Category Archives: State Government

Fate of stocked trout: 5 things learned from 4-year AZGFD study

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AZGFD Photo

Ever wondered what happens to the thousands of trout that the Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks into streams all around the state every year? You’re not alone.

We just completed a 4-year study (beginning in 2013) to investigate the fate of rainbow trout and Apache trout stocked into several of Arizona’s popular stream trout fisheries. As part of this project, AZGFD biologists conducted nearly 5,000 angler interviews on six different streams (Canyon Creek, East Fork Black River, East Verde River, Silver Creek, Tonto Creek, and West Fork Little Colorado River) during the trout stocking seasons (April to September) of 2013–2016.

From these interviews, biologists estimated total harvest (number of stocked trout kept by anglers), angler effort (total time spent fishing by anglers), and angler catch rates. Our biologists also implanted trout with radio transmitters in order to track their movements and determine how long they survived in the streams.

We will now be unveiling the top 5 things we learned. Each day from Tuesday, October 9 to Saturday, October 13, on our Fish AZ site (https://fishaz.azgfd.com/) and our “Fish AZ” Facebook page, we will be posting one of the five things we learned.

This is 4 years of data coming to fruition, and the results have been interesting, to say the least.

Thank you to all the anglers who reported radio tag information and helped make this study possible.

Scientific review suggests reclassification of the razorback sucker from endangered to threatened

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DENVER — The razorback sucker, a native fish found in the Colorado River basin is making a comeback thanks to the work of conservation partnerships between the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), state agencies, including the Arizona Game and Fish Department, federal agencies, Tribes, industry and environmental groups.

The Service recently completed a species status assessment (SSA) and a 5-year status review, utilizing the best available science, that concluded the current risk of extinction is low, such that the species is no longer in danger of extinction throughout all of its range. The SSA explained that large populations of adults have been re-established in the Colorado, Green, and San Juan Rivers. Populations are also present in Lake Powell, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu. As a result, in the future the Service proposes to reclassify the fish from endangered to threatened.

The razorback sucker, a native fish found in the Colorado River basin – AZGFD Photo

The razorback sucker is the second of the four native Colorado River fish to be proposed for a change in status from endangered to threatened this year. The humpback chub has also been proposed for reclassification. The recovery success of these two fish would not have been possible without the strong partnerships and conservation efforts all along the river.

Razorback Suckers are “rounded up” at the AZGFD Bubbling Ponds hatchery prior to being stocked in recovery locations. – AZGFD Photo

“Our partners along the Colorado River have restored flow, created habitat, removed nonnative predators, and reestablished populations across these species range,” said Tom Chart, Director of the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program. “These partnerships have improved conditions, proving long-term commitments are a key component to recovery.”

The razorback sucker was first documented in the Colorado River system in 1861 and historically occupied an area from Wyoming to Mexico, often travelling hundreds of miles in a single year. The species gets its name from the bony keel behind its head, which helps it stay put when flows increase. Razorback sucker are part of the lake sucker family, preferring low-velocity habitats, in either backwaters, floodplains or reservoirs and evolved in an ecosystem with one large-bodied predator: the Colorado pikeminnow. Young razorback sucker have few defense mechanisms, making them vulnerable to predation, especially from toothed nonnative predators. Changes in river flows and introduction of nonnative fish caused dramatic population declines.

Thanks to intense management efforts, razorback sucker have made a remarkable comeback, especially in the Green and Colorado rivers. In the Green River in the mid-1990’s, the number of adults captured in a year could be counted on one hand; today, the population has rebounded to over 30,000 adults. The large populations are the result of successful hatchery programs. Stocked fish not only survive in the wild, but migrate, colonize new areas, return to historic spawning bars, and produce viable young.

Although this native fish is making a big step toward recovery, continued management efforts are needed to help the species cross the final threshold of being able to survive in sufficient numbers to reach adulthood. The Lake Mead population is the only population where juvenile fish routinely grow up into adults. All other populations are maintained through stocking efforts as the young are eaten by nonnative fish before they reach adulthood. Scientists are hard at work to determine the best ways to encourage survival of juveniles to naturally sustain the population. One wetland along the Green River managed for razorback sucker has produced over 2,000 young-of-year individuals in the past five years, the first substantial number of juveniles seen in over 30 years in the upper basin.

State, tribal, federal, and private stakeholders work together via the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, the San Juan River Recovery Implementation Program, and the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Partnership to stock fish, create habitat, and continue monitoring programs to reduce threats to this species’ recovery.

In the 5-year review, the Service also recommends that the species recovery plan be revised to incorporate the best available scientific information on the species needs and actions that will eventually allow the Service to delist razorback sucker. Efforts to propose reclassification and to revise the recovery plan will be ongoing in the coming year. The proposed reclassification rule and the revised recovery plan will be made available for public comment in the future.

The 5 –year review and SSA are available for review at: Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program – Recovery Goals

ADEQ introduces new Air Quality Hourly Forecasts for areas of concern around the state

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PHOENIX – On this Children’s Environmental Health Day, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) announces a new online air quality forecast tool that provides an hour-by-hour outlook at daily pollutant trends. Focused on areas of concern around the state, the Air Quality Hourly Forecast helps parents and school officials better plan for outdoor activities through the day to minimize the impacts of air pollution.

Air pollution can impact sensitive populations, including children, senior citizens and people with respiratory or pulmonary diseases. Young children are especially vulnerable because their respiratory and immune systems are still developing and they breathe more rapidly than adults, inhaling more air per breath.

“The hourly forecasts are useful for schools, which can adjust recess activities for kids sensitive to air pollution, such as those with asthma,” said ADEQ Air Quality Director Timothy Franquist. “And, because our forecast team was already looking at the daily trends to better determine when health alerts needed to be issued, it was an obvious next step to put this information online for public use.”

Air Quality Hourly Forecasts are available for Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma and Nogales and include pollutants of concern for each specific area. When levels of pollutants are forecast to be near or above a federal health standard, ADEQ issues two kinds of alerts to inform the community of expected conditions.

  • High Pollution Advisory (HPA): Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is expected to exceed the federal health standard
  • Health Watch: Notifies the public that the level of an air pollutant is expected to approach the federal health standard

Even healthy adults can feel the effects of air pollution when exercising outside. During the health alerts, the Air Quality Hourly Forecast allows people who enjoy outdoor activities to see what part of the day may be most impacted by a specific pollutant.

“As an avid bicycle-commuter, I check the forecasts every day I ride,” said Christopher W. of Gilbert. “I wanted to maximize the health benefits of active-commuting, so I bought a high quality air filter mask to wear on days when breathing the air could negatively impact my health. The hourly forecast now helps me know when I may need to wear the mask during my ride to and from work.”

Closure of multiple days expected on US 89 north of Flagstaff

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PHOENIX – Coordinating efforts with tribal governments and federal partners, the Arizona Department of Transportation is working to reopen a section of US 89 severed by flooding about 60 miles north of Flagstaff between State Route 64 at Cameron and US 160.

With US 89 expected to remain closed for multiple days due to the washout between mileposts 467 and 481 on the Navajo Nation, motorists heading to Page, Tuba City and other destinations north of Cameron can take Interstate 40 east from Flagstaff to State Route 87 at Winslow, then head north to State Route 264, northwest to US 160 in Tuba City and west to US 89.

For those traveling from points south on US 89, the closure doesn’t affect access to Grand Canyon National Park’s east entrance via SR 64.

“For residents, tourists and trade, US 89 is an essential route through northern Arizona,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “We are bringing all available resources to minimize the time needed to reopen the highway, and we are grateful for the assistance offered by Navajo and Hopi leaders and by the Federal Highway Administration.”

In addition to sending personnel and equipment to the remote site, ADOT has requested special funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program.

The flooding, caused late Wednesday by the remnants of Hurricane Rosa, cut through a 30-foot section of US 89 and through the earth beneath it, necessitating extensive repairs. ADOT will make short-term repairs to reopen the highway and return later with a project to make permanent repairs.

ADOT is coordinating with the Arizona Department of Public Safety on the detour route, which adds about 125 miles to a trip between Flagstaff and Page. Even if a GPS recommends another route, ADOT and AZDPS urge drivers to avoid using tribal roads through the area, most of which are dirt and may have been damaged by the storm that severed US 89.

The Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe are assisting on the detour route to discourage detours on tribal roads that may not be passable at present. Meanwhile, ADOT is working closely with the tribes as well as Coconino County on the timetable for reopening the highway, communicating essential information with motorists and other critical issues.

“The Navajo Division of Transportation appreciates the quick response by the Arizona Department of Transportation regarding the road damage on Highway 89,” said Garret Silversmith, division director for the Navajo Division of Transportation. “Historically, NDOT and ADOT have always had a strong and collaborative relationship on transportation concerns and issues throughout the Navajo Nation and the great state of Arizona. Thus NDOT has offered and is providing assistance to ADOT with the corrective repair efforts on the Hwy 89 road damage.”

Michael Lomayaktewa, director of the Hopi Department of Transportation, said motorists using state routes through the tribe’s reservation should watch for pedestrians and for local traffic, including buses, and also should be aware that some stretches have sharp bends and steep grades.

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

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PHOENIX – Recent storms have given Arizonans in the market for used cars even more reason to pay close attention to a vehicle’s condition and history, especially in private sales. Cars damaged by floodwaters such as those resulting from Hurricane Florence can sometimes find their way to Arizona to be sold.

If a vehicle is flood-damaged, the title should say “salvage” or “flood damage.” But scammers can and do fraudulently remove flood history from vehicle titles.

“We want to make sure potential buyers remain vigilant when looking at used vehicles and not sign anything until the vehicle has been checked over bumper to bumper,” said Willie Hall, detective sergeant with ADOT’s Office of Inspector General, which investigates fraud involving titles and vehicle sales. “Flood-damaged vehicles that have been repackaged and dressed up are a common scam after major weather events like what we’ve seen recently.”

Potential buyers should closely inspect vehicles and be prepared to walk away if things don’t smell right – quite literally in some cases.

· Check out all of the vehicle’s nooks and crannies. Look inside under the carpet and floor mats and examine the trunk for dirt, silt and mold. Check under the dashboard and other hard-to-reach places as well. Criminals usually don’t clean all of those places. Finally, take a good whiff in those areas. Water damage leaves a distinctive smell.
· Check the electrical and mechanical components. Water wreaks havoc on electrical systems, so check to see if any of those systems aren’t working quite right. Also check the engine for signs of rust or even random new parts. Get under the vehicle and check the suspension for water damage. Any of those things could be a sign that you’re in danger of buying a flood-damaged vehicle.

It’s always a good idea to have any used vehicle you’re looking at buying checked out by a trusted auto mechanic.

A vehicle identification number can be used to obtain the vehicle history through an online service that may charge a fee. This check can uncover a vehicle’s status as “salvage” or “non-repairable,” as well as maintenance problems, collisions, insurance claims and titles issued in other states.

For more information: azdot.gov/CarBuyingTips, 24-hour fraud hotline at 602-277-5684 or 877.712.2370 (outside Phoenix) or email fraud@azdot.gov.

The vision of the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is to “get Arizona out of line and safely on the road”. Dedicated MVD employees, Authorized Third Party providers and offering more services online help MVD achieve this vision.

Plan for daytime westbound Interstate 40 on-ramp closure at Parks through September 25

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PARKS – The Arizona Department of Transportation advises motorists that the Parks westbound on-ramp at Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff will be closed until 5 p.m. Monday, September 24, and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, September 25.

Drivers should use the Bellemont on-ramp (milepost 185) instead.

The ramp closure is necessary while ADOT crews perform guardrail work. Drivers should prepare for delays, use caution when entering the work zone and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Number of organ and tissue donors rise with assist from MVD

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PHOENIX – A recent change to how Arizona motorists can choose to be an organ and tissue donor at ServiceArizona.com has coincided with a nearly 20 percent increase in the number of people signing up for this important cause.

The increase was measured comparing sign-ups for donations between November, 2017 to July, 2018 to the same period the year before.

Since October 31, 2017, Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division customers have been able to register as donors when renewing a vehicle registration at ServiceArizona.com, which is the most common renewal method. Previously, that decision could only be made through ADOT MVD when a driver was getting a new or updated driver license or ID card.

Since October 31, 2017, Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division customers have been able to register as donors when renewing a vehicle registration at ServiceArizona.com, which is the most common renewal method. Previously, that decision could only be made through ADOT MVD when a driver was getting a new or updated driver license or ID card.

Because Arizona licenses are valid until the customer turns 65, and photo updates occur every 12 years, the chances for customers to make this selection were limited. By contrast, vehicle registration renewals for most occur every one to two years. Customers who renew online can click a link to Donate Life Arizona at the completion of the transaction.

“This was an easy decision for the MVD to make,” said MVD Stakeholder Relations Manager Jennifer Bowser Richards. “Organ and tissue donations save lives and it’s gratifying that making a simple change to our vehicle registration process has enabled more Arizonans to become donors.”

The vision of the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is to “get Arizona out of line and safely on the road”. Dedicated MVD employees, Authorized Third Party providers and offering more services online help MVD achieve this vision.

NPS seeking public comment to control nonnative species near Glen Canyon Dam

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PHOENIX – The National Park Service is seeking public comment on an Expanded Nonnative Aquatic Species Management Plan and Environmental Assessment in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, including Lees Ferry, and Grand Canyon National Park below the Glen Canyon Dam.

Public comments will be accepted through October 11.

The plan would expand the tools used in controlling nonnative fish in Lees Ferry and the Grand Canyon.

NPS is hosting a variety of meetings to present plan information, including a public webinar on Thursday, September 20 from 5 to 6 p.m. Arizona time. Call line: 888-790-2024; passcode: 9535626; web address: https://bluejeans.com/7293338944/.

Open houses also will be held September 25-27 at the following locations:

September 25, 6-8 p.m.: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Headquarters, 691 Scenic View Drive, Page, Ariz.
September 26, 6-8 p.m.: Flagstaff Aquaplex, 1702 N. Fourth Street, Flagstaff, Ariz.
September 27, 6-8 p.m.: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Eagle Room, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix. See more information.

ADOT truck safety training expands to maquiladora industry

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NOGALES – The Arizona Department of Transportation’s first-of-its-kind international truck safety training program is adding another innovation to its resume: focusing instruction on commercial truckers from the maquiladora industry.

At the request of operators of border-area plants in Mexico making goods for export, ADOT’s Border Liaison Unit recently offered its first International Border Inspection Qualification training session for the maquiladora industry in Hermosillo, capital of the Mexican state of Sonora.

“Expanding to maquiladoras demonstrates that our partners in Mexico see as much value in this safety training as we do,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Interest from the maquiladora industry also means the safety and economic benefits we have seen in this program’s first year will multiply.”

Maquiladora factories import certain material and equipment without duties or tariffs. Goods are assembled, processed or manufactured using that material and then returned to the U.S. The industry employs about 34,000 people in Sonora near the Arizona border.

ADOT’s Border Liaison Unit developed the International Border Inspection Qualification program to help make Arizona roads safer and to support international trade by training Mexican truck drivers and mechanics – in Mexico – about the safety regulations they must follow to drive on U.S. roads.

The 469 drivers who have completed the training since it began a little more than a year ago have crossed the border nearly 5,500 times but have had only 12 significant safety violations that required trucks to be stopped for repairs.

“Arizona is leading the nation in developing innovative ways to make our ports of entry safer and more efficient – it’s been a priority for Governor Ducey since day one,” said Juan Ciscomani, Senior Advisor for Regional and International Affairs to Governor Doug Ducey. “This kind of proactive approach implemented by ADOT and supported by the Arizona-Mexico Commission, under Governor Ducey’s leadership, drives Arizona’s border to move at the speed of business and supports international commerce in the state.”

Following Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance guidelines, which are the standard across the U.S., this training stems from ADOT’s use of the Arizona Management System championed by Governor Ducey to have all employees continuously improve state agencies’ value to their customers.

The Hermosillo session was the 18th held in Mexico since International Border Inspection Qualification training began in summer 2017.

The program also has expanded beyond locations near the Arizona border and Hermosillo, with training offered in Mexicali and Ensenada in Baja California and in Caborca, Sonora, at the request of trucking companies in those areas.

To learn more about ADOT’s Border Liaison Unit and International Border Inspection Qualification training, visit azdot.gov/BLU.

Daytime maintenance project narrows US 180 to one lane in Valle, east of Flagstaff on Friday, September 21

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers that US 180 will be narrowed to one lane of alternating north- and southbound travel on Friday because of pavement-preservation work.

The work is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Motorists should plan for delays of 20 minutes or more while work is underway. Traffic-control personnel will direct motorists through the work zone.

Crews are working in 4-mile increments along a nearly 18-mile work zone just outside of Valle, east of Flagstaff.

The restriction is needed while crews apply a pavement surface treatment, which helps extend the life of the roadway.