Monthly Archives: August 2017

Volunteers can help spotlight endangered black-footed ferrets

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SELIGMAN — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking volunteers to assist with fall spotlighting efforts to help document the population of endangered black-footed ferrets in Aubrey Valley and on the Double O Ranch, both near Seligman.

As part of the recovery effort, the department has scheduled two five-night spotlighting events—September 7 to 11 and October 5 to 9—and a three-night spotlighting event November 9 to 11. The spotlighting method involves using high-powered lights to locate and identify black-footed ferrets. Their eyeshine is reflected by the spotlight and helps surveyors with identifying and locating these elusive, nocturnal carnivores.

Volunteers must have the ability to stay attentive from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. while spotlighting for black-footed ferrets and use, or learn how to use, a Global Positioning System (GPS). Volunteers can sign up by e-mailing azferret@azgfd.gov — with “fall spotlighting” in the subject line – by September 1 for next month’s project, September 30 for the October event, and November 3 for the November event. Space is limited.

Volunteers are reminded to include their full name, a contact phone number, month(s) and night(s) available to spotlight, and full names of others who also will be attending (a parent or guardian must accompany any youth under 18). Volunteers also should note any equipment they can bring, such as GPS, clipboard, headlamp, pen, binoculars, walkie-talkies, compass, cordless rechargeable spotlight, backpack or 4X4 vehicle.

These events will be conducted to assess the black-footed ferret population before winter. The objectives include trapping those animals that were not caught in the spring, to trap older ones that need a canine distemper or plague booster, and to trap juveniles (or “kits”) to administer vaccinations.

For more information about the black-footed ferret recovery effort, visit the department’s website at www.azgfd.com/wildlife and click on “Nongame and Endangered Wildlife.”

Paving continues at southbound I-17 off-ramp at JW Powell Boulevard Monday

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation continues with a pavement-improvement project on the southbound exit to JW Powell Boulevard from I-17 (exit 337). Crews will work between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 28. While paving occurs, the ramp will be closed along with the right lane of southbound I-17 at JW Powell Boulevard.

Motorists looking to access State Route 89A and the Flagstaff airport can use the exit at Kachina Trail.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call Coralie Cole, ADOT senior community relations officer, at 602.501.4899 or email ccole@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit the ADOT Traveler Information site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except while driving.

Kaibab National Forest releases video showcasing Snake Gulch and its prehistoric paintings and etchings

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WILLIAMS – The Kaibab National Forest has released a short video telling the story of a remote canyon north of the Grand Canyon that is home to an incredible array of prehistoric paintings and etchings.

“Snake Gulch: A Passage Through Time” captures the beauty and value of that place and its colorful images, which represent thousands of years of human history and leave a visual record of the rich cultures that once occupied the area. It also showcases the dedication of the people who cherish and work to preserve it.Snake Gulch is located in the Kanab Creek Wilderness on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. For the past three decades, Forest Service archaeologists, with the assistance of volunteers, academic researchers and local tribes, have been documenting, photographing, interpreting and working to preserve the thousands of sites over a winding 10-mile stretch within this remarkable canyon.

“Managing cultural resource sites on public lands is an enormous task, and federal archaeologists can’t do it alone,” said Connie Reid, archaeologist and tribal liaison for the North Kaibab Ranger District. “Our tribal partners and volunteers play a tremendous role in helping agency archaeologists like me in caring for these irreplaceable sites. Our goal is to share these incredible resources with the American public, while respecting tribal values and doing what we can to protect the area for future generations to learn from and enjoy.”

The ancient images found in Snake Gulch were left by Native American people who occupied the region thousands of years ago. Many of the images were made during the transition period from the hunting and gathering lifestyle to agriculture, often referred to as the Neolithic Transition. On the canyon walls, there are many anthropomorphic, or human-like, images with head dresses, necklaces and other forms of adornment engaging in celebratory activities like dancing and playing music, as well as other day-to-day subsistence activities such as hunting and farming. These images give archaeologists rare glimpses into the vibrant cultures that once called the area home.

In recognition of the significance of archaeological and historic sites like Snake Gulch that are located on public lands, Congress passed the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966. The act directs federal agencies to protect significant cultural resources located on public lands and share that legacy with the American people.

October 2016 marked the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act and began a year-long celebration of archaeological and cultural resources in the Forest Service’s Southwestern Region, which manages some of the most important and spectacular sites in the country.

As part of that celebration, the Kaibab National Forest developed an extensive photo library of the invaluable images of Snake Gulch that can not only be viewed by the public but can also serve as a reference source for researchers and a monitoring tool for forest archaeologists. Kaibab National Forest employees also decided to share the treasures of Snake Gulch and the importance of valuing them with a wider audience by producing “Snake Gulch: A Passage Through Time.”

While the work in Snake Gulch is far from complete, the Forest Service has set a foundation to better protect and preserve these amazing nonrenewable resources over time. The Kaibab National Forest continues to work with youth groups, professional artists, tribal elders, volunteers, and other organizations and individuals to make progress on this significant documentation and preservation endeavor.

“I would say to the youth to be respectful of places like this, to take care of it so that their children and their grandchildren can see these writings. These places are places of power, what we call ‘puha,’” said Glendora Homer, member of the Kaibab Band of Southern Paiute. “Respect is the most important thing that you can give a place like this. Respect the beliefs of the Indian people. Respect these writings. They might not mean anything to you, but they do have great meaning to us and great significance to us. This is also a part of your heritage as Americans, and we as Americans have to take care of our cultural heritage sites.”

Route 66 road repair finished

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WILLIAMS – We have heard from a reliable source placed high in the government (one of the street gang) that the repairs to Route 66 are completed. Except, of course, for the line painting which should take place soon.

The road repairs were hampered by break downs of some of the equipment. The off- and on monsoon rains did not help.

We thank the road gang for getting the job finished as quickly as humanly possible.

September 2017 Operator Certification Training & Events

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Register today to secure a place at the following events designed for operators, owners & managers of public water systems, and earn PDHs for your operator certification renewal during workshops and training.

ADEQ Free Operator Training *
Tuesday, September 12, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. MST
ADEQ Phoenix Office — Room 3175 A/B & via Webinar
1110 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
AGENDA & REGISTRATION
*NEW! Wastewater training sessions, see agenda!

U.S. EPA: Water and Energy Nexus During Emergencies Workshop
Thursday, September 14, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. MST
PERA Club
1 East Continental Drive
Tempe, AZ 85281
AGENDA & REGISTRATION

Supervisors pass anti-hate resolution

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted Resolution 2017 – 50, condemning hate and racial supremacy while promoting tolerance, at their regular meeting Tuesday night. The Board considered the resolution due to recent white supremacy rallies and other displays of intolerance in the U.S.

“I’m very proud that the Board stood up on behalf of Coconino County to declare that we will not tolerate any discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation,” said Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors Liz Archuleta. “We’re a county that values diversity and stands up for the rights of all our citizens. I thank my colleagues who voted today to confirm that we will not waiver on these values.”

Supervisors voted to reaffirm that the County upholds the law and serve all people with equal attention and respect. Coconino County strives to provide programs and services that add value and support to the community, and have a positive impact on quality of life to all residents and visitors.

“I want to thank my colleagues for accepting this resolution,” said District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler. “We are all one people who travel on many different paths. Our job at the County will remain to provide services to everyone regardless of their race, religion or sexual orientation.”

The County Board of Supervisors officially resolved to maintain cultural, ethnic, geographic and religious diversity to draw upon the expertise of the community. They further resolved that racist propaganda has no place in the County and unequivocally condemns any advocacy of racial supremacy and any discrimination based on religion, culture or sexual orientation.

Crews work to “confine, contain” Dog Fire

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FREDONIA – Fire crews are currently tending to a new lightning-caused wildfire on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest and are carefully considering a confine and contain management strategy versus direct suppression. This selective strategy minimizes risk and reduces exposure to firefighters. The Dog Fire was reported to fire officials on Friday and is located in some very rough and rugged terrain at approximately 8,200 feet in elevation both within and directly adjacent to Saddle Mountain Wilderness.

Name: Dog Fire
Date Reported: Friday, Aug. 18, 2017
Cause: Lightning
Location: The fire is approximately 4.5 miles northeast of the North Rim Country Store and approximately 18.5 miles south-southeast of Jacob Lake on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.
Expected Actions: The fire is in a confine and contain management strategy and is estimated at 15 acres.
Fuels: It is burning in mixed conifer fuel type and although the area did receive showers throughout the weekend, fire activity varied from low to moderate.
Resources: 1 Type-4 Incident Commander, 1 Type-3 helicopter, 2 Type-3 engines, 1 Type-6 engine and 2 hand crews
Weather Forecast: Fire activity may decrease today as another round of monsoonal showers and storms is forecasted to impact the area today. Storm activity is expected to decrease tomorrow with slightly drier conditions expected throughout the rest of the week.

Additional fire activity updates may be obtained through the following sources:
· Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
· InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5524/
· Kaibab National Forest Fire Information phone line: (928) 635-8311
· Text Message – text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404
· Visit us on Facebook and Twitter @KaibabNF

Interstate 40 eastbound ramp work at Bellemont begins tomorrow

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BELLEMONT – The Arizona Department of Transportation is ahead of schedule for ramp repairs at the Bellemont traffic interchange and will begin reconstructing the eastbound Interstate 40 on- and off ramps at Exit 185 early Tuesday, Aug. 22.

Work on the westbound ramps is anticipated to be completed early Tuesday morning, and the ramps will be reopened for travel at 7 a.m. Once the westbound ramps are open, the eastbound on- and off-ramps at Bellemont will be closed for construction from 7 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31. The Bellemont bridge over I-40 will remain open at all times.

Motorists can use the interchanges at Parks (milepost 178) and A-1 Mountain (milepost 190) to travel between eastbound I-40 and Bellemont. Signs will mark the detour routes.

Ramp repairs are anticipated to be completed in time for the Labor Day weekend with no restrictions to the Bellemont area.

The ramp reconstruction is part of a larger project underway between Parks and Riordan that includes paving, new guardrail and minor bridge repairs at the Parks, Bellemont and A-1 Mountain traffic interchanges. Please visit the project website for more information at: azdot.gov/I40Paving.

Drivers should use caution and watch for personnel and equipment while construction is underway. Please allow for extra time for travel.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call Coralie Cole, ADOT senior community relations officer, at 602.501.4899 or ccole@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit the ADOT Traveler Information site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except while driving.

Boat explosions at Lake Havasu highlight crucial role of proper ventilation systems

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PHOENIX — The occurrence of two boat explosions two days in a row at Lake Havasu is an important reminder of the crucial role of ventilation systems, which work to remove flammable gases. Properly installed ventilation systems greatly reduce the chance of a life-threatening explosion.

A properly functioning ventilation system circulates air through the engine and fuel tank compartments to remove fuel vapors from the bilge. A best practice to follow is to always open an inboard engine compartment and let it air out before starting an engine — this allows you to smell for gasoline fumes.

Before going out on the water, check your ventilation hoses in the engine compartment. In a passive system the fresh air enters higher in the compartment to force gasoline vapor out through the lower hose. In a powered ventilation system the blower should be on the exhaust hose so any gasoline vapors are drawn away from the engine rather than introducing fresh air to the engine compartment if the blower was on the intake side.

“When considering repairs on your boat remember that marine-rated parts like starters, alternators or generators are designed to limit spark exposure, that’s why they are more expensive than standard automotive parts,” said Tim Baumgarten, boating law administrator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Resist the urge to replace engine parts with automotive parts because they are cheaper.”

According to The Boater’s Guide of Arizona:

  • All gasoline-powered vessels constructed in a way that would entrap fumes must be properly and efficiently vented to remove the fumes. It is recommended that at least one intake duct extend from a point midway to the bilge or below the level of the carburetor air intake, and at least one exhaust duct extend from the open atmosphere to the lower bilge.
  • If your vessel is equipped with a power ventilation system, turn it on for at least four minutes in either of these situations: after fueling and/or before starting the engine.
  • If your vessel is not equipped with a power ventilation system (for example, a personal watercraft), open the engine compartment and sniff for gasoline fumes before starting the engine.
  • Regularly check the ventilation ducts for obstructions, such as birds’ nests. Make sure you can feel air coming out of the cowl when the ventilation system is turned on.

A great resource for information is the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Boating Safety Education program. The department’s free courses include instruction on the basic skills required to safely operate a boat or personal watercraft, trailering your vessel, navigational rules, buoys, anchoring, legal requirements and boating emergencies. Upcoming courses and information can be found online at www.azgfd.com/Education/Boating/.

OHV riders: Protect the habitat and stay safe, don’t go mudding

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PHOENIX — It’s tempting to go out riding on off-highway vehicles (OHV) after a rainstorm — the ground is fresh, dust is down and it’s cooler out. But when rainstorms leave roads and trails wet and muddy, riding on them can create long-lasting damage that negatively impacts the habitat and the experience for other outdoor enthusiasts.

When you come upon wet and muddy roads, turn around. When the area is wet, riding can tear up the roads and trails making them impassible for others. In addition, OHVs can do serious damage to meadows, streams and other areas important to wildlife and Arizona’s water supply. Even a lighter-weight OHV with low-pressure tires can do lasting damage.

“A majority of people are staying on roads and being responsible, but riders who disregard the rules can cause a lot of damage to natural areas, some of which may never recover,” said Mark Terrill, OHV law enforcement specialist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “It also creates a bad experience for responsible riders and makes the whole OHV community look bad.”

While the practice of “mudding” — purposefully driving through wet areas, whether it’s a meadow, lakeshore or water tank for wildlife or ranchers’ animals — may be touted as fun on places like social media, it can cause long-lasting damage to the habitat and forest roads. OHV riders can be issued citations and be held liable to fix the damage caused. It can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair an area and an untold amount of time for a habitat to recover.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, mudding has many negative impacts:

Rips up native plants — when plants are gone soil washes into nearby streams and lakes, and it creates the opportunity for noxious weeds to move in.

Compacts soil — tire tracks create hard soil that keeps water from moving into the ground and they make it difficult for plants to grow.

Harms wildlife — when vehicles tear up meadows and wetlands, it removes nesting and hiding cover, interferes with feeding, and may push animals out into areas where they may not survive.

Smothers fish — many species of fish and amphibians use gravel to build nests and bury their eggs. Driving through streams destroys these gravel areas.

It’s also a safety issue for riders. OHVs handle differently on wet roads than they do on dry ground, so use caution and drive at slower speeds when roads and trails are wet.

If you see someone mudding, call 1-800-VANDALS. It’s helpful if you can get a license plate number and description of both the OHV and the operator as well as a location of the activity so law enforcement personnel can follow up on the information.