Tag Archives: Williams

Tom O’Hallern comments on Drake Cement

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WILLIAMS — On Tuesday, August 23, Tom O’Halleran from the 1st District of Arizona held a town hall meeting at the American Legion Cordova Post #13 on Grant Street. He spoke unfavorably of the location of the pozzolan mining operation by the Peruvian-owned company Drake Cement.

Local residents are concerned that mining operations in the Bill Williams Mountain watershed area could pose problems for the limited water resources of Williams. There are also concerns over why the foreign-owned Drake Cement has claimed over 800-acres of area used by a variety of wild life. The area is also a hunting area and a popular hiking and camping area.


The Forest Service’s Role in Minerals Management
According to the Kaibab Forest web site, the Forest Service’s role in minerals management is twofold: 1) to make minerals from National Forest lands available to the national economy and, at the same time, 2) to minimize the adverse impacts of mining activities on National Forest System surface resources.

  • United States mining laws, principally the Mining Law of 1872, confer a statutory right to search for minerals on public lands. The law provides US citizens the right to explore for and discover valuable mineral deposits on federal lands that are open to mineral entry.
  • Unless an area is withdrawn by the Secretary of Interior or excluded by an act of Congress, National Forest System lands are open to mining claims. The FS does not have the authority to withdraw lands from mining.
  • The Forest Service must consider all reasonable proposals for mineral operations on areas that are open to entry and complete the environmental review within a reasonable timeframe.
  • The Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR 228(a) – Locatable Minerals) sets forth rules and procedures for operating on National Forest System lands so as to minimize adverse environmental impacts on surface resources.

Drake Cement is owned by Peruvian company Cementos Lima through a company called Skanon Investment, Inc. Enrique Rozas is the CEO for Drake Cement and has been the agent for Skanon Investments, inc. since July 21, 2016, according to Internet sources.

Plan for westbound I-40 lane restrictions near Williams August 9-12

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WILLIAMS – The Arizona Department of Transportation advises motorists to plan for daytime lane restrictions on westbound Interstate 40 near Williams from Tuesday, August 9, through Friday, August 12, as work begins on a pavement life extension project.
Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel while the following restrictions are in place daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

  • Westbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane of traffic between mileposts 157 – 155.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph in the work zone.

The project will improve the condition of an 11-mile stretch of I-40 between the East Ash Fork interchange and Devil Dog Road. Final completion is anticipated in late fall of 2022.

Bill Williams Mountain and Sitgreaves Fire

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WILLIAMS – As of yesterday, the Bill Fire, located on the northeast side of Bill Williams Mountain is currently 3/10th acre in size. Crews hiked back to the fire today, improved the fireline perimeter and are now mopping up. The fire is 100% contained as of today. Smoke may still be visible as interior fuel and downed logs continue to burn.

The Mountain Fire, located on the southwest side of Sitgreaves Mountain, is 4 acres in size. Smoke is visible from Interstate 40, Highway 64, and the communities surrounding Sitgreaves. The Mountain fire is in mixed conifer with many dead, standing trees and steep slopes that pose a significant risk to firefighter safety. We are currently monitoring the fire and implementing a full suppression strategy. Firefighter and public safety is our highest priority.

Warm weather with 20% precipitation and the chance of isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue across the area through Saturday, which will allow continued spread and production of smoke. A 70-90% chance of precipitation and monsoon moisture is expected to return Sunday and into next week bringing cooler temperatures and more rain, likely reducing fire spread and smoke.

Two New Fire Starts on the Williams Ranger District

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WILLIAMS – This morning, crews are responding to two new fire starts on the Williams Ranger District.

A lightning storm passing through the area last night started a new fire on the northeast side of Bill Williams Mountain’s steep slope area. It was reported at approximately 5:45 a.m. this morning. The Bill fire is currently at 3/10th of an acre. Smoke is visible from town. Crews hiked up from the ski area early this morning and responded with a full suppression strategy. Six firefighters built line around the fire and are now mopping up.

Additionally, a new start was reported last night on the southwest side of Sitgreaves Mountain, above 8000 feet elevation. Two engines are responding this morning to assess this fire and are implementing a full suppression strategy.

Areas of Coconino and Kaibab national forests to close this weekend

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino and Kaibab national forests will temporarily close certain areas to public access beginning Friday and Saturday due to fire danger and for public safety, while all other parts of the national forests outside of the closure areas remain in Stage 2 fire restrictions.

On the Kaibab National Forest, the area of Bill Williams Mountain will be closed beginning Friday, June 17 at 8 a.m. Specifically, public access will be prohibited on all National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the closure area, generally located between County Road (CR) 73, Old Route 66 in the City of Williams, Forest Road (FR) 122, FR 108, and I-40. This includes Benham Trail, Bixler Saddle Trail, Bill Williams Mountain Trail, Bill Williams Connector Trail, Buckskinner Trail, City of Williams Link Trail, Devil Dog Loop Trail, and Clover Spring Loop Trail. Forest Road 122 will also be closed. FR 108 will remain drivable; however, motorists cannot park off the road.

On the Coconino National Forest, the areas of Pumphouse Wash/Kelly Canyon and Fisher Point/Walnut Canyon will be closed beginning Saturday, June 18 at 8 a.m. This includes Pumphouse Wash Dispersed Camping Area, Forest Road (FR) 237 and other roads within the Pumphouse Wash closure area. In the Fisher Point/Walnut Canyon closure area, all forest roads and recreation sites within the area will be closed. This includes Fisher Point, Marshal Lake, portions of the Arizona National Scenic Trail, Canyon Vista Campground, Sandys Canyon Trail No. 137, and more.

These area closures are in addition to the already-implemented emergency closure of most of the Coconino National Forest north of Interstate 40. For the official Closure Order and a map of this area, please see the official Closure Order.

With regards to both national forests, those with private inholdings will be allowed to access their property via a Forest Service Road but are prohibited from entering the surrounding National Forest lands. Exemptions will be issued for critical activities such as road work and surveys that are vital to continuing restoration operations, time-sensitive utilities and communications site work, and emergency response.

Forest managers consider several factors before implementing restrictions or closures, including current fire danger and fire activity, local, regional and national fire preparedness levels, expected weather conditions, availability of firefighting resources, and the economic impacts to businesses and communities. All northern Arizona national forests coordinate fire restrictions and forest closures with federal, state, tribal and local partners.

Closures are generally the last resort for land managers, who take many other steps to reduce the potential for human-caused fires and often consider closing only the most critical areas before a full forest closure. As such, additional area closures or even full forest closures could be forthcoming if conditions warrant.

Closures and restrictions will be in effect until hot, dry conditions are no longer forecast to continue and the forests receives enough widespread precipitation to lower fire danger.

For details and maps of these specific closure areas and their boundaries, visit the following pages online:

Forest Service personnel will make every effort to notify anyone in these areas to vacate before the closure is implemented.

Violating closures and fire restrictions carries a mandatory appearance in federal court, punishable as a Class B misdemeanor with a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months in prison, or both.

For information on all Arizona state and federal fire restrictions, including an interactive map, visit wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. Additional information about the stages of fire restrictions, Forest Orders, and general forest conditions can be found at fs.usda.gov/kaibab and fs.usda.gov/coconino.

What is today?

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If one were to ask the average passersby what today is, they might take a hint from the flags lining the street. Oh, they might say. Today is Flag day, of course. June 14 is definitely Flag day (36 USC 110). The more learned might even say, Well it’s Flag week. Flag Week (36 USC 122) started on Sunday June 12 and will end on June 18. You will have to search far and wide to find anyone that can go much beyond that.

I hope that I have you questioning me in your mind. Just what the Sam Hill am I talking about.

Flag Day is June 14 and Flag Week is the week that contains Flag Day. There is, however, another holiday period “hidden” in this day. You certainly weren’t taught about it in school recently. I do not remember being taught about it in the 60s and 70s. It is a holiday period that – as far as my research can reveal – only one city in America acknowledges. That city is Rome, New York.

The 21-days from Flag Day to Independence Day (which is held on July 4) is Honor America Days (36 USC 112).

Now you might say to yourself, Of course THIS administration won’t recognize that. Yet, how many “Republican” administrations have transpired without any acknowledgment of this holiday?

Most do not know that September 17 is Constitution Day and the week of September 17 to September 23 is Constitution Week. Why? The proverbial “they” do not want you to know. There is no inclination from to so-called left or right to get you to honor America in anyway.

America has done some bad things. Slavery should have been abolished with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The conservative Democrat slave owners of the South at the time were too powerful and important to the Revolution. After all, Virginia was the most important colony to the cause at the time. It even provided the commanding general and the first President under the Constitution – George Washington.

It is important to recognize our faults. In 1905 George Santayana expressed this in these words, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

We hope to lead you, during this period, to reading material that is important to you. We also recommend that you pull out your copy of (or find a copy to watch) the mini-series John Adams. If you have Tubi or one of the other video apps on your phone, tablet or television stick, you can find a myriad of videos on the American revolution and American history. Read a copy of the Constitution. Even skipping all of the mathematical formulas and boring detail, you can find all sorts of interesting stuff. For example that the Federal Government is supposed to ensure that each state has a Republican form of government (Constitution, Article IV; Section 4, Clause 1). Even Wikipedia got that right. Read the Federalist Papers. You do not have to read them all. Concentrate on those that interest you (HINT: Federalist Paper No. 29 should interest you). Read the anti-Federalist arguments If the schools are going to teach you nothing, learn on your own. You have that so-called “smart” phone, use it for something smart!

Kaibab NF to begin Stage 2 Fire Restrictions May 26

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WILLIAMS – Due to increased fire danger and for public safety, the Kaibab National Forest will elevate to Stage 2 fire restrictions forest wide beginning 8 a.m. Thursday, May 26.

Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following:

  • Building, maintaining, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal, coal, and briquettes, even in developed recreation sites. This includes smudge pots, pellet grills, and wood stoves. The only exception is using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.
  • Smoking (except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material).
  • Blasting, welding, or operating any acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
  • During the hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting during industrial operations or firewood gathering capable of igniting a fire. An exception is allowed for operating generators with an approved spark arrestor in an area barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.

Explosives and fireworks are NEVER allowed.

Violations could result in mandatory appearance in a federal court, fines, and/or jail time.

The Kaibab National Forest’s Stage 2 fire restrictions do not prohibit target shooting. However, all existing regulations pertaining to discharging a firearm still apply.

Stage 3 restrictions/closures may be forthcoming if conditions warrant. Forest managers consider several factors before implementing fire restrictions or forest closures, including current fire danger and fire activity, local, regional and national fire preparedness levels, expected weather conditions, availability of firefighting resources, and the economic impacts on businesses and communities. The Kaibab National Forest continues to coordinate with federal, state, tribal and local partners.

Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the area receives significant, widespread precipitation.

Other national forests and neighboring agencies are also elevating fire restrictions this week. For restriction information on state and federally managed lands in Az visit wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. Find restriction information for Coconino County at coconino.az.gov/2595/Fire-Restriction-Information. Additional information about the stages of fire restrictions, forest orders, and general forest conditions can be found at fs.usda.gov/kaibab.

Forest Service goes into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions May 5

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Beginning Thursday, May 5 at 8:00 a.m., Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions will be in effect on the Williams and Tusayan Districts (aka “South Zone”) of the Kaibab National Forest and the entirety of the Coconino National Forest.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest and state lands.Using a device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device.

Fire restrictions are implemented to help prevent human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Decisions about fire restrictions are based on a combination of carefully measured factors. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, enduring drought, and available firefighting resources.

Additional restrictions could be forthcoming if conditions warrant. Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the area receives significant, widespread precipitation. Violations could result in mandatory appearance in a federal court, fines, or jail time. The public is reminded to always be extra cautious when recreating on public lands, regardless of restrictions.

For information on all Arizona state and federal fire restrictions, including an interactive map, visit wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions. Additional information about the stages of fire restrictions, Forest Orders, and general forest conditions can be found at fs.usda.gov/kaibab and fs.usda.gov/coconino.

Kaibab National Forest firewood permit sales begin May 2

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WILLIAMS – On Monday, May 2, the Kaibab National Forest will begin selling personal-use firewood permits for the 2022 season. Permit holders will be able to collect firewood from May 2 through November 30 on the North Kaibab Ranger District and through December 31 on the Tusayan and Williams Ranger Districts.

Permits are $20 for 10 cords of wood. Permit holders will receive maps, detailed cutting regulations, and load tags which must be physically attached to each ¼ cord of firewood and visible from the rear of the vehicle. The load tagging system helps maintain accountability and provides data for planning future firewood programs.

The 2022 load tags are not reusable. In 2020 and 2021, the forest issued reusable load tags to continue providing access to firewood while minimizing exposure during the pandemic. This season the Kaibab NF is returning to the single-use, quarter-cord tags.

Permits will be valid for firewood collection only within the ranger district from which the permit was purchased.

Permits for the Williams and Tusayan Districts will be issued only in person.

  • Williams Ranger District Office, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams; 928-635-5600
  • Tusayan Ranger District Office, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Tusayan; 928-638-2443
  • Forest Supervisor’s Office (Williams and Tusayan permits only), 600 S. 6th St., Williams; 928-635-8200

Until the North Kaibab Ranger District Office reopens its doors, permits for this district may only be purchased by phone and will be issued by mail. Once the office is open, permits will be issued in person.

North Kaibab Ranger District Office, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia; 928-660-3913

The Kaibab NF firewood permits webpage will be updated with additional details throughout the season.

Nicole Branton selected as new Kaibab Forest Supervisor

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WILLIAMS — Southwestern Regional Forester Michiko Martin has announced that Nicole Branton will be returning to the region as the new Forest Supervisor for the Kaibab National Forest.

Branton has led complex, partner-driven natural resource management efforts since 2013, first as the Red Rock District Ranger on the Coconino National Forest in Sedona and, beginning in 2019, as the Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in western Washington. In her 25 years of public service, Branton has also worked as a resource specialist and line officer in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Illinois, South Dakota, and Washington, D.C.

Branton will take the reins from Diane Taliaferro, who began serving as Acting Forest Supervisor after Heather Provencio’s departure last fall and ended her tour in early April.

“We’re grateful for the dedication that Diane brought to her time on the Kaibab National Forest and for her continued service,” said Martin. “Nicole will bring a wealth of knowledge as she follows Diane. The Kaibab National Forest and those they serve will continue to see high quality leadership as Nicole brings her experience and local understanding to this position.”

With a strong foundation in northern Arizona and a career built around collaborative problem-solving, Branton is well positioned to lead the forest through its many crucial projects including the Bill Williams Mountain Restoration Project, Burnt Corral Vegetation Management Project, Mangum Fire response efforts, Four Forest Restoration Initiative, and Northern AZ Grassland Restoration Project (a 2022 Joint Chiefs’ project).

“I am thrilled to be returning home to northern Arizona, and I’m honored to be selected as the Forest Supervisor for the Kaibab, a forest with a reputation for getting work done with partners and communities,” said Branton. “I have admired the Kaibab staff for a long time. I’m looking forward to working with them on the challenging yet rewarding tasks of protecting our climate-vulnerable communities through landscape scale restoration, deepening relationships with Tribes, and building socially equitable and environmentally sustainable outdoor experiences that support rural economies.”

Branton will begin her new role as Kaibab National Forest Supervisor May 8, 2022.