Tag Archives: Phoenix

Arizona’s baby bald eagle season is here

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Biologist band new eagles.

Biologist band new eagles.

PHOENIX — It’s two female offspring for proud bald eagles nesting at Lake Pleasant, as Arizona Game and Fish Department biologists discovered yesterday. The discovery was made during the department’s efforts to place identification bands on the eaglets before the birds fledge and leave the nest.

Each year as part of a highly successful program to manage and conserve bald eagles in Arizona, department biologists band as many nestlings as possible. Last year, nearly half of all the nestlings that reached fledging age had been banded. The identification bands help biologists learn more about population demographics and the species’ migration, reproduction and nesting behavior.

Gaining access to the nest and its 6-week-old occupants takes skill and requires biologists to rappel down to the cliff-side nest that sits high above the lake. The young birds are then placed in a specially-equipped “baby bag” and hoisted to the ground above to receive both a state and federal ID band, have measurements taken and feather samples collected for contaminants analysis.

“Arizona has both cliff nests and tree nests. Some nests cannot be safely accessed, but we try to band as many of the young as we can in order to continue learning about the species. The timing is critical; we have to band the nestlings when their legs are nearly full-grown, but they aren’t at risk for trying to prematurely fly from the nest, which occurs around 7 weeks,” said Kenneth Jacobson, head of the Arizona Game and Fish Department Bald Eagle Management Program.

Eagle_banding_3-17-16_Lake_Pleasant_webEntering nests to band nestlings also allows biologists to collect and remove potentially lethal fishing line and tackle, addled (dead) eggs, eggshells, prey remains, rescue individuals, and to repair or reconstruct nests if they are falling apart.

The public is reminded that 23 high-use recreation areas across the state are closed this time of year to help bald eagles successfully reproduce. The exact restrictions depend on the area but can include closures to foot or boat traffic. Outdoor recreationists, aircraft pilots, drone operators and motorized paragliders are asked to stay out of closed areas. For a list of closures, visit www.azgfd.gov/baldeagle.

“Cooperation from outdoor recreationists has been a major reason that the bald eagle population continues to grow, and now we’re working to create more awareness among aircraft pilots, drone operators and motorized paragliders. Pilots should maintain the FAA-recommended 2,000-foot above ground level advisory when flying over bald eagle habitat, and drones and paragliders are asked to avoid the areas completely,” said Jacobson.

Bald eagles are sensitive to even short durations of low-flying aircraft activity near their nests and just a few minutes of disturbance can lead to a nesting failure.

Bald eagles were successfully recovered and removed from the federal Endangered Species Act but remain protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and other state and federal rules.

Student archers taking aim at 2016 state tournament

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Archery_in_Schools_-_2_1PHOENIX — More than 320 student archers from throughout Arizona, participants on the state level of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP), will be competing Saturday in the 2016 state tournament and 3D shoot at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department coordinates NASP on the state level and hosts a half-dozen state qualifying tournaments throughout the academic year, beginning in September and ending in March. The top three boys and girls competing in the bullseye and 3D events in three divisions — elementary, middle and high school — will be awarded.

The student archers also will be attempting to qualify for the 2016 national NASP tournament, scheduled for May 12-14 in Louisville, Ky.

The competition will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the FITA and FITA practice ranges. Admission is free. Several local outdoors organizations, as well as a food truck, will be on-site.

The program is a physical education curriculum designed to teach international-style target archery for students in grades 4 through 12. The core content covers safety, techniques, equipment, mental concentration, and self-improvement, as well as the history of the sport.

It’s also about having fun. Kelsey Gerchar, the department’s archery education coordinator, said there has been tremendous interest in the NASP/IBO 3D Challenge, where students take shots at six different foam animal targets placed at various distances, then rotate to take shots at each of the remaining targets.

“This interest has led to the introduction of a new NASP bowhunting program the department will be rolling out at the end of the year,” Gerchar said.

Arizona’s Archery in the Schools program is funded through an excise tax on the sale of hunting and shooting sports equipment. No state general funds are used to support the program. Game and Fish administers the program for the purpose of promoting safe, responsible aspects of the sport, as well as wildlife conservation as part of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Act (WSFR). Visit www.azgfd.gov/archery for more information.

No time like the present to prepare watercraft for boating season

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PHOENIX — The official start of the boating season is on the horizon and many Arizonans are getting ready to pull their favorite watercraft out from storage in preparation for more fun on the water.

To ensure the season is hiccup-free, the Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends that all watercraft owners thoroughly inspect their vessel to help prevent problems that could keep them off the water. To ensure you encounter only smooth sailing, watercraft owners should conduct the following inspections:

  1. Fuel system – Check the system for any leaks or damages. Give special attention to any fuel lines and connections. Damaged fuel hoses could either be cracked, brittle or soft. Also ensure the engine exhaust and ventilation systems are functioning properly. Before starting your engine, open the engine cover and smell for the presence of fuel vapor. Leave the engine cover off when first starting so you can inspect for proper functioning of the engine.
  2. Belts, cables and hoses – As with fuel lines, inspect all belts, cables and hoses that may have been damaged while in storage. Inactive items can become brittle and may crack. Ensure belts are fitted tightly and that there are no cracks on the outer jacket of the throttle, shift and steering control cables.
  3. Electric system – Inspect all electrical connections to ensure they are clean, tight and corrosion free. All electrical systems should be regularly inspected by a qualified technician.
  4. Fluid levels – Check all fluid levels including engine oil, power steering, power trim reservoirs and engine coolant. Also be sure to change the engine oil, oil filter and drive lubricants.
  5. Propellers and hulls – Ensure propellers are free of dings, pitting, cracks and distortion, and that they are secured properly. On the hull, inspect for blisters, distortions and cracks. Also make sure the vessel’s drain plug is in place before launching.
  6. Safety gear – Check to ensure all life jackets are still in good condition, that they are the right size and fit for your passengers. On average in Arizona, life jackets should be replaced every three to five years. Remember that state law requires anyone 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times when the vessel is underway and there should be one life jacket aboard for every passenger.

    Don’t forget that a throwable flotation device – usually a cushion with handles or a ring buoy – is required for all watercraft longer than 16 feet, except for canoes and kayaks. Also check to ensure the fire extinguisher is fully charged and stowed in the proper location.
  7. Take a safety course – The department offers free courses in Phoenix and Lake Havasu City every month to provide water users the information and tips needed to stay safe while on the water. For more information on boating safety or to register for a hands-on or online safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating and click “Boating Safety Education.”

 

ADOT signs to remind drivers about $400 HOV-lane violations

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hovviolationsign1loop202redmtnadotphotomarch2016PHOENIX — Drivers along Phoenix-area freeways can expect to see an additional reminder about the cost of being caught cheating in high occupancy vehicle lanes during weekday rush hours.

Over the next year, the Arizona Department of Transportation will add more than 250 signs that say “HOV Violation $400 Minimum” along Valley freeways with HOV lanes.

The new signs will join existing ones listing the weekday rush hours when HOV rules apply: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. During those periods, access to HOV lanes is limited to vehicles with two or more people aboard or displaying Arizona’s “Blue Sky” license plates. Motorcycles and buses are among other vehicles allowed to use HOV lanes during rush hours.

“These signs will remind drivers that violating the HOV-lane law is costly,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “Fines, court costs and the inconvenience of dealing with the traffic ticket are just not worth it.”

The first of the new “HOV $400 Violation” signs have been installed along a 20-mile stretch of the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway between Loop 101 and Broadway Road in Mesa. Carpool lanes along that freeway recently were extended between Gilbert and Broadway roads as part of a widening project that is nearing completion.

“We all pay when drivers drive in the HOV lane alone,” said Department of Public Safety Director Col. Frank Milstead. “Even the best excuse is no excuse.”

There are more than 190 miles of HOV lanes along Phoenix-area freeways.

The new signs will continue to be installed in stages over the next year as part of sign-maintenance projects. ADOT expects to install them as part of the Loop 101 widening project between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 by this summer.

Newest Game and Fish wildlife camera showcases downtown Phoenix falcons

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Phx_peregrine_camPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department added a second wildlife live stream camera to its offerings this week. Now, anyone with a computer, smart phone or tablet can get a peek into the lives of a breeding pair of peregrine falcons living atop the Maricopa County Administration building in downtown Phoenix.

Peregrine falcons have been nesting in the downtown Phoenix area for more than a decade.

“This is a perfect example of wildlife being everywhere. We think people will be fascinated watching this pair of peregrine falcons and getting a glimpse into nesting, incubating eggs and rearing young, all in live time,” said Randy Babb, watchable wildlife program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Maricopa County partnered with the department and is allowing biologists to monitor the birds and access the nest site when necessary.

This February, a nest box previously installed by the department was renovated and state-of-the-art streaming video and audio equipment was installed in anticipation of the falcons using the nest box again this season. Since the renovation, the birds have been spending more time at the nest box indicating they intend to nest there again this year. Peregrine falcons tend to use the same nest sites season after season for many years.

The department also launched a live feed of sandhill cranes earlier this year showing the birds wintering in southern Arizona.

“It’s a priority for the department to connect and engage the public with their wildlife. Live feed wildlife cameras are just one tool for doing that,” Babb continued. “If you check the camera and the birds aren’t present, keep checking. If they lay eggs, viewing will be more consistent and predictable.”

Both the peregrine and sandhill crane live streams can be viewed at www.azgfd.gov/livecams.

Peregrine falcons are one of the world’s most widespread raptors and are found on nearly every continent. The species nearly went extinct in North American from pesticide poisoning, but thanks to recovery efforts, the species was removed from the U.S.’s Endangered Species Act in 1999. This falcon feeds almost exclusively on medium-sized birds such as pigeons and doves, which are plentiful in urban areas.

ADEQ Ombudsman and Tribal Liaison Ian Bingham Expands Role as ADEQ Communications Director

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Karin Harris, CEO of eGreen IT Solutions, receives a certificate of achievement from ADEQ Ombudsman Ian Bingham for being an original member of the agency’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program (VESP)

Karin Harris, CEO of eGreen IT Solutions, receives a certificate of achievement from ADEQ Ombudsman Ian Bingham for being an original member of the agency’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program (VESP)

PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today the appointment of Ian Bingham, ADEQ Ombudsman and Tribal Liaison since 2010, to ADEQ Communications Director. This appointment expands Mr. Bingham’s current service, as he is continuing his role as Ombudsman and Tribal Liaison. In his new capacity, Mr. Bingham will counsel agency executive leadership and direct and manage strategic, proactive marketing and branding activities, internal and external communication and outreach.

Of additional benefit to ADEQ and Governor Douglas A. Ducey’s governmental transformation initiative, Mr. Bingham has designed and implemented processes that remove process waste, increase efficiency and dramatically improve performance since the mid-1990s.

“Widely admired and respected inside and outside of the agency, Mr. Bingham exhibits a true passion for and deep understanding of the value effective communication brings to furthering the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality mission of protecting and enhancing public health and the environment,” said Director Cabrera. “Mr. Bingham leads by example – his commitment to the environment and our community go far beyond his work at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality in his service as a member of the Board of Directors for the Stewardship Action Council, Arizona Environmental Strategic Alliance Advisor, and mentoring youth by coaching basketball since 1989,” Director Cabrera added.

Now in his 25th year of agency service, his prior experience includes management positions in the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspections and Compliance and Corrective Action programs, Waste Programs Division Enforcement Coordinator, technical advisor for UST, Arizona Environmental Performance Track Program Administrator, and most recently, Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program Coordinator, and Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee Representative.

As Arizona’s boating season approaches, prepare with a safety course

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PHOENIX — Spring and summer isn’t far off and Arizona’s waterways will soon be teeming with activity. To make sure you’re ready for another great boating and paddling season, the Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends all water users to take a boating safety course.

The department offers free courses in Phoenix and Lake Havasu City every month to provide water users the information and tips needed to stay safe while on the water. Each year many deaths and injuries on Arizona’s waterways are the result of people who don’t know how to operate a watercraft properly or how to act to avoid placing themselves in danger.

For more information on boating safety or to register for a hands-on or online safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating and click “Boating Safety Education.” Below is a list of hands-on boating safety courses scheduled for March:

Arizona Boater Education Course

  • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 19, Apex Arms Facility, Green Building, Lake Havasu City
  • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 19, Arizona Game and Fish Headquarters, Phoenix

Arizona Paddlesports Education Course

  • 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. March 26, Biscuit Tank at Ben Avery Shooting Facility, Phoenix.

Department’s courses include instruction on the basic skills needed to safely operate a boat or personal watercraft, trailering your vessel, navigational rules, buoys, anchoring, legal requirements, boating emergencies, watersports and paddling. In addition, most insurance companies offer a discount on boat or watercraft insurance rates for completing a course.

The department also reminds all watercraft users that boats in Arizona must have a life jacket aboard for every passenger aboard and those 12 years old and younger must wear a life jacket at all times, under state law. Users should also check to make sure a life jacket fits properly by ensuring there is no excess room above the openings of the jacket and that it does not ride up over the chin or face.

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

Volunteers needed for Table Mesa Recreation Area cleanup

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Tread_Lightly__-_Image_1PHOENIX — “Tread Lightly!,” which promotes responsible recreation through stewardship, communication and education, has scheduled a cleanup Sunday at the popular Table Mesa Recreation Area north of Phoenix.

Partner organizations include the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service.

Volunteers – including recreational shooters, off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts, hikers and others who champion responsible recreation – are needed for the four-hour event, which begins at 8 a.m. Volunteers are encouraged to bring water, work gloves, hat, sunscreen, trash pinchers and buckets. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended.

Sign up at https://treadlightly.wufoo.com/forms/z1sc8qkl0o4q2oj/. For more information, contact Dianne Olson at (800) 966-9900, Ext. 13, or e-mail: Dianne@treadlightly.org.

Table Mesa Recreation Area is located at Interstate 17 and Table Mesa Road. Proceed west on Table Mesa Road, then north on the frontage road. Follow signs posted at the end of the pavement. Volunteers will be on-site to provide more information and directions. To view a map, visit http://tinyurl.com/jyj6kby.

Specialty plates raise millions supporting Arizona charities

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300_118762_USMC platePHOENIX — With only a few exceptions, specialty license plates offered by the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division do more than just allow drivers to show support for causes and express their individuality. They raise money – and a lot of it – for charities and nonprofit groups.

In 2015, the 389,536 specialty plates on Arizona vehicles raised more than $6.5 million.

“We’re pleased to be a facilitator for people to give to their favorite charity,” Motor Vehicle Division Director Eric Jorgensen said. “The specialty license plate program is a great way to personalize your vehicle and support great causes.”

Drivers pay $25 a year for specialty plates. Of that amount, $17 goes to a designated charity or nonprofit group.

The top specialty plate for 2015 features the Arizona Cardinals, raising $1,087,677 for Cardinals Charities and its many beneficiaries. Next were two plates benefiting the Arizona Veterans’ Donation Fund that supports veterans and their families: Veterans, raising $1,051,093, and Freedom/Military Support, raising $521,424.

“Seeing so many vehicles on the road displaying their Cardinals plates is fantastic, and the display of support is incredibly gratifying,” Cardinals President Michael Bidwill said. “But even more meaningful is knowing the type of impact that the project is having on Cardinals Charities and, in turn, so many worthy causes throughout the state.”

There are 60 specialty license plates available in Arizona. Among the few plates that aren’t connected to a charity or nonprofit group are those for historic and classic vehicles, as well as plates that support a public service like amateur radio operators.

Specialty license plates are created by state law. In 2015, laws led to specialty plates featuring the Arizona Coyotes, U.S. Marine Corps, Midwestern University and Firefighter Safety Training.

Once a plate becomes law, the nonprofit organization benefiting from it must pay $32,000 to cover MVD’s programming and production costs and work with MVD to design the plate. Upon approval by the organization, ADOT and law enforcement, the plate goes into production for vehicle owners to purchase.

Reminder: Wildlife assets to be sold at AZGFD’s Outdoor Expo

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Assets_-_2PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s annual sale of wildlife assets will take place April 2-3 at the 2016 Outdoor Expo at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, a change in venue from the International Sportsmen’s Expo (ISE) set for March 10-13 at WestWorld of Scottsdale.  

The Wildlife Assets Program enables the public to legally purchase antlers, head mounts, hides and other wildlife parts that have been seized during law enforcement investigations, obtained from animals killed in vehicle collisions or acquired through donations.

All assets will be sold through a silent auction. Proceeds will be used to support the department’s law enforcement program through the purchase of equipment (evidence collection kits, digital cameras, audio recorders, metal detectors, decoys and night vision equipment) and specialized training (interview and interrogation classes, wildlife forensic classes, crime scene investigation training) that assist officers in more effectively performing their duties.  

For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/assets, or call (623) 236-7303.