Monthly Archives: October 2018

Star Gazing Party at Historic Navajo Bridge

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MARBLE CANYON – Coconino County Supervisor Lena Fowler, Glen Canyon Natural History Association, Lowell Observatory, the National Park Service, Arizona Department of Transportation and the Northern Arizona University/ NASA Space Grant Program will host a free Star Gazing Party from 6 – 10 p.m. on October 12 and 13 at the Navajo Bridge in Marble Canyon, Arizona.

Telescopes will be setup by amateur and professional astronomers from Northern Arizona. Other activities include guided walk and talks, Junior Ranger activities, special guest lectures and solar viewing. For a complete list of events, go to GCNHA.org.
WHAT: Star Gazing Party
WHEN: 6 – 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, Oct. 12 & 13, 2018.
WHERE: Historic Navajo Bridge, HWY 89A, Marble Canyon, AZ
COST: Free

For more details, call the Glen Canyon Natural History Society at 928-645-3900 or Coconino County District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler at 928- 283-4518.

Kaibab National Forest seeks public input on a proposed landscape-scale forest restoration project across much of the North Kaibab Ranger District

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WILLIAMS – The Kaibab National Forest is seeking public input and comments on a proposed project to reduce the threat of uncharacteristic, high-intensity wildfire and to restore the structure, species composition and function of ecosystems on the Kaibab Plateau.

The project, known as the Kaibab Plateau Ecological Restoration Project, is designed to increase resiliency and overall health of vegetation and watersheds and to restore low-intensity fire to the fire-adapted ecosystems of the area. Specifically, the proposed action includes prescribed fire and non-commercial, mechanical vegetation treatments on about 511,000 acres of the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest.

Most of the Kaibab National Forest’s vegetation is adapted to recurring wildfires, and fire naturally plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem health. The condition and structure of the project area’s forests, woodlands, shrublands and grasslands have changed dramatically from natural conditions, in large part because fire has been excluded due to decades of successful fire suppression efforts. Today, the project area contains uncharacteristically dense forests with many more young trees than were present historically, and climate change is making them vulnerable to more frequent high-intensity wildfires.

The project is intended to address those changed conditions by implementing prescribed fire and non-commercial, mechanical vegetation treatments. Prescribed fire would include broadcast burning and pile burning to reduce fuel levels and tree densities, control conifer regeneration, and promote understory plant vigor. Mechanical treatments would include pruning ladder fuels, mastication, chipping and thinning to remove smaller trees with the goal of protecting larger or older trees by targeting understory and ladder fuels.

The Kaibab National Forest encourages public participation in the development of proposed projects and is seeking input and comments on the Kaibab Plateau Ecological Restoration Project. Specific, written comments should be received no later than Nov. 5.

Comments must be in writing and may be delivered electronically, in person, or by mail or facsimile. Electronic comments, including attachments, may be emailed to comments-southwestern-kaibab-north-kaibab@fs.fed.us. Please include “Kaibab Plateau Ecological Restoration Project” in the subject line. Comments may be submitted electronically in Word (.doc or .docx), rich text format (.rtf), text (.txt), Adobe portable document formats (PDF), or HyperText Markup Language (.html). Submit comments via hand delivery (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays) or mail to: U.S. Forest Service, Kaibab National Forest, Attn: Sue Farley, 800 South 6th Street, Williams, AZ 86046. Send comments via facsimile to 928-635-8280.

For detailed project information, including the full proposed action document, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54226. For questions, please contact Sue Farley, environmental coordinator for the Kaibab National Forest, at 928-635-8331 or sfarley@fs.fed.us.

A detailed Kaibab Plateau Ecological Restoration Project area map is included on the next page.

Kaibab National Forest information is also available through the following sources:

Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
Flickr (photos): http://bit.ly/KaibabNFPhotos

Safety Tips for homemade apple cider

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Service District (CCPHSD) advises residents to protect themselves against potential foodborne illness from apple cider. There is an abundance of apples in Coconino County this fall due to the lack of an early frost and people may be using apples to make apple cider.

Foodborne illnesses have been attributed to the consumption of fresh, unpasteurized cider contaminated with a foodborne pathogen like E. coli O157:H7. Certain age groups are at a greater risk of complications from harmful bacteria such as children, the elderly and persons with compromised immune systems.

CCPHSD recommends taking the following precautions to protect against foodborne illness when making homemade apple cider:

Avoid using apples that have visible signs of decay or mold growth.
Wash apples thoroughly before pressing or grinding to make cider.
Use a fruit press or small kitchen appliances to crush the fruit.
Wash hands and sanitizing equipment.
Place washed and rinsed utensils and equipment in a mixture of 1 tablespoon household bleach per gallon of water for at least 1 minute.
Squeeze juice through a clean, damp muslin cloth.
Pasteurize cider to ensure safety. Heat to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit and pour into warm jars to prevent breakage.
Store cider in the refrigerator for immediate use, or up to five days. Put cider in the freezer if you want to keep it longer.
Be sure to use strong, sound glass bottles that will not break during fermentation.
Boil unpasteurized apple cider before drinking it or drinking pasteurized cider or juice.

Caution: Young children, elderly and immunocompromised individuals should never drink fresh apple cider unless it has been heated to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

After each day’s cider making, all equipment should be:

Rinsed with potable water to remove apple and cider residue.
Washed with warm soapy water and a clean brush.
Sanitized with bleach diluted with clean, potable lukewarm water in a ratio of one-tablespoon bleach to one-gallon clean water. All utensils and equipment that contacted cider should be rinsed with this sanitizing solution.

Learn more about steps that can help keep you healthy and your fruits and vegetables safer to eat at https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/steps-healthy-fruits-veggies.html.

Closure of multiple days expected on US 89 north of Flagstaff

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PHOENIX – Coordinating efforts with tribal governments and federal partners, the Arizona Department of Transportation is working to reopen a section of US 89 severed by flooding about 60 miles north of Flagstaff between State Route 64 at Cameron and US 160.

With US 89 expected to remain closed for multiple days due to the washout between mileposts 467 and 481 on the Navajo Nation, motorists heading to Page, Tuba City and other destinations north of Cameron can take Interstate 40 east from Flagstaff to State Route 87 at Winslow, then head north to State Route 264, northwest to US 160 in Tuba City and west to US 89.

For those traveling from points south on US 89, the closure doesn’t affect access to Grand Canyon National Park’s east entrance via SR 64.

“For residents, tourists and trade, US 89 is an essential route through northern Arizona,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “We are bringing all available resources to minimize the time needed to reopen the highway, and we are grateful for the assistance offered by Navajo and Hopi leaders and by the Federal Highway Administration.”

In addition to sending personnel and equipment to the remote site, ADOT has requested special funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program.

The flooding, caused late Wednesday by the remnants of Hurricane Rosa, cut through a 30-foot section of US 89 and through the earth beneath it, necessitating extensive repairs. ADOT will make short-term repairs to reopen the highway and return later with a project to make permanent repairs.

ADOT is coordinating with the Arizona Department of Public Safety on the detour route, which adds about 125 miles to a trip between Flagstaff and Page. Even if a GPS recommends another route, ADOT and AZDPS urge drivers to avoid using tribal roads through the area, most of which are dirt and may have been damaged by the storm that severed US 89.

The Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe are assisting on the detour route to discourage detours on tribal roads that may not be passable at present. Meanwhile, ADOT is working closely with the tribes as well as Coconino County on the timetable for reopening the highway, communicating essential information with motorists and other critical issues.

“The Navajo Division of Transportation appreciates the quick response by the Arizona Department of Transportation regarding the road damage on Highway 89,” said Garret Silversmith, division director for the Navajo Division of Transportation. “Historically, NDOT and ADOT have always had a strong and collaborative relationship on transportation concerns and issues throughout the Navajo Nation and the great state of Arizona. Thus NDOT has offered and is providing assistance to ADOT with the corrective repair efforts on the Hwy 89 road damage.”

Michael Lomayaktewa, director of the Hopi Department of Transportation, said motorists using state routes through the tribe’s reservation should watch for pedestrians and for local traffic, including buses, and also should be aware that some stretches have sharp bends and steep grades.

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

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PHOENIX – Recent storms have given Arizonans in the market for used cars even more reason to pay close attention to a vehicle’s condition and history, especially in private sales. Cars damaged by floodwaters such as those resulting from Hurricane Florence can sometimes find their way to Arizona to be sold.

If a vehicle is flood-damaged, the title should say “salvage” or “flood damage.” But scammers can and do fraudulently remove flood history from vehicle titles.

“We want to make sure potential buyers remain vigilant when looking at used vehicles and not sign anything until the vehicle has been checked over bumper to bumper,” said Willie Hall, detective sergeant with ADOT’s Office of Inspector General, which investigates fraud involving titles and vehicle sales. “Flood-damaged vehicles that have been repackaged and dressed up are a common scam after major weather events like what we’ve seen recently.”

Potential buyers should closely inspect vehicles and be prepared to walk away if things don’t smell right – quite literally in some cases.

· Check out all of the vehicle’s nooks and crannies. Look inside under the carpet and floor mats and examine the trunk for dirt, silt and mold. Check under the dashboard and other hard-to-reach places as well. Criminals usually don’t clean all of those places. Finally, take a good whiff in those areas. Water damage leaves a distinctive smell.
· Check the electrical and mechanical components. Water wreaks havoc on electrical systems, so check to see if any of those systems aren’t working quite right. Also check the engine for signs of rust or even random new parts. Get under the vehicle and check the suspension for water damage. Any of those things could be a sign that you’re in danger of buying a flood-damaged vehicle.

It’s always a good idea to have any used vehicle you’re looking at buying checked out by a trusted auto mechanic.

A vehicle identification number can be used to obtain the vehicle history through an online service that may charge a fee. This check can uncover a vehicle’s status as “salvage” or “non-repairable,” as well as maintenance problems, collisions, insurance claims and titles issued in other states.

For more information: azdot.gov/CarBuyingTips, 24-hour fraud hotline at 602-277-5684 or 877.712.2370 (outside Phoenix) or email fraud@azdot.gov.

The vision of the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is to “get Arizona out of line and safely on the road”. Dedicated MVD employees, Authorized Third Party providers and offering more services online help MVD achieve this vision.

FRAUD ALERT – Phone Call with Person Posing as Sheriff Deputy

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is getting reports of fraudulent phone calls in which the person is claiming to be a Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputy and claiming to be calling about an outstanding warrant. The person goes on to say that you need to pay to take care of the outstanding warrant. THIS IS A SCAM – DO NOT FALL FOR THIS SCAM!

Unfortunately – Phone Scams have become a part of everyday life – so protect yourself by being informed.

  • Scammers often pose as real people affiliated with financial institutes, police officers, court officers, utility companies, credit card company, IRS, computer company, voter registration agency, a distant relative in need of help, etc. – they often use “authority” type positions to “bully” and “scare” people into falling victim to their scam. DO NOT GIVE OUT YOUR DATE OF BIRTH, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, OR FINANCIAL INFORMATION UNLESS YOU ARE SURE YOU ARE SPEAKING WITH A LEGITIMATE AGENT.
  • Scammers also use “feel good” scams and pose as a volunteer asking for donations for a charity, as a company offering you a prize, as a lawyer trying to contact you over an inheritance, as an agency offering to help you fix your credit. THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE VARIATIONS OF SCAMS THEY COME UP WITH – IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS
  • Scammers often “spoof” phone numbers to show up on caller ID to look like they are legitimate agency or local numbers
  • Scammers often ask for payment through Green Dot, Gift Cards, Smart Cards – The Sheriff’s Office would never ask you to pay a fine in this way. If they ask that payment be mailed to an address or post office box, you can confirm using the phone book or official web page of the agency if it is a legitimate address of the agency
  • Be very careful not to give out your personal information – even guard your phone number. Many phone apps actually access all of your contact information (the little “I accept” fine print when you download an app) which then gives an app developer access to information on your phone which they may then sell – This allows scammers to know your network of friends and to pose as them.
  • Be wary of calling back the number listed on caller ID (or replying to a text message) unless you can verify it’s legitimate. For example – you would want to use the phone number on the back of your credit card rather than a phone number provider by a caller to confirm whether what the caller told you was legitimate
  • Use Government pages in the phone book or the agency’s official website to get the official phone number to call back.

DON’T FALL VICTIM TO PHONE SCAMS

PROTECT YOURSELF:

  1. – Ask for written information
  2. – Ask a lot of questions
  3. – Check out the company on the Better Business Bureau
  4. – Tell the caller to put you on their do not call list
  5. – DO NOT SEND a check, cash, money wire, or give out your account information to anyone insisting immediate payment with which you did not initiate the contact

REPORT SCAMS TO YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

North Kaibab Ranger District announces changes in winter hours, closures

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FREDONIA — Forest staff would like to remind visitors of the following changes for the upcoming winter season.

DeMotte, Jacob Lake & Group Site Campgrounds: The last night to camp is October 14. These campgrounds are scheduled to close for the winter season on October 15 at noon.

Big Springs & Jumpup Cabin Rentals: The Big Springs and Jump Up cabin rentals will remain open until November 4, unless inclement weather forces an earlier closure. Information regarding reservations and cancellations may be found at https://www.recreation.gov/.

Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center: Beginning October 20 through December 1, the visitor center will only be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2018 Personal-Use Fuelwood Cutting Season: Permits are still available at the district office during regular business hours. As a reminder, all unused personal-use fuelwood cutting permits will not be valid after November 30. Woodcutting permit sales will resume in May 2019 pending appropriate weather conditions.

Kaibab National Forest to offer Christmas tree tags starting November 16

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WILLIAMS – The Kaibab National Forest will sell over-the-counter and through-the-mail Christmas tree tags for each of its three ranger districts beginning Nov. 16 in order to allow members of the public to enjoy the popular holiday tradition of cutting one’s own tree. With 1,800 tags available, there should be sufficient supply to meet demand for this sought-after public service.

The $15 permit will allow the holder to cut a tree of any species that is not more than 10 feet in height within a designated area on the Kaibab National Forest from Nov. 16 through Dec. 24. The tag is good for a tree on the ranger district from which it was purchased and can’t be used to cut a tree on a different district unless specifically noted. No refunds will be made, even if weather conditions prevent access to cutting areas.

Individuals who purchase tags will be provided with a map showing their designated cutting area along with additional tree cutting instructions. The number of available tags and tree species, locations and hours for purchasing the permits, and contact information for each ranger district are as follows:

# of Permits Available and Tree Species Location of Designated Cutting Area Contact Information Open Days and Hours
800

Any Species

 North Kaibab Ranger District

Note: The Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Saturday, Dec. 1, for tag sales. The visitor center is located at the intersection of highways 89 and 67 in Jacob Lake and can be reached at (928) 643-7298.

 

 Physical address:        430 S. Main St., Fredonia, AZ 86022

Mailing address:        P.O. Box 248,    Fredonia, AZ 86022

(928) 643-7395

 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. The office will also be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on two Saturdays, Nov. 24 and Dec. 1, for tag sales.
500

Any Species

 Tusayan Ranger District Physical address:        176 Lincoln Log Loop, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Mailing address:        P.O. Box 3088,       Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

(928) 638-2443

 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
500

Any Species

 

 Williams Ranger District

Note: The Williams Ranger District office will also have 100 tags available for the Tusayan Ranger District.

 

 Physical and mailing address:                      742 S. Clover Rd., Williams, AZ 86046

(928) 635-5600

 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Individuals desiring to purchase Christmas tree tags through the mail should contact the appropriate ranger district office for information on the required process. Turnaround time for arrival of tags through the mail is often 10 business days, so individuals desiring these tags should call well in advance to ensure adequate time for their permits to arrive.

The Kaibab National Forest is also pleased to announce that all fourth graders are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit through the Every Kid in a Park initiative. Every Kid in a Park is a nationwide call to action to connect kids to nature. All fourth graders are eligible to receive a fourth grade pass that allows free access to federal lands and waters across the country for a full year. In support of this initiative, the Kaibab National Forest is making available a free Christmas tree permit to every interested fourth grader with a fourth grade pass or paper voucher. For additional information about the initiative and how to obtain a pass, visit www.everykidinapark.gov. To be eligible for a free Christmas tree permit from the Kaibab National Forest, all fourth graders must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and present their fourth grade pass or paper voucher.

For detailed Kaibab National Forest Christmas tree tag information throughout the season, visit http://bit.ly/KNFChristmasTags.

Beautiful morning, but more rain on the way

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Clouds hover over Bill Williams Mountain this morning.

WILLIAMS – It was a beautiful morning, but showers are expected later today and tonight. After a short break Friday, showers are expected to pick up Saturday and run through next Tuesday according to the long-range forecast.

Showers are 60% likely today and 70% tonight. Thursday there is a 30% chance of thundershowers turning partly cloudy overnight. Friday will be sunny with a high near 66 with light winds.

Saturday the rain returns with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m. The chance increases to 60% over Saturday night and over Sunday. Sunday night, the chance drops to 40% overnight. Columbus day is Monday with government offices closing and the chance of rain dropping to 20% through Tuesday during the day.

Winds will be around 11-mph today and tonight increasing to 15-mph Thursday with gusts as high as 23-mph expected. Winds die down to about 10-mph Thursday night.

There are no hazardous or unusual weather conditions in the forecast.