Category Archives: Flagstaff

Logging operations to begin near airport

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FLAGSTAFF3 — Logging operations will begin this week in Coconino National Forest surrounding Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.

The Southside Airport Timber Project is slated to begin Wednesday (March 1) and is comprised of 31 units and 2,023 acres adjacent to the airport, as far south as Old Munds Highway and as far east as Fay Canyon.

Harvesting this area will benefit the forest ecosystem by thinning overgrown stands of Ponderosa pine, improve foraging habitat for wildlife and reduce extreme wildfire risk to the community.

The public should be aware of falling timber and heavy truck traffic in the area, as operations will involve heavy machinery and log truck traffic along Forest Service roads 3E and 3T, with trucks entering and exiting Lake Mary Road at the intersections of Frontier, J.W. Powell and South Pulliam roads.



Signage will be displayed to inform the public when entering an area of operation

ADOT to host in-person public meeting March 8, in Flagstaff to receive input on the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan

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The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will host an in-person public meeting to share details and receive input from the public on the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), which will set ADOT’s priorities and vision for Arizona’s transportation system over the next 25 years.

The meeting will be held:

Wednesday, March 8, from 5:30 – 7 p.m., formal presentation at 6 p.m.
Flagstaff Aquaplex, 1702 N. Fourth Street, Flagstaff AZ

To learn more about the plan visit www.adot2050plan.com.

For a full list of our public meeting opportunities, including a virtual option and Telefone Town Hall, follow this link.

The public’s input will be used, along with data about anticipating funding sources and future system needs, to develop the LRTP recommendations. ACCOMMODATIONS: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. Persons who require a reasonable accommodation based on language or disability should contact Nancy Becerra at 623.695.7411 or ngbecerra@azdot.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to ensure the State has an opportunity to address the accommodation.

Coconino NF considering changes to fire restrictions

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FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) of the Coconino National Forest is considering fire restriction changes that would limit camping, campfires and motorized use in strategic areas of the district during certain times of the year when catastrophic wildfire risk is high.

Proposed changes to fire restrictions would increase the boundaries of the existing year-round camping and campfire ban located adjacent to the City of Flagstaff. They would also forbid the use of motorized vehicles in areas around the San Francisco Peaks, Walnut Canyon and Pumphouse Wash during Stage 2 fire restrictions. These areas have rough terrain and topography that increase wind speeds, which can limit firefighter ability to suppress wildfire starts.

The proposed changes address the immediate concern for future large human-caused wildfires and are part of a long-term risk reduction strategy focused on forest health and resiliency.

“In taking a hard look at everything the Flagstaff Ranger District could do to reduce risk from human-caused wildfire, we found it necessary to consider additional steps during the hotter and drier part of the year,” said Deputy Ranger Nick Mustoe. “Our top priority is the safety of our communities, and we’re confident that these proposed changes balance community safety with public land access.”

In addition to increasing restrictions in an attempt to lower the hazard from human-caused wildfires, the FRD continues to conduct mechanical and prescribed fire treatments adjacent to communities. These treatments aim to reduce the amount of burnable “fuels” – including pine needles, branches and trees – that would otherwise burn hotter and faster during a catastrophic and unplanned wildfire.

The areas under consideration would still be open for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use during Stage 2 fire restrictions. Summer operations at Snowbowl Arizona Resort, Nordic Center – and parking at popular trailheads suck as Humphrey’s Peak and Fatman’s Loop – would not be impacted.

Should the proposed Stage 2 fire restriction changes be adopted, they will be implemented by April.

The proposed changes were developed in partnership with key stakeholders and agencies, such as the City of Flagstaff Fire Department, Coconino County, Arizona Game and Fish and Senator Mark Kelly’s office.

The Coconino NF plans to hold community meetings and solicit public input prior to implementation. To receive future communication from the Coconino NF regarding options for public comment, please visit coconinonationalforest.us and click the “get news via email” button.

Stolen credit cards used at Walmart on Huntington Drive

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Department Report #:S22-03080
DESCRIPTION: On 09/04/2022 the above unidentified person used stolen credit cards to make purchases at the Walmart on Huntington Drive. The credit cards were stolen during vehicle burglaries in the Snowbowl area. It is believed that the above male is working with at least one other person. The suspects purchased Apple gift cards and other various household items.

If you have information about the subject above please contact Coconino County Sheriff’s Office: 928-774-4523.

Coconino County Republican Committee January Meeting

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Date: January 14, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Church of the Nazarene, 3505 East Soliere Avenue, Flagstaff, Arizona

This is official notice that there will be a meeting of the Coconino County Republican Committee on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., at the Church of the Nazarene, 3505 East Soliere Ave, Flagstaff.

Our Guest Speaker will be Lori Matthews, newly elected to Flagstaff City Council.

We will continue the donation charge of $5.00. We hope to see you starting at 9:30 a.m. to register so that we can take advantage of the full two hours!

A meeting Agenda and Proxy form are attached. If you do not plan to be at the January 14th meeting, you may complete the attached proxy form and have it delivered by an eligible Republican elector. Be sure your proxy is signed either by two witnesses, or a notary attesting to the signature of the person giving the proxy.

If you have a report to be delivered at the meeting, please provide a printed copy for inclusion in the minutes of the meeting.

Pile burns continuing on Flagstaff Ranger District throughout week

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FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Ranger District plans to conduct pile burns in three different areas of the Coconino National Forest starting today and running through Friday.

Smoke may be visible from Bellemont, west Flagstaff, Interstate 17, Interstate 40 and Highway 180. Smoke may settle in the Lake Mary Road corridor overnight.

There are no anticipated road or trail closures due to any of the pile burn projects. Please refrain from calling dispatch lines if you see smoke from these pile burns so lines can remain open for any emergencies.

Large piles need to be burned when conditions are wet or while snow is on the ground to allow for greater control. Fire managers make every effort to effectively plan and execute burn plans at times when weather allows for smoke impacts to be minimized and transport up and over communities.

For more information about prescribed burns, please visit our Prescribed Fires and Smoke web page or view the video Keeping Fire on the Ground.

Applicants Sought for Three School District Governing Board Vacancies in Coconino County

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for appointment for the following School District Governing Boards:

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.

Applications can be downloaded at this address: http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication

Completed applications may be submitted by email to mdespain@coconino.az.gov, by fax to 928-526-1469, or by mail addressed to:
Coconino County School Superintendent, 2384 N Steves Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

For all applications an original, signed document is required. The deadline to submit is January 31, 2023, by 5 p.m.

An advisory committee may be assembled consisting of district residents and a current
board member to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent Mango-Paget on the appointments.

For more information, please contact Michelle Despain, program coordinator for the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools office, at 928-679-8070 or email – mdespain@coconino.az.gov.

Weather service warns of brief, but heavy, snow storm Sunday through Monday

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The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch from Sunday night through 5:00 p.m. Monday evening. Areas above 5000-feet are expected to receive 5- to 5-inches of snow with localized amounts between 8 and 12-inches.

Accumulated snow levels could be:

Doney Park 2 to 4 inches Flagstaff 6 to 8 inches
Grand Canyon 3 to 4 inches Jacob Lake 6 to 8 inches
North Rim 8 to 10 inches Prescott 1 to 3 inches
Prescott Valley 0 to 1 inches Seligman 1 to 2 inches

High winds and snow will limit visibility and there will likely be accidents on the roadways. If you don’t need to go somewhere, we recommend staying home

Power outages could occur, so you should plan for them. Make sure your pets are in a warm environment. Make sure your cell phone, two-way radio and other batteries you will need are charged or available.

Remember when shoveling snow to take it easy.

Fossil Creek reopened to public yesterday

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FLAGSTAFF — The Fossil Creek recreation area — closed since June 2021 due to impacts from the Backbone Fire — will reopen to the public beginning November 3.

All Fossil Creek sites, including Childs Dispersed Camping Area, will reopen November 3 except the Dixon Lewis Trail (formerly known as the Waterfall Trail). This trail is expected to reopen later this month when repairs are complete.

“This area is special to a great many people and we appreciate the public’s patience while it recovers,” said Deputy District Ranger Alex Schlueter. “That recovery continues for both Fossil Creek and Sycamore Canyon, but we are excited to welcome visitors back.”

The 16-month closure was necessary to allow the landscape to recover from both fire and monsoonal damage. Road and infrastructure repair was conducted during the closure period to ensure visitor safety.

The area’s continued recovery also means that a future closure is likely during the 2023 monsoon season (June through October) for public safety. Because vegetation in the area has not fully grown back since the fire, there is a greater risk for flash flooding and debris dams, especially during heavy precipitation.

Additionally, Fossil Creek will likely close temporarily in early 2023 to complete resurfacing of Forest Road 708.

Permits are not currently required to visit the Fossil Creek area, but permits will be required beginning April 1, 2023. Permits will be available for purchase beginning March 1, 2023 via Recreation.gov.

Recreationists interested in purchasing permits for the 2023 season can subscribe to emails from the Coconino National Forest or visit the Coconino NF website to remain up-to-date on permit information and check for unexpected changes in conditions or closures.

Recreationists seeking to explore Fossil Creek are reminded to pack out all trash, stick to developed recreation areas, and abide by all posted signage indicating restrictions or closures. It is also important to note that camping is only allowed downstream of Fossil Creek Bridge and upstream of the historic dam site in the backcountry. Camping is not allowed within the permit area during the permit season.

Missing Person Located Deceased in Wupatki National Monument

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FLAGSTAFF — On Saturday October 29th, 2022 at 4:08 pm, Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Antelope Hills area along Hwy 89 for the report of a Trespass in Progress. When Department of Public Safety Troopers arrived, the subject had left the area. Deputies and DPS Troopers were advised by witnesses the subject was last seen walking northbound on Hwy 89.

Deputies on scene were able to identify the individual as Conan Stults, a 46 year old male out of Utah, through personal property left on scene. An extensive attempt to locate was conducted by Deputies and DPS with negative contact. After multiple hours of attempting to locate and Stults not returning to his vehicle, Coconino County Search and Rescue units were requested.

Search and Rescue efforts continued through the weekend into Monday. On Monday October 31st, at approximately 11:36 am, a Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue dog team located Stults deceased within Wupatki National Monument, south of the Lomaki Pueblo area.

This incident remains under investigation by CCSO and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Department of Public Safety, the Flagstaff Area National Monuments, and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office for their assistance.