Category Archives: Phoenix

Plan for lane restrictions on Interstate 40 at the West Flagstaff Bridge July 8

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – Plan for lane restrictions on Interstate 40 at the West Flagstaff Bridge July 8
Drivers should use caution and allow extra travel time

Drivers in northern Arizona should plan for lane restrictions and travel delays on Interstate 40 while construction on the West Flagstaff Bridge replacement project (Exit 191) nears completion.

The following restrictions will occur from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, July 8:

  • East- and westbound I-40 will be reduced to one lane in each direction.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph.
  • A 16-foot vehicle width restriction will be in place.

The restrictions are needed for crews to install rumble strips on the recently paved asphalt on the West Flagstaff Bridge Replacement project over Business 40, which connects the interstate to Historic Route 66 in west Flagstaff.

The project, which is about 3 miles west of the junction with Interstate 17, is anticipated to be completed by fall 2022. Learn more on the project web page: azdot.gov/I40WestFlagstaffBridge

Eastern Arizona Counties Organization contributes $25,000 to Range Rider Program

Posted on by

PINETOP – The Eastern Arizona Counties Organization (ECO) has made a contribution of $25,000 to support the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Range Rider Program that is directed by the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team.

Created in 1993, ECO includes Apache, Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee and Navajo counties. The ECO counties have developed a leading role in natural resources and public lands management issues in eastern Arizona, including forest and watershed restoration, travel management and public land access, threatened and endangered species management, rural economic development, and recreation issues.

“The Arizona Game and Fish Department and its conservation partners are grateful to the ECO for their support of the Range Rider Program,” said Jim deVos, AZGFD Mexican wolf coordinator. “One of the key activities the department is engaged in is reducing depredations on livestock in the wolf recovery area. Based on the number of documented depredations since 2019 when the program was initiated, we have seen a decline in depredations which is attributed to the Range Rider Program.”

A range rider is a person who spends time in areas where wolves and cattle are in proximity and chases wolves from the area. It is a way of proactively deterring conflict between wolves and livestock. The range rider will work in much of eastern Arizona and will be directed to areas where high levels of depredations are occurring.

“ECO is pleased to provide this funding to AZGFD,” said Jason Whiting, ECO chair. “Depredations peaked in 2019 when the Range Rider Program was initiated by the department and other cooperators. It is important to note that funding for the Range Rider Program comes from modest county budgets, but the ECO believes that putting what we can into on-the-ground wolf-depredation avoidance is vital to reaching a balance between the ESA goal of recovery and the costs to Arizona ranchers.”

Richard Lunt, ECO vice chair, has been actively involved in wolf depredation prevention management. “Even with an increasing Mexican wolf population since 2019, documented depredations have declined by nearly 40 head of livestock. This represents money well spent by ECO to help promote balance between livestock production and wolf recovery,” he said.

Clay Crowder, the department’s assistant director for wildlife management added, “As the wolf population continues to grow, reducing conflict over depredations is essential and something that the IFT works on daily. This financial assistance from ECO will be put directly on the ground.”

2022 fall hunt draw results available

Posted on by

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has released the draw results for 2022 fall hunts.

Customers must have an AZGFD portal account to view draw results and bonus points. Draw results no longer are made available through an automated phone system.

A free AZGFD portal account (dependent account features are available) can be created by visiting accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register. A portal account allows customers to create a secure account where they can view and manage their contact information, as well as their licenses, draw results history and bonus points in their personal “My AZGFD Dashboard” section.

For questions about creating a portal account, call the department at 602-942-3000 and press “7.”

By the numbers:

  • 45,666: The total number of hunt permit-tags issued.
  • 191,074: The total number of those who applied for hunts or bonus points.
  • 150,813: The total number of applications submitted.

All hunt permit-tags are expected to be mailed by Aug. 5.

Enjoy free fishing in Arizona on Saturday, June 4

Posted on by
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) invites anglers to fish Arizona waters for free Saturday, June 4. It’s an ideal time to take the family out for some fun and relaxing outdoor recreation.

Fishing is already a bargain.  Arizona fishing licenses start at just $37 for residents 18 and older. A combination hunt and fish license for youths (10-17) are only $5.  Arizona’s Free Fishing Day is celebrated as part of National Fishing and Boating Week. As an incentive, a fishing license is not required Saturday for persons fishing any public waters in Arizona.

“Whether you’re a seasoned angler who wants to introduce a newcomer to the sport, or someone who’s always been interested but never took that next step, this is the perfect time to get outdoors and experience what fishing in Arizona is all about,” said Julie Carter, aquatic wildlife branch chief.

While a fishing license is not needed Saturday, bag limits and other fishing regulations still apply and must be observed on Free Fishing Day. Children under 10 can fish for free all year long in Arizona, so this special fishing license exemption means that older kids and parents get a free pass for the day, as well.

Not sure how to fish and want to learn? Check out AZGFD’s learn to fish video series. Then, once you’re hooked, remember to purchase a fishing license.

The purchase of a fishing license directly contributes to state conservation programs, including fisheries management, habitat protection and fishing education. A portion of all fishing and boating supplies, as well as license and registration sales, fund the conservation and preservation of our nation’s waterways through a program called the Sport Fish Restoration Program. This means every time an angler purchases a fishing license, fishing tackle, boat supplies, or registers a boat, that person is helping to improve the natural places that he or she cherishes.

Anglers can also share their fishing success stories and photos to the AZGFD FishAZ Facebook group, as well as connect with other anglers around the state.

Be Bear Aware: Arizona’s hot, dry conditions may increase bear activity

Posted on by

PHOENIX — Arizona’s hot, dry conditions have reduced the amount of natural vegetation available to bears in the wild, raising the chance of them wandering into areas they are typically not seen in search of food. Although bears are typically shy and tend to avoid humans, they have an excellent sense of smell, and this can be problematic for bears and people.

Wildlife officials advise those living in or visiting bear country to not feed wildlife or leave trash or other attractants, such as pet food or bird seed, accessible because a fed bear is a dead bear.

“If a bear becomes habituated to getting food from trash cans and other human sources, it’s only a matter of time before it loses its fear of humans and begins to actively search out other human food sources,” says Amy Burnett, AZGFD information and education program manager. “At that point, the bear becomes a threat to public safety.”

Safety tips to avoid attracting bears:

Keep them away from your home

  • 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.
  • Take bird feeders down at night.
  • Keep pet and livestock food inside or remove all uneaten food.

Although forest closures or restrictions due to wildfires and hot, dry conditions may temporarily affect access for hiking and camping in parts of Arizona, the following are good tips nonetheless:

Camping

  • Keep your food and attractants secured and inaccessible to bears. Do not keep food in your tent.
  • Don’t burn left-over food or trash on the grill or in a campfire.
  • Set up your campsite away from places where bears might forage for food, such as creeks, rivers and other bodies of water.

Hiking

  • Don’t wear scented lotions, deodorant or perfumes.
  • Make noise or hike in groups.
  • If you take your pet hiking with you, keep it on a leash at all times.

In case of a bear encounter

  • Do NOT run.
  • Back away slowly while keeping your eyes on the bear.
  • Make yourself look bigger than you are by raising your arms or pulling your shirt/jacket up higher than your head.
  • Throw items and yell at the bear.
  • If attacked, fight back.

Bear sightings in areas where there is human activity should be reported to AZGFD’s dispatch center at 623-236-7201. For questions or to obtain a brochure on living with bears, visit www.azgfd.com/Wildlife/LivingWith.

New opportunity to protect bonus points a real “Plus”

Posted on by
All of us know what it feels like to deal with the frustration and disappointment of an unforeseen event. After all, life happens.

That’s why the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is introducing “PointGuard Plus,” an innovative new product that will be available just in time for hunters who will be applying for 2022 hunt permit-tags for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison and sandhill crane.

Whether an applicant purchases PointGuard Plus, or the standard PointGuard, he or she will have peace of mind in knowing they can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason, and the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated (see details below).

A bonus point is an accumulated credit that authorizes the department to issue an applicant additional computer-generated random numbers during a draw. An applicant accumulates a bonus point each year in which he or she submits a valid application and does not draw a hunt permit-tag.

So, what are the advantages of PointGuard Plus?

  • For $25, an applicant will have the opportunity to surrender a hunt permit-tag and have their bonus points reinstated for all eligible big game species for three consecutive draw cycles from the date of purchase.
  • PointGuard Plus can be purchased from the time of completing an online application,  right up to the deadline to update credit card or debit card information (prior to AZGFD  processing hunt applications). The fee is non-refundable.
  • Those who purchase PointGuard Plus will receive priority positioning for the reissuing of hunt permit-tags that are surrendered by PointGuard members and non-members alike.
  • A free AZGFD portal account is not required to purchase PointGuard Plus. A portal account is still needed for those applicants wishing to view their draw results, however.
  • PointGuard Plus is completely discretionary.

And PointGuard?

  • Like PointGuard Plus, standard PointGuard is available to all applicants when applying online for a hunt permit-tag.
  • PointGuard is $10 per species (an increase of $5), per applicant, and also can be purchased from the time of completing an online application until the deadline to update credit card or debit card information. The fee is non-refundable.
  • Only one hunt permit-tag may be surrendered, per species. If an applicant is drawn in the future for that particular species, that hunt-permit tag must be used, expending all accumulated bonus points. Only then may an applicant participate again in PointGuard (and PointGuard Plus).
  • A free AZGFD portal account is not required to purchase PointGuard. A portal account is still needed for those applicants wishing to view their draw results, however.
  • PointGuard is completely discretionary.

So, which tier of PointGuard service is the way to go? It really comes down to how many species an applicant chooses to hunt and, if successful in the draw, their willingness to risk losing their bonus points in the event they’re unable to participate in that hunt.

For example, an applicant who only applies once a year to hunt deer might choose PointGuard for $10 per species. On the other hand, if an applicant applies for multiple species in any of the fall, spring, or pronghorn and elk draws — or all three — being covered for three consecutive draw cycles from the date of purchase for $25 makes PointGuard Plus a tremendous value.

In either case, PointGuard Plus and PointGuard both provide the same opportunity for an applicant to surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason and retain their coveted bonus points.

Here is the process to surrender a hunt permit-tag:

  • A hunt permit-tag must be surrendered prior to the close of business the day before the start of that particular hunt.
  • An applicant who has purchased PointGuard Plus or PointGuard will present the original hunt permit-tag to be surrendered, along with a completed tag surrender application form, in person to any customer service representative at any of the department’s statewide office locations. The documents also can be submitted by mail. All documents must be received no later than close of business one day prior to the beginning of a hunt.
  • The hunt permit-tag being surrendered and PointGuard Plus or PointGuard purchase will be verified by the department.
  • The department will restore all accumulated bonus points for that particular species, including the bonus point the applicant would have accrued if not successful in the draw.
  • The hunt permit-tag fee is non-refundable.

A person who donates, or transfers, his or her hunt permit-tag to a qualified nonprofit organization, also can participate in tag surrender, provided the requirements listed above are fulfilled. An acceptable proof of the transfer must be provided to the department through a qualified nonprofit organization.

According to rule (R12-4-118), the department has several options for the reissuance of a  surrendered hunt permit-tag. The proximity to the start of a particular hunt, the type of hunt permit-tag, and demand for that hunt permit-tag will factor into how it will be reissued.

For more information, call 602-942-3000.
 

Six Mexican wolf cross-fosters hit major milestone

Posted on by

PHOENIX ̶ The Mexican Wolf Recovery Program reached a major milestone on April 1 when six cross-fostered Mexican wolves matured to breeding age in the wild. In doing so, the six wolves are now able to be counted as contributing to the genetic recovery of the subspecies.

This achievement brings the total number of cross-fosters surviving in the wild in Arizona and New Mexico to 13 and highlights the continuing success of Mexican wolf recovery efforts by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and other conservation partners.

Cross-fostering is an innovative technique used by the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team to increase genetic diversity in Mexican wolf populations in the wild. Wolf pups are born in captivity at one of a number of different accredited breeding facilities across the country. When the pups are 14 days old or younger, they are placed into a den of wild Mexican wolves with pups of the same age. The surrogate wild wolf parents raise the new genetically diverse pups as if they were a part of the original litter.

An updated population viability analysis conducted for the Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan, First Revision (2017 recovery plan) called for at least nine released captive-born wolves being recruited into the wild population by 2022 to meet genetic diversity goals.

“We trounced that number,” said Jim deVos, Arizona Game and Fish Department Mexican Wolf Recovery Coordinator. “The importance of this milestone cannot be overstated, as conserving genetic diversity is one of the major challenges to recovery and delisting of this subspecies.”

Mexican wolves were once widespread throughout the American Southwest. Towards the turn of the century, however, they were the subject of an eradication campaign because of conflicts with human interests at the time. By the mid-1900s, Mexican wolves had been effectively eliminated from the United States, and populations in Mexico were severely reduced. Following the passage of the Endangered Species Act in 1973, Mexican wolves were listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as an endangered species in 1976, thereby prompting recovery efforts to save the species from extinction.

Releasing captive-raised Mexican wolves into the wild has been part of the Mexican wolf recovery program since 1998. While the number of wolves in captive breeding facilities around the United States and Mexico today is a little under 400, they all originated from seven founders captured from the wild when the species was close to extinction in the 1970s. When individuals in a wildlife population are closely related, genetic management has to be part of recovery and can lead to substantial challenges to their propagation. Mexican wolves are no exception.

“It is a major milestone that cross-fostering efforts have resulted in this number of genetically valuable Mexican wolves being recruited into the wild population to help both the genetic recovery criteria and the number of wolves in the wild to meet recovery goals,” said Clay Crowder, AZGFD’s Assistant Director, Wildlife Management Division. “The Mexican wolf is a subspecies that was nearly lost to the wild, but with careful management as demonstrated by this benchmark, recovery and return to state management is a foreseeable goal. While the Endangered Species Act prescribes the need for recovery, the successful progress on the ground is proof of effective state, federal, and tribal management.”

Another high point occurred when a cross-fostered female Mexican wolf (F1866) in the Elk Horn pack was documented as pregnant. AZGFD Veterinarian Dr. Anne Justice-Allen used ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy and determine that the female wolf is likely due to whelp (give birth) in late April. To date, at least four cross-fostered wolves have bred successfully in the wild, producing a total of seven genetically valuable litters. Once F1866, who came from the Endangered Wolf Center in Missouri, whelps her pups, the total number of successful cross-foster parented litters will rise to eight.

“When we started the cross-fostering program seven years ago, we only hoped it would be successful,” said Maggie Dwire, Deputy Mexican Wolf Recovery Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “These milestones are proof that cross-fostering is a valid and viable tool that is contributing to the recovery of the species. We are grateful to all the captive facilities, partners, and field staff who work tirelessly year after year to make cross-fostering a success.”

Cross-fostering is a coordinated effort of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Lands Office, U.S. Forest Service, and the Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan.

Cross-foster efforts for 2022 are planned to begin later this month in both Arizona and New Mexico.

ADOT management of state vehicle fleet saves taxpayers $6 million

Posted on by

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation has saved taxpayers more than $6 million since taking over the management of fleet vehicles for more than 60 state agencies beginning in 2021.

The concept was first championed by Senator T.J. Shope (R-LD 8) and included in the overall state budget package approved by Governor Doug Ducey at the close of the 2021 legislative session. It gave ADOT the authority to consolidate the fleet and the agency began implementing standardized best management practices that reduce duplication, cut costs and improve processes. These practices align with the Arizona Management System introduced by the Governor in 2015.

With this consolidation, the state fleet operations follow the same uniform guidelines, including purchasing and preventative maintenance.

“The fleet consolidation effort is a win-win for taxpayers and the state,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “We are already witnessing savings by reducing the size of the state’s fleet, ordering in bulk and selling vehicles online. We are creating uniform guidelines and processes that will maximize resources and provide improved service to customers.”

To date, this effort has achieved a number of specific results:

  • Reduced underutilized assets including sedans, minivans, half-ton pickups and SUVs, saving more than $6 million.
  • Implemented a standardized vehicle replacement system.
  • Moved preventative maintenance schedules from 6,000 miles to 8,000 miles while following manufacturers’ guidelines.
  • Implemented a cost-savings statewide fleet tire policy.
  • Sold more than 1,000 vehicles for other state agencies since March 2020 and received on average 15% above Blue Book value.
  • Maximized vehicle replacement savings by leveraging the state’s vehicle order size.

For more information: azdot.gov

Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – On January 26, 2022, at approximately 1:20 PM, an armed robbery occurred at the Mobile gas Station at 2484 E Butler Avenue. A woman, later identified as Hertecia Anderson of Cottonwood, AZ, entered the store and donned a black ski mask. She demanded the clerk’s money from the register while brandishing a handgun towards the clerks. One of the clerks was complying with the demands, and another clerk tackled her. They attempted to detain her, but she broke free and ran across the street. When police arrived, she was located and arrested at the Sinclair Truck Stop (Little America).

Upon further investigation, the handgun was later determined to be a BB gun, which had a realistic appearance. Out of concern for her safety she was transported to the Flagstaff Medical Center for evaluation of a prior medical condition. The Flagstaff Police Department Criminal Investigation Division is not seeking any additional suspects at this time.

AZGFD to discontinue selling Community Fishing licenses beginning January 1

Posted on by

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has announced it will no longer offer Community Fishing licenses for sale beginning Jan. 1, 2022.

Over roughly the last eight years, the hugely popular Community Fishing Program (CFP) has expanded from 21 waters to 49 waters, which are located in 23 communities throughout the state. All CFP waters are stocked by AZGFD with trout, catfish, or a few other species, depending on time of year.

Anglers who want to fish CFP waters in 2022 will either need to have a General Fishing license or Combination Hunt/Fish license, or purchase one once their Community Fishing license expires in 2022.

“General Fishing and Combination Hunt/Fish licenses offer greater value than the Community Fishing license alone,” said Aquatic Wildlife Branch Chief Julie Carter. “Anglers not only get the increased opportunities of the expanded CFP, but also the opportunity to fish nearly 80 other public waters in Arizona that are regularly stocked by AZGFD as well as the other streams and lakes throughout the state with self-sustaining sport fish populations.”

Community Fishing licenses can still be purchased through Dec. 31, 2021 and are valid for one year from date of purchase at designated CFP waters.

Anglers who had typically purchased Community Fishing licenses have been moving over to General or Combo licenses in recent years. Since 2014, Community Fishing license sales have declined by over 80%.

Residents pay only $37 for a General Fishing license ($55 for nonresidents) as opposed to $24 for the Community Fishing license, and have fishing privileges at all public waters in Arizona, including CFP waters. Combination Hunt/Fish licenses are $57 for residents and $160 for nonresidents.

Fishing is a great way to spend time outdoors with family and friends and can also help reduce a family’s food costs, especially now that the prices for food and other goods have increased. A $37 fishing license that is valid for 365 days costs roughly the same as 5 pounds of store-bought catfish fillets ($7.49/lb), or 3.5 pounds of trout fillets ($10.99/lb). It could easily pay for itself with a single day of fishing.

For more information about the Community Fishing Program, visit https://www.azgfd.com/fishing/community/.