ADEQ welcomes the first business to join the Air Quality Flag Program

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PHOENIX — Coreslab Structures (Ariz), Inc. is the first business to join the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s (ADEQ) Air Quality Flag Program. Brightly colored flags raise awareness of air quality conditions within the community. By staying informed, workers and nearby residents can make choices to protect themselves from the impacts of air pollution.

“Our facility is outdoors, and I needed to put in place a program that not only communicates the current conditions, but also puts in motion actions to be taken that will help ensure the safety and health of every employee working in that environment,” said Brandon Dickerson, Safety Coordinator for Coreslab Structures, which also flies a flag to indicate the daily heat index. “It seemed only fitting that in conjunction with the heat index flag, we also communicate the quality of the air we are working in to better protect our employees and the nearby public.”

Each day, a flag will be raised matching the colors of the Air Quality Index (AQI). ADEQ issues a daily AQI forecast for the Phoenix area, which indicates if the air will be polluted with ozone, PM-10 (dust) or PM-2.5 (smoke). By comparing the colored flags to the AQI, workers will know what actions to take to protect their health. Green signals good air quality, yellow is moderate, orange means unhealthy for sensitive groups (like children and people with asthma) and red signals unhealthy air for everyone and outdoor exertion should be limited.

The flag will be flown at Coreslab Structures, located in Phoenix near 43rd and Broadway. The flags will be visible to workers, plus people traveling in that area while going about their daily activities.

Stay informed about air quality with ADEQ:

Phoenix Area Air Quality Index Forecast
Arizona Air Forecasting
Daily Air Quality Index Forecast for Phoenix area through e-mail or text messages
Air Quality Flag Program

Kaibab National Forest, Grand Canyon National Park to implement additional fire restrictions starting this Friday

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FREDONIA — The U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service will implement additional fire restrictions, also known as Stage II fire restrictions, across the North Kaibab Ranger District, and the South Rim, North Rim and Inner Canyon of Grand Canyon National Park beginning at 8 a.m. this Friday. Visitors should be mindful that these new fire restrictions will limit certain activities and will remain in effect until rescinded, which typically occurs after significant and widespread moisture arrives and fire danger levels subside.

As a reminder, the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts are already in Stage II fire restrictions and will also remain in effect until lifted.

Under the Stage II fire restrictions to be implemented Friday across the North Kaibab Ranger District, the following are prohibited:

  • Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fire, including fires in developed campgrounds and improved sites.
  • Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
  • Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations.
  • Operating chainsaws or any internal combustion engine between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Welding or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame.
  • Using an explosive (It is always illegal to use any explosives or fireworks on National Forest lands).

Under the Stage II fire restrictions to be implemented Friday across Grand Canyon National Park, the following are prohibited:

  • All wood burning and charcoal fires, campfires, warming fires, and charcoal barbecues will be prohibited throughout the Park. The restriction encompasses the entire Park including all campgrounds and residential areas to include: Phantom Ranch, Cottonwood Campground and Indian Garden Campground.
  • Park stores will not sell firewood during this time.
  • These restrictions include all backcountry permit holders and thru-hikers.

Exemptions to the Stage II fire restrictions on the North Kaibab Ranger District include the following:

  • Using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
  • Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.
  • Operating motorized vehicles in compliance with the Kaibab National Forest’s Travel Management regulations. Parking off any road must be in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the vehicle.

Exemptions to the Stage II fire restrictions on Grand Canyon National Park include the following:

  • Pressurized liquid gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters with shut-off devices are allowed.
  • Boats within the Colorado River corridor are exempted from the Stage II restriction.

 

On the Kaibab Plateau, National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service fire managers work together as the North Zone Interagency Fire Management Program. Here North Zone Fire Managers use fire restrictions to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Implementation of fire restrictions normally occurs based on a combination of factors that are carefully measured. These factors include but are not limited to the following:

  • Current and predicted weather patterns
  • Fuel moistures, a variety of science-based indices, and fire activity levels
  • Available firefighting resources
  • Additional restrictions may be applied anytime conditions warrant

On National Forest Lands, fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the area covered by the restrictions receives significant precipitation, at which time they will be rescinded. However, Grand Canyon National Park operates under Stage I Fire Restrictions year round, except in certain circumstances where fire managers must increase to Stage II fire restrictions because the criteria listed above dictates a need to do so.

Visitors should use extra caution when recreating on all public lands when fire danger is increased. Fire managers would also like to remind visitors that having a campfire on the National Forest or National Park while under fire restrictions is a violation of law requiring a mandatory appearance in federal court, consequent fines, and possible jail time.

As a reminder, these fire restrictions apply to the entire Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park. Additionally, many city, state, and county agencies implement similar restrictions, so members of the public should check with the appropriate agency on any restrictions applying to privately-owned property or other lands not within the jurisdictional boundaries of any Federal Land Management Agency.

Know Before You Go! Members of the public can find additional information through the following:

Interstate 40 ramp closures in place between Parks and Williams in northern Arizona

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Drivers in northern Arizona are advised to plan for travel delays on Interstate 40 because of traffic realignment and ramp closures at Parks, Garland Prairie and Pittman Valley roads. Crews are repairing 17 miles of pavement on I-40 between Parks and Williams. The project also includes making bridge deck repairs at Garland Prairie and Pittman Valley roads.

Beginning Monday, June 4, I-40 will be reduced to one lane in each direction between mileposts 178 and 179, near the Parks exit, while crews begin to reconstruct the travel lanes. The Parks exit will remain open throughout this work.

Through July, the westbound I-40 on- and off-ramps at Garland Prairie and Pittman Valley roads will be closed and traffic is being detoured to the Parks and Williams exits. In mid-July, the westbound on- and off-ramps at Garland Prairie and Pittman Valley roads will reopen and the westbound on- and off-ramp and eastbound on-ramp at the Parks exit will be close with traffic detoured to Pittman Valley Road through early August. Drivers must follow signed detour routes.

Crews are completing work on westbound I-40 between Garland Prairie and Pittman Valley roads first, then moving to eastbound I-40 in the same area in early summer.  Construction will pause for the winter season and is scheduled to resume in spring 2019 for additional paving, bridge and intersection work. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2019.

What to expect

  • Crews are scheduled to work Mondays through Fridays from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Lane closures and restrictions will be required
  • Ramp closures at Parks, Garland Prairie Road and Pittman Valley Road will be required
  • Drivers are advised to plan for slow traffic, follow the reduced speed limits and allow extra travel time
  • One lane will remain open in each direction throughout construction

Dangerous bear activity on rise in Arizona

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Arizona Game and Fish Department file photo of a bear eating from a bird feeder.

PHOENIX — Arizona Game and Fish continually warn against feeding wild animals and Arizona residents continually ignore the warning. Human feeding led to a woman being attacked by Javelina in Sedona. Most recently, a bear had to be euthanized in Payson. Not all of the problem stems from people illegally feeding animals, but much of it does. Recent drought conditions only exacerbate the problem as bears seek food in trash receptacles.

Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife managers have seen an increase of roaming bear activity statewide in their quest for easy sources of food and water. Officers found this cache of food and water when seeking a habituated bear near Pinetop on Sunday.-AZGF Photo

“This season’s extremely dry conditions are making it difficult for bears to find natural food and water sources, increasing the chances of bears coming into neighborhoods,” Wildlife Manager Jarrod McFarlin said. “Bears can become habituated to human-related food sources and quickly lose their fear of humans. People living in bear country should do their part to keep wildlife safe by removing attractants such as bird seed, pet food, hummingbird feeders, and trash from their yards, and by keeping all trash inside a secured area until collection day.”

Visitors and campers to the forests should know that feeding wild animals is dangerous no matter how tame they may seem. A deer or elk can be spooked easily and cause serious injury or death. Bears are not cuddly little teddy bears. Even the Kaibab squirrel can bite and leave a serious injury. Campers should not attempt to feed any animals. It is not only unwise but illegal.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds everyone—once again—to be Bear Aware, following separate incidents where habituated bears became a public safety threat and needed to be humanely euthanized under department policy.

“When a bear becomes habituated to people for food and water, it can become a real threat to public safety,” AZGFD Wildlife Manager Shawn Wagner said. “People feeding wildlife think they’re helping wildlife, but they’re putting everyone’s safety at risk — whether it’s a neighbor out walking their pet or a family out for a jog. When a bear doesn’t get the meal it’s become accustomed to, it can attack whoever is around.”

Under department’s human-wildlife conflict policy, wildlife officers consider the bear’s behavior, age, sex and whether it’s a threat to human safety when determining when to relocate or lethally remove a bear.

The department spends considerable time and resources each year to remove or relocate habituated bears to minimize the risk to people. However, relocating a bear doesn’t always solve the problem. Approximately half of all bears relocated will return to where they were captured, no matter how great the distance.

On Monday May 28, AZGFD wildlife managers removed a sub-adult male bear from the north Phoenix neighborhood of Anthem that had previously been relocated from Prescott. On Sunday May 27, officers in the White Mountains were forced to remove a habituated female bear feeding on large piles of food and water left by a local resident.

The same female bear had been captured in Pinetop in June, 2017 and was relocated to a pre-approved release site near the Mogollon Rim, approximately 55 miles away. In May, it returned to Pinetop with two cubs. A day after euthanizing the bear, neighbors told AZGFD about the bear’s two cubs, which were safely located, evaluated by a local veterinarian and transferred to Bearizona in Williams.

“We have a no-breeding program for bears at Bearizona, so we can help save bears and offer them a new home,” said Bearizona Owner Sean Casey. “Although the circumstances behind this rescue are unfortunate, we are ultimately grateful to be able to provide a safe and loving home for these two little cubs.”

“Habituation of wild animals is happening more now than ever. This is exactly why people shouldn’t feed wild animals,” said Wildlife Advocate Jack Hanna.

The young cubs will be quarantined and closely monitored by veterinarians and animal staff for 30 days before inheriting their own exhibit in the walk-through section of the park, Fort Bearizona. The public will be able to see the cubs in their new home beginning Friday, June 29.

While this had a somewhat happy ending, on May 31 a bear that was aggressively attempting to enter the home of Payson resident Joseph Stapp had to be euthanized. Stapp was asleep Tuesday evening, May 29, when he heard a loud crash on the porch of the home he is building. He went to the door to see what was going on and got an unpleasant surprise.

“I looked out the front door, and the bear and I were face to face,” said Stapp. “He was pushing on the door, and I was pushing back. I was not scared, but I couldn’t shoo him.”

Photo at left: The bear knocked a desk on its side on the porch and pulled out the drawers. Photo at right: Photo quality is poor due to the glare, but the bear is on the back porch tipping a washing machine. -AZGF Photo

It was the third day in a row the bear had visited, causing property damage on the front and back porches. A neighbor was able to scare it off temporarily on Tuesday night by throwing rocks, but the bear returned later that night and again on Wednesday. The homeowner reported to AZGFD that the bear had gotten into a garbage can containing dog food several times earlier in the week, so he secured the can inside his home.

When the bear returned, it attempted to enter his home, and Stapp called 911. Wildlife officers from AZGFD live-trapped the adult male bear at the residence, evaluated it, and according to policy euthanized it because of the bear’s aggressive behavior and lack of fear toward humans.

Do your part to keep bears from posing a threat and needing to be removed. AZGF suggests the following:

  • Keep all trash inside a secured area until collection day. If that’s not possible, keep food waste in a bag in the freezer and place those in the trash as close to collection time as possible.
  • If you’ll be out of town or are a weekend visitor, ask a neighbor to place your trash out on collection day.
  • Take bird feeders down at night.
  • Keep pet food inside or remove all uneaten food.

For a brochure on living with bears and other wildlife, visit any AZGFD office or visit www.azgfd.com/Wildlife/LivingWith.

Wildfire start in Sycamore Canyon Wilderness

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SEDONA – Coconino National Forest firefighters are responding to a 40-acre wildfire approximately 9 miles northwest of Sedona growing in Sycamore Canyon Wilderness.

The human-caused Sycamore Fire was reported at about 10:20 a.m. today near Taylor Cabin Trail and is producing smoke that will be noticeable to those in the immediate area, burning primarily in pinyon juniper in the wilderness area.

Firefighting resources include four helicopters, five crews, and three engines—totaling approximately 100 personnel.

No structures are immediately threatened at this time and the wildfire is moving in the northeast direction. More information will be provided about this wildfire as it becomes available.

Coconino County Offices closed in honor of Memorial Day

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FLAGSTAFF — All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed May 28, 2018 in honor of Memorial Day.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be open. Records will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 28. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.

Coconino County’s parks and natural areas will remain open Monday, May 28, but administrative offices at Fort Tuthill County Park will be closed and limited staff or services will be available. The Harrenburg Wash trailhead that accesses Pumphouse County Natural Area will be closed.

All of Coconino County parks and natural areas remain under fire restrictions. Smoking outdoors is not allowed; smoking is allowed only in designated areas during events, or in enclosed vehicles. Campfires and charcoal fire/grills are not allowed; visitors may use liquid gas stoves only on improved surfaces. Coconino County parks and natural areas’ trails, ramadas, picnic areas, and watchable wildlife sites/viewing platforms are open. Fort Tuthill Campground, Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course and Pepsi Amphitheater remain open.

Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) Animal Management will have an officer available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 28. Contact the CCPHSD Animal Management office at 928-679-8756 and leave a message and an officer will respond. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Coconino Stage Three Fire Restrictions are in effect below the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and Stage One above the North Rim.

Arizona Game and Fish offers grant money to improve public boating facilities

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department anticipates offering up to $500,000 in federal grant money to enhance and improve public boating facilities at Arizona lakes and waterways over the next two years.

“If you enjoy boating on Arizona waters, this money is specifically for improving that kind of recreation,” said Ron Christofferson, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s boating facilities program manager. “The department makes grant funds available to applicants who wish to complete boating facility projects that otherwise might not receive funding. This is the opportunity to apply for these grants.”

The funds are anticipated to be available during the next two state fiscal years both through the Clean Vessel Act and the Boating Infrastructure Grant. These federal programs focus on pumpout facilities for onboard restrooms, as well as public boating facilities specifically intended to accommodate watercraft over 26 feet in length. Funding for the grants is provided by federal taxes on the sale of equipment related to fishing and boating, and on motorboat fuel.

Many such projects have been completed in Arizona over the past decade, including new courtesy docks, pumpout stations, pumpout boats and marine fueling stations. Such improvements have previously been funded at Canyon and Bartlett lakes, as well as Lake Pleasant, Lake Havasu and Lake Powell.

“This is an outstanding example of a program where the people who pay fees and taxes directly benefit from the grant funding,” Christofferson said. “In this case, anglers and boaters pay federal taxes on fishing tackle, equipment and motorboat fuel. Then this money is allocated annually back to each state to support projects anglers and boaters can enjoy.”

Agencies, marinas and individuals eligible for the grant money are those with legal ownership or control of public boating facilities on any Arizona public waterway where boats are allowed to operate gas motors without horsepower restrictions.

Grant funds are awarded through a competitive application process, and applications are reviewed and judged on the basis of priorities, project feasibility and overall merit as they relate to the current needs of the boating public. No state funding is currently available through these programs.

Grant applications must be received at the department’s Phoenix headquarters no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 2, 2018.

For more information on how to apply for the grants, visit the department’s boating facilities webpage at www.azgfd.gov/boatingfacilities.

ADOT’s message signs are valuable holiday weekend tools

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PHOENIX – With drivers heading out on Memorial Day weekend trips along state highways, the Arizona Department of Transportation’s network of message signs will carry essential travel and safety information.

Messages ranging from “Crash Ahead Right Lane Blocked” to “Drive Sober” can be displayed on the more than 250 electronic boards that ADOT uses to keep travelers up to date across the Grand Canyon State. The signs also will be used to remind drivers about extreme wildfire conditions.

With Interstate 17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff one of the busiest highways on holiday weekends, ADOT has over the past year installed four new message boards at key locations between Anthem and the State Route 69 interchange at Cordes Junction.

The two newer northbound I-17 message signs, near Table Mesa Road and Mud Springs Road in the Black Canyon City area, inform drivers about conditions or offer safety tips before they start the climb up the mountainous stretch to Sunset Point.

The two newer southbound message boards at Cordes Junction and approaching the Sunset Point Rest Area also play a key role in keeping motorists up to date, especially if traffic has been slowed or stopped due to an incident as travelers return to the Phoenix area.

There are now 17 message boards along I-17 between north Phoenix and Flagstaff.

ADOT also provides highway condition information via its Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT. Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov. When a freeway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.

County enacts Stage Three Fire Restrictions

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County will be entering Stage Three Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on May 23. The restrictions will be enacted for all of Coconino County up to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Stage One restrictions will remain in effect above the North Rim.

This ordinance applies to unincorporated areas and residences in the County that are not under the jurisdiction of a fire district.

“The County is implementing common sense restrictions, in coordination with our regional partners, to mitigate the catastrophic damage of wildfire,” said Chairman of the Board Matt Ryan. “We live in a forested ecosystem and our forests provide jobs for our economy, trails for our adventures and comfort for our homes. We must be extremely firewise this dry and dangerous season.”

Stage Three Fire Restrictions prohibit any combustion, open fire, charcoal, propane, shooting of firearms and camp fires in unincorporated areas and residences in the County unless:

  • People have written permits or variances from their fire district (except on Red Flag Days).
  • Personal use of tobacco products is restricted to inside closed vehicles or buildings only.

While activities, that don’t involve mechanical operations, such as lawn care, home construction and community clean-ups, are not specifically prohibited, residents and visitors should use their best judgment when considering whether to engage in any activity that could spark a fire. Anyone engaging in these activities could be held legally responsible.

For the full Wildfire Defense Ordinance 2017-5 and to sign-up for emergency notifications, go to www.coconino.az.gov/ready.

City Council to hold special meeting to interview prospective City Manager after normal Thursday session

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WILLIAMS — The City Council will meet in normal session on Thursday May 24 at 7 p.m.

Among the items to be discussed, the public has the opportunity to comment on the pending City of Williams Water Master Plan. Then the Council to discuss and may approve Resolution No. 1365 adopting the finalized City of Williams Master Water Plan.

The Council may discuss and make a decision regarding Resolution No. 1366; this is a WIFA water project application.

They will listen to public input in regard to the re-zoning of parcel # 202-22-008D, 1333 W. Route 66, regarding the re-zoning from multifamily to central business district. They may, then they may discuss and have a first reading of Ordinance No. 963 regarding the rezoning.

The Council will hear the third and final reading of Ordinance No. 962 relating to permits required for one story detached accessory structures, and may adopt it.

The Council may discuss and take action on a revised lease extension with SBA Cell Towers.

Council will discuss and may take action with the proposal presented on May 10, 2018 for a new public safety data/communications system for our Police Department
to replace the existing county system.

Council will review and may approve an inter-governmental agreement with Coconino County Elections Department to conduct the 2018 Primary and General Elections.

Council may discuss and provide direction regarding the City’s
legal counsel contract.

The council will then have reservations will be made for each Council member for the August 21st-24th 2018 Annual Arizona League of Cities and Towns Conference on May 31.

On Frday at 10 a.m., the Council will meet in the city chambers and convene to executive session to interview a candidate for the
position of City Manager.

When they reconvene to regular session they may make an offer to the candidate.