The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for delays on State Route 89A between Cottonwood and Sedona this fall while a pavement-repair project is underway.
Crews will have lane closures in place in both directions Mondays through Fridays from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Work is scheduled to begin Tuesday, September 4 and continue through November.
Drivers should always proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.
FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Parks and Recreation was awarded a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant from the Arizona State Parks and Trails for infrastructure improvements and visitor amenities, including a restroom, at Fort Tuthill County Park. The grant award of $150,620 will also fund the construction of trails and additional features at the Fort Tuthill Bike Park.
Construction of the Bike Park’s new trails and features began August 27. The completion of Phase 2 will include adult pump tracks and Phase 3 will include technical flow trails.
Coconino County Parks and Recreation has an agreement with non-profit Flagstaff Biking Organization (FBO) to build the Fort Tuthill Bike Park. FBO is contracting with American Conservation Experience (ACE), who is sub-contracting with FlowRide Concepts, a professional company that specializes in building bike parks across the country. FBO, ACE and FlowRide Concepts successfully built Phase 1 of Fort Tuthill Bike Park, which opened to the public in 2015.
The construction area is next to the existing trails at Fort Tuthill Bike Park and has been sectioned off and is closed to the public. There are no immediate closures to the Bike Park scheduled, however some minimal closures may occur for maintenance of the area. Construction of the Bike Park and restroom are expected to be completed by Fall 2020.
FLAGSTAFF – “The Coconino County Board of Supervisors were deeply saddened to learn that Senator John McCain lost his battle with brain cancer this past weekend. Senator McCain was a tremendous statesman and dedicated public servant for the country and to the people he served. We were always grateful for the honest conversations we had with him in Washington D.C. and here in the County.
We will remember him most for always putting politics aside and coming to the aide of County residents. For example, during disasters such as the Schultz Fire and subsequent flooding, the Slide Fire and other events throughout the County, the Senator was instrumental in securing funding for disaster assistance, changing the law so residents could get flood insurance in the future and in mediating boundary disputes.
As a County, we worked with the Senator and his staff throughout his outstanding legacy on a wide breadth of issues from federal funding to the establishment of national monuments. He was always there when it mattered for the citizens of Coconino County and we will be forever grateful for his partnership.
His influence will continue to have a lasting impact on Coconino County, the State of Arizona and the Nation. We extend our deepest sympathies to Senator McCain’s family and friends.”
WILLIAMS – The unofficial 2018 primary and local election results are out and it looks like Williams will have Moore mayor.
In the Williams elections, incumbent Mayor John Moore received 361 votes with contender George Otero taking 198 and 12 write-in votes. The three incumbent councilmen took the majority of votes with 95 write-in votes. 72.15% of the voters voted for Proposition 415 allowing alternate expenditure limits.
Rob Krombeem received 854 votes for Justice of the Peace for Williams with Brian Flescher receiving 281 and 35 write-in votes. In the Constable race, Rick Remender received 554 votes to 510 votes for Jay Douglass with 28 write-in votes.
These election results are unofficial.
AZGF Photo
The volunteers, largely brought together through the dedication and focus of the Arizona Antelope Foundation, modified more than 4 miles of fencing in an area on the Williams Ranger District about 8 miles north of the community of Parks. The fence modification work included removing the bottom barbed wires and replacing them with smooth wire at a height of 18 inches from the ground. This height allows pronghorn to easily slip under the fences without the risk of injury. Pronghorn rarely jump fences, rather preferring to go underneath them.
“Multiple research studies in northern Arizona have shown that pronghorn populations are being fragmented by fences and roads to the point that populations are suffering genetic consequences,” said Jeff Gagnon, statewide research biologist with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “While the fragmentation of habitat affects many wildlife species, pronghorn are particularly vulnerable in our state. It is important that we take steps to ensure pronghorn population persistence.”
To this end, the Arizona Game and Fish Department began working with the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests, National Park Service, Arizona Antelope Foundation, Arizona Department of Transportation, and local ranchers in 2012 to begin addressing pronghorn habitat connectivity at a landscape scale.
The project uses GPS locations from collared pronghorn to identify barriers and potential corridors for improvements. On the Kaibab National Forest alone, the team of partners and volunteers has modified nearly 18 miles of fence since the effort began. Similar work has been accomplished on the Coconino National Forest and state and private lands.
“To help our current pronghorn populations persist, fences can be modified, grasslands can be restored, water can be made available, and the list goes on,” states an article entitled “A Data-Driven Approach to Reconnecting Pronghorn Populations North of I-40; Collaboration at its Best,” which was written by Gagnon and his colleagues Chad Loberger and Scott Sprague of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “In all cases, the cooperation and collaboration of multiple stakeholders is required to help get today’s pronghorn to tomorrow.”
Not only is the GPS collar data collected from this project used to identify and correct barriers to pronghorn movement, but it is also made available to inform the planning and implementation of forest and grassland restoration work, such as that associated with the Four Forest Restoration Initiative.
“We are grateful to have partners and volunteers who care as deeply about the health of our forests and wildlife populations as we do,” said Roger Joos, wildlife biologist with the Kaibab National Forest. “We have been partnering on these efforts for many years and have had incredible successes not only in terms of the number of miles of fence modified but also in the acres of grasslands and savannas restored. We could not achieve these results without the continued commitment of our partners.”
The efforts earlier this month were just one example of ongoing work to promote healthy pronghorn populations in northern Arizona. The work will continue indefinitely, with upcoming volunteer and partner projects to shift south of Interstate 40 over the next several years.
To become an Arizona Antelope Foundation volunteer or member, or for additional information on the organization, visit https://azantelope.org/. The Arizona Antelope Foundation’s mission is to actively seek to increase pronghorn populations in Arizona through habitat improvements, habitat acquisition, the translocation of animals to historic range, and public comment on activities affecting pronghorn and their habitat.
To learn more about the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s “Reconnecting Pronghorn North of I-40 Project,” visit page 6 in the Pronghorn newsletter at http://bit.ly/2Lv49I7.
FREDONIA — For Immediate Release. With outbreaks of severe wildfires unfolding across the West many firefighting and support resources were stretched thin this fire season, this included support contractors who were spread out in all directions across the country.
The Kaibab National Forest was not immune – the wildland fire community was at preparedness level five nationally (the most elevated preparedness level) – and getting critical logistical support was going to be a challenge. Lightning ignited fires on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest and North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park – 53 times in July and 21 times in August. Local resources had their hands full with the Obi Fire, Stina Fire, Cat Fire, and initial attack on every other lightning-caused fire in the area, which meant fire managers would soon begin seeking outside resources.
For Stina Fire and Cat Fire Logistics Chief Gary Holsten, this meant finding meals for firefighters, among other needs. Locally Mickey and Kami Houston, owners of Houston’s Trails End Restaurant and Catering, are typically Holsten’s go to for catering needs as they’ve done for years – serving countless numbers of meals to our nation’s wildland fire community on incidents both locally and nationally. But this time the Houston’s were already committed to supporting the national firefighting effort, which meant that Holsten had to find an alternative solution.
With nearly zero notice, six local businesses agreed to support the North Zone Fire Management Organization and the Arizona Central West Zone Type-3 Incident Management Team.
“We could not do this job without your trust and support, and for that, we are truly thankful,” said Stina Fire Incident Commander Mike Uebel. “We are blessed and fortunate to have such a supportive community.”
“You came through when we needed you most,” added Cat Fire Incident Commander RobRoy Williams. “Thank you for your unwavering support these past two weeks.”
Below is a list of these local businesses and their contributions on the Stina Fire and Cat Fire:
• In the midst of his first week in business, Walt Thirion and his staff at Vermillion 45 filled the gap by providing 140 dinners daily to firefighters on both the Stina Fire and Cat Fires.
• Honey’s Marketplace filled the gap by providing 200 breakfasts, 200 lunches, and 100 dinners daily to firefighters on both the Stina Fire and Cat Fires.
• Subway of Kanab filled the gap by providing 200 sandwich meals to firefighters on day number one of the Stina Fire.
• The Kaibab Lodge filled the gap by providing 50 breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for several days to firefighters on both the Stina Fire and Cat Fires.
• The North Rim Country Store filled the gap by providing unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel needed to keep the refrigerator trailer running and for fuel for burnout operations on both the Stina and Cat Fires.
• Jackpot Waste Management provided 23 portable toilets and six portable hand wash stations in support of firefighters on both the Stina Fire and Cat Fires.
For fire information on the Kaibab National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab and Inciweb under the name of the fire at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov or visit us on Facebook and Twitter @KaibabNF or call (928) 635-8311 for recorded fire information.
FREDONIA — The Kaibab National Forest will lift all area closures this Thursday, August 23, at 8 a.m. due to the significant and widespread monsoonal moisture that occurred over both the Cat Fire and Stina Fire over the last 72 hours.
“We encourage visitors to exercise caution, good judgment, and abide by the following recreational best practices,” said North Kaibab District Ranger Randall Walker.
Potential risks in an area recently burned by wildfire include the following:
· Storms resulting in flash flooding that could wash out roads, initiate debris flows and may entrap people at flooded stream courses.
· Unsound burned trees (snags) that could fall or shed large limbs.
· Eroded and very rough roads resulting in dangerous driving conditions.
· Unstable terrain with potential for rolling debris (logs, rocks, boulders, etc.).
· Burned out stump holes that could cause injury if stepped in.
· Blowing dust on roads and hillsides.
Visitors to the North Kaibab Ranger District are advised to follow these outdoor safety best practices:
1. Know the weather forecast and check it frequently as conditions can change in a very short timeframe.
2. Let someone outside of the area know exactly where you are and where you will be going daily.
3. Do not park vehicles or camp in areas with burned snags or where potential flood waters would prevent escape. Know where you are in relation to drainages.
4. During windy conditions, remain in open areas that are free of trees (both live and burned) as much as possible.
5. If an area seems unsafe for any reason, leave.
6. Have good maps and know where you are at all times.
7. Keep a well-charged cell phone with you and check it frequently, so you know when you’re in an area where there is no coverage.
8. Understand that there are many areas on public lands that are remote. It can take a very long time before responders can arrive if a rescue is required. The North Kaibab area is very remote.
For fire information on the Kaibab National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab and Inciweb under the name of the fire at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov or visit us on Facebook and Twitter @KaibabNF or call (928) 635-8311 for recorded fire information.
Chip sealing on west end through Country Club Road completed yesterday.
They don’t actually have a pilot “car.” It’s more of a pilot truck.
The process begins with cleaning the roads, spraying oil and chip seal and leaving it overnight. The next day they re-clean the area and open it up. They will be working from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday and Friday they will be chip sealing the two-mile stretch from Santa Fe dam to Dogtown Road. One lane will be open for traffic. They ask that you follow the directions of construction workers and wait for pilot vehicle
PHOENIX – While working at ports of entry to ensure that commercial vehicles have the proper permits and can operate safely on state highways, Arizona Department of Transportation officers have to be ready for situations in which they’re called upon to help save a life.
That’s why nearly 100 officers, part of ADOT’s Enforcement and Compliance Division, have been trained so far to identify opioid overdoses and administer a drug to reverse the effects.
“One of the worst feelings as a law enforcement officer is being unable to help someone in an emergency situation,” said Sergeant Sean Dalley with the Enforcement and Compliance Division. “Having the right tools and knowing how to use them is a way to ensure we are always in a position to act fast when called upon.”
ADOT officers who have gone through the training now carry Naloxone, a type of drug known as an opioid antagonist.
“This kind of training allows our officers to respond quickly to various types of situations at the ports of entry and in the field,” said Tim Lane, director of the Enforcement and Compliance Division. “ADOT looks to do its part in helping combat opioid abuse in Arizona.”
ADOT has set a goal of training an additional 100 officers before year’s end.
Since Governor Doug Ducey declared a statewide emergency in June 2017 to address opioid overdoses and deaths, Arizona has expanded access to Naloxone and training among first responders. The Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act, passed in January, enables county health department employees, detention officers, police aides and other ancillary law enforcement and corrections officers to administer such drugs.
“Training and equipping more responders, including officers at commercial ports of entry, is another way we are taking serious action in response to the statewide emergency of opioid overdoses and deaths,” Governor Doug Ducey said. “Too many Arizonans lose their lives as a result of an opioid overdose, and Arizona will continue to be vigilant in combating this epidemic.”
The first training for ADOT officers, offered by the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority in partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services, consisted of identifying opioid overdoses and administering Naloxone. Officers also learned CPR, trauma response and how to protect themselves from opioid exposure.
PHOENIX — When you’re talking about 20 million mourning doves criss-crossing Arizona’s skies on opening day, versus the usual 30 million or so, what’s the difference, really?
Not much.
In fact, Arizona’s dove hunters won’t even notice the drop-off when the 2018 season begins September 1.
“The first half of 2018 was an extremely dry year,” said Johnathan O’Dell, small game biologist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). “Based on what we’re seeing in the field, mourning doves may not have pulled off as many nests as usual. Early estimates are that most doves pulled off three or four nests, instead of the usual five to six nests.
“So what does that mean? Well, you still have to consider the scale we’re talking about. A down year like this one means there will be about 20 million mourning doves on opening day, instead of 30 million.
“You’re still going to find plenty of doves out there.”
Once again, the greatest number of doves – and dove hunters — will be concentrated in the state’s agricultural areas, particularly those that produce small-grain crops like wheat, barley, oats and sorghum. For hunters who prefer a little more elbow room, now is the time to scout desert locations for water sources.
O’Dell said white-winged doves are still abundant in most areas and call counts remain high. All of that could change, however, depending on monsoon weather patterns over the next couple of weeks.
“If we get any really big storms between now and the opener, many of them will start to migrate out of state,” O’Dell said. “If the monsoon slows down, we could be in for a very good opening day for white-winged doves.”
AZGFD reminds dove hunters to review the “2018-2019 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations,” which are posted online at www.azgfd.gov/dove. The regulations have been produced in a format that hunters will find particularly handy in the field. The color brochure is easier to read and features important hunting information, such as season dates, daily bag and possession limits, and legal requirements, at a glance. The printed version is available at all department offices and more than 200 license dealers statewide.
All hunters 18 and older must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, as well as a migratory bird stamp for the 2018-19 season — both of which can be purchased online now. But don’t just buy a hunting license. Why not enjoy the “Best of Both Worlds” and save money at the same time? Go online and select a combo hunt and fish license that will be valid for the next 365 days — and for only $20 more (for state residents) than the price of an individual hunting or fishing license. Visit https://www.azgfd.com/bestofbothworlds/.
For everything else “dove,” visit www.azgfd.gov/dove. Also, check out O’Dell’s video that demonstrates two techniques for field-dressing doves at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DDRZGPzJDI.
Dove hunters play an important role in conservation. Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) funds are comprised of excise taxes collected on the sale of hunting and fishing equipment (including 11 percent on ammunition), the benefit of which comes right back to Arizona for habitat improvements, shooting ranges, boating access and more.