Category Archives: State Government

Elk workshop at Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area scheduled for October 5

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PINETOP — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is again partnering with the Arizona Elk Society White Mountain Chapter (AES) to offer an elk natural history and viewing workshop Saturday, October 5, 2019 at Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area near Eagar.

Workshop presentations will begin at 11 a.m. and are followed by an early dinner AES. Maps will be provided to nearby areas with likely elk viewing opportunities. Sipe Wildlife Area has several hiking trails where you might see elk or other wildlife.

Late September to early October is breeding season, making it the best time of year to view local elk. The bulls will bugle as they battle to gather cow elk into harems and it is truly an awesome time of year to experience this unique wildlife event.

The workshop will be limited to 150 participants and costs $20 per person for each reservation. The dinner is a fundraiser for the AES, whose mission is to enhance the quality of wildlife habitat as well as teaching our next generation the importance of being responsible stewards of our national heritage our great outdoors.

Dinner will include a hamburger, side and dessert. Water and refreshments will also be provided. Children must be at least 12 years old to participate.

Workshop topics covered include:

  • Elk natural history
  • Elk management in Arizona
  • History of Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area
  • How to choose the best optics for wildlife viewing or hunting
    Elk calling
  • Wildlife Photography by AZGFD photographer George Andrejko OR
  • How to get started hunting by AES​​​​​​​

Directions to Sipe
Take Highway 191 south to Eagar towards Alpine; you’ll see the turnoff signs just two miles outside of Eagar. Follow the graded dirt road, suitable for passenger cars, about five miles to the property.

Additional information
If you plan on looking for elk after the workshop, please wear long pants and hiking/comfortable shoes. Participants might be walking distances of a quarter-mile or more in low light conditions.

Be prepared for a cool night and possible rain; layering would be best. Also, try to wear dark or camo clothing. White or bright clothes will alert wildlife when participants are near. Bring a headlamp or flashlight, binoculars or spotting scope if you have one, a camera and water.

For more information contact Diane Tilton at the Arizona Game and Fish Pinetop Office at (928) 532-3691 or email dtilton@azgfd.gov. To register for the event, visit www.arizonaelksociety.org.

New mobile app with hourly air quality forecasts for certain Arizona cities

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) launched new hourly forecasts for Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, Nogales and surrounding areas on the Air Arizona mobile app. These forecasts can be used to help residents and visitors better plan their outdoor activities through the day to minimize the impacts of air pollution.

“A team of meteorologists at ADEQ creates the hourly forecasts every morning,” said acting Air Quality Division Director Daniel Czecholinski. “Our meteorologists provide expertise on the factors that affect air quality, producing a more accurate picture of how it fluctuates through the day and impacts people’s daily lives and that of their families.”
Available in English and Spanish, Air Arizona provides information for the following areas of the state:

Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, Nogales and surrounding areas

  • Hourly air quality forecasts for the next 5 days
  • Alerts sent to your device’s home screen when a High Pollution Advisory or Health Watch is in effect
  • Tips for how you can help improve air quality | 5 Things You Can Do To Help Improve Air Quality

Globe/Miami and Hayden/Winkelman

  • Air quality forecasts, alerts and notifications sent to your device’s home screen for pollutants emitted during mineral processing activities
  • Pollution reduction efforts
  • Historical pollution data

Flagstaff area drivers should plan for overnight closures of McConnell Drive under Interstate 17

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation advises Flagstaff drivers who use McConnell Drive to plan for a full overnight road closure next week beginning tonight, while crews continue work to replace the McConnell Bridge on I-17/SR 89A.

McConnell Drive under I-17 will be closed in both directions nightly from 10:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., beginning Monday, August 19,through the morning of Friday, August 23.

Motorists should follow signed detour routes and plan for travel delays.

The project involves a full bridge deck replacement, bridge widening and sidewalk construction on the north side of McConnell Drive and is scheduled in three phases over two years with completion scheduled for fall 2020.

AZGFD to host webcast on hunt management approaches August 15

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PHOENIX — In an ongoing effort to better serve its constituents, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will host a webcast to provide an update on existing hunt management approaches, recent projects and to gather public input.

Those who access the webinar from 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 15, will be able to submit questions, comments or concerns about existing hunt management approaches or hunt guidelines to Amber Munig, big game management supervisor, who will open the online discussion with a short presentation. Other department personnel also will be available during the webcast to address input as it relates to specific game management units (GMUs) or regions.

The webcast can be viewed at www.azgfd.gov/webcast, or in person at any department office statewide. Those locations include:

AZGFD headquarters: 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix
AZGFD (Region I): 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd., Pinetop
AZGFD (Region II): 3500 S. Lake Mary Road, Flagstaff
AZGFD (Region III): 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road, Kingman
AZGFD (Region IV): 9140 E. 28th St., Yuma
AZGFD (Region V): 555 N. Greasewood Road, Tucson
AZGFD (Region VI): 7200 E. University Drive, Mesa

The public can email questions during the webcast to AZHuntGuidelines@azgfd.gov. All questions pertaining to hunt management approaches or hunt guidelines will be addressed at the end of the presentation.

The existing hunt management approaches or hunt guidelines provide the biological and social parameters used by wildlife biologists to develop annual hunt recommendations (season structures, season lengths, season dates, permits allocated, etc.). These recommendations result in the annual hunts in which licensed hunters may participate.

While hunting opportunity is important, wildlife is held in the public trust; therefore, using science-based principles to shape the guidelines process remains paramount to ensure healthy, sustainable and diverse wildlife populations in perpetuity.

AZGFD continues to seek feedback on how to best meet the demands of the hunting public, while finding ways to develop new opportunities that help pass along our hunting heritage to future generations.

For those who miss the webcast, it will be recorded and available to be viewed at https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Guidelines/. Additional comments can be emailed to AZHuntGuidelines@azgfd.gov.

ADOT detectives nab man who purchased sports car with stolen identity

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PHOENIX – A man who allegedly used a stolen identity to purchase a sports car and stick the victim with the bill was arrested on a felony warrant after detectives with the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General brought the case before a grand jury.

In March of last year, Randall Cepi, 31, concocted a scheme to use the personal information of a customer at the dealership where he was employed in Winslow to purchase a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette from a dealership in Flagstaff.

The victim came into the Nissan dealership where Cepi worked and bought a new half-ton pickup. About a week later, Cepi used her personal information to obtain a loan to buy the Corvette. He arranged to have the victim’s signature forged on the dealership and loan documents.

A few weeks later, the victim became aware of the scheme when she received insurance and loan information for a vehicle she did not purchase. She filed a complaint with ADOT’s Office of Inspector General, and detectives with the Dealer Investigation Unit opened an investigation.

The dealership in Flagstaff was made aware of the situation and called Cepi, demanding that he return the Corvette. Instead, he abandoned the sports car at the dealership in Winslow where he worked and disappeared. While searching for Cepi, ADOT detectives brought the case before a grand jury where the felony warrant was issued.

Cepi was found working at a dealership in Gallup, New Mexico where he was arrested by local authorities on July 29. He will be extradited to Arizona to face charges of fraud schemes and forgery, theft of means of transportation and taking the identity of another.

Checking your credit report after a major purchase, such as a vehicle, is a good way to make sure no one is using your information without your knowledge. Each of the major credit bureaus will provide you one free credit report each year.

In addition to identity theft, detectives with ADOT’s Office of Inspector General also investigate fraud involving vehicle title and registration, licensed and unlicensed dealers, and support investigations by state, local and federal law enforcement.

AZGFD Commission honored by Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

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AZGF Photo

PHOENIX — The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) honored conservation professionals from several western states with awards commending their work to conserve fish and wildlife resources at an awards ceremony July 15 at the organization’s annual conference in Manhattan, Kansas.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission was recognized with the WAFWA Commission of the Year Award.

Current AZGFD Commission members are: James Zieler; Eric Sparks; Kurt Davis; Leland “Bill” Brake; and James Goughnour.

“As a staunch advocate for the state’s authorities to manage wildlife in Arizona, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission is a national leader in wildlife conservation,” AZGFD Director Ty Gray said. “This leadership and support allows the Department to generate innovative ways to better serve our customers and ensure Arizona’s wildlife and outdoor recreational opportunities are around for future generations to enjoy.”

WAFWA also honored Bureau of Land Management Arizona State Director Ray Suazo as its Federal Conservation Partner of the Year. Since his appointment as State Director in 2011, Suazo has supported AZGFD’s mission to conserve Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources.

For more information about WAFWA and to review a complete list of award recipients, visit www.wafwa.org.

AZGFD’s 2019 elk viewing workshop is August 17

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AZGF Photo

FLAGSTAFF – Ever wonder what it would be like to see hundreds of elk in one place at one time? That opportunity is possible during the elk viewing workshop hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department with support from Mormon Lake Lodge. Workshop presentations are scheduled for the morning on Saturday, August 17. The workshop includes a presentation and a field trip to watch elk on Mormon Lake.

“This is always a popular event, people want to escape the summer heat and get outdoors in northern Arizona and enjoy wildlife,” says Erin Brown with Game and Fish. “This workshop is a great way for people to learn about the watchable wildlife opportunities in Northern Arizona.”

Mormon Lake is unique as it is only one of two natural lakes found in Arizona. During late summer and early fall, hundreds of elk can be observed at the site and along Lake Mary Road.

There will be two sessions, starting at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Participants will attend a presentation, located at Town Hall in Mormon Lake Village, then go on a field trip to view elk. Walking will be minimal during the field trip. The field trip location will be determined that day based on where the elk are observed. Spotting scopes will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, water, snacks, and to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for standing.

Cost to attend is $20/participant (kids 12 and under free).

Mormon Lake Lodge is located about 25 miles south of Flagstaff (take Lake Mary Road and turn off on Mormon Lake Road). For directions, visit www.mormonlakelodge.com.

Registration required and seats will be limited. To make your reservation, register by clicking HERE. If you need assistance with registration, please contact Erin Brown at ebrown@azgfd.gov or call 928-606-6822.

Plan for daytime lane and ramp closures on Interstate 17 and Interstate 40 in Flagstaff August 6 – 9

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises northern Arizona drivers to allow extra travel time and plan for daytime lane and ramp restrictions on Interstate 17 and Interstate 40 where the two freeways meet in Flagstaff Aug. 6 through Aug. 9 for painting and paving work.

Drivers should prepare for delays while the following restrictions are in place between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m.:

  • Tuesday, Aug. 6 through Friday, Aug. 9:
    • I-40 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction at the junction of I-17 (milepost 195).
    • The southbound I-17 to westbound I-40 ramp will be closed. DETOUR: Southbound I-17 traffic will continue to John Wesley Powell Boulevard and re-enter northbound I-17 to eastbound I-40 to exit at Butler Road and re-enter westbound I-40.
    • The southbound I-17 to eastbound I-40 ramp will be closed. DETOUR: Southbound I-17 traffic will continue to John Wesley Powell Boulevard and re-enter northbound I-17 to enter eastbound I-40.
    • The northbound I-17 to westbound I-40 ramp will be closed. DETOUR: Northbound I-17 traffic will enter eastbound I-40 to exit at Butler Road and re-enter westbound I-40.

These closures are necessary for crews to complete final paving work after replacing four bridge decks at the I-17 and I-40 junction last year.

Motorists should allow extra travel time and use caution around construction personnel and equipment while paving is underway.

Game and Fish Commission to meet August 2 in Flagstaff

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The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be held Friday, August 2 at the Northern Arizona University de Bois Center (Building 64), Aspen ABC Conference room, 308 E. Pine Knoll Dr., Flagstaff.

View the complete agenda.

Agenda revisions, if any, are typically posted no later than the Wednesday before each meeting.

16th Annual High Country Hummingbird Festival at Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area

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PINETOP – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is hosting its 16th annual High Country Hummingbird Festival on Saturday, July 27 at Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area near Springerville/Eagar. The free, family-friendly festival will include:

  • Hummingbird banding by Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory
    Plant displays to attract hummingbirds
  • Live wildlife from the department’s Wildlife Center
  • Take a photo with a live bird at the critter photo booth
  • Activities designed for children
  • Informational talks about hummingbirds and bird calls of the White Mountains
  • A class on photographing hummingbirds by AZGFD wildlife photographer George Andrejko
  • Booths from local, outdoor oriented organizations

The event starts at 8 a.m. and ends at noon.

The Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area is located southeast of Eagar and Springerville. From Eagar, take Highway 191 toward Alpine for about two miles to the signed turnoff at the top of the first hill. Drive south five miles to the Sipe property on a gravel road suitable for passenger cars.

Come prepared to spend most of the morning outdoors with the potential of some summer rain. Parking will be extremely limited if the area receives rain. Attendees are encouraged to check the weather forecast for the day of the event.

The Round Valley Chamber of Commerce will provide breakfast items and lunch concessions for purchase.

Pets must be kept on leash and are not allowed near live wildlife.

For more information, visit azgfd.com/wildlife/viewing/events/hummingbird-festival/ or call the Game and Fish office in Pinetop at (928) 532-3680. The most current information and event schedule can be found on the AZGFD Pinetop Regional Facebook page at facebook.com/AZGFDPinetop/