Category Archives: Phoenix

Paper applications for 2019 fall hunts now being accepted

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has posted the 2019-20 Arizona Hunting Regulations online at www.azgfd.gov/draw.
The department now is accepting paper applications for 2019 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison and sandhill crane. Note: In a significant change, this will be the first time that applications will be accepted as part of the fall draw process for sandhill crane. There no longer will be a separate application and draw process for the birds during the summer.
All paper applications must be received by 7 p.m. (Arizona time), Tuesday, May 14. Postmarks don’t count. The online application service is expected to be available in early to mid-May.
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 any department office statewide. The printed “2019-20 Arizona Hunting Regulations” booklets are expected to be available in the next week or two at department offices and license dealers statewide.
As a reminder, this will be the last draw in which paper applications will be accepted. AZGFD is moving toward paperless hunt draws. Only online applications will be accepted beginning with the 2020 spring draw, which typically opens in late August or early September. In the meantime, hunters are encouraged to become familiar with the online draw application process.
For more information, call (602) 942-3000.

Free Class A/B Training for Owners & Operators of UST Systems

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PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Environmental Quality invites underground storage tank (UST) owners and operators to attend these no-cost Class A/B training for certification and to help ensure UST systems maintain compliance.

Topics include:

  • Rule updates, including equipment upgrade and testing requirements
  • What to expect when being inspected
  • Available ADEQ programs to aid UST owners

There will also be an opportunity to meet state regulators, who will be available to answer questions.

Click HERE to view all upcoming training and register for classes.

Paving along SR 377 to take place over next few weeks

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PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Transportation crews will be improving the road surface along the entire stretch of State Route 377 between Heber-Overgaard and Holbrook over the next three weeks with paving operations.

Drivers in the area should budget extra travel time while sections of the highway are narrowed to one lane. Flaggers will be controlling traffic through the area resulting in delays of up to 30 minutes.

Drivers can also use SR 277 and SR 77 to get between Holbrook and Heber-Overgaard.

The work is part of a $4.4 million project that also includes widening shoulders, extending pipe culverts and adding new permanent pavement markings and signage.

Honor Flight Arizona Spring 2019 Flight Season Closes

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PHOENIX – Our final trip of spring 2019 will fly to Washington, D.C. early Monday morning, April 29th from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. This will be the last of four Honor Flight trips for central & northern Arizona this spring.

Our Veterans flying with us served in both WWII and the Korean War. We will have three former prisoners of war (POW) onboard. Two of them were prisoners of Japan in WWII. The third, served in both the Korean War and Vietnam War, and was a POW for eight years in Vietnam. We will also have a husband and wife on this trip who both served in the Korean War.

Honor Flight Arizona took its first flight of 11 WWII Veterans in November 2009, and has now flown more than 1,700 WWII Veterans, nearly 600 Korean War Veterans, and more than 1,400 guardians. We have a base of approximately 50 active volunteers.

There is currently a waiting list for Vietnam Veterans, and we hope to begin flying them in 2020 or 2021. They are encouraged to sign up on our website.

We thank Southwest Airlines, who is one of our major sponsors, and their employees. In addition, TSA employees compassionately process our Veterans through security.

On every trip, there have been so many handshakes, hugs, kisses, and “Thank you for your service” comments along the way. It all makes a huge difference in the lives of our Veterans. Many Veterans do not like to be called heroes – they will say that title is for those who did not make it home. But, because of all they sacrificed and endured, heroes are indeed what they are.

We will resume our flights for the fall 2019 season in September.

Tow chains, underinflated tires can cause wildfires

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PHOENIX – Summer is right around the corner, and with it comes an increased risk of wildfires along state highways caused by motorists dragging chains, driving on underinflated tires and tossing cigarettes.

Fires along highways not only put people and property at risk but can cause long backups and even extended closures.

Last June, the 377 Fire in Navajo County started when dragging metal on a trailer sparked several fires along 24 miles of State Route 377 between Heber-Overgaard and Holbrook. Those fires grew into a 5,000-acre wildfire that closed the highway for four days and prompted evacuations.

“Simple tasks like properly inflating your tires and taking a moment to make sure nothing is dragging on your vehicle or trailer can significantly reduce the risk of creating sparks that can cause wildfires,” said Dallas Hammit, the Arizona Department of Transportation’s state engineer and deputy director for transportation. “One act of carelessness, like tossing a lit cigarette out the window, can potentially burn thousands of acres.”

According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, dragging chains is one of the main causes of fires along highways.

“Roadside fires continue to be one of the biggest causes of Arizona’s wildfires every year, especially on heavily traveled highways like Interstates 10 and 17. A majority of these roadside fires are preventable, yet they continue to happen,” said Tiffany Davila, public affairs officer for the Department of Forestry and Fire Management. “Please do your part to help keep wildfire activity low this summer. Before traveling, ensure tow chains are secure and your vehicle is properly serviced. We all need to do our part.”

Here’s how you can help cut down on sparks that start wildfires:

  • Check and secure tow chains, and never substitute parts when towing.
    Make sure nothing is hanging beneath your vehicle and dragging on the pavement.
  • Check tire pressure before you travel. Exposed wheel rims can cause sparks.
  • Don’t park in tall grass, as the heat from parts under your vehicle can start a fire.

For more information on how to prevent fires, please visit wildlandfire.az.gov.

State of the Air report shows ozone levels in Arizona counties contribute to failing grades

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PHOENIX – The American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2019 report shows that ozone levels improved in some Arizona counties. However pollutants that contribute to ozone continue to impact a third of Arizona counties, including those with large metropolitan areas, which received grades of “D” or “F”. Grades in the report are determined according to the levels of ozone and particulate matter (PM-2.5) in the air during 2015 – 2017.

Ozone Pollution Levels

Portions of four counties in Arizona — Gila, Maricopa, Pinal and Yuma — earned an “F” for having too many individual days when ozone reached unhealthy levels in the Air Quality Index (AQI), more than the last report. Monitors in Maricopa, Pinal and Gila Counties are part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, which is ranked as the 7th most ozone-polluted city in the nation. Pima County, where the Tucson metropolitan area is located, earned a “D”, which is a lower grade than the previous year’s report.

“Just like any grades we want an A+, especially when it comes to air quality and public health. Here at ADEQ, we hit the books, studied hard and found vehicle emissions are the biggest contributor to ozone pollution in Phoenix and Tucson,” said Timothy Franquist, ADEQ Air Quality Director. “It’s now time for each of us to look at what we can do to improve air quality. Simply driving less, carpooling or vanpooling, taking the bus, bicycling to work or telecommuting can eliminate thousands of tons of pollution each year.”

Ozone Fact Sheet
EPA Air Quality Index Guide

Additionally, emissions from international sources, such as Mexico and China, and other states, such as California contribute to ozone pollution in Arizona. Compounds that form ozone also come from biomass (shrubs and trees), industry, wildfires, gas powered garden equipment and more.

“Ozone pollution and particle pollution are two of the most widespread and dangerous air pollutants. Breathing these pollutants can cause asthma attacks, respiratory and cardiovascular harm, and even early death. Breathing particle pollution can also cause lung cancer,” said JoAnna Strother, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in Arizona. “With 6 million people in Arizona we can all do our part by committing to driving less or using other forms of transportation. Together we can make a difference in our air quality.”

Be Air Aware!

As Arizona heads into summer, longer days raise the potential for higher ozone levels. Sunshine converts pollutants, such as nitrous oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in vehicle emissions, into ozone.

Stay informed and be a part of the ADEQ air quality challenge. Together we can make a difference to improve air quality for everyone in Arizona by following three simple steps. Learn More

Particle Pollution Levels: PM-2.5

The State of the Air 2019 also found all counties in Arizona earned a passing grade for year-round particle levels known as PM-2.5, which is particulate matter found in smoke or very fine dust. However, both Maricopa County and Pinal County earned an “F” for having too many individual days when particle pollution spiked to unhealthy levels.

During holiday periods when fireworks are legal or when cooler weather prompts lighting wood burning fireplace and fire pits, smoke levels are often elevated in Maricopa County. In Pinal County, very fine dust from the desert can become airborne with high winds or driving on unpaved roads.

Particulate Matter Fact Sheet

AZGFD relocates Prescott Valley bear

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PHOENIX — Arizona’s bears are on the move in search for an easy meal, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds everyone to be safe by being Bear Aware

The warning comes as department officials tranquilized and safely relocated a sub-adult male bear on Sunday, April 21 in Prescott Valley. AZGFD was contacted by local police who reported that around 8 p.m. a bear was spotted in the Prescott Valley Old Town Plaza parking lot.

Two Prescott Valley officers responded and located the bear, which ran up a tree at a nearby residence. The bear remained in the tree until AZGFD wildlife managers could respond, tranquilize the bear and safely relocate it to an undisclosed location.

“It’s that time of year when bears have awoken hungry and are in search of easy food and water,” said Regional Supervisor Larry Phoenix, of AZGFD’s Kingman office. “Thankfully we were able to safely return this bear to the wild. However, that isn’t always the case as bears can become dangerous after they’ve been habituated to human sources of food and denied their next meal.”

Under department policy, wildlife officers consider the bear’s behavior, age, sex and whether it’s a threat to human safety when determining what action to take on when to relocate or lethally remove a bear.

The department spends considerable time and resources each year to remove or relocate habituated bears to minimize the risk to people. However, removing a bear does not always solve the problem as approximately half of all bears that are relocated travel great distances and return to where they were captured.

Garbage stored outside is often the most common bear attractant. A study conducted by the town of Pinetop-Lakeside in the 1990s found that homeowners that left their garbage outside had a 70-percent chance of being visited by a bear. If the residence was near a thickly wooded area or at the edge of a housing development, the chances were even higher.

Do your part to keep bears from posing a threat and needing to be removed:

  • Keep all trash inside a secured area until collection day. If that’s not possible, keep food waste in a bag in the freezer and place those in the trash as close to collection time as possible.
  • If you’ll be out of town or are a weekend visitor, ask a neighbor to place your trash out on collection day.
  • Take bird feeders down at night.
  • Keep pet food inside or remove all uneaten food.

Call 911 if you’re in a life-threatening situation with a bear. To report a bear sighting in an urban area or neighborhood, please contact your local AZGFD office or the department’s Radio Room at (623) 236-7201.
For more information, visit www.azgfd.com/Wildlife/LivingWith.

ADEQ to present webinar on Waters of the United States rule proposal

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On December 11, 2018, the EPA and Department of the Army proposed a rule revision for the Waters of the United States (WOTUS), with the goal of providing a clear, understandable and implementable definition.

During February 2019, ADEQ held stakeholder meetings in Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tucson to listen to stakeholder comments regarding the proposed rule revision. For more information about these meetings, including comments submitted by Arizona stakeholders, visit the website at azdeq.gov/wotus.

ADEQ reviewed the submitted comments and collaborated with other state agencies to draft Arizona’s response to the rule revision. ADEQ will host a webinar on Friday, April 19 at Noon to share this information with Arizona stakeholders.

On the day of the webinar, you can see it here. You can also call in by phone at 240-454-0879 and use Access code 803 335 479.

ADOT-operated airport supports Grand Canyon tourism, area economy

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PHOENIX – It probably isn’t a surprise that Grand Canyon National Park Airport is a gateway for many wishing to experience the natural wonder of Arizona’s signature tourist attraction. In the process, it supports tourism and the area economy.

What might surprise you: The Tusayan airport, which is the state’s fourth-busiest in terms of passengers served, is owned and operated by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Tourists from all around the world fly into Grand Canyon National Park Airport. Open since 1965, it serves as a local hub for large tourist groups wishing to experience the Grand Canyon via air tours.

In managing the airport, ADOT hosts six air-tour companies that allow visitors to fly over the canyon for a unique experience. It also hosts a skydiving company that brings added attraction to the area.

“It’s our goal to support tourism to the Grand Canyon and be a good neighbor to the local community,” said Matt Smith, ADOT’s Grand Canyon airport manager.

On average, the airport sees 275 commercial flights daily from three airlines based in the Las Vegas region, allowing people to make visiting the Grand Canyon part of their Las Vegas getaways. In 2017, the airport and its private air-tour operators served more than 336,000 passengers.

Grand Canyon National Park Airport accommodates smaller commercial passenger jets, generally those weighing less than 100,000 pounds, but it can accommodate Air Force One, a Boeing 747 that has visited twice.

Seven firefighters employed at the airport – and who live on site – are trained to respond to major incidents well as medical emergencies. The airport has three fire rescue vehicles, including a truck with a Schnozzle, a piece of equipment that can puncture an aircraft fuselage and spray 1,500 gallons of fire-suppressing foam or 500 pounds of dry chemical extinguishing powder.

The facility also houses four snowplows to keep the runway clear, with firefighters pulling double duty as certified snowplow operators. With an elevation of more than 6,600 feet, the airport sees between 50 and 100 inches of snow annually.

An FAA tower completed in 2003 controls air traffic at Grand Canyon. Federal rules set restrictions on flights over the national park.

Cities, counties and regional airport districts oversee most U.S. airports, with only a handful owned and operated by states. Because Tusayan wasn’t incorporated, Arizona assumed the responsibility of operating Grand Canyon National Park Airport when it opened. Built on U.S. Forest Service land, the runway was completed in 1965, while the terminal was dedicated in 1967.

ADOT assumed ownership of the airport in 1974 when what was previously known as the State Highway Department merged with the Arizona Department of Aeronautics.

For more information on Grand Canyon National Park Airport, visit azdot.gov/GrandCanyonAirport.

Grand Canyon Boulevard FULL closure under Interstate 40 in Williams scheduled April 16

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WILLIAMS – Drivers who use Interstate 40 in northern Arizona are advised to plan for travel delays as crews return to complete paving, bridge and intersection work between Parks and Williams.

On Tuesday, April 16, crews will close Grand Canyon Boulevard in both directions under I-40 to perform roadway reconstruction. This three-week closure will also include the eastbound I-40 on- and off-ramp. The following detour will be in place:

  • Southbound Grand Canyon Boulevard traffic will enter westbound I-40 via Country Club Road (exit 161).
  • Northbound Grand Canyon Boulevard to eastbound I-40 traffic will head eastbound on Historic Route 66 to enter eastbound I-40 at Williams/Grand Canyon (exit 165).
  • Northbound Grand Canyon Boulevard to westbound I-40 traffic will head westbound on Historic Route 66 to enter westbound I-40 at Country Club Road (exit 161).
  • Eastbound I-40 traffic accessing Williams will exit Country Club Road (exit 161).

In addition, the following ramp closures and detours are scheduled while crews repair the on- and off- ramps at Grand Canyon Boulevard:

  • From 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 29, through Friday, May 3, crews will close the westbound I-40 off-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard. DETOUR: Westbound I-40 traffic accessing Williams will exit at State Route 64 (exit 165).
  • From 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, May 6, through Friday, May 10, crews will close the westbound I-40 on-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard. DETOUR: Eastbound I-40 traffic accessing Williams will exit at Country Club Road (exit 161).

The eastbound and westbound I-40 ramps at Grand Canyon Boulevard will NOT be closed at the same time.

In early summer, crews will put down new asphalt on 17 miles of I-40 pavement in both directions between Parks and Williams. The project also includes a final layer of asphalt, known as friction course, to further improve the roadway surface, as well as installation of guardrail, striping and signage. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2019.

Motorists should allow extra travel time and plan for possible delays while work is underway.