County and Coconino NF seek advisory committee members

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FLAGSTAFF — The County and Coconino National Forest are seeking candidates to fill vacancies on the Coconino Resource Advisory Committee (RAC), which will review and recommend projects to the forest supervisor that benefit national forest land in Coconino County.

The committee will be comprised of 15 members who represent a particular set of interests, and members must commit to serving a full term of four years—meeting only a handful of times annually. Committee members are volunteers and do not receive pay.

Current vacancies on the Coconino RAC include seats which represent the following interests listed in the Secure Rural School Act and reauthorized by Congress:

· Organized labor or non-timber forest product harvester
· Developed outdoor recreation
· Off-highway vehicle users
· Energy and mineral development interests
· Commercial timber industry
· Federal grazing permittees or other land use permittees
· Nationally, regionally, or locally recognized environmental organizations
· Dispersed recreational activities
· Archaeological and historical interests
· Nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro groups
· County or local-elected officials
· State-elected officials
· American Indian tribes
· School officials or teachers
· The public-at-large

National forests which fall within Coconino County that the committee would consider projects for include the Coconino, Kaibab, as well as parts of the Prescott and Apache-Sitgreaves national forests.

“We’re looking for people with energy and commitment to the long-term benefit of our national forests, who also are interested in working with a diverse array of interests represented on the committee,” said Laura Jo West, forest supervisor for the Coconino National Forest.

Under the Secure Rural Schools Act, federal payments to states and counties were reauthorized in April 2015 and will be allocated according to the amount of national forest land in the county and other factors. These funds can be used for projects that enhance forest ecosystems and restore and improve land health and water quality.

Any Arizona resident interested in serving on the committee must complete an application form that will be used for a required background check. Applications are available at Forest Service offices in the Coconino National Forest, and online at http://tinyurl.com/CoconinoRAC.

Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. September 2, 2016 and must be mailed or dropped off, with original signature, to Coconino National Forest, Attn: Brady Smith, Resource Advisory Committee, 1824 S. Thompson St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Scanned copies cannot be submitted.

For more information, call Brady Smith, the Coconino National Forest public affairs officer, at (928) 527-3490, or email him at bradysmith@fs.fed.us. For more information on RACs, visit http://www.fs.fed.us/srs/.

ADEQ Recommends Limiting Consumption of Largemouth Bass Caught in Scott Reservoir, Navajo County

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largemouth-bass_originalPHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, in association with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, has issued a fish consumption advisory recommending that people limit consumption of largemouth bass caught from Scott Reservoir in Navajo County. ADEQ is issuing this advisory because recent analysis of data from fish tissue samples taken from Scott Reservoir contained elevated levels of mercury.

ADEQ recommends that adults limit consumption of largemouth bass to 2.4 ounces (uncooked weight) per week and children 12 years of age and younger limit consumption to two ounces per month (uncooked weight).

This advisory does not limit the use of this waterbody for fishing, bird watching, swimming, or other recreational uses. In general, the level of contaminants in fish is several folds higher than levels found in water.

Any health risks associated with eating fish from this advisory area are based on long-term consumption and not from eating fish occasionally. Fish are an excellent source of protein and can be an important part of a healthy, diverse diet as they are low in saturated fat. The American Heart Association recommends that individuals eat at least two fish or seafood meals weekly.

Arizona Game and Fish to offer another bighorn sheep viewing tour on Canyon Lake

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bighorn sheepAPACHE JUNCTION — Due to the popularity of July’s Canyon Lake bighorn sheep tour, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, in partnership with the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, is offering an encore Canyon Lake cruise for the public to see magnificent desert bighorn sheep in their natural environment.

The three-hour tour, accompanied by Game and Fish biologists and educators, leaves from Canyon Lake Marina at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13. Cost is $40 for adults and $25 for children ages 5-12.

“This is a great opportunity for people to learn about bighorn sheep and conservation efforts in an area virtually inaccessible except by boat,” says Game and Fish Wildlife Manager John Dickson. “During the heat of summer, water is a scarce commodity in bighorn country. This makes summer the best time of year to view young lambs and family groups coming down to the lakeshore to drink.”

The Dolly Steamboat offers both open-air decks and air-conditioned viewing areas, is accessible, and has bathrooms. Light snacks and beverages are available for purchase. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable light clothing and bring a camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and binoculars.

Reservations required: You must reserve your spot by purchasing a ticket for the special Dolly Steamboat Cruise. Space is limited. To buy your ticket, call Dolly Steamboat at (480) 827-9144 or book online at www.dollysteamboat.com.

Dove, band-tailed pigeon regulations now online

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dovesPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted the 2016-2017 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations online at https://www.azgfd.com/PortalImages/files/regs/doveregs.pdf.

The dove season begins Sept. 1 and runs through Sept. 15. The daily bag limit is 15 mourning and white-winged doves in the aggregate, of which no more than 10 may be white-winged. The possession limit is 45 mourning and white-winged in the aggregate after opening day, of which no more than 15 may be taken in any one day. Of the 45 dove possession limit, only 30 may be white-winged, of which no more than 10 may be taken in any one day. There is no bag or possession limit on the invasive Eurasian collared-dove.

The band-tailed pigeon season is Sept. 2-15. The daily bag limit is two band-tailed pigeons per day. Possession limit after opening day is six, of which no more than two may be taken in any one day.

Hunters 18 and older who want to hunt doves and band-tailed pigeons (as well as ducks, geese, coots, snipe and common moorhens) must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, as well as an Arizona Migratory Bird Stamp for the 2016-17 season (the stamp is included with the youth combo hunt/fish license). Both can be purchased online at https://license.azgfd.gov/home.xhtml, or any department office or license dealer.

Reminder: Nominations sought for Game and Fish Commission Awards

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The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for its 2016 Commission Awards. The deadline for submission is Aug. 12, 2016. The purpose of these awards is to recognize Arizonans who have contributed significantly to the conservation of the state’s wildlife, its outdoor heritage, and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Nominations are for the categories listed below and may include individuals, organizations, clubs, foundations or government agencies. Arizona Game and Fish Department employees are not eligible for nomination.

Submit a Commission Awards nomination, or download a nomination form. Then submit the completed form and all supplemental materials to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: 2016 Commission Awards – DOHQ, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086 or fax to: 623-236-7299 or email to: lroe@azgfd.gov. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. August 12, 2016.
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Paving work on westbound Interstate 40 to continue near Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) crews continue with paving operations on Interstate 40 near Flagstaff, Monday through Wednesday (August 1-3). A right-lane restriction and reduced speeds will be in place during construction from 4 a.m. to noon at the following locations:

Monday – Eastbound I-40 from I-17 Junction to Butler Avenue (milepost 196-197)
Tuesday – Westbound from Flagstaff Ranch Road to I-17 Junction (milepost 196-195)
Wednesday – Eastbound I-40 from I-17 Junction to Butler Avenue (milepost 196-197)

During construction there will be lane closures and reduced speed in the construction zone.

New pavement project scheduled on SR 69 between SR 169 and Mendecino Drive in Prescott Valley

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PRESCOTT VALLEY — State Route 69 in Prescott Valley between State Route 169 and Mendecino Drive (mileposts 281 to 287) will be an active work zone at night starting Sunday (July 31).

This $3.8 million project consists of new asphalt, guardrail replacements, new curbs and gutters, sidewalks, sidewalks ramps, new striping and other miscellaneous work.

Work hours are Sunday through Thursday nights between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. each day. Minimal delays are expected this coming week as crews will be working on sidewalk and other concrete structures at the intersections.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.gov or call 511.

Jon Paxton takes over as Community Programs Planner

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PaxtonFLAGSTAFF — We are pleased to announce that beginning August 1, 2016 Jon Paxton will be assuming the position of Community Programs Planner for the Coconino County Sheriff’s. “Jon brings a lot of experience and positive energy to this position,” said Sheriff Bill Pribil. “We think he is a great match for our community and volunteer programs.”

Jon retired from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office in December 2015 after serving 24 years in patrol. Jon has always been recognized by this agency as being the model Community Deputy in his ability to relate to people, his de-escalation skills, for being a be a liaison for the community, and for living the mission of service to community. While his new role will be in a non-sworn capacity, his experiences from his many years of law enforcement and community service will definitely benefit the position.

Jon graduated from the Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy in Dec 1991. In the early 1990’s, Deputies often were introduced to their career by beginning their assignment in our Detention Facility in managing inmates. In 1992, he moved to a field patrol position and was assigned as the Community Deputy for the Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon patrol district. He immediately established rapport with the community was unofficially, but affectionately known as the “Mayor of Oak Creek.”

Being the local deputy for Sedona and Oak Creek was no simple task. Oak Creek Canyon and the Sedona area receive over 3-4 million visitors a year. Jon’s skills in keeping the peace and reducing the impact of crime in Oak Creek are a testament of his great people skills. It was not uncommon for him to be the first Search and Rescue responder on scene and single handedly hike people safely out of their circumstances in the middle of the night.

In 2000 Jon graduated from the Basic Mounted Police School and became a leader in our Mounted Unit. He often rode Filly, a much loved mule, and participated in parades; mounted color guard; Search and Rescue; forest patrols for marijuana eradication; security patrols at the County Fair, rodeos, horse races, downtown events; valley bowl games; and for public relation events. He became a trainer for the Mounted Unit Academy.

Jon Paxton is the recipient of several awards, including the Fraternal Order of Police Officer of Year in 1991, Sheriff’s Office Achievement Award in 2003 for community policing, Elks Lodge #2291 Officer of the Year award in 2003, National Public Service Award 2003 for the Mounted Unit, CCSO Achievement Award in 2006 for his leadership during the Brins Fire in Oak Creek Canyon, and another National Public Service Award in 2015.

Jon Paxton was selected from a pool of over 30 applicants and competed with five others who were brought in for the interview, testing, and community forum process. He will be filling the Community Programs Planner position left vacant after the May 2016 retirement of Gerry Blair.

Jon will be responsible for the following programs: Neighborhood Watch, Community Emergency Response Teams, Citizens Police Academy, Volunteers in Policing, Woods Watch, our agencies presence at fairs and exhibitions, and other public and community outreach still to come. Please help us welcome Jon Paxton.

Lightning-caused Coco Fire increases to 731

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TUSAYAN — The lightning-caused Coco Fire on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has grown to 731 acres in size achieving resource objectives by reducing hazardous fuel accumulations and restoring overall forest health.

Fire crews worked late the previous shift completing management ignitions along Forest Road 2719 in order to keep the fire within planning area boundaries and protect fire sensitive archaeological sites. Smoke from the management ignitions was transported west along Coconino Wash into the town of Tusayan resulting in moderate impacts in the early morning but will disperse throughout the day.

“We are very pleased with the fire progression and allowing fire to resume its role in the ecosystem. The natural mosaic of fire effects resulting from the fire growth enhances the heterogeneity and resilience of the forest” stated Incident Commander Dan Pearson.

The Arizona Trail remains open to hikers. As this lightning-caused fire continues to grow naturally, it is likely that smoke will remain visible from Highway 64, Grand Canyon National Park’s Desert View Drive, and other populated areas. The current forecast predicts light and variable winds over the Coco Fire for the next several days which may result in more variable smoke dispersion until moisture moves into Northern Arizona this weekend.

ADOT, Jared Veldheer partner to promote “Seat belts. For life.” campaign

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Consider that the safety gear worn by football players has the same purpose as a seat belt – help the wearer survive a violent collision.

So, it’s no surprise that the Arizona Department of Transportation and Arizona Cardinals left tackle and Captain Jared Veldheer have partnered to promote the importance of wearing a seat belt with the Seat belts. For life. campaign. On Arizona roadways in 2015, there were 258 unrestrained occupant fatalities, which accounts for 29 percent of the people killed in traffic crashes that year. Lack of seat belt use is annually one of the leading factors in traffic deaths.

“I wouldn’t play football without wearing a helmet and shoulder pads, and I won’t drive my truck without wearing a seat belt,” Veldheer said. “Being safe is being smart.”

For the Seat belts. For life. campaign, two public service announcements were produced – “Strong Man” and “Safety Gear” – and each has a 30- and 15-second version. The PSAs can be viewed at azdot.gov, ADOT’s social media channels – Facebook, Twitter and YouTube – and will also appear on television during the fall, thanks to ADOT’s relationship with the Arizona Broadcasters Association.

ADOT is excited to partner with Veldheer and thanks him for volunteering his time for the Seat belts. For life. campaign. Working with the seven-year NFL pro on the subject of seat belts is a natural fit. His left tackle position protects the quarterback’s blind side the same way a seat belt provides security against the unknown for vehicle occupants. In the past five years on Arizona roadways, there have been 1,205 unrestrained occupant fatalities.

“Buckling a seat belt is the easiest thing to do when you get in a car,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Its sole purpose is to help you survive a crash. Let the seat belt do its job – buckle up.”

“More than one in 10 Arizonans don’t wear a seat belt,” added Alberto Gutier, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “Needless tragedies continue because people aren’t wearing a seat belt and parents need to make sure their children are properly restrained, too.”