Category Archives: National Government

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions begin Friday at 8 a.m. on national forests

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FLAGSTAFF/WILLIAMS/PRESCOTT — On Friday May 14, 2021 at 8 a.m. the entire Kaibab, Coconino and Prescott National Forest will enter Stage 1 campfire and smoking restrictions in an effort to protect public health by reducing the number of preventable human-caused wildfires.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site.

Using a device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest lands.

Fire restrictions are implemented to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions.

Implementation of fire restrictions normally occurs based on a combination of factors that are carefully measured. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include things such as current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, enduring drought, and available firefighting resources.

Additional restrictions may be applied as conditions warrant. More information about the different stages of fire restrictions can be found on line at: www.fs.usda.gov/detail/kaibab/fire/?cid=stelprd3802396

Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the forests receive significant precipitation, at which time they will be rescinded, and the public notified.

Forest officials would also like to remind visitors that having a campfire on the national forest while under fire restrictions is a violation that can carry a mandatory appearance in federal court. Visitors should use extra caution when recreating on all public lands during fire season.

Know Before You Go! The public can obtain current state and federal fire restrictions information across Arizona on the Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention and Information website, and at the Coconino County website at: www.coconino.az.gov/firerestrictions

Next week’s prescribed burns include highly visible Naval Observatory project

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FLAGSTAFF — Several prescribed burns – including a highly visible project located east of the Naval Observatory in Flagstaff – are scheduled to continue throughout the Coconino National Forest during the weekend and into next week.
The Naval Observatory project, which will tentatively begin on Tuesday, will likely cause large amounts of smoke visible within the City of Flagstaff.
The Upper Beaver Creek project, started in late April, is scheduled to conclude early next week.
Additionally, the Mint East project will potentially begin this weekend and run through the end of next week.
Naval Observatory:
  • When: May 11 through May 14.
  • Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. East of U.S. Naval Observatory, south of I-40. GPS: 35.184, -111.731
  • Why: To continue forest health and restoration in areas previously treated by mechanical thinning projects.
  • Size: 135 acres.
  • Duration: Four days.
  • Method/Type of Burn: Maintenance burn.
  • Smoke Impacts: With west winds predicted, smoke is predicted to move east. Units have been mechanically thinned and previously burned in. Smoke production and duration should be lighter than prescribed fire projects in untreated landscapes. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn and along Naval Observatory Road and I-40 corridors. Smoke will be visible to Flagstaff Metro Area, I-17, I-40, Hwy 180, 89 and 89A corridors
  • Closures/Restrictions: None anticipated.
Upper Beaver Creek:
  • When: Monday, May 10.
  • Where: Mogollon Rim Ranger District. Approximately seven miles south of Mormon Lake. GPS: 34.780833, -111.448056
  • Why: This burn is part of a grassland restoration project that will improve forage for cattle and wildlife. It will also reduce hazardous fuels, such as dead wood and pine needles, that have accumulated in the burn area.
  • Size: 1,000 acres.
  • Duration: One to two days.
  • Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast burn.
  • Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to move to the northeast, so smoke impact can be expected near Lake Mary Road and surrounding homes south of Stoneman Lake Road.
  • Closures/Restrictions: None are anticipated.
  • Notes: This is the final burn planned on the Upper Beaver Creek area for this spring.
Mint East:
  • When: Scheduled to begin potentially this weekend (May 8).
  • Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. Southeast of Mormon Lake Village, FR 124, 125 and FH3 corridors. GPS: 34.907, -111.407
  • Why: To promote forest health and restoration in areas previously treated in the Camillo Fire of 2015.
  • Size: 2,554 acres.
  • Duration: Through May 14, roughly one week. This burn is divided into three separate blocks that will be completed over three to seven days, depending on weather conditions.
  • Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn.
  • Smoke Impacts: Smoke is predicted to move northeast. Cooler evening temperatures may cause smoke to settle in low-lying areas surrounding the burn and along the Lake Mary Road corridor. Smoke will be visible to the Flagstaff metro area, I-17, I-40, Hwy 180, 89 and 89A corridors.
  • Closures/Restrictions: None anticipated.
  • Notes: This burn aims to use aerial ignitions and burn larger acres if possible. If not, smaller blocks will be burned by hand.
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:

Portions of Verde River to close starting May 10 for feral cattle removal

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FLAGSTAFF — Starting May 10 and lasting through May 24, public access to portions of the Verde River will be closed to allow for feral cattle removal.
River access from Beasley Flat to the confluence with Fossil Creek will be closed and the public will not be able to launch, take out, float through or camp along this section of the river. Child Recreation Site and Verde Hot Springs will also be closed to the public.
Contractors will be capturing and removing unauthorized and/or feral cattle from the Wild and Scenic portion of the Verde River on the Coconino, Tonto and Prescott national forests. This portion of the Verde River is managed to preserve its Wild and Scenic qualities and livestock are not authorized within this corridor.
The following portion of the Verde River will be closed to the public to protect public health and safety during contracted operations to round-up and remove feral cattle.
  • As depicted on the map in Exhibit A, the Restricted Area consists of all National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads and trails within a quarter-mile of the center of the Verde River corridor, commencing north of Beasley Flat at 34° 28’ 43.68” N/111° 48’ 1.5” W, following down river and terminating at the confluence with Fossil Creek (approximately 13.5 miles) at 34° 18’ 20.534” N/111° 40’ 30.752” W. The Restricted Area includes Verde Hot Springs (34° 21’ 50.478” N/111° 42’ 55.607” W) and the Childs Developed Recreation site, including the associated boat launch/ take-out and dispersed camping area. The Restricted Area also includes the historic hydroelectric facilities and corrals.
The work includes the gathering, care, handling/loading and transportation of the cattle. The contractor will address any sick or injured animals if treatment is necessary; transport livestock from temporary holding facility at capture site to final destination within 24 hours of capture; Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) Officers will inspect the captured cattle for brands and if brands are found then the AZDA will contact the owners. The capturing of livestock will be accomplished by helicopter, roping, leading or tie down when necessary. The work will be accomplished in a safe and humane manner and be in accordance with appropriate Arizona state laws and requirements.
For more information regarding this order please contact the following:
  • Red Rock Ranger District: 928-203-2900
  • Cave Creek Ranger District: 480-595-3300
  • Verde Ranger District: 928-777-2200

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Areas of Coconino County and Flagstaff

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OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for parts of Coconino County and Flagstaff. The maps identify the revised flood hazards in Kachina Village and the Pumphouse Wash and Schoolhouse Wash drainage areas. These new maps will help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more resilient communities.

Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from Apr. 30 to July 28. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion, and community development. Officials from FEMA, Coconino County and the city of Flagstaff worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

The local mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Risk of flooding affects almost every corner of the nation. In total, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, which makes floods the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

New Lightning Caused Wildfire on Williams Ranger District Allowed to Burn in Natural Setting

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WILLIAMS – A new lightning caused wildfire discovered earlier this week on the southeast end of the Williams Ranger District will be allowed to burn naturally within a pre-determined management area to reduce fuel loads and promote healthier landscapes.

Due to the remote location and low to moderate fire behavior observed, the Thumb Flat fire is being allowed to move naturally for the benefits of reducing hazardous fuel accumulations, increasing protection of local private inholdings, and restoring forest health. The overall strategy will be to contain the fire within a road system and various control features surrounding an area of about 475 acres.

The Thumb Flat fire is located approximately 18 miles southeast of the City of Williams near Colcord Canyon. It is currently 160 acres and is burning in a mixed fuel type that include ponderosa pine, pinon juniper, oak, and grasses. The goal is to allow the fire to burn as it would naturally as long as it can be safely managed while meeting objectives. Growth is expected to increase over the next two days with the fire spread reaching its full potential within the management area by Saturday. Forest road 12 will be burned out in order to confine the fire on the western edge.

Smoke may be visible from Williams, Prescott, and from areas around Flagstaff, but will be short in duration. No smoke impacts are anticipated to developed areas in the surrounding communities.

The Kaibab National Forest is a fire adapted ecosystem. It is dependent on fire to play a natural role in maintaining vibrant forest health. Lack of fire in the forest has caused an abundance of fuels to build up, which can make the forest vulnerable and susceptible to more dangerous uncontrollable fire incidents. Reintroducing fire back into the ecosystem is a very effective tool to reduce fuel loads and restore the landscape back to a healthier state that is more aligned with historical conditions.

During operations, fire personnel and vehicles will be visible to the public. Motorists and visitors are asked to avoid active hot areas and are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through the fire vicinity.

Commercial firewood permits available for live juniper trees May 3

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FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest will begin selling commercial firewood permits beginning May 3.

Permits will cover live and dead shaggy bark juniper trees in pre-designated areas of the Yeager Canyon area located roughly 45 minutes southeast of the City of Flagstaff.

A limited number of permits are available. Permits for 10 cords each can be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis for $50 a permit ($5 per cord).

Each cutting area is between four and seven acres, ensuring 10 cords of wood will be available in each area. Specific cutting requirements and a map will be included with each permit, and more information is available by request.

Due to COVID-19, permits will be made available by mail only.

Permits can be ordered by mailing a permit request and $50 check payable to the U.S. Forest Service to the Flagstaff Ranger Station at 5057 N. Hwy 89, Flagstaff AZ 86004. The written request should include your name, address, phone number, type of identification (such as driver’s license) and identification number, make and model of all vehicles that will be working within the permit unit and the names of any additional cutters. Your written request must be signed and dated.

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. Cutters need to ensure they are aware of the current fire restrictions by checking local Forest Service information.

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. Please exercise caution when driving off-road and avoid resource damage.

Annual Armed Forces Day Cross-Band Test Set for May 7 – 8

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NATIONAL — The US Department of Defense will host this year’s Armed Forces Day (AFD) Cross-Band Test, Friday and Saturday, May 7-8, in recognition
of Armed Forces Day on May 15. The event is open to all radio amateurs. For more than 50 years, military and amateur stations have taken part in this exercise, designed to include amateur radio and government radio operators alike.

The AFD Cross-Band Test is a unique opportunity to test two-way communications between military and amateur radio stations, as authorized under FCC Part 97 rules. These tests provide opportunities and challenges for radio operators to demonstrate individual technical skills in a tightly controlled exercise in which military stations will transmit on selected military frequencies and will announce the specific amateur radio frequencies being monitored.

The schedule of military/government stations taking part in the Armed Forces Day Cross-Band Test and information on the AFD message is available on the MARS website at, http://www.dodmars.org/home/armed-forces-day-2021.

Kaibab National Forest Considers New Alignment for Fiber Optic Line to Support Grand Canyon Schools

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WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest (KNF) is considering authorization of a new fiber optic line. The Grand Canyon Unified School District and the Town of Tusayan obtained grant funds for the new fiber optic cable to provide high speed internet service to the school at the Grand Canyon, which is needed to deliver bandwidth to students whose access to high-speed internet lags badly behind other Arizona schools. Commnet Wireless would build the fiber system.

The southern terminus of the fiber optic line would be located at an existing Commnet facility near Airport Road and Interstate 40 in Williams, follow an Arizona Public Service (APS) utility easement to Arizona State Route 64 (SR 64), and extend north primarily along the west side of the Arizona Department of Transportation right of way for SR 64 to the vicinity of the Tusayan Airport, for a total of 53.8 miles. A total of 19.1 miles of line would be located on KNF lands, with 7.8 miles on the Williams Ranger District and 11.3 miles on the Tusayan Ranger District. The remainder of the line would be on state and private lands.

The KNF approved a different alignment for this fiber optic line in 2020. The former alignment, which would have totaled approximately 68 miles, would have generally followed the Grand Canyon Railway. The proponents requested the KNF analyze this new alignment instead of the alignment approved in 2020 because of logistical and cost considerations.

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: