Category Archives: State Government

AZGFD helps rescue population of native Gila trout following Frye fire

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PHOENIX – Hiking steep trails wearing full fire gear Wednesday and Thursday, and often with backpacks holding aerated buckets of fish and other gear, the rescue team salvaged fish from two populations of Gila trout from the ash-blanketed slopes of Mount Graham.

During the aftermath of the 48,000-acre Frye fire, the 13 biologists and wildlife managers from Arizona Game and Fish and Mora National Fish Hatchery transported 79 Gila trout, a rare trout species native to Arizona and New Mexico, from Ash Creek and 111 from Frye Creek in good health to the Mora National Fish Hatchery in New Mexico.

The rescue came just before monsoon season when summer rains are likely to send ash flows toxic to fish down waterways following high-density wildfires such as the Frye fire.

Gila trout, listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, are one of two native trout species in Arizona, along with the Apache trout.

“Populations restored in isolated headwaters are unfortunately vulnerable to the risk of post-fire flooding, making our salvage efforts critical,” said Tracy Stephens, AZGFD native trout and chub coordinator. “We could not have done this without the efforts of the Type-2 Incident Command Team, including USFS and BLM personnel from throughout the Southwest Region that coordinated our efforts and ensured our safety.”

In 2012, the nearly 300,000-acre Whitewater Baldy Fire – the largest fire in the history of New Mexico — burned through nearly half of the existing Gila trout streams and fish were eliminated from six of the eight streams that were within the burn area. Gila trout were evacuated from three streams following the fire, including Spruce Creek.

Those fish from Spruce Creek were transported to Ash Creek, where last week they once again were salvaged.

The South Diamond Creek lineage of Gila trout were introduced into Frye Creek beginning in 2009, and this wild population was the first to open to catch-and-release angling for Gila trout in recent Arizona history.

All Gila trout rescued last week are being held at Mora National Fish Hatchery. The fish from Frye Creek will be used to supplement the South Diamond brood stock. The fish from Ash Creek will be held at the hatchery until an alternative stream is identified, or if conditions in the creek are deemed suitable for the fish following post-monsoon evaluations.

See more information on the Gila trout.

Updated Arizona Driver License Manual now available online

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division has released the updated Arizona Driver License Manual on the ADOT website. In addition to providing basic information essential to safe driving, the newest version of the manual also includes language to educate motorists on handling law enforcement traffic stops.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, created the language that outlines best practices for motorists who are pulled over.

The full details are contained in Section 7 of the manual, pages 56-57, which can be found here: www.azdot.gov/manual.

Among the major points detailed in this section are:

When observing a law enforcement vehicle with its lights on, a driver should yield to the right side of the road and stop in a safe location off the main roadway as soon as practical unless the officer directs the driver to a different location in a safe spot.
Drivers should comply with a law enforcement officer’s orders and failure to do so can result in an arrest.
Drivers should put the car in park and remain in the vehicle, and all occupants should keep their seat belts fastened. The driver should keep his or her hands on the steering wheel, wait for the officer to make contact, consider lowering the windows to help the officer see and hear inside the vehicle, turn on the interior light if it’s nighttime, and inform the officer of any weapons that may be in the vehicle.
Drivers should not reach around inside the vehicle unless informing the officer and receiving permission, nor should drivers get out of the vehicle unexpectedly or approach the officer.

For more information: https://azdot.gov/mvd.

Paving scheduled on Interstate 40 near I-17 Junction Thursday, July 20

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FLAGSTAFF – Motorists traveling eastbound on Interstate 40 to Flagstaff should allow extra time while paving is underway near the I-17 Junction. Construction is scheduled from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 20. A single-lane restriction will be in place to accommodate work between mileposts 195 and 197, located one mile west of Butler Avenue.

Drivers should use caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment while paving is underway.

Recent storms serve as reminder for boaters and OHV operators to use caution

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PHOENIX — Monsoon season is in full swing and the Arizona Game and Fish Department warns boating and off-highway vehicle (OHV) users that weather conditions can change quickly and could be dangerous for those who aren’t prepared.
The severity of monsoon storms varies greatly from a minor dust storm to a violent thunderstorm capable of producing hail, deadly lightning and/or flash flooding.
Recent storms brought high winds, thunderstorms and rough water to the Lake Pleasant area. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies made multiple water rescues on July 14 and 15:
  • Two paddle boarders were rescued July 14 after being knocked into the water by a severe thunderstorm; one of them was not wearing a personal flotation device. One of the women was taken by ambulance to a local hospital and was released after treatment.
  • Also on July 14, three juveniles operating a Wave Runner personal watercraft encountered storms. One of the juveniles was rescued by a family member, while the other two were secured by Lake Patrol deputies.
  • On July 15, 10 people were pulled from the water and no one sustained significant injuries.
In addition, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office reported that there were multiple instances of property damage — four boats sunk, another beached after becoming partially submerged, and damage was incurred to numerous other boats.
“Arizona is known as a great place for outdoor recreation and activities. But whether you’re out on a boat or riding an OHV, weather is a critical factor that everyone must pay attention to,” said Josh Hoffman, Boating Safety Education coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “If severe weather is likely or storms are appearing nearby, it’s a good time to safely get off of the water or riding trails and move indoors.”
The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Boating and OHV Safety Education programs offer users the following tips to protect themselves and passengers during the monsoon season.
When on a boat or personal watercraft:
  • While life jackets are legally required for children 12 and younger, everyone should wear a life jacket at all times while on the water. Storms can create large waves that could knock a passenger from the boat.
  • Monitor the weather around you, and use a weather radio for updates from the National Weather Service. If storms are predicted or are building, pull your boat out of the water or consider postponing your outing.
  • Secure all gear above and below decks.
  • Keep everyone aboard away from electrical and ungrounded components, and remain as low in the boat as possible.
  • Slow down but keep enough power to maintain headway and steering.
  • Turn on your navigation lights.
  • If possible, head for the nearest shore that is safe to approach. It may be best to ride it out in open water rather than try to approach the shore in heavy wind and waves.
  • Boats should head the bow into the waves at a 45-degree angle. Personal watercrafts should head directly into the waves.
When on an OHV:
  • Always wear proper safety gear, including a helmet, eye protection, long sleeves, pants, over-the-ankle boots and gloves.
  • Carefully seek shelter indoors as storms are developing or are nearby.
  • Never cross running water. While it may look shallow, it may be deep enough that it could push the vehicle downstream or you may get stuck in loose sediment.
  • Drive slowly to not lose control on muddied trails.
  • To avoid being struck by lightning, avoid open fields, high land, trees, poles or other tall objects and standing bodies of water.
  • Be aware of and avoid flash flood zones.
For more information on boating in Arizona, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating. For more information on riding an OHV in Arizona, visit www.azgfd.gov/OHV.

James Ammons becomes chairman of Arizona Game and Fish Commission

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PHOENIX — James Ammons assumed the role of chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission on July 1. Charged with leading the five-member commission for the 2017-2018 fiscal year, Ammons has been serving on the commission since 2014 after being appointed to a five-year term by then-Gov. Jan Brewer.

Ammons replaces Chairman Edward “Pat” Madden, whose term as chair expired June 30. Madden will continue to serve on the commission through the end of the year until a successor is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. Commissioners’ five-year terms are staggered, and each commissioner traditionally serves as chair during his or her final year.

A third-generation Yuma native with a passion for hunting and spending time in the great outdoors, Ammons has extensive experience in both business and wildlife issues. Ammons has owned and operated River Cities Adjusters, a Yuma-based transportation service, since 1978 and served as a board member of AEA Federal Credit Union. He is a life member of the Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club where he has served as a board member and president. Ammons was named the club’s “Sportsman of the Year” in 2010 and played an instrumental role in implementing policy and bylaw changes that allowed membership for women.

Ammons has worked on multiple waterhole development projects, various wildlife conservation initiatives, and Bureau of Land Management recreation management planning. He is a member of numerous organizations, including the Arizona Antelope Foundation, the Arizona Mule Deer Association, the Arizona Elk Society and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Ammons also is a life member of the Wild Sheep Foundation, Grand Slam Club and the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society.

“As chairman, I look forward to a continued productive working relationship between the commission, department and public to ensure that Arizona’s wildlife is protected, conserved, enhanced and managed,” Ammons said.

The commission oversees the Arizona Game and Fish Department and establishes policy for the management, conservation and harvest of wildlife. The commission makes rules and regulations for managing, conserving, and protecting wildlife and fisheries resources, and safe and regulated watercraft and off-highway vehicle operations for the benefit of the citizens of Arizona.

For more information about the commission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.

Outdoor Writers Association honors Arizona Game and Fish video producer

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PHOENIX — Arizona Game and Fish video producer David Majure recently received three Excellence in Craft Awards from the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). Majure was recognized for his work on the department’s Arizona Wildlife Views TV show and received the following awards in the TV/Video/Webcast contest categories:

  • Second Place, Conservation or Nature Category, “Owl Rescue and Release”
  • Second Place, Family Participation/Youth Outdoor Education Category, “A Wild Time at Summer Camp”
  • Third Place, Gear/Technical Category, “Duck Decoys”

“David is a consummate video producer, whose storytelling talents have really raised the level of excellence of Wildlife Views TV,” AZGFD Information and Education Branch Chief Bill Andres said.

Winners were announced June 27 at OWAA’s annual conference in Missoula, Mont. Arizona Wildlife Views is a 13-episode half-hour program that airs on Arizona PBS (Channel 8.1, or Channel 1008 on Cox Cable), and city cable channels statewide.

The show is produced by the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Information Branch and can also be found at www.azgfd.gov/video.

The Outdoor Writers Association of America is an international organization that represents a diverse group of professional communicators dedicated to sharing the outdoor experience. They inform the public about outdoor activities, issues and the responsible use of our natural resources.

ADEQ Confirms Groundwater Quality Now Restored at Three WQARF Sites in Phoenix and Quartzite

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PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today that contaminated groundwater at three sites now meets applicable Aquifer Water Quality Standards (AWQSs), allowing their removal from the WQARF Registry. Each of these sites was added to the registry in 1998 due to groundwater contamination.
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Upgrades coming to Ben Avery Shooting Facility’s main range

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PHOENIX — When the Ben Avery Shooting Facility’s main range opens bright and early Aug. 30, recreational shooters will zero in on several improvements:

Earthen berms that serve as backstops for 67 shooting stations will be higher, more level and — most important — safer.
Target bumpers (which hold up the target frames) with re-stenciled lane numbers.
Refurbished shooting benches.

In order to complete more than $100,000 in improvements, the main range will be closed to the general public Aug. 14-29. The projects will be paid for through funding from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR). The Arizona Game and Fish Department does not receive general funds from the State of Arizona.

“While this work is going to inconvenience some folks, due to the extended duration of the closure, the work on the range is necessary to maintain the highest levels of standards of safety and stewardship that our customers have come to expect from the facility,” said Christopher Dean, range manager.

The two-week closure also will apply to the adjacent specialty ranges designated for user groups – Smallbore, Rifle 2 (which also will see improvements to its berm), Pistol 3 and Pistol 4.

Located on 1,650 acres in north Phoenix, the Ben Avery Shooting Facility is one of the nation’s largest publicly-operated shooting facilities, drawing more than 120,000 shooters each year. A City of Phoenix “Point of Pride,” the facility has received a five-star rating from the National Association of Shooting Ranges.

For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov and click on “Shooting,” or call (623) 582-8313.

Plan for lane restrictions and possible closure of eastbound Interstate 40 near Bellemont early Thursday, July 13

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BELLEMONT – Drivers could be delayed on eastbound I-40 near Bellemont early Thursday, and Mother Nature is to blame. A recent lightning strike damaged a 90-foot pine tree adjacent to travel lanes at milepost 186, and the tree must be removed for safety.

Work is scheduled to occur on eastbound I-40 from 6 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 13. I-40 will be narrowed to one lane; however, a full closure of eastbound travel lanes might be necessary to prevent debris from entering the roadway.

Drivers should plan to slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment, as well as law enforcement officers who will be on site to assist with traffic control.

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 while driving.

Wanted: Your best wildlife photos

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PHOENIX — If you enjoy watching and photographing Arizona’s amazing wildlife, consider entering the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s annual wildlife calendar photo contest.

Send three of your finest wildlife photos via email or through a file-sharing website. Information and rules are posted at www.azgfd.gov/photocontest. As always, entry is free.

Winning images will be featured in the 2018 wildlife calendar, in the November–December 2017 issue of Arizona Wildlife Views magazine. Cash prizes are awarded. Prize money is funded through publications sales.

Whether you’ve photographed a colorful hummingbird in flight, a bighorn ram perched on a rocky ledge or a rabbit sipping water from a pond, submit your best work. Your photo could be chosen as a winner or for honorable mention.

The contest accepts entries through August 11 at 5 p.m. MST.