Category Archives: Flagstaff

Comments sought on reptile, raptor, amphibian and mollusk regulations

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking public comments on draft 2017-2018 regulations for reptiles, raptors, crustaceans and mollusks, and amphibians.

Public comment will be accepted from now through July 5, 2016. If warranted, public meetings on the proposed changes to these commission orders may be held in Phoenix, Tucson and/or Flagstaff.

The proposed changes being considered for the 2017-2018 commission orders include:

  • In Commission Order 25, an increase in the number of peregrine falcon permits available to nonresident falconers from one to two based upon 2015 post-delisting monitoring results.
  • In Commission Order 42, prohibiting applesnails (genus Pomacea) for intentional transport and closing the seasons on the following species: Pinaleno talussnail (Sonorella grahamensis), mimic talussnail (S. imitator), Clark Peak talussnail (S. christenseni), Pinaleno moutainsnail (Oreohelix grahamensis), shortneck snaggletooth (Gastrocopta dalliana), and cross snaggletooth (G. quadrigens).
  • In Commission Order 43, the addition of banded watersnake (Nerodia fasciata) to the list of invasive species for which the bag limit would be unlimited dead and open the entire range of shovel-nosed snakes (Chionactis occipitalis) with a bag and possession limit of four per year or in possession, live or dead.

The draft commission orders can be viewed at the links below:

Interstate 17 to close Friday morning between Flagstaff and Sedona

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PHOENIX — Interstate 17 is expected to be closed in both directions south of Flagstaff at 5 a.m. Friday, June 3.

The closure may last up to four hours.

Northbound traffic will be closed at State Route 179 (milepost 299). Southbound traffic will be closed at Kelly Canyon Road (milepost 331).

Non-commercial traffic can detour using State Route 89A.

Commercial vehicle drivers should consider altering their travel times to avoid being stuck due to the closure. Northbound commercial vehicles must wait in Camp Verde for the roadway to reopen. Southbound commercial vehicles will be required to wait at Fort Tuthill.

The closure is for police activity near I-17 at Newman Park where the Arizona Department of Public Safety will be safely disposing of hazardous materials that are best destroyed in place.

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511.

Game and Fish seeks information to catch deer poacher on Arizona Strip

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FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking the public’s help in finding those responsible for the illegal killing of a mule deer doe recently on the Arizona Strip.

The doe was illegally taken out of season and was discovered on the Arizona Strip in an area locally known as Low Mountain, about 20 miles south of St. George, Utah. Investigators believe the doe was killed within the past 10 days in a remote area accessible from a gypsum mine located off Interstate 15.

While some meat was removed from the animal, much of the carcass was left to waste.

“Poaching is a serious crime that impacts every sportsman and woman within the state of Arizona,” said AZGFD Region 2 Field Supervisor Luke Thompson. “Poaching robs all Arizonans of their valuable wildlife resources. This is not the act of a hunter. It’s a crime that can likely be solved with one tip that can help us bring those responsible to justice.”

Anyone with information about the cases can call the AZGFD’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll free at (800) 352-0700 or use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/thief. Callers may remain confidential upon request.

A reward of up to $750 may be available for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s).

Game and Fish seeks information on elk poaching case near Strawberry

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operation_game_thief_footerFLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking the public’s help in finding those responsible for the illegal killing of a yearling elk found in the Strawberry area on or about Sunday, May 22.

The elk was illegally taken out of season and was discovered along Highway 87 north of Strawberry in Game Management Unit 6A. In this case, some of the edible meat was left to waste and was dumped at a different location than where the poaching is suspected to have taken place.

The case remains ongoing, but investigators believe the poaching occurred on the National Forest  between Pine and Happy Jack. Evidence collected at the scene is currently being analyzed by the crime lab.

“Someone may have information about this case and we need them to come forward,” said Game and Fish said Wildlife Manager Garrett Fabian. “Sportsmen and women pay for licenses and tags and contribute to wildlife conservation and management, but poachers do not. Poaching isn’t hunting, it’s stealing Arizona’s valuable wildlife resources.”

Anyone with information about the cases can call the AZGFD’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll free at (800) 352-0700 or use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/thief. Callers should provide case number 16-001353 when calling. Callers may remain confidential upon request.

A reward of up to $750 may be available for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s).

Emergency Area Closure for the Mormon Fire

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image002FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest has issued an emergency closure on all National Forest System lands within the area of the Mormon Fire on the Coconino National Forest, in Coconino County, north of the intersection of Forest Service Road 700 and FR 240 until rescinded or June 26, 2016, whichever event occurs first.

This area closure is implemented as a standard wildfire operations procedure which helps to protect the public from entering into an area that is still active with fire, so as not to impede the efficiency of firefighters and allow for their safety while they do their job. The public is prohibited from entering any trails, roads, or areas within the fire closure area, which will be in force until further notification.

To view the Order and map of the fire closure area, visit: http://tinyurl.com/hu7c99f
This area, road, and trail closure only affects National Forest System land, roads, and trails within the closure area on the Coconino National Forest. The closure does not affect any private, state, county, or other Non-National Forest System lands within the closure boundary.

“The Mormon Fire, a wildfire, is being managed near Mormon Mountain in the Flagstaff Ranger District,” said George Jozens, Deputy Public Affairs Officer for the Coconino National Forest. “The firefighters on scene are taking all measures to protect people, sensitive wildlife and other values which may be at risk. This closure is just one of the tools used to manage safety in the area. This lightning-caused wildfire is adding the frequent, low severity fire to restore wildlife habitat, promote healthy vegetation, reduce fuels and the risk of severe fire, and create safer conditions for residents, visitors, and firefighters.”

Smoke from forest fire to reduce visibility on Interstate 17 near Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — Motorists traveling on Interstate 17 and State Route 87 in northern Arizona are likely to see smoke over the next week from three fires burning in the Coconino National Forest.

The Cowboy, Mormon and Pivot Rock fires are relatively small in size, and the U.S. Forest Service is allowing them to burn. Smoke could be visible through the weekend from all three fires.

The Cowboy fire is just east of I-17 at the Kelly Canyon Road interchange north of Munds Park. There could be heavy smoke along I-17 between the Newman Park Road and Kelly Canyon Road interchanges on Tuesday as Forest Service crews manage the fire along the interstate.

Flames will be visible from I-17. Smoke will most likely settle over the interstate Tuesday night.

Motorists are advised to use caution, as the smoke could reduce visibility and firefighters will be working near the highway.

Smoke from the Mormon fire, about five miles east of Munds Park, could affect visibility along SR 87 north of Clints Well.

Smoke from the Pivot Rock fire near SR 87 at milepost 284 could also affect visibility along the highway south of Clints Well.

Motorists traveling along State Route 288 north of Roosevelt Lake may also encounter smoke from the Juniper fire, another managed fire in the Sierra Ancha Wilderness Area of the Tonto National Forest.

The Forest Service, under certain conditions, allows fires to burn to reduce fuels and the risk of more severe wildfires. During managed fire operations, community members and visitors may see fire personnel and vehicles in the vicinity.

To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the Arizona Department of Transportation Traveler Information Center at az511.gov, call 511 or follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT).

Subject Mortally Wounded After Standoff with Law Enforcement

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FLAGSTAFF — On Saturday, May 21 at approximately 12:07 am, an armed subject who had been in a standoff with law enforcement officers was shot and killed at a residence off of Lumberjack Boulevard in the Mountain View Ranchos/Doney Park area east of Flagstaff. The subject has been identified as 31-year-old Mark Nelson. The shooting is currently under investigation by a Northern Arizona multi-agency officer involved shooting team.

The emergency call came in on Friday, May 20 at 9:51 pm when 911 Dispatch received a call from Crisis Hotline about an armed suicidal man. The caller into the Hot Line was the subject’s mother. She reported that her son was behind the house near the garage area.

As deputies were dispatched to the scene, reports came in that shots had been fired from the area where the subject was believed to be. As the incident developed, four Coconino County Sheriff Deputies were assisted by four Flagstaff Police Officers, and two Arizona Department of Public Safety Troopers in establishing a perimeter to ensure safety of the neighborhood. Guardian Medical and Summit Fire also had been staged nearby.

Upon arrival, the officers made visual and verbal contact with Mr. Nelson and tried to convince him to surrender his weapon as well as offer him help. Around 11:28 pm, the subject drove his truck from the backyard/garage area to the front of the house. He exited his truck with a high powered rifle.

After several more minutes of trying to dialogue with Mr. Nelson offering to get him assistance and telling him to put down his weapon, Mr. Nelson put the gun into his mouth. He then took it out of his mouth and leveled it at officers. At that time shots were fired by deputies at Mr. Nelson. Medical personnel rendered first aid. Mark Nelson was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

This officer involved shooting is currently under investigation. Additional information will be made available as the investigation moves forward.

Another Run For the Wall passes through Williams

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800-r4tw16-05-18-60WILLIAMS — The 2016 Run For the Wall arrived late in Williams yesterday due to weather. Williams and Flagstaff are the traditional first stop for the motorcycle rally which promotes healing for VIetnam Veterans and to call for a full accounting of those still listed as missing in action. The safety guards began arriving around 5:15 with the bulk of the group being escorted by the Williams Police Department and Department of Public Safety about 6:50.

800-r4tw16-05-18-26Run For the Wall arrived at the American Legion Cordova Post #13 where volunteers from the City of Williams served dinner.

Today they staged on the east end of the city for breakfast and instruction. Mayor John Moore gave a speech thanking the group for their efforts. Run For the Wall presented Mayor Moore with a plaque in recognition of the community for the support they have given over the years.

The group left under police escort to join with the group in Flagstaff and continue their ride to arrive at the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington on Memorial Day.

As always, Northern Arizona Gazette and the City of Williams wishes them a safe ride.
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Possible thunderstorms for Run for the Wall

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run-for-the-wallroute01WILLIAMS — On Wednesday, the motorcycle rally, Run For the Wall begins their travel to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington to arrive on Memorial Day. Their traditional first overnight stop is Williams and Flagstaff. We have greeted them with sun and snow. This year it appears that we will greet them with thunderstorms.

Run For the Wall started out in 1989 as a small group of motorcycle riders led by James Gregory and Bill Evans. Since then they have grown to hundreds of motorcycle riders who travel each year to promote healing among Vietnam veterans and call for a full accounting of those missing in action.

Sadly, however, many of the veterans can are passing or getting too old to make the trip. There are others—family members, new veterans and even active military—who are picking up the gauntlet and keeping the movement alive.


The valiant riders do not seem deterred by any weather northern Arizona can throw at them. In 2011 they rode into a snow storm. They even have a patch commemorating the event. They group sets up a trailer to sell souvenirs each year, so people can support the mission by purchasing patches, shirts, hats and other memorabilia of the event. The trailer is set up at the American Legion Cordova Post #13 at 425 Grant Avenue in Williams.

NOAA predicts thunderstorms tomorrow through Wednesday night. There is a slight chance Thursday clearing Thursday night. We can expect clear, though breezy, weather through the weekend.

Flagstaff to host third public hearing for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Program

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FLAGSTAFF — Now is the time to comment on the Arizona Department of Transportation’s recommended plan for the next five years of construction projects.

ADOT is getting ready to hold its third and final public hearing next week on the 2017-2021 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program. Everyone is welcome to submit comments online as well through May 30.

This comment period helps ADOT and the State Transportation Board, which reviews and approves the program update, learn which highway projects are most important to members of the public and communities statewide.

The third public hearing for the Tentative Five-Year Program is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, May 20, at the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave. in Flagstaff. The monthly State Transportation Board meeting will follow the public hearing.

The Tentative Five-Year Program lays out proposed projects and improvements to the state highway system over the next five years. The program is updated annually and designates how much local, state and federal funding is allocated for projects for highways, bridges, transit and aviation.

For the 2017-2021 Tentative Five-Year Program, ADOT was able to recommend a few more expansion projects for Greater Arizona because of additional funding through the federal Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, as well as a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant. These projects, aimed at enhancing key freight corridors in Arizona, otherwise would have remained in ADOT’s Development Program as projects not starting until six to 10 years out.

Among ADOT’s suggestions to move forward on a quicker timeline are two Interstate 10 widening projects in Pinal County (segments at State Route 87 to Picacho Peak and Earley Road to Interstate 8), two widening projects along US 93 and the State Route 347 railroad overpass project in the city of Maricopa. The SR 347 project received a $15 million TIGER grant and a $15 million local contribution to add to ADOT’s $19 million commitment.

ADOT also remains focused on preserving the existing state highway system, which is valued at more than $20 billion. ADOT’s proposal meets its goal of $260 million per year dedicated to preservation work, such as bridges in need of upgrades and pavement in need of repair.

The 2017-2021 Tentative Program is available for public review and comment at azdot.gov/fiveyearplan, where a “how to read it” guide is available. ADOT welcomes feedback through an online survey at surveymonkey.com/r/CJY36HY, email at fiveyearconstructionprogram@azdot.gov and by calling 1-855-712-8530.