Category Archives: Phoenix

Public comment period on rules for taking, handling of wildlife ends April 15

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is seeking public comment through April 15 regarding proposed rule changes within Article 3, “Taking and Handling of Wildlife.”

AZGFD recently hosted a public forum about proposed changes by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission pertaining to trail cameras, pneumatic weapons, drones and “smart” firearms, among others. The proposed rulemaking can be viewed on the department’s website at https://www.azgfd.com/agency/rulemaking/. The rulemaking forum can be viewed below.

All public comments about the proposed rulemaking can be made by the following methods:

E-mail: rulemaking@azgfd.gov, or jcook@azgfd.gov.
U.S. Mail: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Jay Cook, Regional Supervisor FOR6, 7200 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85207.
Telephone: Jay Cook, Regional Supervisor FOR6, (480) 324-3540.

The final rule will be presented to the five-member commission at its May 4 meeting at the Mohave County Board of Supervisors Auditorium, 700 W. Beale St., Kingman.

To track the progress of this rule, view the regulatory agenda and all previous Five-year Review Reports, and to learn about any other agency rulemaking matters, visit https://www.azgfd.com/agency/rulemaking/.

Reminder: Nominations sought for Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame

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PHOENIX — The Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation is soliciting nominations for this year’s inductees into the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame.

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.

Nominations will be accepted from March 1 – April 30. To submit a nomination, head to the Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame page, download and complete the form, and return it along with all supplemental materials to:

Wildlife for Tomorrow Foundation
c/o Arizona Game and Fish Department
Attn: Kent Komadina
5000 W. Carefree Highway Phoenix AZ 85086

Nominations also may be submitted by e-mail to Kent Komadina at Kkomadina@azgfd.gov. For more information, call 623-236-7288.

This year’s inductees will be honored in August at the annual Outdoor Hall of Fame Banquet.

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 K. Udall, John McCain, Bill Quimby and Tom Woods, 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 and Salt River Project.

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.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes reclassification of humpback chub from endangered to threatened

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Photo courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

PHOENIX — Through collaborative conservation efforts, the once-dwindling endangered humpback chub has been given a fighting chance against the currents of extinction, building a wild population large enough to soon be reclassified as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The success was due to the efforts and commitment of multiple agencies, including the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD); Colorado Fish, Wildlife and Parks; Utah Division of Wildlife Resources; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS); National Park Service; U.S. Bureau of Reclamation; U.S. Geological Service and others. As a result, the FWS recently conducted a species status assessment with assistance of AZGFD staff and determined the fish is no longer in danger of becoming extinct.

Within the next year, the FWS will propose the chub, which is found in the Colorado River below the Glen Canyon Dam in Page, be reclassified from endangered to threatened.

“The recommendation is based on sound science and data, and is the result of great conservation efforts implemented throughout the Colorado River,” said Chris Cantrell, AZGFD Aquatic Wildlife Branch Chief, who in 2009 led the first translocation of humpback chub into Shinumo Creek, a tributary of the Colorado River.

“This is a special time for the Arizona Game and Fish Department and partner agencies whose hard work has brought a species back from the brink. While it’s great to have seen significant progress, we realize the chub will continue to need the commitment and expertise of the Department and its partner agencies to conserve and protect this species for generations to come,” Cantrell added.

There are currently five populations of humpback chub, with the lower basin population occurring in the Colorado River and its tributaries below Glen Canyon Dam. The lower basin population is the most robust, estimated at 12,000 adults.

The humpback chub, which was first described as a unique species from collections in the Grand Canyon in the 1940’s, was not discovered in the upper Colorado River basin until the 1970’s. It was placed on the original list of endangered species in 1967.

The chub prefer canyon-bound reaches of river where they complete their life cycle in swift, turbulent currents. The species gets its name from the fleshy hump behind its head. That adaptation coupled with large, curved fins allows the species to maintain position in the turbulent flows.

AZGFD reminds non-resident boaters to clean, drain and dry before heading home

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PHOENIX — Are you a non-resident boater in Arizona? It’s time to schedule your free watercraft inspections and decontaminations before heading home.

Arizona is an incredible place to boat our vast desert impoundments and waterways surrounded by majestic red rock canyons – especially during our mild winters. After a season of adventure, avoid fines, quarantines, and even impoundments while traveling across state lines by contacting the Arizona Game and Fish Department or authorized contractor Woods to Water Wildlife Solutions LLC for inspections and decontaminations of boats traveling away from waters designated as having aquatic invasive species (AIS).

“We know that watercraft inspection and decontamination programs are effective in preventing the spread of AIS and we are asking the boating public to do its part in calling and scheduling a no-cost inspection,” AZGFD Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator Erin Raney said. “It is absolutely essential to have your boat inspected, and if necessary, decontaminated, to prevent the spread of mussels and AIS into other waterbodies. We are already receiving reports of mussel boats being intercepted in other states that are making their way from Arizona waters.”

AIS are non-native species that are often unintentionally introduced by human movement. They do not have predators outside of their native range, and are able to outcompete native species. They can be animals, plants and even pathogens that cause disease in native fish or other aquatic animals. Even worse, they can often be invisible to the naked eye, making them even more difficult to control. Once introduced, they can alter ecosystems by interrupting food chains, damaging boats and other recreational gear, clogging water and power infrastructure, and posing safety hazards.

A recent study produced in the Pacific Northwest found that an introduction of mussels to water and hydropower facilities would have an annual impact of $500 million dollars to the economy. Appointments are filling up quickly, so call well ahead of departure. There are two options to schedule:

Arizona Game and Fish AIS Program: (623) 236-7608
Woods to Water Wildlife Solutions, LLC: (602) 920-4891

“As outdoor enthusiasts, it is our responsibility to be stewards of the places that we love,” Raney said. “Stopping the spread of AIS is a big job, but with everyone pitching in, we can all do our part to protect our waters.”

Stop the spread of AIS and keep our waters clean and beautiful for ourselves and future generations. See a flyer on the clean, drain and dry process.

Regardless of where you boat, always remember to:

Clean boats, waders, anchors, equipment and gear by removing mud, plants, and attached animals such as snails or quagga mussels. Freeze waders overnight to eliminate fish pathogens and other aquatic hitchhikers.
Drain all residual water from engines and motors, ballast tanks, live wells and bait wells. Pull your bilge plug and leave out during transport. Store in a location where you will remember before launch such as beside your boat keys in glove box.
Dry all equipment that comes in contact with water, such as life jackets, ropes, buoys, tubes, etc.

See more information on aquatic invasive species.

Recent Inclement Weather Good Reminder to be Prepared for Outdoor Recreation

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On Thursday, March 15, 2018 at approximately 5:45 PM, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received three calls for service for Search and Rescue events: one involving an overdue hiker in Sedona, another involving an injured hiker with a broken ankle also in Sedona, and the third was for stranded motorists on Forest Service Road #535 south of Flagstaff.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to the overdue hiker with personnel from the Search and Rescue Unit. The Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue responded to assist with the search. Simultaneously, additional Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue personnel responded to the West Fork Trail with Sedona Fire District personnel to rescue the injured hiker, and Coconino County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to assist the stranded motorists on Forest Service Road #535.

At approximately 7:00 PM, the overdue hiker was spotted on the trail returning to her vehicle. Deputies learned the overdue hiker became temporarily lost due to inclement weather and she did not require medical attention.

At approximately 08:45 PM, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the stranded motorists in good condition. They transported the family of four, including two small children, to a local hotel in Flagstaff.

At approximately 9:30 PM, Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue personnel assisted Sedona Fire in transporting the person reported as an injured hiker approximately three miles back to the trailhead. The injured hiker was subsequently transported to the Verde Valley Medical Center in Sedona for an ankle injury

The Sheriff’s Office thanks all of the agencies that were involved in these search and rescue efforts.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public of outdoor recreation safety messages. The sudden change in weather was a factor in these incidents. Northern Arizona is expecting additional inclement this weekend. Remember to check the forecast for the surrounding areas before you venture on your recreational activities. Don’t rely on your cell phone alone for emergency situations.

Remember the “Ten Essentials”

  • Extra water
  • Extra food
  • Extra clothing for the conditions
  • Navigation equipment (map, compass, GPS)
  • Headlamp/Flashlight
  • First Aid Kit
  • Shelter material (such as space blanket or large leaf bag)
  • Fire starting kit (when fire danger is high be extremely careful with fire)
  • Pocket knife / multi-tool
  • Signaling tools (whistle/signal mirror)

ADEQ Public Comment period for proposed plan for municipal Solid Waste Landfills.

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The Air Quality Division of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) welcomes comments on the proposed Clean Air Act Section 111(d) plan and amendments to the Arizona Administrative Code, R18-2-731 and R18-2-901, pertaining to municipal solid waste landfills.

Arizona proposes to submit the proposed plan and rules to the Environmental Protection Agency to establish standards of performance for landfills located within ADEQ’s jurisdiction. The proposed amendments to R18-2-731 and R18-2-901 incorporate by reference new federal rules (codified at 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart Cf and 40 CFR Part 60, Subpart XXX).

Interested parties can find ADEQ documents here.

Public Comment Period:
March 16, 2018 to April 16, 2018

Public Hearing:
Monday, April 16, 2018 at 1:00 p.m.
1110 W. Washington St., Rm. 3100A
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Comments may be submitted as follows:
Email: toon.elias@azdeq.gov
Fax: (602)-771-2299
Mail: (Must be postmarked or received by April 16, 2018)

ADEQ
Attn: Elias Toon
Air Quality Division, Air Quality Improvement Planning Section
1110 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Applications accepted to adopt a desert tortoise

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PHOENIX – Approximately 50 desert tortoises will soon awaken from their winter slumber and the Arizona Game and Fish Tortoise Adoption program will be once again be looking for good adoptive homes. There is no charge to adopt a tortoise.

The desert tortoises up for adoption are a wide range of ages and sizes. AZGFD is accepting applications for those willing to provide a special home. Adoption application packets and general information can be found at www.azgfd.gov/tortoise.

Adopters need to have a securely enclosed yard or separate enclosure in their yard, free from potential hazards such as a dog, fire pit or unfenced pool. The enclosed area must include an appropriate shelter for the tortoise to escape Arizona’s extreme summer and winter temperatures.

All of the desert tortoises eligible for adoption will be given health checkups before going to their new homes. Tortoises are only available for adoption to residents living within the species’ native range, which includes the Phoenix, Bullhead City, Kingman, Prescott, Lake Havasu, Tucson and Yuma areas.

Desert tortoises offer a unique alternative to more traditional family pets and can teach many of the same life lessons to children, including responsibility, compassion and commitment. Contrary to many assumptions, desert tortoises can be interactive and provide companionship without as many demands as a cat or dog.

Game and Fish Commission proposes to amend rules for taking, handling of wildlife

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission proposes to amend rules within Article 3, “Taking and Handling of Wildlife,” to enact amendments developed during the preceding Five-year Review Report.

All public comments about the proposed rulemaking will be accepted through April 15:

E-mail: rulemaking@azgfd.gov, or jcook@azgfd.gov.
U.S. Mail: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Jay Cook, Regional Supervisor FOR6, 7200 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85207.
Telephone: Jay Cook, Regional Supervisor FOR6, (480) 324-3540.

The final rule will be presented to the five-member commission at its May 4 meeting at the Mohave County Board of Supervisors Auditorium, 700 W. Beale St., Kingman.

To track the progress of this rule, view the regulatory agenda and all previous Five-year Review Reports, and to learn about any other agency rulemaking matters, visit https://www.azgfd.com/agency/rulemaking/.

Volunteers needed to spotlight endangered black-footed ferrets

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SELIGMAN — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking volunteers to assist with spotlighting efforts to help document the population of endangered black-footed ferrets in Aubrey Valley and on the Double O Ranch near Seligman.

As part of the recovery effort, the department has scheduled two spring spotlighting projects – March 29-31 and April 26-29 (the department also conducts two spotlighting projects in the fall). The spotlighting method involves using high-powered lights to locate and identify black-footed ferrets. Their eyeshine is reflected by the spotlight and helps surveyors with identifying and locating these elusive, nocturnal carnivores.

Volunteers must have the ability to stay attentive from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. while spotlighting for black-footed ferrets and use, or learn how to use, a Global Positioning System (GPS). Volunteers can sign up by e-mailing azferret@azgfd.gov — with “spring spotlighting” in the subject line – by March 23 for this month’s project and by April 20 for the later opportunity.

Volunteers are reminded to include their full name, a contact phone number, month(s) and night(s) available to spotlight, and full names of others who also will be attending (a parent or guardian must accompany any youth under 18). Volunteers also should note any equipment they can bring, such as GPS, clipboard, headlamp, pen, binoculars, walkie-talkies, compass, cordless rechargeable spotlight, backpack or 4X4 vehicle.

A total of 19 individual black-footed ferrets were captured in 2017, slightly up from 16 in 2016. Of those 19, nine were captured in Aubrey Valley and 10 on the Double O Ranch. Almost 200 volunteers totaled 2,086 spotlighting hours over the course of the spring and fall projects.

Visit www.azgfd.gov/wildlife for more information about the black-footed ferret recovery effort.

Court denies Arizona’s request to stop U.S. Army Corp of Engineers’ planned high-flow water release at Alamo Lake

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PHOENIX — A federal court Friday denied the State of Arizona’s motion for a temporary restraining order to prevent the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from conducting a high-flow water release at Alamo Lake beginning this week.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission on February 26 had voted unanimously to request that the Office of the Arizona Attorney General pursue the action.

The Game and Fish Department and Arizona State Parks have expressed concerns over the timing of the project. Game and Fish estimates the rapid draw-down of the lake at this time of year will disrupt reproduction and recruitment in fish such as largemouth bass and black crappie, as they are currently in pre-spawn condition in Alamo Lake and expect to be spawning during the proposed drawdown. In addition, as the lake is drawn down, the shallow areas will dry, and most, if not all, of the current spawning area and eggs would likely be lost.

Game and Fish says the loss of that segment of the fish population at Alamo not only would have biological impacts to the fishery, it would include negative impacts to the state and local economy. Alamo Lake State Park draws visitors from around the state for its premier bass and crappie fishing. Many anglers are reporting some of the best fishing at Alamo Lake in recent years and hope for another successful spring spawn that would be dependent on steady water levels keeping shoreline spawning beds submerged. Most of the visitation to Alamo Lake and Alamo Lake State Park occurs this time of year, and most of the visitors are anglers and boaters. The Department has additional concerns such as safety issues related to launching boats on ramps where cement slabs would be exposed.

The State’s complaint and motion for TRO filed March 2 contended the Corps violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process in its proposed action by failing to adequately evaluate the impacts a high-flow release at this time would have on aquatic wildlife and recreation in Alamo Lake. The motion also contended the Corps’ proposed action would violate the Administrative Procedures Act by failing to comply with the Corps’ binding operational criteria to complete inspection and maintenance under normal operations as prescribed in the Alamo Dam and Lake Water Control Manual, the guiding document for operation and maintenance of Alamo Dam.

The Corps wants to drop the lake level by about 10 feet to facilitate inspection and maintenance of Alamo Dam’s intake sill. It proposes to do this by releasing water at a flow of up to 5,000 cfs, with a total release time not to exceed 20 days and the peak of the release to occur prior to March 15. The project will cause flows below Alamo Dam in excess of the typical non-flood flows of 20-50 cfs.

“We didn’t think this legal action was an egregious demand,” said Jim Ammons, chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. “We don’t object to the project, just to the timing of it. The Corps has failed to explain why the timing in March is the only option for it to achieve its objectives. We still believe it has other feasible options to do this project later in the year when it would have less of an impact on the fishery and the local economy.”