Category Archives: State Government

AZGFD seeks to improve road leading to Northern Arizona Shooting Range

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-AZGF Photo

PHOENIX — The Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest is considering a proposal by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to improve, operate and maintain a portion of Forest Service road 128A, which provides access to the Northern Arizona Shooting Range near Flagstaff.

The goal is to improve a half-mile stretch of 128A and provide a simple road structure of adequate strength to support increases to vehicle traffic, while also providing drainage as necessary to prevent unacceptable environmental damage.

The range, which opened in July 2012, has experienced an average of 3,852 user days since 2014. That’s considerably more use than a Maintenance Level 2 road is intended to provide, being that it’s designed for high-clearance vehicles and not for user comfort. In order to provide safer access to the range, the department is requesting the ability to make 128A a Maintenance Level 3 road to be accessible by a standard passenger car.

The public is invited to share comments, concerns or ideas with Jessica Richardson, District NEPA coordinator, at the Flagstaff Ranger District, 5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ, 86004. Richardson can be reached at (928) 527-8219, or email at jessicarichardson@fs.fed.us. Input also can be provided at comments-southwestern-coconino@fs.fed.us. The deadline to submit comments to ensure consideration in the decision process is May 30.

Stay safe on your OHV over Memorial Day

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Buckle up and wear a helmet. Remember to stay on approved roads ONLY.

PHOENIX — As many people are gearing up to spend time outdoors over the Memorial Day weekend, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds everyone planning to ride an off-highway vehicle (OHV) to do so safely and responsibly.

 

Numerous fatal accidents last year involved utility task vehicles (UTVs) that rolled over and pinned the operator underneath. Wearing a seatbelt is critical because it will help keep the operator and any passengers inside the UTV in the event of an accident.

 

If children are a part of the adventure, they must wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet. While helmets are required for all operators and passengers under the age of 18, they’re strongly recommended for everyone.

 

In addition, ride safely by following these practices:
  • Only carry the number of passengers recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer. Many accidents are the result of too many people riding a machine that was designed for fewer passengers.
  • Wear riding goggles, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, riding gloves and over-the-ankle boots.
  • Never ride alone.
  • Be prepared and equipped with a map, first-aid kit and whistle, and have basic tools on hand.
  • Stay on designated trails.
  • Take an OHV safety education course designed to teach off-road motorists how to ride safely and responsibly.
AZGFD officers and partner agencies will be out enforcing rules and regulations to ensure the safety of OHV operators and passengers.

 

Citations and warnings are given for issues like failing to have a current OHV Decal and allowing children under the age of 18 to ride without a helmet. It’s also important to remember that OVHs and alcohol don’t mix — operating any vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is always illegal, regardless of what type of vehicle it is.

For more information about OHV riding in Arizona, including a list of locations to ride throughout the state, visit www.azgfd.gov/OHV.

ADOT: No highway closures over Memorial Day weekend

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If you’re planning a road trip in the state over the Memorial Day weekend, the Arizona Department of Transportation has good news about construction-related closures.

ADOT and its contractors will not schedule weekend closures along state-maintained highways, including Phoenix-area freeways, from Friday afternoon through late Monday night, May 27.

Drivers should allow extra time, especially during peak travel periods, and be prepared to slow down and use caution in existing work zones. Focus on safe driving, including buckling up and not speeding.

There were seven fatal crashes with a total of eight deaths on Arizona roadways, including local streets, over last year’s Memorial Day weekend. Two of those fatal crashes were alcohol-related.

ADOT’s highway safety recommendations include:

  • Never drive while impaired – arrange for a designated driver in advance
  • Buckle up and obey speed limits
  • Check your vehicle, including tire pressure
  • Get some rest before traveling – fatigue is a serious safety risk
  • Allow extra travel time and be prepared for unscheduled closures
  • Avoid distractions – don’t text while driving
  • Pack extra supplies, including drinking water and snack foods
  • Don’t park in areas with grasses or brush – hot vehicle components could start a fire

Work on Interstate 40 in Williams rescheduled because of wintry weather

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WILLIAMS – Unseasonably cold weather has temporarily delayed work on Interstate 40 between Parks and Williams in northern Arizona. Crews had been scheduled to complete work at the Grand Canyon Boulevard westbound off-ramp prior to Memorial Day weekend. Because of inclement weather, the work is now scheduled to progress through next week.

The following I-40 ramp closures and detours have been rescheduled so crews can reconstruct the westbound on- and off- ramps at Grand Canyon Boulevard. The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for travel delays while these closures are in place:

  • Crews will keep the westbound I-40 off-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard closed through Friday, May 31. DETOUR: Westbound I-40 traffic accessing Williams will exit at Country Club Boulevard (Exit 161) and enter eastbound I-40 to exit at Grand Canyon Boulevard.
  • Crews will close the westbound I-40 on-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard from 6 a.m. Monday, June 3, through Monday, June 10, at 6 p.m. DETOUR: Southbound Grand Canyon Boulevard traffic that needs to access westbound I-40 should use eastbound I-40 to State Route 64 (Exit 165) and use the interchange to turn around.

The eastbound and westbound I-40 ramps at Grand Canyon Boulevard will NOT be closed at the same time.

No work is scheduled over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

The project schedule still calls for a new layer of asphalt pavement on 17 miles of east- and westbound I-40 between Parks and Williams this summer. The project also includes a final layer of asphalt, known as friction course, to further improve the roadway surface, and installation of guardrail, striping and signage. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2019.

AZGFD accepting online applications for 2019 fall hunts

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is accepting online applications for 2019 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison and sandhill crane. 
To apply online, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw. All online applications must be received by the department by 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, June 11. 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 11). Licenses are available online and at department offices and license dealers statewide.
AZGFD encourages applicants to consider adding “PointGuard” when applying online for a hunt permit-tag. PointGuard ensures 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.

All online applicants must sign up for a free AZGFD portal account to purchase PointGuard (visit https://accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register). PointGuard is $5 per species, per applicant, purchased at the time of completing the online application or through June 27, which also is the deadline to update credit card or debit card information. For more information about PointGuard, visit https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/pointguard.

AZGFD encourages all hunters to open a free portal account. The portal allows customers to create a secure account where they can manage and view their contact information, as well as their license and draw results history and bonus points, in their personal “My AZGFD Dashboard” section. A portal account is a mobile-friendly, convenient way to access the online license purchase and hunt
draw application systems.
For questions about opening a portal account, call the department at (602) 942-3000 and press “7.”

Plan for I-40 ramp closures in Williams west of Flagstaff

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WILLIAMS — Northern Arizona drivers who use Interstate 40 are advised to plan for travel delays as crews return to complete paving, bridge and intersection work between Parks and Williams.

The following I-40 ramp closures and detours are scheduled while crews reconstruct the on- and off- ramps at Grand Canyon Boulevard:

  • Monday, May 13, from 6 a.m. to noon, crews will close the eastbound on-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard to complete guardrail work. DETOUR: Grand Canyon Boulevard traffic accessing eastbound I-40 traffic will head westbound on I-40 to exit at Country Club Road (exit 161) and enter eastbound I-40.
  • Thursday, May 16, through Wednesday, May 22, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., crews will close the westbound I-40 off-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard. DETOUR: Westbound I-40 traffic accessing Williams will exit at Country Club Boulevard (exit 161) and enter eastbound I-40 to exit at Grand Canyon Boulevard.
  • Tuesday, May 28, through Tuesday, June 4, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., crews will close the westbound I-40 on-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard. DETOUR: Southbound Grand Canyon Boulevard traffic will use westbound historic Route 66 and enter westbound I-40 at Country Club Boulevard (exit 161).

The eastbound and westbound I-40 ramps at Grand Canyon Boulevard will NOT be closed at the same time or over Memorial Day weekend.

In early summer, crews will put down new asphalt on 17 miles of I-40 in both directions between Parks and Williams. The project also includes a final layer of asphalt, known as friction course, to further improve the roadway surface, as well as installation of guardrail, striping and signage. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2019.

Motorists should allow extra travel time and plan for possible delays while work is underway.

For more information, please visit the project website.

State Route 179 to be restricted through Oak Creek for chip seal work

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PHOENIX – Those traveling between Interstate 17 and Sedona along State Route 179 will need to plan extra travel time as the highway will be narrowed to one lane between the Red Rock Ranger Station and Chapel Road so Arizona Department of Transportation crews can apply chip seal.

Beginning Monday, May 13, crews will restrict SR 179 to one lane in 3-mile segments through the Village of Oak Creek. Drivers moving through the area should expect long delays as each direction of traffic will alternate through the work zone.

Flaggers and pilot cars will provide traffic control through the work zone. Flaggers will also be on site to maintain access to businesses, communities and local streets throughout the project area.

Drivers can also consider using SR 89A and SR 260 through Cottonwood as an alternate route between I-17 and Sedona.

The project is expected to last for five consecutive days and be completed by the end of the week.

For more information on this project and others, visit azdot.gov.

Arizona Game and Fish reminds public to leave baby wildlife alone

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PHOENIX — Rising temperatures and longer days mean spring is here and newborn wildlife are likely exploring the world around them.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department understands the public’s desire to help seemingly “abandoned” animals such as baby birds and bunnies, however, the department reminds people to refuse the urge to “rescue” wildlife and to please leave baby wildlife alone.

While their intentions are good, in reality they’re taking a newborn or juvenile animal from its parents, which likely parked the baby in one location while they foraged for food and water for long periods of time.

“Picking up or ‘rescuing’ baby wildlife is often unnecessary and can have negative consequences,” said Stacey Sekscienski, Arizona Game and Fish Department Wildlife Education program manager. “The mother is often left searching for her young, and baby wildlife raised by humans is less likely to survive if released back into the wild.”

AZGFD reminds those who come across young or baby wildlife to leave them alone. Some species of baby animals, such as elk calves or deer fawns may even have to be euthanized because they cannot be released back into the wild due to disease concerns. In addition, zoos and other wildlife sanctuaries have limited space to hold them.

Each year wildlife centers around the state are inundated with baby birds, rabbits and other wildlife that were unnecessarily taken from the wild.

The public should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or their nearest AZGFD office if they encounter an animal that is clearly sick or injured with wounds or broken bones; is unresponsive or lethargic; has been attacked by a cat or dog; or there is strong evidence that the mother is dead.

Young wildlife found in your yard or in the field is rarely abandoned. Typically, once the perceived predator (you, or your cat or dog) leaves the area, one or both parents will return and continue to care for the young.

Baby birds are the most common wildlife species encountered by the public and removed from the wild. Young birds that have fallen from the nest can be placed back in the nest or as close as possible, preferably in an artificial nest. Those birds that are partially flighted should be left alone or in some cases moved nearby out of harm’s way.

Contrary to popular belief, human scent will not prevent the parents from returning to care for their young. Eggs of ground-nesting birds like quail should be left in place when discovered.

“It’s reassuring to know our Arizona community is passionate about caring for wild animals, but most often, the best thing anyone can do is just to leave baby wildlife alone,” Sekscienski said.

Those with questions about a specific situation should contact one of the wildlife rehabilitators listed on the department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/urbanwildlife or contact their local Game and Fish office.

May 12 is deadline to submit public comment on proposal to restrict predator hunting contests

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds constituents that Sunday, May 12, is the last day to provide comments on a proposal to adopt a rule that would prohibit using any lethal method of take during a hunting contest for predatory and fur-bearing animals, as defined under Arizona Revised Statutes 17-101.

All public comments received from April 12 to May 12 will become part of the official record for this proposed rulemaking. There are two ways to submit comments:

  1. E-mail: rulemaking@azgfd.gov
  2. U.S. Mail: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Rules Section, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.

All public comments will be evaluated before a Notice of Final Rulemaking is taken to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission for its consideration. If approved, the final rule would be reviewed by the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council (GRCC).

The commission’s intent in adopting this rule is to address social concerns associated with hunting contests that award prizes to participants who kill the largest number or variety of predatory or fur-bearing animals.

The proposed rule would not apply to lawful, regulated hunting of predatory and fur-bearing animals, which plays an important role in wildlife management.

$75,000 in grants available for development of new hunters, anglers

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AZGF photo


PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is accepting applications for $75,000 in annual grant funding for local sportsmen’s organizations to provide public, hands-on projects that are focused on the progressive development of new hunters and anglers.

The Local Sportsmen’s Group grants program places a high priority on projects that involve the pursuit or harvest of fish or wildlife with a valid license (and any necessary hunt permit-tag) and are geared toward participants who have the appropriate experience and skill levels relevant to a particular project.

Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process. Online applications and instructions are available at www.azgfd.gov/LSG. Applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) June 18.

“This grant program continues to be a key element to the success of Arizona’s partnership-based hunter and angler recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) program,” said Doug Burt, the department’s hunting and shooting sports program manager.

“The projects from these funds, and the efforts of these community groups, return far more in value than the grant dollars would on their own by providing education about safe and ethical hunting and fishing, and how sportsmen play an important role in wildlife conservation.”

There is no cost to Arizona taxpayers for this grant program. Game and Fish does not receive any of the state’s general tax funds and operates under a user-pay, public-benefit model. The grant program is an investment in the continuance of wildlife conservation efforts and outdoor recreation participation in Arizona. To learn more about how hunters, anglers, shooters and boaters fund wildlife conservation, visit https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/wsfr/.