Tag Archives: Arizona

Share your thoughts on ADOT’s State Aviation System Plan update

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PHOENIX – Members of the public are welcome to provide input on an update to the Arizona Department of Transportation’s State Aviation System Plan.

The update, which evaluates the current and future performance of Arizona’s 67 publicly owned, public-use airports, will help guide ADOT’s long-term planning so the state’s aviation system can safely meet the evolving needs of residents, visitors and businesses.

State aviation system plans are typically updated every seven to 10 years. Arizona’s was last updated in 2008.

Three public meetings are scheduled this month in Mesa, Tucson and Flagstaff. Each meeting will be an open house with a formal presentation at 2 p.m. The same information will be shared at each:

Mesa
1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, January 23
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, 5835 S. Sossaman Road |Airport Administration Building, Airport Board Room

Tucson
1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, January 24
Tucson International Airport, 7250 S. Tucson Blvd. | Airport Terminal Board Room, Second Floor

Flagstaff
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, January 25
Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NACET), 2201 N. Gemini Road | Accelerator, Alternate EOC Building, Room 100

Additional information is available at azdot.gov/SASPUpdate, which lists contacts for those unable to attend the meetings but wishing to comment by email or phone.

Pile Burning continues on Williams Ranger District

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Kaibab Forest Service photo

WILLIAMS – Conditions remain optimal for fire managers to continue burning slash piles on the south side of the Williams Ranger District and crews will move forward with burning an additional 94 acres on Thursday of this week near Coleman Lake adjacent to County Road 73. As moisture in the area remains, additional acres will be identified and treated.

Recent snow fall levels have allowed for the opportunity to work at least two more days in the area. Fuels specialists are accomplishing the objectives they hoped for with no control concerns. Pile burning will likely continue throughout the winter months as weather permits and conditions remain favorable.

Smoke may be visible during the early part of the day but is expected to be minimal in volume and disperse rapidly. No overnight impacts are expected.

Visitors are always reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of prescribed fires, as firefighters, fire-related traffic and smoke may all be present.

All prescribed fires are subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division and to view prescribed burn authorizations for any given day, visit www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/smoke-management

Notifications of upcoming prescribed fires are provided regularly throughout the year. This information can be found at the following sources:

· Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
· Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
· Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
· Kaibab South Zone Rx Fire: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5160/

Two mule deer does poached near Nelson Reservoir

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is investigating the poaching of two mule deer does.

On Saturday morning, December 23, 2017, the does were illegally killed on Forest Road 8058, west of Highway 191 and south of Nelson Reservoir. One doe was taken from the field and the other was mostly left to waste.

Investigators are seeking information about a maroon or red truck with a silver or gray stripe along the lower frame of the truck, which is believed to be associated with this crime.

“We need assistance from the public to find the individuals responsible,” said AZGFD law specialist Nancy Huser. “This is the action of a criminal, who stole wildlife assets and resources from the people of Arizona and must be brought to justice.”

There was a lawful, open cow elk hunt going on at the time of the poaching. Investigators hope hunters and recreationists who were in the area may have valuable information about the crime.

Anyone with information about this case can call the department’s Operation Game Thief hotline at (800) 352-0700 or visit www.azgfd.gov/ogt and refer to case #17-004986.

Callers may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 in this case. An additional $500 reward is being offered by the Mule Deer Foundation upon arrest and conviction of the poachers. All caller identities will remain confidential upon request.

Online applications for 2018 pronghorn, elk hunts now being accepted

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department now is accepting online applications for 2018 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for pronghorn antelope and elk.

To apply online, visit https://draw.azgfd.gov and scroll down to “Apply for a Draw.” For an overview of the online application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 10 of the “2018 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet. Printed booklets also are available at all Game and Fish offices and license dealers statewide.

Applicants should note separate deadlines for paper and online applications:

Online applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, February 13, 2018.
In an effort to provide better customer service by announcing draw results sooner, all paper applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, January 30, 2018. Postmarks do not count.

Paper applications can be mailed to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawing Section, P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052, or dropped off at any regional office statewide.

The department encourages all applicants to sign up for a free AZGFD portal account and apply online. The portal allows customers to create a secure account where they can manage and view their draw applications, license history, bonus points, gain access to their “I Support Wildlife” membership and more in the “My AZGFD Dashboard” section. A portal account also provides convenient access to the online license purchase and draw application systems. Draw results will be posted to portal accounts.

It’s easy to create an account. Just click on “My Account” in the upper right-hand corner of the www.azgfd.gov home page and then select the “Register” option, filling in the requested information. A portal account is mobile-friendly, so customers can view their information on their smartphones.

AZGFD is dedicated to assisting applicants with the online process. All department offices are equipped with customer computers that can be accessed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Customer service representatives can be reached by calling (602) 942-3000. As a reminder, customer service representatives will be available to provide assistance only until 8 p.m. February 13. (deadline day).

A valid hunting license (or combination hunting and fishing license) is required to hunt wildlife in Arizona. No one under 14 may hunt big game without having completed a Hunter Education course. While it is not necessary for anyone 10 to 13 to complete a Hunter Education course before applying for a hunt permit-tag, these courses fill quickly. Consider registering now by visiting www.azgfd.gov/huntered or calling 623-236-7239.

Coconino County Offices closed in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

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FLAGSTAFF — All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed January 15, 2018 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. 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. 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.

In the event of a snow storm or other impactful weather during the holiday, County Public Works crews will be deployed to keep County roadways open and passable.

Coconino County’s parks and natural areas will remain open, but administrative offices at Fort Tuthill County Park will be closed and no staff or services will be available. Drinking fountains and hose spigots have been turned off at all parks, but bathrooms are still available at Raymond County Park, Peaks View County Park, and Sawmill County Park. Water and bathrooms are available at Louise Yellowman County Park, located in Tuba City.

Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) Animal Management will have an officer available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. January 15. 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.

Air Quality Division Stakeholder Meeting

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ADEQ invites you to attend a stakeholder meeting for the development of state rules for Arizona’s voluntary emissions bank. ADEQ seeks your input and ideas in amending the Arizona Administrative Code, Title 18, Chapter 2, Article 12 (PDF).

Earlier this year, the legislature amended the existing emissions bank statute (A.R.S. Section 49-410 or HB2152) to allow for new types of emissions reductions credits to be deposited in the bank. The amendments directed ADEQ to adopt rules implementing these changes. The rules will help promote Arizona as a more attractive option for companies seeking to locate or expand industrial operations while still maintaining healthy air quality.

This stakeholder meeting will be hosted in Yuma, which is currently not meeting national particulate matter air quality standards and the new ozone standards. Establishing the emissions bank rules, with your input, will provide businesses looking to locate in Yuma an opportunity to offset their emissions.

When: Tuesday, January 16, 2018, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Yuma County Development Services
Aldrich Hall
2351 W 26th St
Yuma, AZ 85364

RSVP:
Natalie Muilenberg
nm3@azdeq.gov
602-771-1089

Snowfall forecast on North Kaibab Ranger District

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FREDONIA – Fire managers plan to burn piles on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest tomorrow through Friday, weather permitting.

Crews will be active on approximately 125 acres at the southern end of the district near DeMotte campground and on 250 acres at the northern end of the district near Jacob Lake. The treatment is continuation of the Plateau Facilities Fire Protection Project, an ongoing wildfire mitigation project that includes a combination of prescribed burning and mechanical thinning designed to ultimately treat about 5,000 acres across the Kaibab Plateau.

The piles have cured over the last few years and are expected to consume quickly. Winds are expected to have a southerly influence, which would push any smoke produced to the north/northeast. However, fire managers anticipate smoke impacts to be very light as transport winds are forecast to be 10-to-15 mph. Individuals in the surrounding area who have smoke sensitivities are advised to limit their outdoor exposure during the pile burn.

General Information: Implementation of any particular prescribed fire, including a pile burn, is dependent on weather and fuel conditions including winds, temperature, humidity, moisture of the vegetation and ventilation conditions for dispersal of smoke. All prescribed fires are subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division and to view prescribed burn authorizations for any given day, visit http://www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/smoke-management.

No road or trail closures are expected. However, in the interest of safety, visitors are always reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of prescribed fires, as firefighters, fire-related traffic, and smoke may all be present.

Williams Ranger District plans small pile burns on Wednesday

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WILLIAMS – Fire managers on the Williams Ranger District are planning to burn two small units of slash piles totaling 16 acres on Wednesday of this week. A 2 acre unit of machine piles on the southwest side of Sitgreaves Mountain and a 14 acre block of hand piles near forest road 108 south of I-40 are the specific locations scheduled for treatment.

“Conditions are ideal for cleaning up these two areas with the impending weather forecast bringing snow overnight” said Fuels Specialist Zach Boness. “We expect full consumption of the debris with no potential for fire to carry on the ground.”

Smoke is expected to rise just above tree top levels and disperse rapidly to the east moving away from the local area. Short duration smoke impacts may occur on County Road 73, and on the south side of the district throughout the day however no overnight impacts are expected.

Visitors are always reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of prescribed fires, as firefighters, fire-related traffic and smoke may all be present.

All prescribed fires are subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division and to view prescribed burn authorizations for any given day, visit www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/smoke-management

County Board appoints James Jayne Interim County Manager

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Board of Supervisors selected James Jayne as Interim County Manager. Jayne is replacing previous Manager Cynthia Seelhammer, who resigned today.

Seelhammer, a 2017 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Award Winner, served as County Manager since 2013. She has more than 30 years of experience working for small towns, large cities and counties in three different states.

“On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I want to thank County Manager Seelhammer for her outstanding work and dedication to the citizens of Coconino County,” said Chairman of the Board Matt Ryan. “Under Cynthia’s leadership, the County had many successes such as the education effort that led to the passage of Proposition 403 to fund county roads, the purchase of State Trust Land at Fort Tuthill and overhauled our outdated technology systems to save tax payer dollars and better serve our customers. We wish her the best in her future endeavors.”

Jayne will serve as County Manager while the Board of Supervisors determines the process for hiring a permanent manager. Jayne has been with Coconino County since August 2017 serving as the Director of Special Initiatives, responsible for Public Affairs and Community Relations, Public Works and various special projects.

Prior to coming to Coconino County, he served as the Navajo County Manager since 2003. Preceding his time with Navajo County, he served as Executive Secretary for the Arizona Corporation Commission, the Chief of Staff in the AZ House of Representatives, worked at the Arizona Water Banking Authority and in the U.S. Congress. Jayne earned his undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University and his MPA and Certified Public Manager Certification from ASU.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity given to me by the Board of Supervisors and I look forward to working closely with the Board, other elected officials, department directors and the team members who serve the County,” said Jayne. “I will continue to build strong relationships and partnerships with the communities, local governments and organizations throughout the County to help meet the needs of our residents.”

The County Manager provides overall management of county government functions and serves as liaison between the County Board of Supervisors, County Elected Officials and Department Directors.

Coconino ARES to participate in statewide emergency exercise Saturday

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) will be participating in a statewide disaster exercise this weekend conducted by the Pima County Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES). The exercise will be held in the morning hours of Saturday January 13. Coconino ARES is a component of the Coconino Amateur Radio Club (CARC) in Flagstaff.

The southern Arizona ARES group in Tuscon will be collecting information on 3865-KHz lower side band (LSB). Net control for the group is N7OEM and they will start taking reports about 7:15 a.m.

In Flagstaff, the Coconino ARES will use the ARES 146.980 repeater (CTCSS 162.2 – offset) and the Utah Intertie 448.875 repeater (CTCSS 100 – offset). Joe Hobart W7LUX, District Emergency Coordinator for ARES in Coconino County, will be Net Control for the Utah Intertie repeater and 3390-KHz high frequency. Glen Davis, KG7YDJ in Williams, will be Net Control for the 146.980 ARES repeater. Williams may monitor the 146.780 repeater on Bill Williams Mountain, but it is not part of the exercise.

The people involved in the exercise may send drill emergency messages. People with real emergencies may, of course, call in for help.

ARES is a component of the Amateur Radio Relay League. RACES is an emergency organization formed by the FCC during the sixties and codified in 47 C.F.R. Part 97.