Monthly Archives: August 2016

Honeywell recalls one lot of Eyesaline Eyewash Solution

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In cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Honeywell is voluntarily recalling one production lot of 32-ounce bottles of Eyesaline Eyewash solution, which is used for emergency eye rinsing after an injury.

Although no injuries have been reported and we have not found any contamination in our batch testing, the voluntary recall is a precautionary measure due to a low risk of product contamination with Klebsiella pneumoniae. Although found in the normal flora of the mouth and skin, if the contaminant were present in a bottle, there is a potential for it to result in infections that may be sight-threatening.

Eyesaline Eyewash is sold through industrial sales distributors. Approximately 9,700 32-ounce bottles with lot number F16091-61 are subject to recall. No other lot number of the product is subject to this recall.

All of Honeywell’s distributors who received this lot have been notified by phone, e-mail and certified mail, and have been instructed to notify their customers. See instructions below on how to find the lot number to determine if your supply is covered by this voluntary recall.

Distributors must stop distribution of the affected product and return it to Honeywell for credit or replacement.  Commercial-industrial users of the product should also check whether their Eyesaline Eyewash is subject to recall. If it is, customers should stop using the solution and contact their distributor for replacement or credit.
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The affected product and lot number can be identified as follows:

  • Product: 32 ounce Eyesaline Eyewash
  • Lot number:  F16091-61 (no other lot number is subject to recall)
  • The lot number can be found on the outside of the product case, shown at left, and on individual bottles, as shown on the right below.

Customers with questions regarding this recall can contact their distributor or Honeywell Customer Care at 1-800-430-5490, Monday – Friday, and 8:00 am – 6:30 pm EST.  Customers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

ADOT, Federal Highway Administration prevail in South Mountain Freeway lawsuit

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PHOENIX — Construction of the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway is scheduled to begin in early September after the U.S. District Court in Phoenix dismissed legal challenges and ruled that the Arizona Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration completed all steps required to move forward.

“This is a momentous day, not only for ADOT but for our many partners – including the city of Phoenix, the Maricopa Association of Governments and the Federal Highway Administration – who helped develop the most extensive environmental review of any highway project to date in Arizona. More importantly, this is a clear victory for the region, which will benefit from a new transportation corridor and, with it, the economic development that will follow,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “This east-west alternative will connect people with employment, entertainment and educational centers in parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area that are projected to see considerable growth. The ruling today affirms the good work of the entire project team.”

In a ruling released Friday, Aug. 19, the judge found that plaintiffs failed to demonstrate, as claimed, that ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration didn’t meet requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and other federal laws.

“Plaintiffs have not met their burden to show the Agencies’ actions were ‘arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law …’ or ‘without observance of procedure required by law,’” the ruling concludes.

Construction of the South Mountain Freeway will begin in early September at the I-10/Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) traffic interchange. Crews also will begin relocating native plants along the right of way for transplanting later.

The 22-mile freeway, expected to open by late 2019, will provide a long-planned direct link between the East Valley and West Valley and a much-needed alternative to Interstate 10 through downtown Phoenix. Approved by Maricopa County voters in 1985 and again in 2004 as part of a comprehensive regional transportation plan, the South Mountain Freeway will complete the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeway system in the Valley.

In February, ADOT finalized the state’s first highway public-private partnership agreement through which the project team, Connect 202 Partners, will build the freeway at a taxpayer savings of more than $100 million and will open it to traffic three years sooner than originally projected.

The fixed $916 million contract for design and construction makes this the largest highway project in state history. The development team will be responsible for 30 years of maintenance following the completion of the project, supporting construction with innovation and built-in cost efficiencies for the long term.

With construction scheduled to begin in early September, ADOT has been conducting preliminary engineering, addressing cultural resources in the right of way, acquiring and preparing properties, and relocating utilities. ADOT received final federal clearance to move forward with the project in 2015.

The South Mountain Freeway will be constructed with four lanes in each direction – three general-use lanes and one HOV lane – and include modern features including rubberized asphalt and aesthetics reflecting the neighboring communities.

Local sportsmen’s groups awarded $75,000 in grants

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sports-groupsPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has awarded $75,000 in grant funding for local sportsmen’s organizations to provide public, hands-on, mentored projects focused on the retention of new hunters and anglers.

Of 22 proposals submitted in this latest grant cycle, 16 were approved by a three-member panel that rated and scored the proposals. The grants were awarded through a competitive application process that closed July 14.

“The Local Sportsmen’s Group grant program is an investment in local organizations that, day in and day out, are teaching people how to be safe, ethical and responsible hunter-angler conservationists,” said Doug Burt, hunting and shooting sports program manager. “We wish we could fund them all, but the demand always exceeds our available funds.”

The department is committed to developing and retaining the next generation of hunter-angler conservationists. A growing body of science points to the need for multiple experiences, social support and the mentoring required to develop hunter-angler conservationists. The 16 projects approved meet those objectives.

Burt pointed out that these organizations represent the “boots on the ground,” or the backbone of wildlife conservation and habitat restoration in Arizona. Many are involved in the building of water catchments, making “wildlife-friendly” fence modifications, and reaching out to the public through advocacy and education.

The following projects have been awarded:

  • Anglers United Inc., “Just for Kids Fishing Festival,” awarded $4,500.
  • Arizona Deer Association, “ADA Youth Deer / Elk Hunters Camp,” awarded $5,513.
  • Arizona Elk Society, “AES Junior Elk Camp Units 6A/5B,” awarded $3,900.
  • Ben Avery Clay Busters, “Upland Bird Hunting for Women and Youth,” awarded $2,717.
  • CouesWhitetail.com, “2016 Women’s Javelina Hunting Camp,” awarded $4,300.
  • Desert Christian Archers, “Desert Christian Archers 2016 Javelina Camp,” awarded $4,700.
  • Kahuna Kids, “Mentoring Kids Fishing Derby,” awarded $2,368.
  • Mule Deer Foundation, “Mule Deer Foundation Youth Camps,” awarded $16,500.
  • Southern Arizona Quail Forever, “Southern Arizona Quail Forever Youth Quail Camp,” awarded $3,390.
  • Southwest Fur Harvesters, “SWFH November Youth Trappers Camp,” awarded $5,122.
  • Youth Outdoors Unlimited, “Junior Javelina, Small Game & Predator Camp Units 20C, 18B, and 16A,” awarded $3,900.
  • Youth Outdoors Unlimited, “Junior Deer / Javelina Camp Units 18B & 20C,” awarded $2,515.
  • Youth Outdoors Unlimited, “Unit 1 Squirrel Camp,” awarded $2,000.
  • Youth Outdoors Unlimited, “Wallow Fire Turkey Science and Hunting Camp Units 1 & 27,” awarded $6,575.
  • Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club, “2016 Cibola Junior Waterfowl Camp,” awarded $2,500.
  • Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club, “Youth Small Game Camp,” awarded $4,500.

To learn more about the annual Local Sportsmen’s Group grant program, as well as a listing of Outdoor Skills Network recruitment and retention events, visit www.azgfd.gov/LSG.

There is no cost to Arizona taxpayers for the Local Sportsmen’s Group grant program. The program is funded through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, hunt permit-tags and stamps, and is an investment in the continuance of wildlife conservation efforts and outdoor recreation participation in Arizona. Game and Fish does not receive any of the state’s general funds and operates on a user-pay, public-benefit model.

Joint project identifies valued hunting, angling destinations

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PHOENIX – When it comes to telling others about their “secret” spots, hunters and anglers are famous for holding their cards close to their game or fishing vests.

Yet, more than 1,200 Arizona sportsmen have willingly tipped their hands, circling their favorite destinations on a map, as part of a national initiative to conserve fish and wildlife habitat while protecting and improving public access for hunting and angling.

The statewide effort recently was completed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), in cooperation with Arizona sportsmen’s groups. Maps from the Sportsmen’s Values Mapping Project are available to the public, as well as state and federal agencies.

“Some of the most valued public hunting and fishing areas in Arizona are at risk because of deteriorating habitat conditions, limited access and increased development pressures,” said John Hamill, TRCP’s field representative in Arizona. “With the help of sportsmen, we’ve been able to pinpoint lands that are cherished for their hunting and fishing values, so that land managers can prioritize habitat conservation and the enhancement of public access in these areas.”

Maps are available on AZGFD’s website at www.azgfd.com/recreation/valuemapping (click on “Open the Map”). The site features maps for 15 species, or species groups, in the following order: elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, javelina, turkey, cold-water fish, quail, dove, warm-water fish, predators, pronghorn, squirrel, waterfowl, other small game, and bighorn sheep.

The species tabs at the top of the webpage are ranked by the number of survey responses – for example, areas valued for elk hunting opportunities received the most responses, making it the first tab. The map for each species is color-coded: The most highly valued areas are red and orange; moderately high-valued areas are yellow, and less highly valued areas are green. The maps allow the user to view, pan, and zoom in or out to explore the most highly valued hunting and angling locations in Arizona.

While the maps will be useful to sportsmen, they largely were developed to guide conservation efforts. The maps have been assembled in a geographic information system (GIS), where they can be overlaid with maps of critical habitat, land ownership and other data. The resulting maps will provide important and previously unavailable data to state and federal agencies for the following purposes:​

Balance other land uses with the needs of fish, wildlife, hunters and anglers.
Identify areas where public access needs to be maintained or improved.
Identify areas needing stronger conservation efforts, or expansion of hunting and angling opportunities.
Identify key high-use areas warranting special conservation strategies, because of their value to sportsmen.
Justify actions and funding requests aimed at conserving highly valued wildlife habitat, and hunting and fishing areas.​

A random sampling of 7,500 Arizona residents who had purchased state hunting and fishing licenses were mailed a postcard last fall, inviting them to participate in the survey. Those who received a postcard were directed to a specially designed website where they could highlight on a map their most valued hunting and fishing destinations.

The survey included questions about why sportsmen identified a particular area as being important. The highest valued areas usually were those that offered the greatest chance of harvesting game. Other primary factors included whether a particular area was close to home, or was someone’s “traditional” spot, or that it provided the opportunity to harvest a trophy fish or game species. The results demonstrate the importance of maintaining quality fish and wildlife habitat and providing readily available public access for hunting and angling.
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The Sportsmen’s Values Mapping Project is a national initiative that was launched in 2007 by TRCP. The project has been endorsed by the Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation, an alliance of more than two dozen Arizona sportsmen’s groups. For more information about TRCP, visit http://www.trcp.org/.

Enter to win UTV, support “Respected Access in Arizona” campaign

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utvPHOENIX — Imagine yourself behind the wheel of a customized camouflage 2016 Polaris Ranger EV, exploring the backcountry, getting away from it all . . .

Well, stop dreaming and get busy entering to win the UTV, valued at more than $15,000, courtesy of RideNow Powersports.

Tread_Lightly__-_Image_1Proceeds from each $20 raffle ticket purchased through Oct. 15 will benefit Tread Lightly!’s “Respected Access in Arizona” campaign, which aims to protect public access for off-highway vehicle use, recreational shooting and other outdoor pursuits through ethics education and stewardship programs.

The winner will be announced Oct. 15 during the third annual “Respected Access in Arizona” fundraiser, presented by RideNow Powersports and hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Tread Lightly!. A fun-shoot, barbecue dinner, raffles and auctions are planned at the OneAZ Credit Union Pavilion, located at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix.

Visit https://go.rallyup.com/3628f0/Campaign to purchase raffle tickets. The raffle only is available to Arizona residents. For complete rules, visit www.respectedaccessarizona.org.

To purchase tickets for the fundraiser, visit https://www.treadlightly.org/respected-access-in-arizona-fundraiser/. The cost of the fun-shoot (which includes targets and two boxes of ammunition) and dinner, catered by Bobby Q restaurant, is $65. The cost of only the dinner, which includes beverages and a door-prize raffle ticket, is $40.

For more information about the fundraiser, call (800) 966-9900, Ext. 14, or e-mail respectedaccess@treadlightly.org. For more information about the “Respected Access in Arizona” campaign, visit www.respectedaccessarizona.org.

Hunters, please save that tracking collar

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is encouraging hunters who harvest a big game animal affixed with a GPS or VHF tracking collar to return that collar undamaged to any department office statewide.

While harvesting a collared animal is legal, Game and Fish asks hunters to refrain from cutting, damaging or otherwise destroying any portion of a collar. A collar easily can be removed from a harvested animal’s neck by loosening two nuts on the black “drop-off” box on one side of the collar. A crescent wrench, socket wrench or multi-use tool can be used to loosen only those two nuts.
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The department relies on valuable data that collars provide in making science-based decisions that determine the most effective wildlife management practices. The stored data can include an animal’s behaviors, movement patterns and frequency, individual and group dynamics, home-range size and more.

The technology is not inexpensive. A collar can range in cost up to several thousands of dollars. When factoring in additional costs of human resources, equipment and capture, the department is making a substantial investment in each collared animal. A portion of the funding comes from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) program, a stalwart national funding source for state conservation and recreational opportunities.

It’s also helpful for hunters to report the date and location of their harvest when returning an undamaged collar. For more information, call (602) 942-3000.

Last chance to attend Saturday’s Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet

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PHOENIX — This is the last chance to attend the 19th annual Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Chaparral Suites Scottsdale, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250.

This year’s inductees into the Outdoor Hall of Fame include: Richard Sprague (owner and manager of Sprague’s Sports in Yuma); Jim Unmacht (President of Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation); Terry and Marge Abbott (influential in the lives of many youngsters for their instruction in youth shooting programs); Sempra Energy (supportive of environmental education and committed to maintain Mesquite Wildlife Oasis); Kevin and Patti O’Connell (25 years of dedication to Ducks Unlimited in Arizona.)

The event will include a social hour and silent auction beginning at 6 p.m., with dinner being served at 7 p.m., followed by the induction ceremony. The evening will also feature a live auction and exciting raffle prizes.

Individual tickets are $70. A table for 10 is $700. A table of 10 and a full-page ad in the full-color banquet brochure is $1,200.

You can order tickets online at the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation’s Outdoor Hall of Fame web page or call Duane Wellnitz (WFT Board Member and Ticket Chairman) at (480) 747-0611.

The Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame was developed in 1998 by the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation to honor those who have made significant contributions to Arizona’s wildlife, the welfare of its natural resources, and the state’s outdoor heritage.

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.

Sandhill crane regulations now available online

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted the 2016 Arizona Sandhill Crane Regulations online at https://portal.azgfd.stagingaz.gov/PortalImages/files/regs/craneregs.pdf.

The deadline for the department to receive applications for sandhill crane hunt permit-tags is Aug. 26, 2016. No applications will be accepted after this date, regardless of postmark. All applicants must use hunt permit-tag application forms.

Applications will be accepted — by mail only — at the following addresses: P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ, 85087-1052; or 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ, 85086-5000. These applications cannot be hand-delivered to any department office. All hunt permit-tags will be mailed by Sept. 23, 2016.

The hunt permit-tag fee is $43 for Arizona residents, $45 for non-residents (each successful applicant will receive three hunt permit-tags). In order to participate in the random draw, an applicant must have or apply for a valid hunting license. If an applicant is not licensed at the time of application, he or she must purchase a license by completing the license form section and include payment with the application.

The first of 10 three-day seasons begins Nov. 18, the latest starts Dec. 12. A three-day, youth-only season begins Dec. 9. The bag and possession limit is three sandhill cranes per calendar year.

For more information, call (602) 942-3000.

Considering a Voluntary Travel ID? Bring the right documentation

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800-voluntary-travel-idPHOENIX — New to driving or new to Arizona? Renewing a driver license or getting a 12-year photo update? If you’re planning to visit an Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division office for these reasons, you’re among those who may want to consider getting a Voluntary Travel ID – and bringing along the documentation needed to get one.

The Voluntary Travel ID is the credential that complies with the federal REAL ID Act for getting through security checkpoints at airports, restricted federal buildings and military bases. It’s available as both a driver license and an identification card.

While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that all Arizona driver licenses and ID cards are valid at these checkpoints until October 2020, it may be worth getting a Voluntary Travel ID now if you need a new driver license.

“We want first-time applicants and those renewing their licenses to understand their options around Voluntary Travel ID, particularly if they travel frequently,” ADOT Motor Vehicle Division Director Eric Jorgensen said. “While it is up to the customer, we would hate for them to spend their time and money to get a standard driver license now only to have to return in a couple of years to go through the whole process again to get a Travel ID.”

The Voluntary Travel ID costs $25 and is valid for a maximum of eight years. Standard licenses cost no more than $25 and are valid until the driver’s 65th birthday, although a new photo is required every 12 years.

A Voluntary Travel ID requires specific documentation, and failing to bring it will cost you time if you decide to get one. You must provide:

  • A document establishing citizenship or legal presence such as a certified birth certificate, valid U.S. passport or valid immigration documents.
  • A Social Security card or a W-2 form to confirm Social Security information.
  • Two forms of documentation to establish proof of residency such as a bank statement, utility bill or an Arizona Voter Registration Card. All residency documents must have a current address.

A full list of acceptable documents is available at azdot.gov/TravelID.

Those who decide against a Voluntary Travel ID should keep in mind that the REAL ID Act requires newly issued standard Arizona driver licenses and identification cards to contain the phrase “Not for federal identification.” However, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will continue to accept these credentials until October 2020.

Not everyone needs a Voluntary Travel ID. Arizonans who travel by plane or need to pass through other federal security checkpoints may use an alternate form of ID such as a current U.S. passport or a military ID.

For more information on the Voluntary Travel ID, please visit azdot.gov/TravelID.

To view a video on documentation needed for the Travel ID, visit https://youtu.be/v_rWDTKJVcc

ADOT detectives make undercover bust of unlicensed auto dealer

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PHOENIX — An undercover bust of a man accused of selling more than 100 vehicles without a dealer license is a reminder for buyers to be wary and do their homework.

Detectives with the Arizona Department of Transportation cited Daniel Miranda, 35, of Avondale after arranging for a detective to buy a vehicle advertised for sale. Their investigation revealed that Miranda had sold 124 vehicles in the last 11 months without a license. This is known as curbstoning.

State law allows an individual to sell no more than six vehicles in 12 consecutive months without a dealer’s license.

In addition to a citation for acting as a used vehicle dealer without a license, Miranda was cited for not having a business license. The penalty for selling more vehicles than allowed by an individual is between $1,000 and $3,000 per vehicle, so Miranda faces a minimum $118,000 in fines.

“Our detectives are very proactive when it comes to finding unlicensed dealers, protecting vehicle buyers and ensuring that vehicles are sold legally,” said Michael Lockhart, chief of ADOT’s Office of Inspector General.

After citing Miranda, ADOT detectives requested a hearing at the ADOT Executive Hearing Office to establish a penalty. Miranda will also face a court hearing since the citations are criminal charges.

ADOT urges those looking to purchase used vehicles to be diligent and ask lots of questions. Also consider completing the transaction at a Motor Vehicle Division office or Authorized Third Party business, where employees can check the vehicle title for liens and confirm the vehicle identification number.

ADOT’s Office of the Inspector General investigates fraud involving driver license and identification card applications; vehicle sales by licensed and unlicensed dealers; and vehicle titles and registration. It also assists state, local and federal law enforcement agencies with investigations.