Monthly Archives: October 2023

Christmas tree permit sales to begin October 12

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WILLIAMS — Christmas tree permits for the Kaibab National Forest will be available to purchase online through Recreation.gov beginning Thursday, October 12 and permit holders may begin cutting their trees on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Permits will be available for purchase through the Kaibab NF on Recreation.gov for trees, which also lists details about designated cutting areas, maps, dates, and sizes of trees that may be cut. Information can also be found on the Kaibab NF Christmas tree webpage.

When purchasing an online permit, it is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing. Visitors will also need to set up a login account to Recreation.gov to complete the transaction. Permits are limited to one recreation.gov online account and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out. Up to 5 trees may be purchased on a single permit at
$15 per tree. A small processing fee will be applied to the transaction.

Fourth-grade students can get a free Christmas tree pass through the Every Kid Outdoors program by entering their pass ID they acquire on that website then enter it on Kaibab NF Recreation.gov when going through the acquiring process.

The tree cutting areas are in general areas and the trees are not individually marked. It is up to the permit holder to select the tree that is harvested. It is helpful to use the species map to predetermine what type of tree you would like and in what area they are growing before you start your adventure. The trees that are for sale grow in the wild and are not cultivated to be a fully filled-in tree like the ones that are bought from your local store or a private Christmas tree farm. However, it is the experience of finding and cutting a tree and having an adventure with the memories being priceless.

Permits are valid to cut trees between November 1 through December 31, 2023.

Free use firewood collection area open near Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — Free firewood is available on a new area of the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District for valid permit holders.

The free use area is located roughly 1.5 miles down Little Elden Springs Road (Forest Road 556). Directions are included in the attached map.

Collection areas are clearly marked. Free use permits are needed to collect wood and can be obtained by calling or visiting the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger Station located at 5057 N. Highway 89 during business hours.

The Flagstaff Ranger Station is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding federal holidays.

Due to limited staffing, permit seekers are advised to call the Flagstaff Ranger Station at 928-526-0866 before arrival to ensure permits can be processed that day.

Permits are currently unavailable at the Supervisor’s Office.

Only dead and down wood may be collected in the free use area, which includes slash piles from a recent timber sale contract.

Free use permits are separate from personal use paid permits. Free use permits are valid only for collection within the designated area. Free use permits allow the cutting of up to five cords of dead and down wood in specified areas, and a maximum of five cords per household per year is allowed under free use.

Permit holders are asked to keep safety in mind and be considerate of other forest visitors. Please leave unused wood stacked in slash piles. Drivers should remain wary of tight turns on roads and in collection areas and watch for uneven surfaces both on forest roads and in collection areas.

Little Elden Springs Road is accessible by most vehicles, and high clearance vehicles are not required. There are about half a dozen cords of wood in the collection area, with more becoming available as crews continue work along the road. The wood is all small diameter (less than 9 inches) and is stacked along the side of the road.

Young hunters wanted for Pintail Slough Youth Waterfowl Camp

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KINGMAN — Young hunters who want to learn all about waterfowl hunting are invited to attend the annual Pintail Slough Junior Waterfowl Camp, sponsored by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.

The camp will take place Jan. 5-7, 2024 (hunters check in Jan. 5) at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. The deadline to register is Nov. 10. The event is limited to 18 hunters between ages 12 and 17 (each must be accompanied by an adult). No prior experience is necessary.

All young hunters will learn how to identify, hunt and field-dress waterfowl before putting those skills to use in the Pintail Slough duck blinds.

“If you aren’t getting out, you’re missing out,” said Cody Johnston, wildlife manager supervisor. “This is a great opportunity for parents to get outside with their kids and enjoy the outdoors.”

To request an application, contact Jessica Stephens at jstephens@azgfd.gov, or call AZGFD’s regional office in Kingman at 928-692-7700. A refundable $40 registration fee is required. All participants will be chosen through a random draw and notified by email or telephone.

AZGFD seeks public comment on Notice of Supplemental Proposed Rulemaking

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is seeking to amend the previously published Notice of Proposed Rulemaking within Articles 1, 2, 3, and 6.

The intent of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was to enact amendments developed during the latest Five-year Review Report. After receiving feedback from stakeholders and members of the public, the Commission is removing proposed changes to the use and sale of live baitfish. Amendments to R12-4-314 (Possession, Transportation, or Importation of Aquatic Wildlife) and R12-4-411 (Live Bait Dealers License) are removed from this Notice of Supplemental Proposed Rulemaking.

In addition, the rulemaking clarifies that the use of a pneumatic weapon using bolts or arrows during an archery-only hunting season is limited to persons who possess both a crossbow permit issued under R12-4-216 and a Challenged Access/Mobility Permit (CHAMP) issued under R12-4-217.

The remaining proposed amendments are not affected from the previous comment period. Those amendments are designed to clarify current rule language; protect public health and safety and private property rights; facilitate job growth and economic development; support Fair Chase principles and the tenets of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation; enable the Department to provide better customer service; and reduce regulatory and administrative burdens wherever possible.

Visit www.azgfd.com/about-arizona-game-fish/commission-public-information/rulemaking/, or https://azsos.gov/rules/arizona-administrative-register, to view the Notice of Supplemental Proposed Rulemaking.

Public comments will be accepted through Nov. 6, 2023 by:

Email: rulemaking@azgfd.gov, or msumner@azgfd.gov.
U.S. Mail: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Celeste Cook, Rules and Policy Manager, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.
Telephone: Michael Sumner, Regional Supervisor (Yuma), 928-341-4040.

The public can submit comments through the Department’s AZGFD Rulemaking Contact Form, as well. The Commission also will be available to receive public input at its Jan. 19 meeting at Department headquarters in Phoenix.