Category Archives: City

Deadline to submit nominations for Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame is April 30

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PHOENIX — The deadline to submit nominations for the Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation’s Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame is approaching.
Nominations will be accepted through April 30, 2021. To submit a nomination, download a form (you can also find the form on the Wildlife for Tomorrow website), complete it, and return a scanned copy along with all supplemental materials to:
Or, you can mail the completed form and materials to:
Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation
c/o Arizona Game and Fish Department
Attn: Rebecca Bouquot, Outdoor Hall of Fame Nominations
5000 W. Carefree Highway
Phoenix, AZ 85086
The Outdoor Hall of Fame annually recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions toward Arizona’s wildlife, the welfare of its natural resources, and the state’s outdoor heritage.
It is anticipated this year’s inductees will be honored in August at the annual Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet. More details will be posted as they become available.
Past Outdoor Hall of Fame inductees have been individuals with backgrounds in wildlife volunteerism, corporate leadership, politics, wildlife and the media, including Ben Avery, Barry Goldwater, Morris Udall, John McCain, Bill Quimby, Tom Woods, Steve Hirsch, as well as groups and organizations such as Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center Volunteers, Arizona Antelope Foundation, Rio Salado Sportsman’s Club, Arizona Deer Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Safari Club International, Audubon Arizona, Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project and others (see list of past inductees here, scroll down to the bottom).
Wildlife for Tomorrow was created in 1990 to enhance the management, protection and enjoyment of Arizona’s fish and wildlife resources. The foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department to provide additional support for projects and education activities where traditional resources are not adequate. For more information, visit www.wildlifefortomorrow.org.

Drought causing juniper die-off in central and northern Arizona

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Patch of dead Junipers

Junipers dying in northern Arizona

WILLIAMS — The US Forest Service has been investigating a significant die-off of juniper trees across much of central and northern Arizona. On the Prescott and Kaibab National Forests approximately 50,000 to 100,000 acres of junipers have been affected in the area between Paulden and Ash Fork along Highway 89 and I-40. Mortality has also been noted north of Williams along Highway 64. The majority of affected trees are shaggy bark juniper species, including Utah juniper and one-seed juniper. Mortality is varied, with most areas showing die-off of 5-30% of trees, with some larger pockets of dead junipers ranging from 1 to 15 acres. In addition, forest officials have been noting mortality of individual and small patches of alligator juniper in the higher elevation upland areas surrounding the City of Prescott.

Current assessments by US Forest Service-Forest Health Protection office in Flagstaff suggest that the majority of this mortality is caused by the exceptional drought that this part of Arizona is experiencing. While there have been some scattered observations of insects on dead trees, Forest Health Protection believes that the initial cause of death is directly tied to water stress. Trees impacted by drought show a change in color of their needle-like scales, which typically starts at the branch tips and spreads down the tree, fading from green to a bright yellow.

In order to provide short-term protection against drought-caused mortality, homeowners can protect individual high-value trees through watering. As this die-off is not currently related to insects, insecticide treatments are not recommended. As a reminder, deep but infrequent watering at the drip line, the area below the edge of the tree’s canopy, is the most effective method for active water absorption. Watering at the trunk base is not effective. Generally, homeowners should water until soil is moistened to a depth of 18 inches and wait until soil dries to water again, about every two weeks. Homeowners should avoid overwatering as this can also harm tree health.

More information can be found at:

· USDA Forest Service Southwestern Region Forest Health Protection: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r3/forest-grasslandhealth

· For proper watering techniques, refer to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension brochure: https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1298-2017.pdf

Ripe weather conditions allow Coconino NF firefighters to move forward with large multi-day prescribed burns

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., April 21, 2021 — Favorable weather and wind conditions on Thursday are allowing Coconino National Forest firefighters to move forward with plans for large fire treatments, with the addition of a burn project near Apache Maid Mountain beginning on Friday.
Prescribed burns are conducted on days when the wind is strong enough to move the fire across the landscape under the prescription plan and also ventilate the area of smoke. Thus, the right amount of wind is necessary for all prescribed burn projects to be successful, and fire management officers ensure conditions are suitable by conducting test ignitions prior to the start of any burn projects.
The Peaks and Upper Beaver Creek (UBC) prescribed burn projects are slated to begin Thursday and continue through the week, with the UBC project lasting considerably longer due to its size. Plans have come together for the necessary aviation support to allow the Apache Maid project to begin Friday for several days.
Prescribed burns are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-dependent ecosystems. These fire treatments mimic natural fires by reducing hazardous fuels accumulations, recycling nutrients, and increasing habitat diversity. Each prescribed burn is designed to meet specific objectives, which includes proactively protecting communities from the threat of extreme wildfires by reducing forest fuels.
Please visit A Better Way to Think About Wildland Fires for a informational video which explains the importance of prescribed fire and the part it plays in restoring forests to healthy conditions.
Peaks Project
  • When: Ignitions planned Thursday (April 22) for three to 10 days.
  • Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. Approximately 15 miles north of Flagstaff, just northeast of the San Francisco Peaks. GPS: 35.405, -111.637
  • Why: This treatment will provide for forest health and restoration in areas north of Forest Road 418, while protecting wilderness areas south of FR 418 and private land inholdings northeast of the project area.
  • Size: 4,164 acres total.
  • Duration: This burn is divided into seven separate blocks or sections that will be completed over three to 10 days, depending on weather conditions.
  • Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn.
  • Smoke Impacts: With southwest winds predicted, smoke should move northeast and be visible for many miles. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn and along U.S. Highway 89 northeast of the mountains, as well as Deadman Wash.
  • Closures/Restrictions: No roads or trails will be closed or restricted due to this burn, though Forest Road 413 and 773 may be impacted with increased firefighter traffic and smoke.
  • Note: Firefighters plan to use aerial ignition techniques to accomplish larger burn acres in a smaller time. If not suitable, the blocks will be burned by hand.
Upper Beaver Creek Project
  • When: Ignitions planned Thursday (April 22), potentially continuing through May 15.
  • Where: Mogollon Rim Ranger District. Approximately 15 miles northwest of Clints Well, 2 miles east of Stoneman Lake. GPS: 34.763494, -111.437873
  • Why: This treatment will provide for forest health and restoration while protecting many private land inholdings near the project area.
  • Size: 13,000 acres total.
  • Duration: This burn is divided into 15 separate blocks that will be completed over several weeks, depending on weather conditions.
  • Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn.
  • Smoke Impacts: With southwest winds predicted, smoke should move northeast and be visible for many miles. When burning adjacent to Lake Mary Road and for firefighter and motorist’s safety, firefighters will burn when wind conditions turn easterly, which will push the smoke west during those times. Smoke will likely drain down Jacks Canyon into Beaver Creek and could impact areas of Interstate 17 west of the burn. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas, and along Lake Mary Road surrounding the burn. Smoke could also settle in Rattlesnake Canyon, impacting the Village of Oak Creek, Stoneman Lake, and homes near Double Cabin Park.
  • Closures/Restrictions: No roads or trails will be closed or restricted due to this burn, though firefighters will monitor conditions and work with ADOT if temporary closures become necessary.
  • Note: Firefighters plan to use hand and aerial ignition techniques to accomplish larger burn acres in a smaller time.
Apache Maid Project
  • When: Ignitions planned Friday (April 23), potentially continuing through May 5.
  • Where: Red Rock Ranger District. Approximately 13 miles southeast of Sedona. GPS: 34.754450, -111.597867
  • Why: This burn is part of a grassland restoration project that will improve forage for cattle and wildlife.
  • Size: 4,018 acres total.
  • Duration: This burn is divided into five separate blocks, with a goal to complete a block each day to finish the project over five days. All burns are dependent on weather conditions.
  • Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast initial entry burn. Smoke will be very noticeable since this area has not had fire on the landscape in some time.
  • Smoke Impacts: Daytime smoke impacts could include Lake Mary Road toward the east and the community of Stoneman Lake. Nighttime impacts could include the Village of Oak Creek, Rimrock, Montezuma Well, sections of I-17 where low areas cross the Interstate, and Camp Verde.
  • Closures/Restrictions: Stoneman Lake road (Forest Road 213) could be impacted in short durations, and Forest Service patrols will be evaluating the need for short closures during the burn.
  • Note: I-17 will be signed and coordination with ADOT will be ongoing. Night patrols on I-17 may be possible depending on where the smoke will settle overnight. This project will produce high volumes of smoke during ignitions, but the smoke output will be short lived.
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon weather and wind conditions, as well as approval from Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The public can view approved prescribed burns on ADEQ’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov. Coconino National Forest burns begin with the designator “COF.”
Notifications of upcoming prescribed burns are provided regularly by news releases throughout the season and also by the following online resources:

Sheriff’s Office Deputies Respond to Fatal Structure Fire at Rose Well Camp

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SELIGMAN – On 04/10/21 at 3:08 PM Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a report of an explosion at Rose Well Camp, north west of Seligman on the Boquillas Ranch. Reports indicated a ranch house had caught fire after the explosion and was spreading to adjacent structures and brush. Seligman Fire Department responded to suppress the fire.

Ranch staff from Rose Well Camp observed a column of smoke and responded to the camp to investigate. Upon arriving they found one of the camp houses engulfed in flames.

They observed a vehicle, belonging to the ranch staff member who lived in the house, parked near the south porch. While Seligman Fire personnel were extinguishing the flames, human remains were located in the burnt structure.

The fire spread to several adjacent structures, to include a historic hay barn, which was destroyed by fire as well. Once the fire was extinguished, detectives processed the scene and identified human remains which were later removed by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The cause of the reported explosion/fire and death of the unidentified human remains are being investigated by Sheriff’s Office Investigators and the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Man Arrested for Starting Wildland Fire in Blue Ridge Area

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BLUE RIDGE – On April 9, 2021 Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to Highway 87 near the Hwy 260 junction for a report of a wildland fire.

Upon arrival, the deputy interviewed a witness that said they were driving along the highway and saw a fire in the forested area. Upon seeing the fire, the witness stopped and attempted extinguish the fire.

During this process, the witness noticed a suspicious person, later identified as Adam Gilliam, a 29-year-old man from Oregon, near the fire.

Shortly after, an Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper arrived and detained the suspicious person.
During the deputy’s interview with Gilliam, he admitted to starting the fire with a lighter he had in his possession. Fire resources were able to successfully extinguish the fire, which was described as approximately 30 feet in diameter.

Gilliam was arrested and booked into the Coconino County Jail for Illegal Burning of Wildland and Refusing to Provide a Truthful name.

Moonset Pit to Re-open on May 8 for Green Waste Disposal Benefiting Local Communities

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WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest, in cooperation with the communities of Parks and Sherwood Forest Estates is pleased to announce the reopening of the Moonset Pit on May 8 of this year for residents to dispose of green waste materials from private property.

The pit will be open on the following days this year from 8am to 2pm:

Saturday-May 8, Saturday-May 22, Saturday-June 5, Saturday-June 19, and Saturday-July 10.

Users will only be allowed to access and discard natural woody debris such as logs, limbs, branches, brush, needles, and leaves on these dates while staff is present. No bagged substances, lumber, construction material, household garbage or any other items should be deposited at the site.

The Moonset Pit serves the local area providing a location for the disposal of natural forest debris. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this facility to make their private property more defensible against the threat of wildland fire.

Moonset Pit is located just west of the Parks community on a dirt road east of Spitz Springs on the north side of old Route 66.

Personal Use Cinder Information: Personal use cinder permits are now available from the Williams Ranger District Office. People who wish to acquire a permit will need to call the district office first and make an appointment to come in. Due to the ongoing pandemic and preventive procedures currently in place, a specific set of guidelines will be required to obtain a permit that will require payment by credit card only.

Click here to learn more: Cinder Permit Requirements 2021

Cinders will only be available for collection on weekends to avoid safety conflicts with Coconino County mining operations.

There are personal use cinders also available to the public all days of the week at the Wright Pit located off Lillie J Ranch road in Parks and the W-Triangle Pit north of Spring Valley.

For information about obtaining permits or questions about all these services, please call the Williams Ranger District office at 742 S Clover Road in Williams. (928) 635-5600.

The success of this community provision is largely attributed to the volunteers of the Parks Area Connection and Sherwood Forest Fire Department who staff the pit on Saturdays during the open hours of operation. This annual service is also supported by the Kaibab National Forest and the Rural Communities Fuels Management Partnership.

Summer construction season kicks off in northern Arizona

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PHOENIX – With warmer weather coming to Arizona’s high country, the Arizona Department of Transportation is ramping up construction projects to improve safety and extend the life of the infrastructure.

In the Flagstaff area, ADOT has already started projects to replace the Interstate 40 bridges over Business 40 which connects to Historic Route 66 in west Flagstaff. The project, which is approximately 3 miles west of the junction with Interstate 17, will replace the east- and westbound bridges on I-40 in their entirety. The project is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2022.

Also ongoing in the Flagstaff area is the project to replace the Rio de Flag bridge near Flagstaff City Hall. The work, which involves the use of precast bridge components to significantly reduce the amount of traffic restrictions during the project, will be completed later this summer.

Starting in April, ADOT will begin a project to pave I-40 between I-17 and Walnut Canyon Road in east Flagstaff. Work will include repaving both east- and westbound I-40, including the ramps at four interchanges. Crews will also make repairs to bridge decks within the project area and replace guardrail as needed. This project will last two seasons and is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2022.

Along SR 89 in Chino Valley, ADOT will install a new traffic signal and traffic detection sensors at the intersection with Road 1 North. ADOT will also install a right-turn lane on northbound SR 89 to east Road 1 North, and construct left-turn lanes and widen SR 89 at Road 1 North. The project is set to start later this spring.

In May, a pavement replacement project in the Show Low area will see 6 miles of US 60 and 5 miles of SR 260 repaved with new pavement. The work will take place overnights during the week. Other work includes installing new guardrail, curb and gutter and sidewalks.

This summer, a minor modernization project for the intersection of SR 89A and SR 179 in Sedona will see the replacement of pavement as well as striping and signage to the roundabout. Traffic will continue to have access during construction and work will be completed by the fall.

In the northwest corner of the state, ADOT is currently working on replacing Bridge No. 1 along I-15. Work includes replacing the abutment foundations, piers and the bridge deck of Bridge No. 1. New pavement, pavement markings, guardrail and signage are also included in the project. Work is anticipated to be completed by spring of 2024.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/projects.

Coconino NF firewood permits go on sale April 12

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FLAGSTAFF— The Coconino National Forest will begin selling firewood permits for the 2021 season starting April 12, and cutting season will begin April 17.
Purchases can be made by credit card over the phone, or by check through the mail. Purchasers using a credit card should call any of the ranger stations or the Forest Supervisor’s office during the hours of 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.
  • Forest Supervisor’s Office, 928-527-3600
1824 S. Thompson Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
  • Flagstaff Ranger Station, 928-526-0866
5057 N. Hwy 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
  • Mogollon Rim Ranger Station, 928-477-2255
8738 Ranger Road, Happy Jack, AZ 86024
  • Red Rock Ranger Station, 928-203-2900
P.O. Box 20429, Sedona, AZ 86341
Whether purchasing by credit card or check, purchasers should be prepared to provide their name, address, phone number, type of identification and identification number, the names of any additional cutters, vehicle information, credit card information, the type of wood and number of cords desired.
The minimum cost for a permit is $20, with a maximum purchase of 12 cords per household. Permits allow for the cutting of down and dead wood, or standing wood that meets certain criteria in specified areas. The cost for oak, aspen, juniper and maple will be $5 per cord, and the cost for pine and mixed conifer will be $2.50 per cord.
Permits and associated load tags will be mailed to purchasers, along with a receipt and a firewood guide that includes cutting instructions and a map. Purchasers are required to sign and date the permit in the permittee line as soon as it is received.
Purchasing by mailed check
If purchasing by check, send a written request by mail to any of the offices previously mentioned, to the attention of “Timber Permits.” The written request should include your name, address, phone number, type of identification and identification number, the names of any additional cutters, the type of wood and number of cords desired. Your written request must be signed and dated, as well as include your check payment for the exact amount of cords being purchased — as long as the minimum of $20 is met.
Firewood permits allow for the following:
  1. Any dead wood lying on the ground can be removed.
  2. Dead standing pine or fir can be cut if less than 12 inches in diameter or less than 15 feet tall.
  3. Dead standing pinyon and juniper can be cut regardless of its size unless there is obvious wildlife use.
  4. Standing dead aspen less than 12 inches in diameter or less than 15 feet tall may be cut only from June 1 to Sept. 30.
Four load tags will be provided for each cord of wood issued on the permit. Load tags must be physically attached to each quarter of cord or less of firewood, punched or marked correctly, and visible from the rear of the vehicle.
Forest roads and other precautions
Most of the forest roads across the national forest are currently closed but should be opening up within the next two weeks. Motorists should keep from causing damage and ruts to roads that are soft and muddy. The status of main forest roads across the forest can be found on our Road Status page online.
Unless specified elsewhere in the permit or on its accompanying map, or identified as prohibited, motorized off-road travel is authorized to access and load firewood. The permit does not authorize motorized cross-country travel to scout for firewood, but it does authorize off-road vehicle use by the most direct route in and out of the area to accomplish firewood retrieval. Please exercise caution when driving off-road and avoid resource damage.
The Coconino National Forest now has GPS-enabled firewood maps for smartphones, tablets and Garmin GPS devices, which may be used as a supplement to the firewood guide issued with each permit.
Firewood cutters should be aware chainsaws can throw sparks and ignite grasses and brush, so please take care when cutting firewood. Always carry a shovel and a fire extinguisher or water in case of a fire start. Additionally, all chainsaws must be equipped with a stainless steel spark arrestor screen. As the season continues, cutters need to ensure they are aware of any fire restrictions by checking local Forest Service information.
Free use firewood areas
There are currently no free-use firewood areas designated for the 2021 season, but areas may be designated at a later point. Please check with your local Forest Service office periodically for any updates.
Other permit info
Additional forest and district permit programs such as Wildings, Post, Poles or House logs and Post and Stays will also be open for sale.

Expect traffic delays on State Route 98

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The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists to plan for daytime delays along a 10-mile stretch of State Route 98 about 40 miles southeast of Page as crews perform maintenance to the roadway.

The daytime restrictions, which started today, are scheduled to end in mid-April.

Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment while the following restrictions are in place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday:

  • SR 98 will be narrowed to one lane of alternating east- and westbound travel from milepost 340 to 350.
  • Flaggers and a pilot car will help control the flow of traffic through the work zone.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph.

Roadway restrictions at Interstate 40 and Meteor Crater Road start April 1

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for daytime restrictions starting Thursday, April 1, at Interstate 40 and Meteor Crater Road, about 30 miles east of Flagstaff, as work continues on the Meteor Crater Bridge rehabilitation project.

Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel while the following restrictions are in place:

  • Meteor Crater Road will be closed between the I-40 on- and off-ramps from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 1, and Monday, April 5. Drivers should use the following detour routes while the restrictions are in place:
    • Detour from westbound I-40 to southbound Meteor Crater Road: Exit at Two Guns Road and then re-enter the highway traveling eastbound and exit at Meteor Crater Road.
    • Detour from northbound Meteor Crater Road to westbound I-40: Drive eastbound on I-40 and exit at Meteor City Road. Re-enter the highway and proceed westbound on I-40.
  • I-40 will be narrowed to one lane of traffic in both directions from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 1, and Friday, April 2.
    • The work-zone restrictions will be from milepost 232 to 233.
    • The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph.