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Category Archives: Recreation
AZGFD investigation: Horseshoe Lake fish died from low oxygen levels
PHOENIX — The significant fish die-off last week on the Verde River below Horseshoe Dam was the result of a lack of oxygen, and not because of anything found in the river, according to a water-quality investigation compiled by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
On Thursday and Friday, the Department collected water-quality samples, analyzing fish for bacteria, viruses and parasites. The fish die-off was in an area approximately 100 yards downstream from Horseshoe Dam, which is operated and managed by Salt River Project for the Bureau of Reclamation.
It is estimated that approximately 20,000 fish were killed. About 60 to 70 percent were goldfish and carp. The remaining fish species were comprised of largemouth bass, flathead catfish, channel catfish, and bluegill. The Department believes that most of the fish killed were from Horseshoe Lake and that only a small fraction may have been from the Verde River below Horseshoe Dam.
On June 1, SRP began releasing approximately 1,000 cubic feet of water per second from Horseshoe Lake. SRP empties Horseshoe Lake each year to comply with the Horseshoe-Bartlett Habitat Conservation Plan (H-BHCP), which was established with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the authority of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to protect endangered species from potential impacts of SRP’s operation of Bartlett and Horseshoe dams.
Mitigation activities in the H-BHCP, including the annual rapid draw-down of Horseshoe Lake, were developed to benefit native birds, native fish and reptiles in the upper Verde River that are listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA. Specifically, the draw-down of the reservoir increases riparian nesting habitat availability for the southwestern willow flycatcher and yellow-billed cuckoo, while decreasing the numbers of non-native fish species that may compete with, or prey upon, native fish in the upper Verde River.
By June 28, the reservoir was nearly empty. As the reservoir level decreased, the fish in Horseshoe were concentrated in an increasingly smaller area. Sediment that was disturbed as the water was being drawn down consumed dissolved oxygen, resulting the low oxygen levels and causing the die-off.
As the last of the water was released from Horseshoe, the dead and dying fish were passed through the dam into the Verde River. Some of these fish may eventually drift down to Bartlett Lake.
In the meantime, it is important for anglers to remember they should not be taking these dead or dying fish.
Off-highway vehicle decal renewal notices available through e-mail only
PHOENIX — In an effort to enhance customer service and to cut costs, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will no longer mail letters informing off-highway vehicle (OHV) owners their yearly OHV decal is expiring.
To ensure owners receive timely notice that their decal is about to expire, they can sign up to receive a reminder through e-mail by visiting www.azgfd.gov/ohv and clicking “OHV Decal Requirements.”
The decal program began in 2009 and requires all OHVs, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides and dirt bikes, to have a sticker if the vehicle is designed primarily for travel on unimproved roadways or trails. The sticker, which is placed on the upper left-hand corner of the license plate, is issued by the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division and is required to operate an OHV on public and state lands.
There are approximately 112,000 vehicles issued OHV decals within the state. By encouraging OHV owners to receive renewal reminders online, the department hopes to save on the approximately $120,000 spent to print and mail notices each year.
Each sticker costs $25. Thirty percent of the funds collected go into the state’s Highway User Revenue Fund, which is distributed to counties and cities for road and highway maintenance. The remaining funds are split as follows:
- 60 percent to Arizona State Parks for grants and agreements, trail construction, development and maintenance, signage and maps.
- 35 percent to the Arizona Game and Fish Department for law enforcement, education and outreach.
- 5 percent to the Arizona State Land Department for mitigation, signage and enforcement.
For more information about the Arizona Game and Fish OHV program and on safety courses, visit www.azgfd.gov/ohv.
Arizona files motion to intervene in lawsuit to defend motorized big game retrieval on Kaibab National Forest
Corrected: 6/25; 7:04 p.m.
PHOENIX — The State of Arizona and Office of the Arizona Attorney General today filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit brought by several environmental groups challenging the U. S. Forest Service’s decision to allow limited off-road motorized big game retrieval by elk and bison hunters on the Kaibab National Forest.
The lawsuit was filed in January by WildEarth Guardians, Grand Canyon Wildlands Council, Wildlands Network, and the Sierra Club.
“It’s interesting to note that the plaintiffs’ lawsuit targets hunters’ motorized big game retrieval, which is a small segment of off-highway vehicle use in the forest, but does not challenge other legitimate cross-country motor vehicle use. It suggests their lawsuit was filed more out of opposition to hunting than true concern for our natural resources,” said Pat Madden, incoming chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.
Motorized retrieval is an important component enabling Arizona Game and Fish to fulfill its wildlife conservation mission. Uncontrolled elk and ecologically devastating bison populations can damage habitat and may harm other species. The Department is currently collaborating with the National Park Service to dramatically reduce the number of bison in Grand Canyon National Park, as unsustainable numbers of bison have migrated from the North Kaibab onto the park’s North Rim and are damaging water sources, vegetation, soil and archeological sites.
Elk weigh between 450 and 1,200 pounds and bison between 750 and 2,500 pounds. It is unlawful to leave the edible portion of a harvested animal in the field to waste. For some hunters, a harvested bison or elk can realistically be packed out of the field only by motorized transport.
Motorized retrieval is also an important component of the Department’s lead reduction conservation efforts for the California condor. The Department offers free coupons for lead-free ammunition to all hunters who draw tags for big game species on the North Kaibab and sponsors raffles to incentivize the minority of hunters who use lead ammunition to pack out the gut piles of their lawfully-harvested big game species. The gut pile of a mature bison can exceed 500 pounds. It is simply unrealistic to expect hunters to pack out large gut piles without ready access to a motor vehicle.
“The State is seeking to intervene in this lawsuit to protect its sovereign authority to regulate, manage and conserve wildlife in Arizona, including wildlife on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service,” said Madden. “Hunters play a critical role assisting the Arizona Game and Fish Department in managing elk and bison herd populations.”
The Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 and the National Forest Management Act of 1976 direct that the national forests be managed for multiple purposes, including outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife, and that the jurisdiction and authority of the states for management of fish and resident wildlife on the national forests are not affected.
The Forest Service, in a Memorandum of Understanding with the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and Department, recognizes the Commission and Department as having primary responsibility for managing fish and wildlife populations on Forest Service lands in Arizona.
Off-road motorized big game retrieval historically had not been restricted on the Kaibab National Forest other than in areas with special land use designations, such as wilderness areas. In an effort to balance increasing off-road-vehicle recreational use with resource protection, the U.S. Forest Service in 2005 directed each forest to designate roads, trails and areas open to motor vehicle use. All other areas would be considered closed to off-road motor vehicle use, with a few exceptions such as motorized retrieval of big game. Arizona Game and Fish was a cooperating agency and/or offered comments in the development of the Kaibab’s new travel management rules.
The current rules allow hunters one trip with a motor vehicle, during hunting season only, to travel up to one mile off a designated road to pack their legally harvested elk out of the field on the Tusayan and Williams Ranger Districts, or their legally harvested bison or elk on the North Kaibab Ranger District. Hunters are required to use the most direct and least ground-disturbing route, and retrieval is not allowed in existing off-road travel-restricted areas or when conditions are such that travel would cause damage to natural and/or cultural resources. The rules don’t allow for motorized retrieval of any other big game species.
“Given the Department’s wildlife management responsibilities for elk, bison and the California condor, Arizona has an obligation to intervene in this lawsuit to defend the Kaibab National Forest’s authorization of limited motorized big game retrieval to preserve lawful hunting as a wildlife management tool, and in so doing, protect Arizona’s fragile natural resources,” said Arizona Game and Fish Department Director Larry Voyles.
AZGFD plans OUI patrol at Lake Havasu, lakes statewide this weekend
LAKE HAVASU, Ariz. — With the recreational boating season in full swing, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will conduct a multi-agency sobriety checkpoint at Lake Havasu and area lakes as part of a statewide crackdown on those boating under the influence.
The checkpoint and patrols are being done to ensure boat operators are sober and to act as a reminder that operating a watercraft under the influence (OUI) is the most common contributing factor to injuries and fatalities on the nation’s waterways.
“Arizona’s waters can be fun for the whole family, but only if it’s done safely and responsibly,” said AZGFD Boating Law Administrator Tim Baumgarten. “Using alcohol or drugs can impair a boater’s judgement, vision and reaction time, and can increase a person’s willingness to take unnecessary risks. An impaired operator is 10 times more likely to be involved in a collision than someone who is sober.”
The effort is part of Operation Dry Water, a national awareness and enforcement campaign being done in partnership with AZGFD, Arizona law enforcement agencies, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard. The operation runs Friday, June 24 to Sunday, June 26.
As part of the national campaign, boaters and watercraft users on Lake Havasu and other Arizona lakes will be subject to systematic safety inspections. Operators will also be screened for alcohol and/or drug impairment and to ensure that proper safety equipment, such as life jackets, throwable rescue devices and working fire extinguishers, are on board.
“Our goal is to promote safe and enjoyable boating on our waterways. By doing so, we hope to prevent the next tragic alcohol-related incident on the water,” Baumgarten added. “If you plan to drink on the water, please designate a sober operator.”
The patrols at Lake Havasu are part of a statewide effort among law enforcement agencies to increase public safety by targeting impaired operators. While on the water, boaters should also keep in mind:
- State law requires all passengers 12 years old and younger to wear a life jacket while onboard and that each passenger must have a properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Drowning is the most common cause of death in boating incidents, always wear your life jacket.
- Anyone being towed by a boat or on a personal watercraft, such as a Sea Doo or Jet Ski, must wear a life jacket.
- Know the “Rules of the Road,” navigation rules identify who has the right of way and determine the required direction of travel.
- Never allow passengers to board or swim while the engine(s) are running. A boat’s propeller can still be spinning while the motor is in neutral.
- Before starting the boat’s engine, walk to the stern to make sure no one is near the propeller.
- Take extra precautions around other boats towing skiers and/or tubers.
- Never reverse a boat to pick up someone out of the water.
- Paddle boards, kayaks and canoes are each considered watercraft and operators are required to have a wearable PFD on board while on the water. Furthermore, these watercraft must also follow the same laws pertaining to all motorized boats and watercraft.
It’s also recommended that all boat operators and passengers complete a boating safety course. For a list of courses hosted around the state, please visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.
USFWS withdraws draft Recreational Boating Compatibility Determination for Havasu Wildlife Refuge, citing need for further deliberation
LAKE HAVASU CITY — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has withdrawn its draft Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Recreational Boating Compatibility Determination (CD) for further consideration and deliberation.
According to a June 16 USFWS news release, the Service received and reviewed a substantial number of comments during the formal comment period seeking reconsideration of the draft CD. Sen. John McCain and Rep. Paul Gosar requested the draft be withdrawn.
“After reflecting on input we received at public meetings and the great numbers of letters and comments submitted, I have reached the conclusion that more communication is needed before any additional changes are introduced at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge,” said Dr. Benjamin Tuggle, USFWS southwest regional director, in the news release. “I have decided to withdraw the current draft CD at this time to allow for further discussions with the community and other stakeholders.”
“We’re appreciative that Director Tuggle changed course and that the USFWS recognized the need for a more robust public comment and community engagement process regarding this important issue,” said Kurt R. Davis, chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. “A much broader base of public input than originally was sought is vital in determining the best plan to protect the local economy, recreational opportunity and wildlife conservation.”
The USFWS news release stated that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will provide the framework for ongoing dialogue with the community and interested parties. A representative from the Service’s Southwest Regional Office will lead the coordination effort with city officials and other vested parties and develop possible collaborative measures that ensure natural resource conservation is managed consistently with compatible recreational uses. This coordination will provide the foundation for the Service to develop a revised draft CD to share with the public.
Lake Powell boat, watercraft users swap old life jackets for new
Lake Powell in Page, Arizona. — AZGF photo
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Wahweap Marina at Lake Powell, where the public can swap their old, less-effective life jackets for new ones (while supplies last).
In addition to the life jackets, the public can also receive free vessel safety checks, boating safety literature and items for the kids, such as safety whistles, coloring books and t-shirts. The life jackets and giveaway items are provided by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
On average, the typical life jacket in Arizona should be replaced every three to five years because the sun and heat greatly reduce its buoyancy.
The department began the life jacket exchange program in 2008 to help save lives and to encourage watercraft users to remain safe on the water. The program is funded through a U.S. Coast Guard grant to purchase new jackets in a variety of sizes.
All boats in Arizona must have a life jacket aboard for every passenger and those 12 years old and younger must wear a life jacket at all times, under state law.
Also during Saturday’s event, the public can visit and walk through the Coast Guard’s RB-S 25-foot vessel, which is used to patrol Lake Powell.
Reminder: June 14 is deadline to apply for 2016 fall hunts
PHOENIX — Time is running out for hunters to apply for 2016 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison and pheasant.
All online and paper applications must be received by the department no later than 11:59 p.m. (MST) Tuesday, June 14. Postmarks do not count.
Applicants are encouraged to use the online service at https://draw.azgfd.gov/ (scroll down to “Apply for a Draw”). Purchasing a hunting license and filling out an application online is fast and easy. The online service also dramatically reduces the chances of making errors that could result in a rejected application.
Paper applications can be mailed to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawing Section, P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052, or dropped off at department offices statewide.
The department is announcing an exciting, innovative program beginning with the 2016 fall hunt application period. “PointGuard,” the newest benefit for AZGFD Portal customers, ensures that if a successful applicant is unable to participate in a hunt for any reason, the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated.
PointGuard is available to applicants who apply online for a hunt permit-tag. All applicants must sign up for a free AZGFD Portal account to purchase PointGuard (visit www.azgfd.gov, click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the home page, then select the “Create an Account” option). PointGuard is $5 per species, per applicant, purchased at the time of completing the online application, or prior to the application period deadline.
For more information about PointGuard, visit https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/pointguard. Applicants who encounter issues related to PointGuard are encouraged to call the department at (602) 942-3000.
AZGFD hosts free training for ATV Safety Week
PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the ATV Safety Institute will join forces to promote off-highway vehicle (OHV) safety as part of ATV Safety Week, which runs from June 3-12.
To help mark the occasion, the two organizations will offer a free hands-on ATV safety courses at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 11 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility at 4044 W. Black Canyon Blvd. in Phoenix. In addition, AZGFD will hold two Quail Kids youth-based education classes from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. June 6 and 10.
“Regardless of how long you’ve been riding an off-highway vehicle, taking a safety course can be a great way to get updated on safe use, law changes and other OHV-related information,” said Matt Eberhart, AZGFD OHV Safety Education coordinator. “OHVs offer many Arizonan’s access to some of the best views and experiences in the country. While they can offer good fun, these machines can also be dangerous if operators are not educated on proper and safe use.. Our free courses will provide the basic skills needed to make sure a day on the trail is memorable for the right reasons.”
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 92 percent of all ATV-related fatalities are the result of warned-against behaviors, such as youth riding on adult-sized ATVs. The public is invited to take some time during ATV Safety Week to learn about the proper operation of OHVs, find out about helmets and other proper protective gear, and learn ways to dramatically reduce risk to themselves, their family and friends.
“We invite everyone with an ATV to take the first step toward safe riding by taking an ASI RiderCourse,” said Cam Arnold, vice president for rider training at ATV Safety Institute. “Come out to your local range, meet with instructors, have some fun and learn. ATV Safety Week is all about learning riding safety and we can think of no better way to highlight that message than to offer our class at no charge.”
Those wishing to take the free hands-on course can register by calling (800) 887-2887.
All hands-on courses are for riders 16 years and older. Riders must provide their own ATV and proper riding equipment, including:
- DOT-approved helmet
- Riding goggles
- Long sleeves
- Gloves
- Long pants
- Over-the-ankle boots
AZGFD will also offer free Quail Kids courses, which focuses on teaching riders 10 and older the importance of safe and ethical use, proper safety equipment and machine size and fit. To register, click here.
For additional information or questions about ATV Safety week, course offerings and online courses, call 623-236-7384 or visit www.azgfd.com/Education/OHV.
Fatal off-highway vehicle accident a reminder to practice OHV safety
PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds all off-highway vehicle (OHV) drivers and passengers to ride safely by remembering to always wear a helmet.
The reminder comes after a 60-year-old grandfather died when the side-by-side OHV he was driving rolled off the side of a mountain near Lake Havasu City after 10 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. Neither the man nor his passenger, a juvenile who is the man’s grandson, were wearing helmets.
“Our condolences go out to the family,” said Matt Eberhart, AZGFD OHV Safety Education coordinator. “It is critically important for everyone to wear a helmet every time they ride an OHV. The sad reality is that many of these crashes are survivable, if only they were wearing a helmet.”
Helmets are required by law for all riders under the age of 18 regardless of the off-highway vehicle type. They are also strongly recommended for all riders, regardless of age. In addition, riders should remember to:
- Wear a seat belt at all times, if equipped.
- Wear riding goggles, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, riding gloves and over-the-ankle boots.
- Never ride alone.
- Be prepared and equipped with a map, a first aid kit, whistle and have basic tools on hand.
- Stay on designated trails.
- Take an OHV safety education course designed to teach off-road motorists how to ride safely and responsibly.
For more information about the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s OHV program and safety course options, visit www.azgfd.gov/ohv.