Category Archives: Williams

Changing weather influences growth patterns on Sunflower and Ike fires

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WILLIAMS — The two fires being allowed to spread in a natural setting on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest are growing slowly but steadily as weather conditions and precipitation levels fluctuate daily.

“The varying weather trends we are experiencing at this time on the Sunflower and Ike fires are influencing a combination of fire severity and intensities which result in a wide range of natural effects to forest vegetation” said Williams District Ranger Danelle D. Harrison. “Although the rate of fire spread is presently low, an increase in fire behavior can occur quickly within a day or two as weather dries out. This will create a desired mosaic pattern which will largely improve forest health meeting our objectives.”

Fire managers expect that both fires will continue growing following this current trend and will likely burn for an extended period of time with weather being the predominant factor influencing duration.

Crews are actively taking actions to protect structures, private inholdings, sensitive archeological sites, range fences, power lines, and wildlife habitats before the fire approaches these values at risk. Tasks include removing burnable material away from these locations and constructing fire break control lines to secure sensitive features within the planning area.

A Forest Area Closure Order [#07-16-09-F (PDF)] remains in effect in the vicinity of the fire that includes the following areas: North of Forest Roads (FR) 110 and 109, East of FR 747 and Big Spring Wash, then South of FR 139 and West of FR 109.

Smoke will be noticeable at times and may periodically impact nearby communities that include Williams, Parks, Bellemont, Sherwood Forest, Pittman Valley, Chino Valley, Paulden, Prescott, Camp Verde, Flagstaff and Sedona. Monitoring smoke production will remain a top priority for fire managers who will adjust actions to alleviate impacts to effected communities.

Fire restrictions to be lifted tomorrow on North Kaibab Ranger District

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WILLIAMS — Due to the decreasing risk of fire danger, the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest will lift campfire and smoking restrictions, also known as Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, at 8 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, July 27).

To date, many areas of the district have received the adequate amount of precipitation needed to warrant conditions being lifted. However, visitors are always expected to use caution with campfires and other potential ignition sources.

“Although not widespread, we’ve had wetting rain events over the past week throughout portions of the Kaibab Plateau,” said North Zone Fuels Specialist Dave Robinson. “So we urge our forest visitors to remain vigilant and utilize proper campfire safety techniques and precautions – drown and stir until the campfire is cold to the touch.”

The Kaibab National Forest is committed to educating visitors about camping responsibly and being fire safe. Never leave a campfire unattended, even for a few minutes. Additional tips on camping responsibly are available at www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/responsible-recreation, which include answering nature’s call, being fire safe, avoiding interaction with wildlife, and respecting and protecting archaeological sites so that our National Forest and grasslands may be enjoyed for future generations.

Sunflower and Ike fires to be utilized for achieving land management objectives

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WILLIAMS — Recent moisture from monsoonal rains have created favorable conditions on the Williams Ranger District prompting Kaibab National Forest officials  to utilize the lightning caused “Sunflower” and “Ike” fires to spread in a natural progression within a designated planning area.

Each fire is carefully considered with an extensive process that includes consideration of potential short- and long-term smoke impacts to communities. The intent is to re-introduce fire back into the adapted environment, enhance overall forest health, reduce hazardous fuel loads, and protect valued resources while providing for firefighter and public safety first.

Objectives for this strategy include using low to moderate intensity fire with occasional high severity intensities to consume accumulations of dead and down woody debris from the forest floor. Additionally, burning off the understory fuels help raise the canopy heights of the older trees ultimately protecting them from being lost to a potential catastrophic fire event in the future.

There are a number of additional benefits for allowing fire to burn in a natural setting, which include protection of wildlife habitat, historic heritage sites, vital watersheds, critical infrastructure, and residential expansions that fall within the urban interface where human developments meet the forest. Soils also become replenished with nutrients as burnt organic material decomposes into the ground stimulating new growth of native forbs and grasses.

A Forest Area Closure Order (#07-16-09-F) has been implemented in the vicinity of the fire that includes the following areas: North of Forest Roads (FR) 110 and 109, East of FR 747 and Big Spring Wash, then South of FR 139 and West of FR 109.

Smoke will be noticeable and may periodically impact nearby communities that include Williams, Parks, Bellemont, Pittman Valley, Chino Valley, Prescott, Camp Verde, Flagstaff and Sedona. Monitoring smoke production levels will be a top priority for fire managers who are prepared to take specific actions to reduce amounts effecting rural areas.

Two new lightning caused wildfires on Williams Ranger District

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SunflowerFIre013WILLIAMS — Fire officials on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest have two new lightning caused fires called the “Sunflower” and “Ike” fires. Both fires are being assessed for their potential of reducing hazardous fuel accumulations and restoring overall forest health.

The Sunflower fire was discovered on July 20th, and has grown to approximately 11 acres in size. It is located near Sunflower Flat west of White Horse Lake close to the junction of forest roads 747 and 14. The Ike fire, also discovered on July 20, is approximately 1.5 miles to the southeast of the Sunflower fire and is currently less than one acre in size. Both fires are burning in a ponderosa pine fuel type mixed with oak and grasses and have the potential to grow over the next several days as a warmer drying weather pattern is forecasted.

Smoke may be visible from several communities including Williams, Parks, Bellemont, Pittman Valley, Prescott, Camp Verde, Flagstaff and Sedona. Fire managers will monitor smoke production closely and will take extra measures as necessary to minimize impacts to surrounding developed areas.

As these fires develop and expand in size, an emergency closure order may be implemented in the immediate effected areas and on a short section of the Overland Trail to ensure public and firefighter safety.

Family Movie Night at the Calvary Chapel

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MV5BMTA0ODM5MTM5MTleQTJeQWpwZ15BbWU4MDAwNzk1NDYx._V1_UY268_CR6,0,182,268_AL_The Cavalry Chapel at 106 S 9th Street in Williams will be hosting a family movie night at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 22. The adult movie will be Woodlawn. They will also show another movie for kids. There will be popcorn, snacks and awesome time of fellowship. All are invited. You can call (928) 202-1378 for more information.

Wildfire, recreational safety: Everyone’s responsibility this holiday weekend

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WILLIAMS — Kaibab National Forest officials are expecting increased numbers of visitors at the forest’s more popular recreational areas over the Independence weekend. Visitors are encouraged to use caution during all recreational activities that could potentially cause personal injury or a wildfire. The following are tips for having a safe and pleasant visit to the Kaibab National Forest:

 Campfires, Smoking and Fireworks: Forest visitors are reminded that although some areas of the forest have received some isolated moisture, the forest remains in very high fire danger and campfire and smoking restrictions are in effect in order to protect public health and reduce preventable human-caused fires.

 Stage 1 fire restrictions include:

  • Campfires, charcoal grills, and stove fires are prohibited except in designated fire pits in developed recreation sites only.
  • Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters are authorized provided these devices can be turned on and off.
  • Smoking is only permitted in enclosed vehicles, buildings or developed recreation sites.
  • Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework is prohibited year-round on all National Forest lands. This includes “legal fireworks” available in some retail stores.

To learn more about Arizona fire restrictions, visit firerestrictions.us/az.

 Summer Monsoons: The potential for flash floods, lightning and widespread rainfall can occur with little warning. Visitors are advised to check weather forecasts, seek appropriate shelter during storms and visit MonsoonSafety.org for more information regarding monsoon awareness and safety tips.

 Camping: Whether planning to rough it this holiday weekend or simply enjoy a scenic drive, there are many ways to enjoy your National Forest. Forest officials encourage visitors to Know Before You Go. This online resource provides helpful tips to help visitors maximize a memorable and safe experience.

 Dispersed Camping:  Picnicking and camping outside of developed recreation areas on the forest is allowed unless otherwise posted. There are extra responsibilities and skills necessary for dispersed camping. As a reminder, camping rules and regulations are in place to make your experience a safe one while protecting natural and cultural resources so they remain unspoiled for other forest visitors. Visitors should provide their own water, Tread Lightly, and follow Leave No Trace Principles.

 Motor Vehicle Use:  The rules for motorized vehicles may vary between forests and districts. Please refer to the free Motor Vehicle Use Maps for each district for details. Visitors may download district MVUMs for various electronic devices here.

 Wildfire Information: Forest visitors may also call the Kaibab National Forest fire information phone line at (928) 635-8311 or subscribe to wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com for current fire conditions. This web-based app is a free subscription service and may be customized to individual areas of interest and sent real-time via text or email.

Visit the forest’s website at www.fs.usda.gov/main/kaibab for all other forest information or call the local ranger stations for the latest information on outdoor recreational experiences:

  • Williams Ranger District: (928) 635-5600
  • Tusayan Ranger District: (928) 638-2443
  • North Kaibab Ranger District: (928) 643-7395

Head Kaibab National Forest fire official recognized for achievements

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gonzales

Kaibab National Forest photo

WILLIAMS — The head fire official on the Kaibab National Forest was recently recognized for his achievements with two notable awards.

Arthur Gonzales, who has served as the forest’s fire staff officer since August 2011, was named the USDA Forest Service Southwestern Region’s Forest Fire Management Officer of the Year for 2015 as well as being recognized as the Outstanding Student in an advanced fire behavior course by the International Association of Wildland Fire.

“When I found out I was selected for these awards, I felt surprised, proud and very humbled,” Gonzales said. “I don’t do this job for recognition. I do it because I love the work and the benefits I see that it provides to not only me as a forest user but also to my family and my community.”

Gonzales was selected as the fire management officer of the year for his contributions in leading a progressive, balanced fire program on the Kaibab and for leading by example and working in a productive, interdisciplinary environment with other staff areas. He was honored by the cadre of the S-590 Advanced Fire Behavior Interpretation course based on his demonstrated leadership and support of colleagues during the challenging class, which was held at the National Advanced Fire and Resource Institute in Tucson, Ariz., in March.

“Arthur is a great example of honesty, integrity and duty. He truly loves what he does and his passion shows,” said Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Heather Provencio. “He is innovative and forward thinking and is never satisfied with the status quo, but rather is always looking for a more efficient and better way to complete a task, accomplish a job, run the forest, or move the agency forward in some way.”

Under Gonzales’ leadership, the Kaibab National Forest doubled its 10-year average in prescribed fire accomplishments in 2015. More than 16,000 acres were treated, which was the most ever for the forest.

During the same year, there was a total of 21,551 acres burned by wildfires on the Kaibab. Of those acres burned in wildfires, a whopping 98 percent, or 21,111 acres, were from wildfires managed for natural and cultural resource objectives and benefits including grassland restoration, wildlife habitat improvement and overall enhancement of forest health. The Kaibab’s five-year average for acres from such fires was top in the Southwestern Region, with 24 percent of the region’s total coming from the forest.

“All the work we do is intended to benefit the ecosystem, and the communities we live in are part of that ecosystem,” Gonzales said. “I’m as big a user of our National Forests as anybody else out there, and I recognize that fire is essential to continuing to have this amazing place and the opportunities that stem from it.”

Since 2003, a total of 170,596 acres have been successfully managed to achieve natural and cultural resource objectives on the Kaibab National Forest including this year’s 5,983-acre Bert Fire on the Williams Ranger District, which allowed fire to be used as a tool to begin important grassland restoration work in the area.

“Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have developed an understanding of how fire has shaped landscapes and how it has been critical in developing and providing the opportunities I so greatly enjoy in the outdoors,” Gonzales said. “With this understanding of the role of fire in ecosystems, I have dedicated myself to a career in fire management, with a particular focus in using fire to maintain and enhance landscapes so that everyone can experience all the opportunities that our public lands have to offer both now and into the future.”

Besides actual treatment on the ground, Gonzales’ leadership has proved innovative in myriad other ways. In late 2015, an informational video was released explaining the importance of wildland fire in the ecosystems of northern Arizona from the perspectives of various Kaibab National Forest natural and cultural resource specialists. That video, entitled “Keeping Fire on the Ground: Resource Specialist Perspectives on the Kaibab National Forest,” stemmed from Gonzales’ desire to highlight a part of the wildland fire world that most people never get to see. Gonzales took a truly unique approach to tell the story of wildland fire by highlighting some of the unsung heroes on his unit. He is using the video to help educate employees across the agency, raise awareness, and highlight the collective efforts necessary to build a successful wildland fire management program.

“Arthur is by far the finest fire management officer I have had the pleasure of working with in my nearly 30-year career,” Provencio said. “His depth of knowledge and experience in fire, combined with his strategic thinking and strong leadership among all resource areas within the agency, make him more than deserving of this recognition and the awards that he has received.”

You can help conserve wildlife

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Deer graze along Perkinsville Road, also called South Road, out of Williams.

Did you know you can help conserve wildlife? Of course there are many groups working to do this in various ways. You can help without lifting a finger. And you can get paid—in a sense—to do it.

Many visit Flagstaff, Williams, Ash Fork and other northern Arizona Route 66 sites. They come up for camping, fishing and to visit the Grand Canyon in hopes of finding comfort in our cooler weather. The problem is that many come dragging their fifth-wheels exceeding the posted speed limits on Perkinsville Road to get to a camp site in the Kaibab. They exceed the posted speed limits to get to the Grand Canyon so they can take a half-hour to take photos and leave. They do not realize that the speed limits posted are posted for a reason.

Deer and elk also wander around our parks such as these at Buckskinner Park.

Deer and elk also wander around our parks such as these at Buckskinner Park.


During this season deer and elk line our highways and freeways looking for water and food. A problem arises when deer and elk dart across the highways and freeways without warning. They make no attempt to guage your speed and, like most people, are unaware that a speeding vehicle cannot brake in time to prevent them from getting hit.

The answer is simply to observe the posted speed limits and even slow down a bit. Especially when you note animals feeding along the roadway.

So how does this pay you? There is an adage which states A penny saved is a penny earned. Consider that if you hit an animal damaging your vehicle, your insurance rates are likely to rise. Not to mention any payment for injuries to occupants that might occur. If the police or Sheriff’s deputy investigating the accident determine that you were speeding, you might receive a costly citation as well. If it is determined by the insurance company that you were at fault, they may not even pay out meaning that you will be responsible to pay for all damages.

Another thing to remember is that some wildlife may seem cute and tame. It may be tempting to feed them or pet them. Either action is dangerous. They are wild and may attack at any time. Feeding them will attract them to camping areas. It may even attract more dangerous animals such as mountain lions and bears.

Flagstaff, Williams, Ash Fork, Valle and all points north welcome visitors who wish to explore the many exciting activities we have to offer. We thank you to slow down and take care to protect our wildlife and our residents from death and injury.

Arizona files motion to intervene in lawsuit to defend motorized big game retrieval on Kaibab National Forest

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Corrected: 6/25; 7:04 p.m.
PHOENIX — The State of Arizona and Office of the Arizona Attorney General today filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit brought by several environmental groups challenging the U. S. Forest Service’s decision to allow limited off-road motorized big game retrieval by elk and bison hunters on the Kaibab National Forest.

The lawsuit was filed in January by WildEarth Guardians, Grand Canyon Wildlands Council, Wildlands Network, and the Sierra Club.

“It’s interesting to note that the plaintiffs’ lawsuit targets hunters’ motorized big game retrieval, which is a small segment of off-highway vehicle use in the forest, but does not challenge other legitimate cross-country motor vehicle use. It suggests their lawsuit was filed more out of opposition to hunting than true concern for our natural resources,” said Pat Madden, incoming chairman of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

Motorized retrieval is an important component enabling Arizona Game and Fish to fulfill its wildlife conservation mission. Uncontrolled elk and ecologically devastating bison populations can damage habitat and may harm other species. The Department is currently collaborating with the National Park Service to dramatically reduce the number of bison in Grand Canyon National Park, as unsustainable numbers of bison have migrated from the North Kaibab onto the park’s North Rim and are damaging water sources, vegetation, soil and archeological sites.

Elk weigh between 450 and 1,200 pounds and bison between 750 and 2,500 pounds. It is unlawful to leave the edible portion of a harvested animal in the field to waste. For some hunters, a harvested bison or elk can realistically be packed out of the field only by motorized transport.

Motorized retrieval is also an important component of the Department’s lead reduction conservation efforts for the California condor. The Department offers free coupons for lead-free ammunition to all hunters who draw tags for big game species on the North Kaibab and sponsors raffles to incentivize the minority of hunters who use lead ammunition to pack out the gut piles of their lawfully-harvested big game species. The gut pile of a mature bison can exceed 500 pounds. It is simply unrealistic to expect hunters to pack out large gut piles without ready access to a motor vehicle.

“The State is seeking to intervene in this lawsuit to protect its sovereign authority to regulate, manage and conserve wildlife in Arizona, including wildlife on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service,” said Madden. “Hunters play a critical role assisting the Arizona Game and Fish Department in managing elk and bison herd populations.”

The Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 and the National Forest Management Act of 1976 direct that the national forests be managed for multiple purposes, including outdoor recreation and fish and wildlife, and that the jurisdiction and authority of the states for management of fish and resident wildlife on the national forests are not affected.

The Forest Service, in a Memorandum of Understanding with the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and Department, recognizes the Commission and Department as having primary responsibility for managing fish and wildlife populations on Forest Service lands in Arizona.

Off-road motorized big game retrieval historically had not been restricted on the Kaibab National Forest other than in areas with special land use designations, such as wilderness areas. In an effort to balance increasing off-road-vehicle recreational use with resource protection, the U.S. Forest Service in 2005 directed each forest to designate roads, trails and areas open to motor vehicle use. All other areas would be considered closed to off-road motor vehicle use, with a few exceptions such as motorized retrieval of big game. Arizona Game and Fish was a cooperating agency and/or offered comments in the development of the Kaibab’s new travel management rules.

The current rules allow hunters one trip with a motor vehicle, during hunting season only, to travel up to one mile off a designated road to pack their legally harvested elk out of the field on the Tusayan and Williams Ranger Districts, or their legally harvested bison or elk on the North Kaibab Ranger District. Hunters are required to use the most direct and least ground-disturbing route, and retrieval is not allowed in existing off-road travel-restricted areas or when conditions are such that travel would cause damage to natural and/or cultural resources. The rules don’t allow for motorized retrieval of any other big game species.

“Given the Department’s wildlife management responsibilities for elk, bison and the California condor, Arizona has an obligation to intervene in this lawsuit to defend the Kaibab National Forest’s authorization of limited motorized big game retrieval to preserve lawful hunting as a wildlife management tool, and in so doing, protect Arizona’s fragile natural resources,” said Arizona Game and Fish Department Director Larry Voyles.