Prescribed Fire Planned for Tusayan Ranger District Friday and Saturday

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TUSAYAN — Due to above normal precipitation and cooler temperatures over the last month, conditions on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest are within prescriptive levels and are suitable for fire managers to continue treatment of the 8,000-acre Russell Prescribed Fire project southeast of Tusayan.

Crews plan to begin ignitions near the area of Russell Tank and the Arizona Trail beginning Friday and expect to complete a 429-acre unit by the end of the following day. Smoke may be visible from Highways 64 and 180, and from the communities of Valle and Tusayan, but is not expected to impact residential areas.

Fire managers strive to minimize smoke impacts and will only conduct ignitions when conditions exist that will allow smoke to ventilate away from sensitive areas. Smoke is expected to disperse to the northeast during the day. Residual smoke may settle into drainages and low lying areas overnight but will dissipate rapidly throughout the morning hours. The Arizona Trail will remain open during operations, but hikers are advised to use caution and observe signs and directions posted along the trail.

Notifications of upcoming prescribed burns are provided regularly throughout the season. The public can find this information online or through the recorded hotline. Contact your local Kaibab National Forest office for additional information.

Got bonus points? Protect them with “PointGuard”

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PointGuard_Logo_ColorPHOENIX — All of us know what it feels like to deal with the frustration and disappointment of an unforeseen event. After all, life happens.

That’s why the Arizona Game and Fish Department is excited to announce an innovative new program in “PointGuard,” which essentially will provide hunters with peace of mind in knowing that they can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason without losing their coveted bonus points.

A bonus point is an accumulated credit that authorizes the department to issue an applicant additional computer-generated random numbers during a draw. An applicant accumulates a bonus point each year in which he or she submits a valid application and does not draw a hunt permit-tag. PointGuard ensures that 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.

Here are the requirements:

  • PointGuard is available to applicants who apply online for a hunt permit-tag.
  • All applicants must sign up for a free AZGFD Portal account to purchase PointGuard (visit www.azgfd.gov, click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the home page, then select the “Create an Account” option).
  • PointGuard is $5 per species, per applicant, purchased at the time of completing the online application, or prior to the application period deadline. The fee is non-refundable.
  • Only one hunt permit-tag may be surrendered, per species. If an applicant is drawn in the future for that particular species, that hunt-permit tag must be used, expending all accumulated bonus points. Only then may an applicant participate again in PointGuard.

The primary applicant (the person who takes the lead in completing the online application for the other applicants) will be prompted to purchase PointGuard at the time of completing the online application. That primary applicant can purchase PointGuard for each additional applicant who has a verified Portal account. This process must be completed prior to the application period deadline, which is 11:59 p.m. (MST) Tuesday, June 14.

Here is the process to surrender a hunt permit-tag:

  • A hunt permit-tag must be surrendered prior to the close of business the day before the start of that particular hunt.
  • An applicant who has purchased PointGuard will present the original hunt permit-tag to be surrendered, along with a completed tag surrender application form, in person to any customer service representative at any of the department’s statewide office locations.
  • The hunt permit-tag being surrendered and PointGuard purchase will be verified by the department.
  • The department will restore all accumulated bonus points for that particular species, including the bonus point the applicant would have accrued if not successful in the draw.
  • The hunt permit-tag fee is non-refundable.

A person who donates, or transfers, his or her hunt permit-tag to a qualified nonprofit organization, also can participate in tag surrender, provided the requirements listed above are fulfilled. An acceptable proof of the transfer must be provided to the department (a receipt from the qualified nonprofit organization, for example). The tag surrender application form and an acceptable proof of the hunt permit-tag being donated must be completed within 60 days of the donation, and no less than 30 days before the next application deadline for that particular species.        

According to rule (R12-4-118), the department has several options for the reissuance of a  surrendered hunt permit-tag. The proximity to the start of a particular hunt, the type of hunt permit-tag, and demand for that hunt permit-tag will factor into how it will be reissued.

For more information, call (602) 942-3000.

Feeding wildlife a “selfish act” that can lead to bigger problems

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MESA — A nuisance bear is being sought after repeatedly showing up at the Pioneer Pass campground in the Tonto National Forest. A sub-adult male bear was captured in Parks, Ariz. and had to be relocated. A mountain lion is suspected of killing a Mesa family pet. Javelinas attacked a Fountain Hills resident and her dogs. It’s the time of year when wildlife are on the move, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) cautions people to take steps to reduce wildlife interactions with humans.

“In spring, many wildlife species venture out of the hills looking for new home territories, water and food, and that often brings them into town. People who love wildlife should understand that feeding wild animals puts them in danger,” said Jay Cook, regional supervisor at the AZGFD Mesa office. “When wildlife learn to view humans as a food source, they lose their fear of people, and that can lead to attacks that end badly for both humans and wildlife.”

The problem of wandering wildlife is not confined to Arizona’s rural communities because even Arizona’s biggest cities are surrounded by deserts, forests and riparian areas. Smaller prey animals like ground squirrels, rabbits, mice and birds are also abundant in urban areas, and their presence will attract predators, too. While feeding birds and tree squirrels is legal, some counties have ordinances against feeding other wildlife because of the dangers it can pose to both people and wildlife.

Predators like mountain lions, coyotes and bears are common and abundant in Arizona, and though they are elusive and not always seen, they know that human habitation often signals available food. Arizona Game and Fish advises homeowners to discourage migrating wildlife from staying by eliminating temptations such as outdoor pet food and water dishes, over-full bird feeders that attract rodents, open trash containers and even small pets left outdoors.

It’s equally important to discourage or “haze” predators such as coyotes and mountain lions by making loud noises, waving your arms and throwing things to scare them away. Cook says anything that makes wild animals uncomfortable around humans will help teach them to stay clear.

“It’s a selfish act to put food out to attract wildlife into town for your viewing pleasure,” said Cook. “We want people to think twice before luring wildlife into trouble by feeding them.”

ADEQ Announces Significant Cost Savings for State

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PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today significant cost savings for the State of Arizona as part of its most recent accomplishments in support of Governor Douglas A. Ducey’s commitment to efficient, accountable government.

ADEQ made significant changes to its office layouts and overall footprint, which resulted in ADEQ vacating nearly 30,000 square feet of office space at its headquarters location (1110 W. Washington St.) and an entire building previously used by ADEQ’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection (VEI) program near 40th St. and State Route 202 in Phoenix. ADEQ also returned 26 vehicles.

ADEQ’s changes are saving the State of Arizona close to $600,000 in annual rent, are expected to generate income for the State from auction sales of the former VEI property, appraised at approximately $1.5 million, and its returned fleet vehicles. Working in cooperation with the Arizona Department of Administration, the headquarters space now will be rented by other State agencies, creating additional cost savings for Arizona.

Not only have ADEQ’s actions saved money, but as part of its headquarters office re-organization, ADEQ relocated personnel to make sure cross-functional teams are seated together to provide efficient customer service. ADEQ also sent more than 17 tons of paper to be recycled and reduced office equipment expenses.

“At ADEQ we love to reduce waste to the environment AND reduce waste in our operations,” said ADEQ Director Misael Cabrera.

American Legion car show runs through 6 tonight

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CarShow16-05-21-01WILLIAMS — A blustery wind greeted the crowd of the car show on route 66. Six-blocks of downtown were cordoned off to pack in cars and pedestrians. The car show attracted a number of classic cars. Some of the vehicles are extremely rare such as the Chevy Yeoman station wagon brought in by the American Legion Post #88 in Dolan Springs.

The car show will run through 6 p.m. tonight. More images on our Facebook page.
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Subject Mortally Wounded After Standoff with Law Enforcement

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FLAGSTAFF — On Saturday, May 21 at approximately 12:07 am, an armed subject who had been in a standoff with law enforcement officers was shot and killed at a residence off of Lumberjack Boulevard in the Mountain View Ranchos/Doney Park area east of Flagstaff. The subject has been identified as 31-year-old Mark Nelson. The shooting is currently under investigation by a Northern Arizona multi-agency officer involved shooting team.

The emergency call came in on Friday, May 20 at 9:51 pm when 911 Dispatch received a call from Crisis Hotline about an armed suicidal man. The caller into the Hot Line was the subject’s mother. She reported that her son was behind the house near the garage area.

As deputies were dispatched to the scene, reports came in that shots had been fired from the area where the subject was believed to be. As the incident developed, four Coconino County Sheriff Deputies were assisted by four Flagstaff Police Officers, and two Arizona Department of Public Safety Troopers in establishing a perimeter to ensure safety of the neighborhood. Guardian Medical and Summit Fire also had been staged nearby.

Upon arrival, the officers made visual and verbal contact with Mr. Nelson and tried to convince him to surrender his weapon as well as offer him help. Around 11:28 pm, the subject drove his truck from the backyard/garage area to the front of the house. He exited his truck with a high powered rifle.

After several more minutes of trying to dialogue with Mr. Nelson offering to get him assistance and telling him to put down his weapon, Mr. Nelson put the gun into his mouth. He then took it out of his mouth and leveled it at officers. At that time shots were fired by deputies at Mr. Nelson. Medical personnel rendered first aid. Mark Nelson was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

This officer involved shooting is currently under investigation. Additional information will be made available as the investigation moves forward.

AZGFD hosts Life Jacket Exchange to kick off National Safe Boating Week

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department and agencies across the U.S. and Canada will join forces to promote life jacket use and boating safety as part of National Safe Boating Week.

The annual event begins Saturday, May 21 and ends Friday, May 27. To help mark the occasion, the department’s Boating Safety Education program will hold Life Jacket Exchange events from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the 10-lane boat ramp at Lake Pleasant, the London Bridge Beach at Lake Havasu City and Community Park boat ramp at Bullhead City, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fisherman’s access in Laughlin, Nev.

During the exchanges, people with old, warn and less-effective life jackets can swap them for a new life vest, while supplies last.

“Boating in Arizona can offer a great experience for everyone on the water, but only if it is done safely and responsibly,” said Josh Hoffman, AZGFD Boating Safety Education coordinator. “While time on the water can be fun, it can quickly turn dangerous if you’re not prepared. National Safe Boating Week serves as a reminder to all boat and watercraft users to always wear their life jacket. It could very well save your life.”

National Safe Boating Week is the launch of the 2016 North American Safe Boating Campaign. This yearlong campaign promotes safe and responsible boating and the value of voluntary, consistent life jacket wear by recreational boaters through the national theme, “Wear It!”

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in three-fourths of recreational boating fatalities in 2014, and that 84 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets.

“Each year hundreds of people lose their lives, and they may still be alive if they had been wearing a life jacket,” said John Johnson, chief executive officer of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. “You never know when there may be a boating mishap, so it’s important that everyone onboard always wears a life jacket.”

New life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. There are innovative options, such as inflatable life jackets, allowing mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing, paddling or hunting and are much cooler in the warmer weather.

“It is critical that everyone practice boating safety,” Hoffman said. “Always wear a life jacket, boat sober, follow proper navigational rules and have a proper lookout. By doing so, you’re ensuring everyone goes home safely.”

For more information on boating in Arizona or to sign up for a free safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

Game and Fish Heritage Fund properties benefit from passage of Senate Bill 1361

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is grateful for the support of Governor Doug Ducey and the state Legislature in passing Senate Bill 1361, and helping to preserve Arizona’s 16 Heritage Fund properties that are essential to the state’s native wildlife and important habitats.

Sponsored by Senator Gail Griffin, Senate Bill 1361 grants the Arizona Game and Fish Commission the ability to spend a portion of the Heritage Fund monies that are allocated to the department on the operation and maintenance (O&M) of properties that have been, or will be, purchased to support endangered, threatened and sensitive wildlife species.

“Because passive property management is never a sound management approach, it was absolutely critical that the department be given the flexibility to use some of the Heritage Fund monies for operation and maintenance of the 16 properties purchased over the years, and those that will be acquired in the future,” said Commission Chairman Kurt R. Davis. “The cost for operating and maintaining the properties is already in excess of $1 million and growing rapidly as more properties must be purchased as part of the obligations under the Heritage Fund.”

The Heritage Fund was created in 1990 by Arizona’s voters to support wildlife and habitat by directing up to $10 million each year from lottery ticket sales. The department must use a portion of it to acquire properties that further its mission to protect and recover native wildlife species and their habitats.

The department does not receive any state General Funds and previously has used revenue generated from the sale of tags, permits, application and license fees, which comprise the majority of the department’s funding, to pay for the O&M obligation of Heritage-acquired properties.

Examples of ongoing and unanticipated O&M costs include preservation of structural assets, refurbishing agricultural wells, septic system replacement, stabilization of wetlands to reduce permeability, construction of flood control levees, replacement of culverts, removal of exotic vegetation, and control of dangerous fire fuels.

For more information about the department’s Heritage Fund, visit www.azgfd.gov/heritage.

Public workshop to be held in Tusayan for Grand Canyon Airport master plan study

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TUSAYAN — The first public information workshop for the master plan study for the Grand Canyon National Park Airport, owned and operated by the Arizona Department of Transportation, will take place on May 25 in Tusayan.

The public will be able to review data collected by the study team regarding aviation forecasts and how it relates to current airport facility capabilities. Members of the community will also be able to provide comments and input on the study.

The meeting will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. at Tusayan Town Hall, 845 Mustang Drive.

Airport master plans are required by the Federal Aviation Administration. The update for Grand Canyon National Park Airport will evaluate the facility’s capabilities and role, forecast future aviation demand and plan facility improvements to meet that demand over the next 20 years.

In addition to public meetings, comments and questions can be provided to the study team online atazdot.gov/gcnairportmasterplan, by phone at 1-800-574-6334 or by mail to Grand Canyon Airport Master Plan Study, c/o Coffman Associates, 4835 E. Cactus Road, Ste. 235, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.

For more information on the Grand Canyon Airport and the master plan study, please visitazdot.gov/gcnairportmasterplan.

Museum Ship Amateur Radio event begins June 4

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logo-09The Museum Ships Weekend Event, sponsored by the Battleship New Jersey Amateur Radio Station, will begin Saturday, June 4 at 0000Z ending at 2359Z June 5th. Amateur operators will have the opportunity to contact almost 100 stations including retired ships from the U.S. Navy and Maritime service and Maritime museums.

On June 3, Ham operators can download an Excel spreadsheet of the participating stations from the New Jersey Amateur Radio Station web site.

The main operating modes will be single-side band (SSB) and International Morse Code (CW). There will be some PSK31 operations and some of the ships will fire up their origianl amplitude modulation (AM) equipment.

Interested Amateur radio operators can get more information and find contact information at the Battleship New Jersey Amateur Radio Station web site.