Tag Archives: Williams

Kaibab National Forest seeks comments on grassland restoration project

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WILLIAMS — Managers are seeking public comment on a proposed project to use mechanical treatments and prescribed fire to restore grasslands across a 550,000-acre project area on the Williams and Tusayan districts of the Kaibab National Forest.

Known as the South Zone Grassland Restoration Project, the effort would implement thinning, prescribed burning and other activities to restore the structure and function of grassland and pinyon-juniper grassland, also referred to as savanna, ecosystems in an effort to improve their resilience to disturbance and changing climate regimes.

The Environmental Assessment analyzing the potential effects to forest resources of implementing the proposed project and all other associated documentation are available on the Kaibab National Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44132. In addition to potential environmental effects, the Environmental Assessment describes the project’s background, outlines the purpose of and need for the project, describes the components of the alternatives under analysis, and summarizes consultation and coordination that has been completed throughout the life of the project.

The South Zone Grassland Restoration Project area encompasses about 269,000 acres of the Williams Ranger District and 281,000 acres of the Tusayan Ranger District. The project area consists of the portions of the South Zone located outside the Four Forest Restoration Initiative project boundary.

The Southwestern landscape, including the South Zone of the Kaibab National Forest, has been greatly altered over the past century by the encroachment of woody plants, particularly juniper, pinyon, and ponderosa pine, into areas that were formerly grasslands and open pinyon-juniper grasslands. These factors have eliminated the vegetation necessary to carry low intensity surface fires across the landscape, thereby altering the natural fire regimes and allowing uncharacteristic forest succession to take place. Encroachment can alter water and nutrient cycling, impact soil integrity, and negatively impact wildlife habitat.

Comments concerning this project must be in writing and may be delivered electronically or by mail, facsimile, or hand. Comments will be accepted for 30 calendar days following the publication of a legal notice in the Arizona Daily Sun, which is expected to occur today. For additional information on the project or to provide comments, visit the Kaibab National Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44132.

Nazi death camp survivor will sign books in Williams

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auschwitz_arrivee-2WILLIAMS — On September 1, 1939, the German army entered Poland after a false flag at a German radio station. In four days they took Bendzin; the hometown of 12-year-old Dora Szpringer. The Germans burned down a synagogue with about 200 Jews inside. While most Jews in the town were killed, the entire family of Dora Szpringer survived the war.

Now Doris Martin will be here in Williams August 9th to sign copies of her book, Kiss Every Step—the story of that survival.

The book signing is being arranged by Cosette Riggs who is arranging a radio interview. “This is going to be a great opportunity and maybe the last for any of you that want to, to meet a survivor of the Prison camps,” Cossette said. “Our children should be told what happened to these millions of people and we should never forget. ”

Doris will conduct a radio interview on Tuesday, August 9 at 11:30 on KZBX 92.1 FM. She will sign copies of her book at the Wild West Junction dining hall at 1 p.m.

Williams Ranger District announces plans to begin fall prescribed burning

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WILLIAMS — Fire managers on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest have completed plans for the 2016 fall and 2017 spring prescribed fire burning seasons and are planning to begin working as early as mid-August on several projects. The specific units to be ignited will be chosen based on fuel moistures and weather conditions that are within prescriptive levels that meet fuels reduction objectives.

The flowing project areas are planned for treatments:

Green Base Dry Lake Project: Ten burn units northeast of Williams, approximately 9,040 acres.
Green Base Parks West Project: Four burn units east of Williams, approximately 5,141 acres.
McCracken East Project: Two burn units south of Williams, approximately 839 acres.
McCracken West Prescribed Fire: Four burn units south of Williams, approximately 1,693 acres.
Kendrick Prescribed Fire: Six burn units northeast of Williams approximately 2,497 acres.
Fall-burn-image
Fire plays a beneficial role in maintaining the ecological stability of many landscapes including the Kaibab National Forest. Managers use prescribed fire as a practical means to reduce risks associated with uncharacteristic wildfires that can pose significant threats to public health and safety.

Officials recognize that impacts to air quality may be unpleasant at times, however they can significantly reduce the amount and limit the duration of smoke more effectively using prescribed methods than in an uncontrolled wildfire situation. Furthermore, fire managers will remain cognizant of wind direction and ventilation with the intent to minimize smoke impacts to businesses and residences.

During operations, fire personnel and vehicles working in these vicinities will be visible to the public. Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive with heightened caution when passing through active project areas.

Changing weather influences growth patterns on Sunflower and Ike fires

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WILLIAMS — The two fires being allowed to spread in a natural setting on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest are growing slowly but steadily as weather conditions and precipitation levels fluctuate daily.

“The varying weather trends we are experiencing at this time on the Sunflower and Ike fires are influencing a combination of fire severity and intensities which result in a wide range of natural effects to forest vegetation” said Williams District Ranger Danelle D. Harrison. “Although the rate of fire spread is presently low, an increase in fire behavior can occur quickly within a day or two as weather dries out. This will create a desired mosaic pattern which will largely improve forest health meeting our objectives.”

Fire managers expect that both fires will continue growing following this current trend and will likely burn for an extended period of time with weather being the predominant factor influencing duration.

Crews are actively taking actions to protect structures, private inholdings, sensitive archeological sites, range fences, power lines, and wildlife habitats before the fire approaches these values at risk. Tasks include removing burnable material away from these locations and constructing fire break control lines to secure sensitive features within the planning area.

A Forest Area Closure Order [#07-16-09-F (PDF)] remains in effect in the vicinity of the fire that includes the following areas: North of Forest Roads (FR) 110 and 109, East of FR 747 and Big Spring Wash, then South of FR 139 and West of FR 109.

Smoke will be noticeable at times and may periodically impact nearby communities that include Williams, Parks, Bellemont, Sherwood Forest, Pittman Valley, Chino Valley, Paulden, Prescott, Camp Verde, Flagstaff and Sedona. Monitoring smoke production will remain a top priority for fire managers who will adjust actions to alleviate impacts to effected communities.

Fire restrictions to be lifted tomorrow on North Kaibab Ranger District

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WILLIAMS — Due to the decreasing risk of fire danger, the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest will lift campfire and smoking restrictions, also known as Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, at 8 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, July 27).

To date, many areas of the district have received the adequate amount of precipitation needed to warrant conditions being lifted. However, visitors are always expected to use caution with campfires and other potential ignition sources.

“Although not widespread, we’ve had wetting rain events over the past week throughout portions of the Kaibab Plateau,” said North Zone Fuels Specialist Dave Robinson. “So we urge our forest visitors to remain vigilant and utilize proper campfire safety techniques and precautions – drown and stir until the campfire is cold to the touch.”

The Kaibab National Forest is committed to educating visitors about camping responsibly and being fire safe. Never leave a campfire unattended, even for a few minutes. Additional tips on camping responsibly are available at www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/responsible-recreation, which include answering nature’s call, being fire safe, avoiding interaction with wildlife, and respecting and protecting archaeological sites so that our National Forest and grasslands may be enjoyed for future generations.

Sunflower and Ike fires to be utilized for achieving land management objectives

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WILLIAMS — Recent moisture from monsoonal rains have created favorable conditions on the Williams Ranger District prompting Kaibab National Forest officials  to utilize the lightning caused “Sunflower” and “Ike” fires to spread in a natural progression within a designated planning area.

Each fire is carefully considered with an extensive process that includes consideration of potential short- and long-term smoke impacts to communities. The intent is to re-introduce fire back into the adapted environment, enhance overall forest health, reduce hazardous fuel loads, and protect valued resources while providing for firefighter and public safety first.

Objectives for this strategy include using low to moderate intensity fire with occasional high severity intensities to consume accumulations of dead and down woody debris from the forest floor. Additionally, burning off the understory fuels help raise the canopy heights of the older trees ultimately protecting them from being lost to a potential catastrophic fire event in the future.

There are a number of additional benefits for allowing fire to burn in a natural setting, which include protection of wildlife habitat, historic heritage sites, vital watersheds, critical infrastructure, and residential expansions that fall within the urban interface where human developments meet the forest. Soils also become replenished with nutrients as burnt organic material decomposes into the ground stimulating new growth of native forbs and grasses.

A Forest Area Closure Order (#07-16-09-F) has been implemented in the vicinity of the fire that includes the following areas: North of Forest Roads (FR) 110 and 109, East of FR 747 and Big Spring Wash, then South of FR 139 and West of FR 109.

Smoke will be noticeable and may periodically impact nearby communities that include Williams, Parks, Bellemont, Pittman Valley, Chino Valley, Prescott, Camp Verde, Flagstaff and Sedona. Monitoring smoke production levels will be a top priority for fire managers who are prepared to take specific actions to reduce amounts effecting rural areas.

Two new lightning caused wildfires on Williams Ranger District

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SunflowerFIre013WILLIAMS — Fire officials on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest have two new lightning caused fires called the “Sunflower” and “Ike” fires. Both fires are being assessed for their potential of reducing hazardous fuel accumulations and restoring overall forest health.

The Sunflower fire was discovered on July 20th, and has grown to approximately 11 acres in size. It is located near Sunflower Flat west of White Horse Lake close to the junction of forest roads 747 and 14. The Ike fire, also discovered on July 20, is approximately 1.5 miles to the southeast of the Sunflower fire and is currently less than one acre in size. Both fires are burning in a ponderosa pine fuel type mixed with oak and grasses and have the potential to grow over the next several days as a warmer drying weather pattern is forecasted.

Smoke may be visible from several communities including Williams, Parks, Bellemont, Pittman Valley, Prescott, Camp Verde, Flagstaff and Sedona. Fire managers will monitor smoke production closely and will take extra measures as necessary to minimize impacts to surrounding developed areas.

As these fires develop and expand in size, an emergency closure order may be implemented in the immediate effected areas and on a short section of the Overland Trail to ensure public and firefighter safety.

Family Movie Night at the Calvary Chapel

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MV5BMTA0ODM5MTM5MTleQTJeQWpwZ15BbWU4MDAwNzk1NDYx._V1_UY268_CR6,0,182,268_AL_The Cavalry Chapel at 106 S 9th Street in Williams will be hosting a family movie night at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 22. The adult movie will be Woodlawn. They will also show another movie for kids. There will be popcorn, snacks and awesome time of fellowship. All are invited. You can call (928) 202-1378 for more information.

Wildfire, recreational safety: Everyone’s responsibility this holiday weekend

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WILLIAMS — Kaibab National Forest officials are expecting increased numbers of visitors at the forest’s more popular recreational areas over the Independence weekend. Visitors are encouraged to use caution during all recreational activities that could potentially cause personal injury or a wildfire. The following are tips for having a safe and pleasant visit to the Kaibab National Forest:

 Campfires, Smoking and Fireworks: Forest visitors are reminded that although some areas of the forest have received some isolated moisture, the forest remains in very high fire danger and campfire and smoking restrictions are in effect in order to protect public health and reduce preventable human-caused fires.

 Stage 1 fire restrictions include:

  • Campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires are prohibited except in designated fire pits in developed recreation sites only.
  • Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters are authorized provided these devices can be turned on and off.
  • Smoking is only permitted in enclosed vehicles, buildings or developed recreation sites.
  • Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework is prohibited year-round on all National Forest lands. This includes “legal fireworks” available in some retail stores.

To learn more about Arizona fire restrictions, visit firerestrictions.us/az.

 Summer Monsoons: The potential for flash floods, lightning and widespread rainfall can occur with little warning. Visitors are advised to check weather forecasts, seek appropriate shelter during storms and visit MonsoonSafety.org for more information regarding monsoon awareness and safety tips.

 Camping: Whether planning to rough it this holiday weekend or simply enjoy a scenic drive, there are many ways to enjoy your National Forest. Forest officials encourage visitors to Know Before You Go. This online resource provides helpful tips to help visitors maximize a memorable and safe experience.

 Dispersed Camping:  Picnicking and camping outside of developed recreation areas on the forest is allowed unless otherwise posted. There are extra responsibilities and skills necessary for dispersed camping. As a reminder, camping rules and regulations are in place to make your experience a safe one while protecting natural and cultural resources so they remain unspoiled for other forest visitors. Visitors should provide their own water, Tread Lightly, and follow Leave No Trace Principles.

 Motor Vehicle Use:  The rules for motorized vehicles may vary between forests and districts. Please refer to the free Motor Vehicle Use Maps for each district for details. Visitors may download district MVUMs for various electronic devices here.

 Wildfire Information: Forest visitors may also call the Kaibab National Forest fire information phone line at (928) 635-8311 or subscribe to wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com for current fire conditions. This web-based app is a free subscription service and may be customized to individual areas of interest and sent real-time via text or email.

Visit the forest’s website at www.fs.usda.gov/main/kaibab for all other forest information or call the local ranger stations for the latest information on outdoor recreational experiences:

  • Williams Ranger District: (928) 635-5600
  • Tusayan Ranger District: (928) 638-2443
  • North Kaibab Ranger District: (928) 643-7395

Head Kaibab National Forest fire official recognized for achievements

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gonzales

Kaibab National Forest photo

WILLIAMS — The head fire official on the Kaibab National Forest was recently recognized for his achievements with two notable awards.

Arthur Gonzales, who has served as the forest’s fire staff officer since August 2011, was named the USDA Forest Service Southwestern Region’s Forest Fire Management Officer of the Year for 2015 as well as being recognized as the Outstanding Student in an advanced fire behavior course by the International Association of Wildland Fire.

“When I found out I was selected for these awards, I felt surprised, proud and very humbled,” Gonzales said. “I don’t do this job for recognition. I do it because I love the work and the benefits I see that it provides to not only me as a forest user but also to my family and my community.”

Gonzales was selected as the fire management officer of the year for his contributions in leading a progressive, balanced fire program on the Kaibab and for leading by example and working in a productive, interdisciplinary environment with other staff areas. He was honored by the cadre of the S-590 Advanced Fire Behavior Interpretation course based on his demonstrated leadership and support of colleagues during the challenging class, which was held at the National Advanced Fire and Resource Institute in Tucson, Ariz., in March.

“Arthur is a great example of honesty, integrity and duty. He truly loves what he does and his passion shows,” said Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Heather Provencio. “He is innovative and forward thinking and is never satisfied with the status quo, but rather is always looking for a more efficient and better way to complete a task, accomplish a job, run the forest, or move the agency forward in some way.”

Under Gonzales’ leadership, the Kaibab National Forest doubled its 10-year average in prescribed fire accomplishments in 2015. More than 16,000 acres were treated, which was the most ever for the forest.

During the same year, there was a total of 21,551 acres burned by wildfires on the Kaibab. Of those acres burned in wildfires, a whopping 98 percent, or 21,111 acres, were from wildfires managed for natural and cultural resource objectives and benefits including grassland restoration, wildlife habitat improvement and overall enhancement of forest health. The Kaibab’s five-year average for acres from such fires was top in the Southwestern Region, with 24 percent of the region’s total coming from the forest.

“All the work we do is intended to benefit the ecosystem, and the communities we live in are part of that ecosystem,” Gonzales said. “I’m as big a user of our National Forests as anybody else out there, and I recognize that fire is essential to continuing to have this amazing place and the opportunities that stem from it.”

Since 2003, a total of 170,596 acres have been successfully managed to achieve natural and cultural resource objectives on the Kaibab National Forest including this year’s 5,983-acre Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District, which allowed fire to be used as a tool to begin important grassland restoration work in the area.

“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have developed an understanding of how fire has shaped landscapes and how it has been critical in developing and providing the opportunities I so greatly enjoy in the outdoors,” Gonzales said. “With this understanding of the role of fire in ecosystems, I have dedicated myself to a career in fire management, with a particular focus in using fire to maintain and enhance landscapes so that everyone can experience all the opportunities that our public lands have to offer both now and into the future.”

Besides actual treatment on the ground, Gonzales’ leadership has proved innovative in myriad other ways. In late 2015, an informational video was released explaining the importance of wildland fire in the ecosystems of northern Arizona from the perspectives of various Kaibab National Forest natural and cultural resource specialists. That video, entitled “Keeping Fire on the Ground: Resource Specialist Perspectives on the Kaibab National Forest,” stemmed from Gonzales’ desire to highlight a part of the wildland fire world that most people never get to see. Gonzales took a truly unique approach to tell the story of wildland fire by highlighting some of the unsung heroes on his unit. He is using the video to help educate employees across the agency, raise awareness, and highlight the collective efforts necessary to build a successful wildland fire management program.

“Arthur is by far the finest fire management officer I have had the pleasure of working with in my nearly 30-year career,” Provencio said. “His depth of knowledge and experience in fire, combined with his strategic thinking and strong leadership among all resource areas within the agency, make him more than deserving of this recognition and the awards that he has received.”