Monthly Archives: June 2017

Red Flag Warning in effect today

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WILLIAMS – The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today until 7 p.m. that covers the Williams and Tusayan ranger districts of the Kaibab National Forest due to strong winds and low relative humidity.

Visitors to the Williams and Tusayan ranger districts of the Kaibab National Forest are advised to refrain from having a campfire when Red Flag Warning conditions exist. This advisory covers all campfires across the affected area, including in developed campgrounds, for the hours during which the Red Flag Warning has been issued.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or are imminent. A combination of strong winds and low relative humidities can contribute to extreme fire behavior. The campfire advisory remains in effect until the Red Flag Warning ends.

While the North Kaibab Ranger District is not under a Red Flag Warning, a Wind Advisory has been issued for that area today.

The Kaibab National Forest is committed to educating visitors about their role in helping prevent unwanted, human-caused fires. Avoiding having campfires on windy days is one way they can do that.

For detailed weather information including warnings issued by the National Weather Service, visit www.wrh.noaa.gov/fgz/. For homeowners interested in reducing wildfire risks at their residences, visit www.firewise.org.

Boundry fire burns over 4000 acres

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FLAGSTAFF – The lightning-caused Boundry Fire is currently 4,420-acres and continues to keep Highway 180 from Flagstaff closed. The fire is burning in the Kendrick Mountain 17-miles northwest of Flagstaff.

Fire suppression activities for today include ongoing improvement of containment lines in preparation for the strong winds forecasted over the next several days. Indirect suppression tactics and safety precautions continue to shape operational plans. Over 260 firefighters are fighting the blaze.

The wildfire is burning in heavy dead and down trees and forest debris left from the Pumpkin Fire of 2000 and ponderosa pine outside of the Pumpkin Fire scar.

The Pumpkin Trail, Kendrick Mountain Trail, Bull Basin Trail and the 4th Connector Trail are closed. US 180 remains closed in both directions northwest of Flagstaff between mileposts 236 and 248. ADOT continues to assess the closure of 180. You can get the latest information at the AZ 511 web site or dialing 511.

Smoke will be visible fromFlagstaff, Baderville, Parks, Williams, Interstate 40, and the Grand Canyon. Smoke is predicted to impact the communities of Cameron and Tuba City during the day, and Spring Valley, Pumpkin Center, Parks and Baderville during the evening hours. An air quality report is available on the Boundary Inciweb page under maps.

AZGFD seizes deer, bobcat and javelina, advises public to leave baby wildlife alone

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TUSCON – The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has seized a deer, bobcat and javelina since June 2 that were illegally taken captive while young by Tucson area residents and reared as pets.

The mule deer buck was taken to the AZGFD Wildlife Center in Phoenix for treatment, and then will go to Bearizona in Williams. The bobcat was placed at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, and the javelina moved to the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center in Scottsdale.

Taking captive and holding young wildlife is illegal take of wildlife, and illegal possession of restricted wildlife, in addition to being a public safety hazard. Circumstances warranted issuing only warnings in these cases.

“In the majority of cases, it is best to leave all baby wildlife alone. People’s desire to help seemingly abandoned animals can have unintended negative consequences,” said Regional Supervisor Raul Vega of Game and Fish in Tucson. “Although it seems humane to ’help’ or ’rescue’ baby animals perceived to be in need, wildlife reared in captivity by humans — without the benefit of learning from their parents — have a greatly reduced chance of survival if they are released back into the wild.”

In most instances, baby mammals should be left in place, untouched, unless obviously injured. Although they may appear orphaned, baby mammals are typically left alone by their mother for long periods of time while she forages for food and water.

Baby mammals that are immobile and at immediate risk of injury can be moved, if necessary, to a safe location nearby that provides appropriate cover. The mother will likely find the relocated baby by smell or hearing and continue to provide care, provided that people and pets stay away.

If a well-meaning person separates a baby mammal from its mother, it may result in euthanizing the animal unless a zoo or shelter can take it. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer further complicates the issue, as a possessed fawn is suspect because Game and Fish cannot verify that the animal is not from a state where the disease occurs.

CWD, similar to Mad Cow Disease, is a fatal neurological condition. There have been no cases in Arizona, but there have been in nearby states. For more information, the public can visit http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/urban_injured_sick.shtml for more tips and a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators in Arizona.

County enacts Stage 1 fire restrictions below the Mogollon Rim

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors enacted the Wildfire Defense Ordinance Stage 1 fire restrictions, for Coconino County, below the Mogollon Rim, during a special session on Tuesday. Restrictions go into effect immediately and will remain until fire danger conditions subside and the Board of Supervisors act.

“The Board voted unanimously today to enact Stage 1 fire restrictions below the Mogollon Rim due to recent fire activity, forecasted dry weather conditions and the action of our partners in the southern area of the County,” said Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “In Coconino County, we know far too well the damage wildfire can cause to our communities. These common-sense restrictions will help increase public awareness of the dangerous conditions and lessen the threat of human caused wildfire.”

The following restrictions apply on County public lands below the Mogollon Rim, as well as private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County below the Mogollon Rim. During Stage 1, the only combustion, open fire, and campfire allowed are listed below:

1. By persons with a written permit from a proper governmental authority that specifically authorizes the prohibited act.
2. For personal use of cigarette or other tobacco smoking medium when inside an enclosed vehicle or building, or in a developed recreational site in an area that is free of combustible materials and vegetation.
3. For emergency repair of public utilities and railroads and other health and safety mitigation measures when operated by a public utility or railroad and implemented in accordance with an approved agency plan.
4. By any Federal, State or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting entity in the performance of an official duty.
5. By persons whose OPEN FIRE is the result of a device fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and turned off (for example a gas grill) when used in an area that is free of combustible materials and vegetation.

If a fire does break out in or near your camp site, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PUT IT OUT. Get out of the area and call 911 when in cell phone range.

Boundary Fire Community Meeting

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TUBA CITY – Coconino County District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler will host a community event with the Boundary Fire Type II Incident Team to answer questions about the fire. The meeting will start at 4 p.m. Arizona Time (5 p.m. Daylight Savings time) Monday, June 12, at the Tuba City Chapter House, Tuba City.

A meteorologist from the team will explain wind patterns, expected fire and smoke behavior and the forecast over the next few weeks. Supervisor Fowler will be there to answer questions and interpret from English to Navajo.

All members of the public who may be affected by smoke conditions are encouraged to attend.

WHO: Members of the Public
WHAT: Boundary Fire Community Meeting
WHERE: Tuba City Chapter House – 220 Main St, Tuba City, AZ 86045
WHEN: 4 p.m. Arizona Time (5 p.m. DST), Monday, June 12.

For more information, please contact Supervisor Fowler’s office at lfowler@coconino.az.gov or 928-283-4518.

Bighorn sheep tours return to Canyon Lake on July 1, 2

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MESA – — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is offering two unique opportunities to view one of Arizona’s most iconic arid land animals, the desert bighorn sheep, in an intimate, small-group setting July 1 and 2 on Canyon Lake.

Participants ages 10 and older will board department work boats to explore the canyons and bluffs of this scenic lake in search of these spectacular animals. Biologists aboard each of the boats will share and interpret bighorn conservation, behavior and biology during the trip. Due to limited space on the boat, attendance is restricted to 22 people per tour.

Register for a the bighorn sheep workshop

“Mating season will be underway and there is a good chance of seeing rams fighting or chasing ewes, which makes it an excellent opportunity to view, photograph and enjoy bighorns in their natural environment,” said Randy Babb, AZGFD watchable wildlife program manager. “Because sheep stay close to the water during June and July, participants may also watch young lambs cavorting around their mothers, displaying their masterful agility in precarious locations.”

Game Management Units 22 and 24B are home to some of the largest bighorn rams found anywhere in North America. Canyon Lake forms the border between these two administrative areas and animals from both areas congregate near the lake’s shore at this time of year.

In addition to bighorn sheep, bald eagles, herons, and a variety of waterfowl are often seen. The area is also home to a myriad of other wildlife including deer, mountain lions, javelina and numerous small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

The tour departs the Palo Verde Recreation Area at 7 a.m. and participants will need an $8 Tonto Pass for each vehicle parked at the lake. Tonto Passes are available at a variety of convenience markets and sporting goods stores around the Phoenix Metro area or from the Tonto National Forest Mesa Ranger District Office at 5140 E. Ingram Street in Mesa.

Each boat will have an ice chest for the participants to use. It is recommended that participants bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and wear a long-sleeve shirt and long pants to prevent sunburn as the boats do not have canopies.

The cost is $75 per person and participants can pay online via credit card or by check or money order. For more information or to register, contact Joe Yarchin 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at (623) 236-7589 or jyarchin@azgfd.gov.

For additional information, contact Randy Babb at the department’s Mesa regional office at (480) 466-1334 or rbabb@azgfd.gov.

Reminder: nominations sought for Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame

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PHOENIX — The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation is soliciting nominations for this year’s inductees into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame.

The Outdoor Hall of Fame annually recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions toward Arizona’s wildlife, the welfare of its natural resources, and the state’s outdoor heritage.

To submit a nomination, download and complete the form (DOC format), and return it along with all supplemental materials by Saturday, June 17, to:

Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation
c/o Arizona Game and Fish Department
Attn: Kent Komadina
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix AZ 85086

Nominations also may be submitted by e-mail to Kent Komadina at Kkomadina@azgfd.gov.

For more information, call 623-236-7288.

This year’s inductees will be honored Saturday, Aug. 19, at the annual Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort (formerly Chaparral Suites), 5001 N. Scottsdale Road.

Past Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees have been individuals with backgrounds in wildlife volunteerism, corporate leadership, politics, wildlife and the media, including Ben Avery, Barry Goldwater, Morris K. Udall, John McCain, Bill Quimby and Tom Woods, as well as groups and organizations such as Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Volunteers, Arizona Antelope Foundation, Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club, Arizona Deer Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Safari Club International, Audubon Arizona, Arizona Public Service and Salt River Project.

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.

Red Flag Warning from noon to 7 tonight

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WILLIAMS – The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for today from noon to 7 p.m. that covers the entire Kaibab National Forest due to strong winds and low relative humidity.

Visitors to the Kaibab National Forest are advised to refrain from having a campfire when Red Flag Warning conditions exist. This advisory covers all campfires across the affected area, including in developed campgrounds.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring or are imminent. A combination of strong winds and low relative humidity can contribute to extreme fire behavior. The campfire advisory remains in effect until the Red Flag Warning ends.

The Kaibab National Forest is committed to educating visitors about their role in helping prevent unwanted, human-caused fires. Avoiding having campfires on windy days is one way they can do that.

Forest Thinning at Fort Tuthill County Park

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Parks & Recreation is conducting a forest thinning project in Fort Tuthill County Park to increase forest health, to improve public safety and to reduce wildfire risk. Removal will be by hand and mechanical thinning.

The Fort Tuthill Thinning Project is a collaborative effort between Coconino County, Arizona Department of Forestry & Fire Management, Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership, U.S. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, Arizona Game & Fish Department, Northern Arizona University Ecological Restoration Institute, and the City of Flagstaff.

To educate the community about the project, Coconino County Parks and Recreation will host two open houses. Staff and project stakeholders will be available to answer questions.

WHAT: Fort Tuthill Forest Thinning Community Open House
WHEN/WHERE: 1 – 3 p.m. June 9 – East Flagstaff Public Library, 3000 N. Fourth St.
4 – 6 p.m. June 13 – Fort Tuthill Commercial Building, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop.

Forest treatments are planned to occur on approximately 325 acres of the park, and include both hand thinning (approximately 70 acres) and mechanical thinning operations. Crews will cut trees and remove logs that can be utilized offsite. Residual slash and debris from hand thinning operations will be piled for disposal through burning. Slash produced from mechanical operations will be chipped and hauled offsite for other potential use. Treatment areas include the former Arizona State Trust Land located in the northwest part of the park, and near the archery range in the southwest part of the park. Fort Tuthill County Park and Soldiers Trail will remain open during the project although intermittent trail and area closures will occur to ensure public safety.

Approval for the thinning project contract and two associated funding grants will be decided by the County Board of Supervisors, June 6. The contractor may begin thinning after Board approval and the project is expected to be completed in December 2017.

For more information on Coconino County Parks and Recreation: http://www.coconino.az.gov/parks

Prescribed Fire Update: Forecasted transport winds cause adjustment in today’s operations

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FREDONIA – As a result of this morning’s weather forecast, North Zone fire managers elected to adjust the scale and firing plan for today’s prescribed burn on the Jacob Ryan North Basin Unit located just north of Jacob Lake because forecasted transport winds from late morning through evening were predicted to be unfavorable for smoke dispersion.

“Instead of initiating large-scale broadcast burning operations, we focused on conducting a small-scale pile burning operation along portions of the burn unit boundary,” said Burn Boss Dave Robinson. “Northerly transport winds could have resulted in undesirable diurnal smoke impacts to the Jacob Lake Area and Highway 89A.”

Meanwhile, fire managers did successfully conduct pile burning operations, and reduce fuels along portions of the burn unit boundary. Likewise, they reinforced pre-burn preparation activities and observed fire behavior in portions of the burn unit – increasing firefighters’ situational awareness as they prepare to move forward into tomorrow’s planned operations.

Fire managers will re-visit weather conditions again tomorrow morning and move forward with the large-scale broadcast burning operations if air quality and smoke dispersion are favorable for meeting both forest health and public safety goals and objectives. Tomorrow’s weather forecast indicates that transport winds will shift back to a southeast/westerly pattern, which should greatly reduce the potential for diurnal smoke impacts the area.

As a reminder, implementation of prescribed fires is dependent on weather and fuel conditions including winds, temperature, humidity, moisture of the vegetation and ventilation conditions for dispersal of smoke, as well as prior coordination with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division of the ADEQ and to view prescribed burns authorized on any given day, please visit www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/smoke-management.

Additional fire information for the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

  • Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311
  • Find us on Facebook: @KaibabNF
  • Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
  • (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
  • Kaibab website “News & Events”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
  • InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5194/