Category Archives: State Government

More than 100 captive desert tortoises need forever homes

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PHOENIX — For some, a dog or cat will do just fine. But for others who are considering adopting something truly unique to Arizona, say hello to your next family member:

A Sonoran desert tortoise.

“Many people don’t even consider opening up their homes to desert tortoises, but they make fantastic and personable pets,” said Tegan Wolf, desert tortoise adoption program coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD).

“It’s rewarding to hear stories from those who have adopted a captive tortoise and made them part of the family, because they’re a unique alternative to traditional family pets. They offer many of the same life lessons to children, and they can provide just as much companionship and personality as a dog or cat.”

Due primarily to illegal breeding, AZGFD has more than 100 tortoises of various ages and sizes available for adoption. Captive tortoises grow up to about 14 inches long and can live upward of 100 years. They cannot be released back into the wild, however, because they could spread diseases that harm wild populations.

Arizona residents interested in providing an adoptive home should review the Tortoise Adoption Program page on the department’s website. How to properly care for a desert tortoise, including instructions on how to build an enclosure/burrow, also are included.

Once the burrow is completed, potential adopters can submit an online application at www.azgfd.gov/tortoise. All applications will be reviewed, and applicants will be contacted by the department. Adopters must have a securely enclosed yard and construct a separate enclosure/burrow to protect the tortoise from potential hazards, such as a fire pit, unfenced pool or dogs.

The enclosed area must include an appropriate shelter for the tortoise to escape Arizona’s extreme summer heat and a place to brumate — a seasonal period of inactivity similar to hibernation — during winter.

AZGFD allows for one tortoise to be adopted per person, per household, but an additional tortoise of the same sex can be adopted if it is placed in a completely separate enclosure, as these reptiles can be territorial. Federal law prohibits desert tortoises from being transported across state lines.

While it is illegal to remove Sonoran desert tortoises from the wild, it’s also illegal to allow them to breed in captivity. AZGFD and its partners must spend valuable resources and time each year to find homes for dozens of captive tortoises.

“One female tortoise living to 80 years old can produce more than 800 babies in her lifetime,” Wolf said. “This is why it is crucial that we work together to ensure that tortoises are not only placed in proper homes, but with responsible owners.”

For more information about AZGFD’s Tortoise Adoption Program, or to provide a donation to help the department cover costs for tortoise food, shelter and medical expenses, visit www.azgfd.gov/tortoise. Or listen to the “Wild About Arizona” episode on desert tortoise adoption, the official podcast of AZGFD.

If you suspect someone is illegally breeding Sonoran desert tortoises, contact the department’s Operation Game Thief hotline at 800-352-0700. Those submitting a tip can remain anonymous.

Arizonans can now renew driver licenses online

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PHOENIX – Renewing a standard Arizona driver license and a commercial driver license can now be completed with a few clicks on a website.

As Governor Doug Ducey’s Executive Order on deferring standard driver license expiration dates ends on February 28, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is giving many Arizonans the ability to renew their driver license online. Previously, renewals could only be processed during an office visit.

“Most Arizonans with a standard driver license must renew their license when they turn 65 years of age and every five years thereafter,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “During the pandemic, ADOT wants to continue Governor Ducey’s efforts to help protect our most vulnerable and we’re pleased to be able to offer a contactless renewal option so people can continue making healthy choices.”

An in-office visit will be required to renew a standard Arizona driver license if an individual’s photo of record was taken more than 12 years prior to renewal, but most Arizonans will be able to renew their driver license without visiting an MVD office. Driver license-holders can log-in to their account at AZMVDNow.gov to see their eligibility for online renewal.

To renew a CDL online at AZMVDNow.gov, an individual’s address must remain the same, a valid primary document is on file with MVD and their current credential must be in good standing. CDL holders with a hazmat endorsement will not be able to renew their license online.

This new, streamlined renewal option was made possible, in large part, when MVD implemented a state-of-the-art computer operating system last spring. That change replaced an obsolete system that contained elements that were older than 35 years and no longer sustainable. The new system has made it possible for MVD to offer customers the ability to complete most services online at AZMVDNow.gov, eliminating the need to visit an MVD office for many Arizonans.

“We’ve all seen a lot of change over the last year, but this is something new that everyone can embrace,” MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “The website AZMVDNow.gov has added convenience for customers and made it easier for Arizonans to conduct their business with MVD. Adding driver license renewals to the long list of other services, like registration renewals, change of address and ordering a replacement license, will help keep Arizonans out of line and safely on the road.”

When renewing online, an individual’s official driver record will be updated with the new expiration date in the MVD system when the application and payment are submitted electronically.

When it comes time to renew a driver license, individuals can follow the below steps to renew online.

  • Go to AZMVDNow.gov and sign-in to your account. If you need to activate your account – everyone with an Arizona driver license has an account – follow those steps.
  • After logging in, select “Renew Now” in the “My Credential” section and follow the instructions.
  • Allow about 15 days for processing and mail delivery of your new driver license.

Upcoming closure of eastbound ramps on Interstate 40 at West Flagstaff Bridge beginning March 15

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers on Interstate 40 in Flagstaff to plan for closures of the eastbound on- and off-ramps at the West Flagstaff Bridge (Exit 191) beginning Monday, March 15. The closures will be in place through October. ADOT reminds drivers to slow down and observe posted speed limits and other construction signs while the following closures are in place:

Eastbound I-40 on- and off-ramps at the West Flagstaff Bridge (Exit 191) and the crossroad under the bridge will be closed.
DETOUR: Eastbound I-40 drivers accessing I-40 Business Loop/West Route 66 will be detoured to Flagstaff Ranch Road (Exit 192). I-40 Business Loop/West Route 66 drivers accessing eastbound I-40 will be detoured east to A-1 Mountain Road (Exit 190) to turn around and re-enter eastbound I-40.

The closures are needed so crews can begin work to replace the West Flagstaff Bridge over Business 40, which connects the interstate to Historic Route 66 in west Flagstaff. The work consists of removing and replacing the existing east- and westbound bridges’ substructure and superstructure.

The project, which is about 3 miles west of the junction with Interstate 17, is anticipated to be completed by fall 2022.

Game and Fish Commission to meet February 19

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PHOENIX — The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be Friday, Feb. 19, in the Willcox City Council chambers, 300 W. Rex Allen Drive, in Willcox, Ariz. The meeting begins at 8 a.m.

A complete agenda and more information on viewing the meeting, or speaking to the commission, can be found here or at https://www.azgfd.com/agency/commission/meetingagenda/.

Note: New commission member Clay Hernandez, who was confirmed February 2 by the Arizona Senate, will be seated for his first commission meeting.

February 25 is last day to update credit card information for elk, pronghorn draw

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds hunters who applied for 2021 elk and pronghorn hunt permit-tags that 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Thursday, Feb. 25, is the deadline to update credit card or debit card account information.
The same deadline applies for purchasing PointGuard, which 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. The cost is $5 for each species.
Applicants are encouraged to keep their credit card and debit card account information current. If payment is declined at the time of the draw, the application will not be drawn. The department no longer calls applicants to obtain payment on drawn applications where credit cards or debit cards have failed. Also, if a credit card or debit card has been used to pay for more than one application, the applicant is responsible for notifying their financial institution that multiple charges could be simultaneously processed from AZGFD.
No action is needed if the credit card or debit card used at the time of application is still in good standing. Otherwise, applicants who have been issued a new credit card or debit card, a new expiration date, or had a change to their card’s number should visit draw.azgfd.gov/. Scroll down the page, select “Update Credit Card” and follow the prompts. Note: It is important to update payment information for each species for which an online application has been submitted.
Meanwhile, applicants can purchase PointGuard through 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Thursday, Feb. 25. While a free AZGFD portal account is not needed to purchase PointGuard, draw results will be posted to portal accounts. It’s quick and easy to create a portal account — just visit accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register and complete the required fields.
AZGFD will post an announcement on its website and social media channels when draw results are available. All hunt permit-tags will be mailed by April 2.  

Information sought in illegal killing of multiple mule deer north of Congress

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WICKENBURG – The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s (AZGFD) Operation Game Thief program is offering a reward of up to $1,500 for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the illegal killing of several mule deer near Congress, Ariz. With the generosity of several sportsmen’s groups, including the Arizona Mule Deer Organization, Christian Hunters of America and the Arizona Mule Deer Foundation, these organizations are offering an additional combined reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Between October 18-29, 2020, AZGFD officers found the remains of several fresh deer, including bucks and does near the intersection of Date Creek Road and OX Ranch Road northwest of Congress. Officers determined that the deer had been skinned out and the meat taken. There were no open deer hunts in the area during this time. Evidence found at the scene suggests this was not a one-time event and that the suspect(s) frequented the area and spent considerable time there.

AZGFD Wildlife Manager Brian Dietz states, “The location is near a well- traveled area along Date Creek Road. Anyone out scouting, recreating or just passing through may have witnessed something that could help us resolve this case. Poachers are not hunters; they are criminals stealing from the residents of Arizona.”

Anyone who may have information is encouraged to call the Operation Game Thief Hotline toll-free at 1-800-352-0700. Caller identities will remain confidential and callers can report anonymously if needed. You can also report online at https://www.azgfd.com/ogt/. Callers should reference OGT #20-003449 when reporting information on this case.

Buying or selling a used vehicle? Be prepared and be safe

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PHOENIX – Are you in the market for a new-to-you car? Thinking of selling your vehicle in a private-party sale?

Whether you’re a prospective buyer or a seller – or both – the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division wants consumers to know steps they can take to protect themselves when selling or purchasing a used vehicle.

First, go to AZMVDNow.gov and activate your AZ MVD Now account. Everything needed to complete a typical private-party sale of a vehicle can be completed at AZMVDNow.gov, even the transfer of a vehicle title via the convenient eTitle Transfer. Every person with an Arizona-issued driver license or vehicle registered in Arizona already has an account and more than 1.5 million accounts have been activated since AZMVDNow.gov launched last spring.

If you’re a buyer, you’ll want to ensure that there are no surprises in the vehicle’s history. An unscrupulous seller might tamper with the odometer, sell a stolen vehicle, attempt to cover up water or collision damage that wasn’t properly repaired or not disclose a lien. ADOT offers a number of tools customers can use to gather information about a vehicle they’re interested in purchasing.

While buyers do most of their leg-work prior to purchase, the work for sellers in a private-party transaction comes after a price has been agreed upon. After receiving payment, a seller should sign-in to their account at AZMVDNow.gov and complete a “sold notice.” There is no cost to complete a sold notice and it can protect the seller if the car sold is involved in a crash or crime, is ticketed, or becomes abandoned, which carries a fine.

Transferring the title comes next and some titles can be transferred at AZMVDNow.gov via eTitle Transfer, saving a trip to an MVD office. A seller should be aware that if their vehicle was titled and owned in another state prior to moving to Arizona, it’s probable that the Arizona MVD will not have a copy of the vehicle title because it didn’t issue the title. In this case, the seller can sign the back of the title and have the signature notarized.

Before giving the car to the buyer, remove the license plate. The seller might be eligible to receive credit for registration fees previously paid on the vehicle, too.

Buying and selling a vehicle is a big purchase. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Take your time and consult this car-buying checklist to protect yourself.

ADEQ seeks water quality data

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is seeking surface water quality data to use in the 2022 Clean Water Act (CWA) Assessment, also known as Arizona’s Integrated 305(b) Assessment and 303(d) Listing Report. ADEQ uses monitoring data to assess whether lake and stream uses are protected by the CWA and can be used for recreation, drinking, agriculture, wildlife and fish consumption.

ADEQ encourages and welcomes data from all sources: private citizens, businesses, public agencies, state and federal governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Time Period

ADEQ requests surface water quality data collected for the period from July 1, 2012, to April 30, 2021, that has not previously been submitted to ADEQ. Submissions will be accepted until April 30, 2021.

How to Submit Data

There are two ways to submit data for use in the CWA Assessment:

  1. The preferred method for data submissions is via the EPA Water Quality Data website | Click to Visit Website >
  2. Data may be submitted to ADEQ directly, but to be accepted, the submission must adhere to the ADEQ data submission guidelines | Click for Submission Guidelines > 

ADEQ appreciates and values your efforts and data contributions to help us protect and enhance Arizona’s surface waters now and in the future.

ADOT testing smart work zone along I-40 to make work zones safer for everyone

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PHOENIX – In order to increase safety and mobility in highway work zones, the Arizona Department of Transportation is studying a “smart work zone” at an existing I-40 bridge project located between Flagstaff and Winslow.

A smart work zone is a traffic management system that can be controlled remotely through computer networks, portable message boards and sensor technology to provide motorists with real-time traffic information as they approach construction work zones. This project utilizes a dynamic merge system, which is a specific type of smart work zone.

The dynamic merge system is designed to mitigate the potential hazards of lane closures by altering the time to merge based on the current level of traffic. When traffic is light, electronic signs placed well ahead of the work zone encourage drivers to merge into the open lane prior to the lane closure. When traffic is heavy, the system will encourage drivers to remain in the closed lane for as long as possible in what is known as a zipper merge.

ADOT has been utilizing the zipper merge on various projects since 2016. The zipper merge works by having drivers remain in their lanes and merge just before the lane closure begins. It’s a more efficient way of moving heavy traffic through a work zone where a lane is closed.

In order to study the potential impact a dynamic merge system can have on safety and mobility in a highway construction work zone, ADOT picked an existing bridge deck rehabilitation project on I-40 at the Two Guns and Meteor Crater bridges as a test site.

ADOT set up a dynamic merge smart work zone in the westbound direction and a traditional work zone in the eastbound direction in order to compare the effectiveness of a dynamic merge system.

Drivers passing through the work zone toward Flagstaff from Winslow should follow instructions on when to merge through electronic message signs.

Crash data and speed data will be gathered from the smart work zone and traditional work zone and used to evaluate the impact and inform decisions on future highway projects.

ADOT used something similar during a recent project to rehabilitate three I-15 bridges in the Virgin River Gorge. The queue warning system, as it was called, included portable message boards informing drivers of stop-and-go traffic ahead. That system, like this one on I-40, used equipment that detected traffic in real-time in an effort to help reduce collisions and improve safety and mobility.

New AZ511 website feature improves trucking route information

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PHOENIX – A new feature added to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information 511 website will help commercial vehicle drivers more easily plan their route through the state.

This new feature at az511.gov allows truck drivers to see commercial vehicle restrictions along state highways. This way, they can plan their route to avoid those restrictions. Click on the ‘Map Legend’ box on the right-hand side of the screen and check the box next to ‘Truck Restrictions’ to bring up the truck restriction icons on the map. Clicking on an icon will show details including length and width restrictions and any escort requirements.

This is the latest ADOT innovation that helps professional truck drivers. Last summer, ADOT added a feature to the 511 website to show the total number of commercial vehicle parking spaces at each of ADOT’s rest areas so truckers can find a place to rest.

Also last year, ADOT expanded the number of truck parking spaces along I-40 by nearly 100 spaces at the Haviland and Meteor Crater rest areas.

Nearly 2.4 million users have accessed az511.gov since the redesigned website launched in March 2019. More than 76,000 visited the site during the recent snowstorms at the end of January. For more information, please visit az511.gov and azdot.gov.