continue our state’s efforts to boost commerce, job growth and economic development,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “We have the support of partner agencies throughout the study corridor who realize the benefits that I-11 can bring in terms of competitiveness, regional and global connections, and business opportunities through this new freight and travel route.”

The recommended I-11 corridor would likely follow US 93 from the Hoover Dam bypass bridge south to Wickenburg. The 280-mile corridor that is the focus of the current environmental study begins in Wickenburg and runs west of the Phoenix metropolitan area and then south to the Tucson area and then Nogales.

Publishing a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act, kicks off the formal environmental study process, as ADOT works to prepare a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement to select an I-11 corridor alternative between Nogales and Wickenburg.

Six public meetings are scheduled in the study area:

Wednesday, June 8
Dorothy Powell Senior Adult Center – Dining Room
405 E. Sixth St.
Casa Grande

Wednesday, June 15
Buckeye Community Center – Multipurpose Room
201 E. Centre Ave.
Buckeye

Tuesday, June 21
Nogales High School – Cafeteria
1905 N. Apache Blvd.
Nogales

Wednesday, June 22
Arizona Riverpark Inn
777 W. Cushing St.
Tucson

Thursday, June 23
Marana Middle School – Gymnasium
11285 W. Grier Rd.
Marana

Wednesday, June 29
Wickenburg Community Center
160 N. Valentine St.
Wickenburg

All meetings run from 4 to 6:30 p.m., with presentations beginning at approximately 4:15 p.m. The same information will be presented at each meeting.

Those interested in commenting on the study but are unable to attend a public meeting are encouraged to visit the study website at i11study.com/Arizona and complete an online survey. All feedback, questions and comments will be considered part of the study, are entered into the project record and will help shape the proposed I-11 corridor.

In March, ADOT, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, launched the three-year study. Until now, a process called pre-scoping has included meetings with federal, state and local governments, resource agencies and planning organizations within the study corridor.

The first step in the study is developing an Alternatives Selection Report to assess a wide range of corridor alternatives and options, along with opportunities and constraints. A Draft Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement will evaluate in greater detail a smaller number of corridor alternatives, including segments that may advance as independent improvements or projects. There will be a no-build alterative as well.

Input from the public, communities and other stakeholders will contribute to these two reports, as well as a Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement that will list a selected corridor alternative.

In November 2014, the Arizona and Nevada departments of transportation completed a two-year feasibility study as the first step in the Interstate 11 process. In December 2015, Congress formally designated Interstate 11 from north to south in Arizona through the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act. While the designation doesn’t include funding, it does make the corridor eligible for federal funding in the future.

During the next three years, the public, communities and other stakeholders will have opportunities to comment through regular meetings, community events and other forums. Right now, comments can be sent to:

Interstate 11 Tier 1 EIS Study Team
c/o ADOT Communications
1655 W. Jackson St., Mail Drop 126F
Phoenix, AZ 85007

For more information about the I-11 study, visit i11study.com/Arizona.

ADOT takes high-tech approach when freeway needs a lift

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PHOENIX — When a section of freeway settles a bit, taking a high-tech approach to the repair work allows the Arizona Department of Transportation to give the roadway a lift without digging up the pavement.

That’s now the case along the Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) in the Scottsdale area, where ADOT is injecting a foam that hardens as it expands to stabilize the soil and lift the pavement. Crews have removed a minor roadway dip without the disruption of digging up and replacing part of the freeway.

The foam injections are being done as part of the ongoing ADOT project to widen and improve Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). Repairing the depression in the freeway’s northbound lanes near McDonald Drive is one of the project team’s last work items before completing the addition of a new layer of smooth rubberized asphalt in that area.

“This is certainly less disruptive than digging up the freeway to do reconstruction work,” said Steve Boschen, director of ADOT’s Infrastructure Delivery and Operations Division. “It is a high-tech fix when it comes to long-term ground settlement beneath a freeway. Expansion foam isn’t the answer in all cases, but we’ve had some great success in offsetting the effects of ground settlement.”

Over time, ADOT and contractors have used the expansion foam at other freeway locations where the ground and pavement have settled. It has been used a number of times to lift concrete slabs on either end of freeway bridges. As the foam is injected beneath the freeway, it hardens as it expands and lifts the pavement while stabilizing the soil to guard against future settlement.

“It’s already made a noticeable difference with the dip that drivers may have noticed as they traveled northbound on Loop 101 near the Arizona Canal crossing north of McDonald Drive,” said Dan Haskins, ADOT’s resident engineer on the Loop 101 widening project. “We’re able to work during overnight hours with lane closures. The contractor drills very small holes in the freeway pavement. Crews are then able to run narrow hoses to a depth underground where open space in the soil can be filled with the expansion foam. In this case we’re going as far as 30 feet beneath the freeway.”

Before the foam injection is scheduled, ADOT geotechnical staff members have the job of examining the area where the ground beneath the freeway has settled to determine if the use of the foam is the recommended course of action. More advanced soil testing is then done using equipment to map the ground where settling has occurred. That helps give crews the information they need to inject the foam and stabilize the soil.

The Loop 101 widening project between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 is adding new outside lanes and other improvements along an 11-mile stretch of the freeway. In addition to the current soil-stabilization work near the McDonald Drive interchange, crews are adding a new top layer of smooth rubberized asphalt along the freeway in a series of weekend closures. The entire project is scheduled for completion by this fall.

Tiger trout to be stocked in Rim Lakes for Memorial Day weekend

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PINETOP — The Arizona Game and Fish Department will be stocking a hybrid trout new to Arizona, in two Arizona Rim Country lakes this week, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Willow Springs Lake and Woods Canyon Lake will each be stocked with catchable size (8-10 inch) tiger trout the week of May 23.

The tiger trout is a brown-brook trout hybrid. As a result of this hybridization, the tiger trout will be sterile, or unable to reproduce. As tiger trout grow, their worm-like pattern becomes more distinct.

Last summer, the AZGFD obtained around 18,000 tiger trout fingerlings (3-6 inches) from Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. The trout were raised at the Tonto Creek Hatchery near Payson until they grew to a catchable (at least 8 inch) size.

In addition to Woods Canyon and Willow Springs Lake being stocked with tiger trout, Becker Lake and Carnero Lake were stocked with tiger trout earlier in May. In all of these lakes, tiger trout are being stocked in addition to rainbow trout.

At Woods Canyon Lake and Willow Springs Lake, the standard bag limit of six trout in any combination applies.

At Becker Lake and Carnero Lake, special regulations apply. Becker Lake is catch-and-release only, artificial fly and lure only, and a single barbless hook. At Carnero Lake, there is a two trout daily bag limit, in any combination, and only artificial fly and lure only can be used.

“People typically fly fish for tiger trout,” said Mike Lopez, AZGFD aquatics program manager. “They’re probably more like a brown trout, so lures and flies should work well, because they actively look for prey.”

Lopez also suggests that fishing in the early morning or late in the day will be the most successful because the tiger trout will be most active at those times.

These four lakes were chosen because they are currently managed for rainbow trout sport fishing. Adding tiger trout to the lakes will add diversity and expanded opportunities to the Arizona fishing experience. Because the tiger trout are sterile, the fish won’t establish downstream and potentially impact native fish.

See more information about fishing in Arizona.

Governor signs HB 2324 as a boost to Arizona military families

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PHOENIX — A bill to allow spouses of active duty military personnel stationed in Arizona to qualify for Arizona resident hunting and fishing licenses has been signed into law. Governor Doug Ducey signed House Bill 2324: G&F; military spouses; resident licenses, sponsored by Representative Frank Pratt (LD-8, Casa Grande).

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted unanimously at their January 2016 meeting to support this expression of gratitude for the families whose service and sacrifice protect our liberties. Under current law, an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in Arizona either permanently or temporarily may purchase a resident license permitting the taking of wildlife. HB2324 now extends that privilege to their spouses as well.

“In partnership with Rep. Pratt, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Commission are proud to honor our active duty military and their spouses. We thank them, and all our veterans, for their sacrifice and service to this country.” said Commission Chairman Kurt Davis.

A valid license is required for taking wildlife, including fish, in Arizona. A resident of Arizona can enjoy the benefits of a combination Hunting and Fishing license, valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, for only $57.

In general, an Arizona resident is a person who is domiciled (claims the state of Arizona as their permanent home and principal residence) in this state for six months immediately preceding the date of application for a license, permit, tag, or stamp and does not claim residency for any purpose in another state or jurisdiction.

Through the years, the department has consistently implemented programs that provide hunting tags and opportunities for veterans, wounded warriors, and military personnel to hunt on military installations throughout AZ.

The Department also has partnered with non-profit organizations serving veterans so that unused hunting permits or tags may be donated to veterans with service-connected disabilities.

No state highway construction closures over Memorial Day weekend

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In 2015, 295 people were killed on Arizona roads in alcohol-related crashes. Don’t drink and drive.

PHOENIX — During the Memorial Day weekend, state and local agencies are focusing on keeping motorists safe and placing equipment and resources along heavily traveled highways to help move traffic should incidents occur.

The Arizona Department of Transportation and its contractors won’t schedule construction closures along state highways from Friday through late Monday evening. Drivers are urged to use caution over the holiday weekend in existing work zones and in three “holiday travel corridors” that will receive extra enforcement and resources to minimize travel delays.

As they have during recent major holiday weekends, ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety are emphasizing safety in three high-traffic zones: Interstate 17 between north Phoenix and Flagstaff, Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson and State Route 87 between Mesa and Payson. Along those routes, ADOT crews will strategically stage equipment, such as loaders and utility trucks, minimizing travel delays with faster response times to crashes and stalled vehicles. Overhead signs will update travelers on traffic conditions and safety reminders.

DPS will focus on preventing three leading causes of traffic deaths: speeding, impaired driving and lack of seat-belt use. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is working with local, county and state law enforcement agencies on a holiday DUI enforcement campaign. Last year in Arizona, 12 people died in 11 fatal traffic collisions during the holiday weekend. Six of the crashes were alcohol-related.

No closures are scheduled during the holiday weekend, but travelers should be aware that existing work-zone restrictions with lane reductions will remain in place. This includes I-10 in Benson and eastbound I-40 about 30 miles east of Kingman.

Because unexpected delays can occur due to crashes and stalled vehicles, drivers are encouraged to:
• Pack extra drinking water and snacks
• Avoid the busiest travel times, if possible
• Get plenty of rest before driving
• Check vehicles, including tire pressure, belts and fluid levels

If a trip to Sedona is in your holiday weekend plans, town officials urge motorists traveling north on I-17 to consider taking State Route 260 and US 89A and avoid heavy traffic on State Route 179.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Travel Information Center at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed @ArizonaDOT.

One-day fishing licenses are 50-percent off: get yours before the holiday weekend

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PHOENIX — Your next outdoor adventure just got more affordable: through May 30, the Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering half-price discounts on short-term fishing licenses. The license discount is only available online.

This is the first time the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has offered such a license discount. AZGFD is excited to be able to offer better products and increased value while continuing to conserve wildlife for future generations.

Just in time for the Memorial Holiday weekend, short-term (one-day) fishing licenses are only $7.50 per day for Arizona residents and $10 per day for non-residents.

Pick your favorite spot, and get back to basics with some quiet time at the lake. This is the perfect opportunity to tussle with some tiger trout that will be stocked into Mogollon Rim lakes just in time for the first big camping weekend of the year.

In spring 2013, Senate Bill 1223 gave the Arizona Game and Fish Commission authority to change license structure and fees through a streamlined, customer-focused process. AZGFD, which receives no general fund tax revenue, now has the flexibility to offer new products and pricing in response to changing conditions and customer needs.

Visit azgfd.gov for more information and to stay “in the know” on future offers and products.

In Williams, fishing licenses are available at the Outdoor Store on Fourth Street and Route 66, Saya’s on First Street and Route 66 and other locations.

Smoke from forest fire to reduce visibility on Interstate 17 near Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — Motorists traveling on Interstate 17 and State Route 87 in northern Arizona are likely to see smoke over the next week from three fires burning in the Coconino National Forest.

The Cowboy, Mormon and Pivot Rock fires are relatively small in size, and the U.S. Forest Service is allowing them to burn. Smoke could be visible through the weekend from all three fires.

The Cowboy fire is just east of I-17 at the Kelly Canyon Road interchange north of Munds Park. There could be heavy smoke along I-17 between the Newman Park Road and Kelly Canyon Road interchanges on Tuesday as Forest Service crews manage the fire along the interstate.

Flames will be visible from I-17. Smoke will most likely settle over the interstate Tuesday night.

Motorists are advised to use caution, as the smoke could reduce visibility and firefighters will be working near the highway.

Smoke from the Mormon fire, about five miles east of Munds Park, could affect visibility along SR 87 north of Clints Well.

Smoke from the Pivot Rock fire near SR 87 at milepost 284 could also affect visibility along the highway south of Clints Well.

Motorists traveling along State Route 288 north of Roosevelt Lake may also encounter smoke from the Juniper fire, another managed fire in the Sierra Ancha Wilderness Area of the Tonto National Forest.

The Forest Service, under certain conditions, allows fires to burn to reduce fuels and the risk of more severe wildfires. During managed fire operations, community members and visitors may see fire personnel and vehicles in the vicinity.

To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the Arizona Department of Transportation Traveler Information Center at az511.gov, call 511 or follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT).

Cross-border traffic on the rise between Arizona and Mexico

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PHOENIX — Nearly 8,000 more trucks, 400,000 more passenger vehicles and 900,000 more people entering the U.S. in 2015 through Arizona’s international ports of entry speak to numbers critical to this state’s economy:

• $30 billion in imports and exports passing through Arizona’s ports during the year, including much of the produce consumed in the U.S. during the winter.
• $16.8 billion in Arizona exports to Mexico during 2015.
• 100,000 Arizona jobs supported by trade with Mexico.
• $7.8 million spent daily by those visiting Arizona from Mexico.

“The impact of our ports of entry is far reaching,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “The increase in cross-border traffic is another example of Arizona’s flourishing business climate and growing opportunities for economic development.”

U.S. Department of Transportation figures for northbound traffic at Arizona ports of entry showed commercial trucks up 2.1 percent (388,657 total), passenger vehicles up 4.5 percent (8.9 million total) and people visiting Arizona up 4.1 percent (23.8 million total).

U.S. DOT data show that traffic has increased steadily through the years at ports of entry in Nogales, San Luis, Douglas, Lukeville, Naco and Sasabe:

“This amount of cross-border traffic and the continual upward trend in volume means we must continue to make smart investments at the border and ensure that our ports of entry have the necessary staffing and resources to operate effectively, efficiently and safely,” said John Halikowski, director of the Arizona Department of Transportation. “ADOT is working to improve transportation infrastructure at the border, along with traffic flows, with projects slated for State Route 189 and Interstate 19, and ongoing efforts to study how to build Interstate 11 from Nogales to the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge.”

David Farca, president of the Arizona-Mexico Commission, noted that the figures don’t reflect the fact that ports handle southbound traffic as well.

“In reality, our ports of entry processed close to 800,000 trucks, 17 million cars, 48 million people and 1,600 trains,” Farca said. “The ports of entry that connect Arizona to Mexico are of great significance to our economy.”

Arizona also sees considerable sales tax revenue from people who pass through ports of entry to shop, not only in the border communities but the Tucson and Phoenix areas as well.

“A vibrant business relationship with Mexico is key to the growth of Arizona’s economy,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “Our region shares many assets and strengths in areas such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, optics, agriculture and much more. Continuing to link resources and leverage assets such as infrastructure and transportation will diversify our economy and enhance our region’s overall competitive position.”

ADOT, the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Arizona-Mexico Commission and the Arizona Office of Tourism promote trade and quality infrastructure as members of the Transportation and Trade Corridor Alliance (azttca.org). The group, which also includes community leaders in transportation and international trade, was created in 2012 to help boost economic development and create jobs.