Kaibab National Forest Considers New Alignment for Fiber Optic Line to Support Grand Canyon Schools

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WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest (KNF) is considering authorization of a new fiber optic line. The Grand Canyon Unified School District and the Town of Tusayan obtained grant funds for the new fiber optic cable to provide high speed internet service to the school at the Grand Canyon, which is needed to deliver bandwidth to students whose access to high-speed internet lags badly behind other Arizona schools. Commnet Wireless would build the fiber system.

The southern terminus of the fiber optic line would be located at an existing Commnet facility near Airport Road and Interstate 40 in Williams, follow an Arizona Public Service (APS) utility easement to Arizona State Route 64 (SR 64), and extend north primarily along the west side of the Arizona Department of Transportation right of way for SR 64 to the vicinity of the Tusayan Airport, for a total of 53.8 miles. A total of 19.1 miles of line would be located on KNF lands, with 7.8 miles on the Williams Ranger District and 11.3 miles on the Tusayan Ranger District. The remainder of the line would be on state and private lands.

The KNF approved a different alignment for this fiber optic line in 2020. The former alignment, which would have totaled approximately 68 miles, would have generally followed the Grand Canyon Railway. The proponents requested the KNF analyze this new alignment instead of the alignment approved in 2020 because of logistical and cost considerations.

Matthew Broehm VFW post raffling electric bike

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Lectric e-bike being raffled by the Matthew Broehm VFW post.

WILLIAMS – The Matthew J. Broehm VFW Post 12128 is raffling off a Lectric XP model e-bike in Williams. The bike comes with saddlebags and helmet.

Tickets are $10 each and only 300 will be sold. The raffle will be held when all tickets are sold. The VFW post is currently working out distribution of tickets and other formalities, but you can contact a member to get tickets.

The Lectric model being raffled is foldable for easy storage or placing in your vehicle to take with you. This model has a 500-watt motor and is expected to run around 45-hours on a charge.

Arizona’s deer, elk clear of Chronic Wasting Disease

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has announced that Arizona continues to be clear of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal wildlife disease that affects the nervous system of deer and elk.

Department officials did not find any cases of CWD in the 1,589 deer (mule and white-tailed) and elk that were sampled in 2020 — the most in more than a decade. AZGFD collected 519 samples from animals that were harvested and voluntarily submitted by hunters, and another 1,070 samples through partnerships with game processors and taxidermists.

AZGFD has been testing for the presence of the disease in Arizona since 1998. While CWD has been found in the neighboring states of Utah, New Mexico and Colorado, the disease has not been detected in Arizona. CWD has not been documented to cause disease in people.

The department is grateful for the assistance of hunters who submit deer and elk heads for testing, as well as the cooperation of game processors and taxidermists. For more information about CWD, visit the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance website at http://cwd-info.org/. Also, check out a video that addresses 14 of the most commonly asked questions about CWD. The questions were submitted by hunters from across the nation, and the answers were provided by top CWD experts and researchers. The video was produced by the National Deer Alliance.

Deadline to submit nominations for Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame is April 30

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PHOENIX — The deadline to submit nominations for the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation’s Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame is approaching.
Nominations will be accepted through April 30, 2021. To submit a nomination, download a form (you can also find the form on the Wildlife for Tomorrow website), complete it, and return a scanned copy along with all supplemental materials to:
Or, you can mail the completed form and materials to:
Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation
c/o Arizona Game and Fish Department
Attn: Rebecca Bouquot, Outdoor Hall of Fame Nominations
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, AZ 85086
The Outdoor Hall of Fame annually recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions toward Arizona’s wildlife, the welfare of its natural resources, and the state’s outdoor heritage.
It is anticipated this year’s inductees will be honored in August at the annual Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet. More details will be posted as they become available.
Past Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees have been individuals with backgrounds in wildlife volunteerism, corporate leadership, politics, wildlife and the media, including Ben Avery, Barry Goldwater, Morris Udall, John McCain, Bill Quimby, Tom Woods, Steve Hirsch, as well as groups and organizations such as Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Volunteers, Arizona Antelope Foundation, Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club, Arizona Deer Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Safari Club International, Audubon Arizona, Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project and others (see list of past inductees here, scroll down to the bottom).
Wildlife for Tomorrow was created in 1990 to enhance the management, protection and enjoyment of Arizona’s fish and wildlife resources. The foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to provide additional support for projects and education activities where traditional resources are not adequate. For more information, visit www.wildlifefortomorrow.org.

Drought causing juniper die-off in central and northern Arizona

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Patch of dead Junipers

Junipers dying in northern Arizona

WILLIAMS — The US Forest Service has been investigating a significant die-off of juniper trees across much of central and northern Arizona. On the Prescott and Kaibab National Forests approximately 50,000 to 100,000 acres of junipers have been affected in the area between Paulden and Ash Fork along Highway 89 and I-40. Mortality has also been noted north of Williams along Highway 64. The majority of affected trees are shaggy bark juniper species, including Utah juniper and one-seed juniper. Mortality is varied, with most areas showing die-off of 5-30% of trees, with some larger pockets of dead junipers ranging from 1 to 15 acres. In addition, forest officials have been noting mortality of individual and small patches of alligator juniper in the higher elevation upland areas surrounding the City of Prescott.

Current assessments by US Forest Service-Forest Health Protection office in Flagstaff suggest that the majority of this mortality is caused by the exceptional drought that this part of Arizona is experiencing. While there have been some scattered observations of insects on dead trees, Forest Health Protection believes that the initial cause of death is directly tied to water stress. Trees impacted by drought show a change in color of their needle-like scales, which typically starts at the branch tips and spreads down the tree, fading from green to a bright yellow.

In order to provide short-term protection against drought-caused mortality, homeowners can protect individual high-value trees through watering. As this die-off is not currently related to insects, insecticide treatments are not recommended. As a reminder, deep but infrequent watering at the drip line, the area below the edge of the tree’s canopy, is the most effective method for active water absorption. Watering at the trunk base is not effective. Generally, homeowners should water until soil is moistened to a depth of 18 inches and wait until soil dries to water again, about every two weeks. Homeowners should avoid overwatering as this can also harm tree health.

More information can be found at:

· USDA Forest Service Southwestern Region Forest Health Protection: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r3/forest-grasslandhealth

· For proper watering techniques, refer to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension brochure: https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1298-2017.pdf

Ripe weather conditions allow Coconino NF firefighters to move forward with large multi-day prescribed burns

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., April 21, 2021 — Favorable weather and wind conditions on Thursday are allowing Coconino National Forest firefighters to move forward with plans for large fire treatments, with the addition of a burn project near Apache Maid Mountain beginning on Friday.
Prescribed burns are conducted on days when the wind is strong enough to move the fire across the landscape under the prescription plan and also ventilate the area of smoke. Thus, the right amount of wind is necessary for all prescribed burn projects to be successful, and fire management officers ensure conditions are suitable by conducting test ignitions prior to the start of any burn projects.
The Peaks and Upper Beaver Creek (UBC) prescribed burn projects are slated to begin Thursday and continue through the week, with the UBC project lasting considerably longer due to its size. Plans have come together for the necessary aviation support to allow the Apache Maid project to begin Friday for several days.
Prescribed burns are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-dependent ecosystems. These fire treatments mimic natural fires by reducing hazardous fuels accumulations, recycling nutrients, and increasing habitat diversity. Each prescribed burn is designed to meet specific objectives, which includes proactively protecting communities from the threat of extreme wildfires by reducing forest fuels.
Please visit A Better Way to Think About Wildland Fires for a informational video which explains the importance of prescribed fire and the part it plays in restoring forests to healthy conditions.
Peaks Project
  • When: Ignitions planned Thursday (April 22) for three to 10 days.
  • Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. Approximately 15 miles north of Flagstaff, just northeast of the San Francisco Peaks. GPS: 35.405, -111.637
  • Why: This treatment will provide for forest health and restoration in areas north of Forest Road 418, while protecting wilderness areas south of FR 418 and private land inholdings northeast of the project area.
  • Size: 4,164 acres total.
  • Duration: This burn is divided into seven separate blocks or sections that will be completed over three to 10 days, depending on weather conditions.
  • Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn.
  • Smoke Impacts: With southwest winds predicted, smoke should move northeast and be visible for many miles. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn and along U.S. Highway 89 northeast of the mountains, as well as Deadman Wash.
  • Closures/Restrictions: No roads or trails will be closed or restricted due to this burn, though Forest Road 413 and 773 may be impacted with increased firefighter traffic and smoke.
  • Note: Firefighters plan to use aerial ignition techniques to accomplish larger burn acres in a smaller time. If not suitable, the blocks will be burned by hand.
Upper Beaver Creek Project
  • When: Ignitions planned Thursday (April 22), potentially continuing through May 15.
  • Where: Mogollon Rim Ranger District. Approximately 15 miles northwest of Clints Well, 2 miles east of Stoneman Lake. GPS: 34.763494, -111.437873
  • Why: This treatment will provide for forest health and restoration while protecting many private land inholdings near the project area.
  • Size: 13,000 acres total.
  • Duration: This burn is divided into 15 separate blocks that will be completed over several weeks, depending on weather conditions.
  • Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn.
  • Smoke Impacts: With southwest winds predicted, smoke should move northeast and be visible for many miles. When burning adjacent to Lake Mary Road and for firefighter and motorist’s safety, firefighters will burn when wind conditions turn easterly, which will push the smoke west during those times. Smoke will likely drain down Jacks Canyon into Beaver Creek and could impact areas of Interstate 17 west of the burn. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas, and along Lake Mary Road surrounding the burn. Smoke could also settle in Rattlesnake Canyon, impacting the Village of Oak Creek, Stoneman Lake, and homes near Double Cabin Park.
  • Closures/Restrictions: No roads or trails will be closed or restricted due to this burn, though firefighters will monitor conditions and work with ADOT if temporary closures become necessary.
  • Note: Firefighters plan to use hand and aerial ignition techniques to accomplish larger burn acres in a smaller time.
Apache Maid Project
  • When: Ignitions planned Friday (April 23), potentially continuing through May 5.
  • Where: Red Rock Ranger District. Approximately 13 miles southeast of Sedona. GPS: 34.754450, -111.597867
  • Why: This burn is part of a grassland restoration project that will improve forage for cattle and wildlife.
  • Size: 4,018 acres total.
  • Duration: This burn is divided into five separate blocks, with a goal to complete a block each day to finish the project over five days. All burns are dependent on weather conditions.
  • Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast initial entry burn. Smoke will be very noticeable since this area has not had fire on the landscape in some time.
  • Smoke Impacts: Daytime smoke impacts could include Lake Mary Road toward the east and the community of Stoneman Lake. Nighttime impacts could include the Village of Oak Creek, Rimrock, Montezuma Well, sections of I-17 where low areas cross the Interstate, and Camp Verde.
  • Closures/Restrictions: Stoneman Lake road (Forest Road 213) could be impacted in short durations, and Forest Service patrols will be evaluating the need for short closures during the burn.
  • Note: I-17 will be signed and coordination with ADOT will be ongoing. Night patrols on I-17 may be possible depending on where the smoke will settle overnight. This project will produce high volumes of smoke during ignitions, but the smoke output will be short lived.
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon weather and wind conditions, as well as approval from Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The public can view approved prescribed burns on ADEQ’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov. Coconino National Forest burns begin with the designator “COF.”
Notifications of upcoming prescribed burns are provided regularly by news releases throughout the season and also by the following online resources:

Sheriff’s Office Deputies Respond to Fatal Structure Fire at Rose Well Camp

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SELIGMAN – On 04/10/21 at 3:08 PM Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a report of an explosion at Rose Well Camp, north west of Seligman on the Boquillas Ranch. Reports indicated a ranch house had caught fire after the explosion and was spreading to adjacent structures and brush. Seligman Fire Department responded to suppress the fire.

Ranch staff from Rose Well Camp observed a column of smoke and responded to the camp to investigate. Upon arriving they found one of the camp houses engulfed in flames.

They observed a vehicle, belonging to the ranch staff member who lived in the house, parked near the south porch. While Seligman Fire personnel were extinguishing the flames, human remains were located in the burnt structure.

The fire spread to several adjacent structures, to include a historic hay barn, which was destroyed by fire as well. Once the fire was extinguished, detectives processed the scene and identified human remains which were later removed by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The cause of the reported explosion/fire and death of the unidentified human remains are being investigated by Sheriff’s Office Investigators and the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Man Arrested for Starting Wildland Fire in Blue Ridge Area

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BLUE RIDGE – On April 9, 2021 Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to Highway 87 near the Hwy 260 junction for a report of a wildland fire.

Upon arrival, the deputy interviewed a witness that said they were driving along the highway and saw a fire in the forested area. Upon seeing the fire, the witness stopped and attempted extinguish the fire.

During this process, the witness noticed a suspicious person, later identified as Adam Gilliam, a 29-year-old man from Oregon, near the fire.

Shortly after, an Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper arrived and detained the suspicious person.
During the deputy’s interview with Gilliam, he admitted to starting the fire with a lighter he had in his possession. Fire resources were able to successfully extinguish the fire, which was described as approximately 30 feet in diameter.

Gilliam was arrested and booked into the Coconino County Jail for Illegal Burning of Wildland and Refusing to Provide a Truthful name.

Moonset Pit to Re-open on May 8 for Green Waste Disposal Benefiting Local Communities

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WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest, in cooperation with the communities of Parks and Sherwood Forest Estates is pleased to announce the reopening of the Moonset Pit on May 8 of this year for residents to dispose of green waste materials from private property.

The pit will be open on the following days this year from 8am to 2pm:

Saturday-May 8, Saturday-May 22, Saturday-June 5, Saturday-June 19, and Saturday-July 10.

Users will only be allowed to access and discard natural woody debris such as logs, limbs, branches, brush, needles, and leaves on these dates while staff is present. No bagged substances, lumber, construction material, household garbage or any other items should be deposited at the site.

The Moonset Pit serves the local area providing a location for the disposal of natural forest debris. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this facility to make their private property more defensible against the threat of wildland fire.

Moonset Pit is located just west of the Parks community on a dirt road east of Spitz Springs on the north side of old Route 66.

Personal Use Cinder Information: Personal use cinder permits are now available from the Williams Ranger District Office. People who wish to acquire a permit will need to call the district office first and make an appointment to come in. Due to the ongoing pandemic and preventive procedures currently in place, a specific set of guidelines will be required to obtain a permit that will require payment by credit card only.

Click here to learn more: Cinder Permit Requirements 2021

Cinders will only be available for collection on weekends to avoid safety conflicts with Coconino County mining operations.

There are personal use cinders also available to the public all days of the week at the Wright Pit located off Lillie J Ranch road in Parks and the W-Triangle Pit north of Spring Valley.

For information about obtaining permits or questions about all these services, please call the Williams Ranger District office at 742 S Clover Road in Williams. (928) 635-5600.

The success of this community provision is largely attributed to the volunteers of the Parks Area Connection and Sherwood Forest Fire Department who staff the pit on Saturdays during the open hours of operation. This annual service is also supported by the Kaibab National Forest and the Rural Communities Fuels Management Partnership.

Summer construction season kicks off in northern Arizona

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PHOENIX – With warmer weather coming to Arizona’s high country, the Arizona Department of Transportation is ramping up construction projects to improve safety and extend the life of the infrastructure.

In the Flagstaff area, ADOT has already started projects to replace the Interstate 40 bridges over Business 40 which connects to Historic Route 66 in west Flagstaff. The project, which is approximately 3 miles west of the junction with Interstate 17, will replace the east- and westbound bridges on I-40 in their entirety. The project is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2022.

Also ongoing in the Flagstaff area is the project to replace the Rio de Flag bridge near Flagstaff City Hall. The work, which involves the use of precast bridge components to significantly reduce the amount of traffic restrictions during the project, will be completed later this summer.

Starting in April, ADOT will begin a project to pave I-40 between I-17 and Walnut Canyon Road in east Flagstaff. Work will include repaving both east- and westbound I-40, including the ramps at four interchanges. Crews will also make repairs to bridge decks within the project area and replace guardrail as needed. This project will last two seasons and is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2022.

Along SR 89 in Chino Valley, ADOT will install a new traffic signal and traffic detection sensors at the intersection with Road 1 North. ADOT will also install a right-turn lane on northbound SR 89 to east Road 1 North, and construct left-turn lanes and widen SR 89 at Road 1 North. The project is set to start later this spring.

In May, a pavement replacement project in the Show Low area will see 6 miles of US 60 and 5 miles of SR 260 repaved with new pavement. The work will take place overnights during the week. Other work includes installing new guardrail, curb and gutter and sidewalks.

This summer, a minor modernization project for the intersection of SR 89A and SR 179 in Sedona will see the replacement of pavement as well as striping and signage to the roundabout. Traffic will continue to have access during construction and work will be completed by the fall.

In the northwest corner of the state, ADOT is currently working on replacing Bridge No. 1 along I-15. Work includes replacing the abutment foundations, piers and the bridge deck of Bridge No. 1. New pavement, pavement markings, guardrail and signage are also included in the project. Work is anticipated to be completed by spring of 2024.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/projects.