Category Archives: National Government

County and Coconino NF seek advisory committee members

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FLAGSTAFF — The County and Coconino National Forest are seeking candidates to fill vacancies on the Coconino Resource Advisory Committee (RAC), which will review and recommend projects to the forest supervisor that benefit national forest land in Coconino County.

The committee will be comprised of 15 members who represent a particular set of interests, and members must commit to serving a full term of four years—meeting only a handful of times annually. Committee members are volunteers and do not receive pay.

Current vacancies on the Coconino RAC include seats which represent the following interests listed in the Secure Rural School Act and reauthorized by Congress:

· Organized labor or non-timber forest product harvester
· Developed outdoor recreation
· Off-highway vehicle users
· Energy and mineral development interests
· Commercial timber industry
· Federal grazing permittees or other land use permittees
· Nationally, regionally, or locally recognized environmental organizations
· Dispersed recreational activities
· Archaeological and historical interests
· Nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro groups
· County or local-elected officials
· State-elected officials
· American Indian tribes
· School officials or teachers
· The public-at-large

National forests which fall within Coconino County that the committee would consider projects for include the Coconino, Kaibab, as well as parts of the Prescott and Apache-Sitgreaves national forests.

“We’re looking for people with energy and commitment to the long-term benefit of our national forests, who also are interested in working with a diverse array of interests represented on the committee,” said Laura Jo West, forest supervisor for the Coconino National Forest.

Under the Secure Rural Schools Act, federal payments to states and counties were reauthorized in April 2015 and will be allocated according to the amount of national forest land in the county and other factors. These funds can be used for projects that enhance forest ecosystems and restore and improve land health and water quality.

Any Arizona resident interested in serving on the committee must complete an application form that will be used for a required background check. Applications are available at Forest Service offices in the Coconino National Forest, and online at http://tinyurl.com/CoconinoRAC.

Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. September 2, 2016 and must be mailed or dropped off, with original signature, to Coconino National Forest, Attn: Brady Smith, Resource Advisory Committee, 1824 S. Thompson St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Scanned copies cannot be submitted.

For more information, call Brady Smith, the Coconino National Forest public affairs officer, at (928) 527-3490, or email him at bradysmith@fs.fed.us. For more information on RACs, visit http://www.fs.fed.us/srs/.

Lightning-caused Coco Fire increases to 731

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TUSAYAN — The lightning-caused Coco Fire on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has grown to 731 acres in size achieving resource objectives by reducing hazardous fuel accumulations and restoring overall forest health.

Fire crews worked late the previous shift completing management ignitions along Forest Road 2719 in order to keep the fire within planning area boundaries and protect fire sensitive archaeological sites. Smoke from the management ignitions was transported west along Coconino Wash into the town of Tusayan resulting in moderate impacts in the early morning but will disperse throughout the day.

“We are very pleased with the fire progression and allowing fire to resume its role in the ecosystem. The natural mosaic of fire effects resulting from the fire growth enhances the heterogeneity and resilience of the forest” stated Incident Commander Dan Pearson.

The Arizona Trail remains open to hikers. As this lightning-caused fire continues to grow naturally, it is likely that smoke will remain visible from Highway 64, Grand Canyon National Park’s Desert View Drive, and other populated areas. The current forecast predicts light and variable winds over the Coco Fire for the next several days which may result in more variable smoke dispersion until moisture moves into Northern Arizona this weekend.

Williams Ranger District announces plans to begin fall prescribed burning

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WILLIAMS — Fire managers on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest have completed plans for the 2016 fall and 2017 spring prescribed fire burning seasons and are planning to begin working as early as mid-August on several projects. The specific units to be ignited will be chosen based on fuel moistures and weather conditions that are within prescriptive levels that meet fuels reduction objectives.

The flowing project areas are planned for treatments:

Green Base Dry Lake Project: Ten burn units northeast of Williams, approximately 9,040 acres.
Green Base Parks West Project: Four burn units east of Williams, approximately 5,141 acres.
McCracken East Project: Two burn units south of Williams, approximately 839 acres.
McCracken West Prescribed Fire: Four burn units south of Williams, approximately 1,693 acres.
Kendrick Prescribed Fire: Six burn units northeast of Williams approximately 2,497 acres.
Fall-burn-image
Fire plays a beneficial role in maintaining the ecological stability of many landscapes including the Kaibab National Forest. Managers use prescribed fire as a practical means to reduce risks associated with uncharacteristic wildfires that can pose significant threats to public health and safety.

Officials recognize that impacts to air quality may be unpleasant at times, however they can significantly reduce the amount and limit the duration of smoke more effectively using prescribed methods than in an uncontrolled wildfire situation. Furthermore, fire managers will remain cognizant of wind direction and ventilation with the intent to minimize smoke impacts to businesses and residences.

During operations, fire personnel and vehicles working in these vicinities will be visible to the public. Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive with heightened caution when passing through active project areas.

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.

Coco fire grows to 35 acres

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TUSAYAN — The Coco fire grew to 35-acres and forest crews are burning for suppression. Crews finished burning along Forest Road 2719 yesterday to prevent the fire from spreading.

Today, firefighters will continue by burning along approximately 2 miles of the Arizona Trail from Watson Trick Tank to Forest Road 303. This work will reduce any potential for high intensity fire and improve safety to users of the trail.

The Arizona Trail will be open to hikers, however, it is advised to use caution as there will be some smoke in the area. The winds today will be out of the northeast and smoke is expected to be visible from Highway 64 and the Grand Canyon East Rim Drive as well as from the town of Valle.

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.

Point Wildfire is currently burning in Munds Mountain Wilderness

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sedona-point-fire-1SEDONA — The lightning-caused Point Wildfire is currently burning in Munds Mountain Wilderness on Munds mesa, which is located east of State Highway 179 and south of Sedona and Schnebly Hill road.

The fire is estimated at 190 acres and was ignited following several lighting storms that came through the area mid-week.

“Today we are focusing on stopping the northern progression of the wildfire,” said Nicole Branton, Red Rock District ranger. “This fire is in very difficult terrain that is dangerous to firefighting personnel, so we can expect to see smoke over the next several days as it continues to burn in areas that firefighters cannot access. Firefighter safety is our primary concern along with containing the fire on top of the mesa to prevent further spread into surrounding canyons.”

Smoke will also be visible from various parts of the Verde Valley and along Interstate 17 while firefighters work to contain the fire over the next few days.

Air attack helicopters and planes along with 55 firefighters are working to help slow progress across the mesa and to reduce its chance of moving into side canyons. Drones cannot be flown over or near the fire, as doing so will cease operations that are fighting the fire with water drops from the air.

For public and fire fighter safety, the public is asked to acknowledge the closure area of Munds Mountain Trail and Jack Canyon Trail.

Coco Fire Slowly Moving

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TUSAYAN — On July 22, the Coco Fire ignited due to lightning 6 miles southeast of Tusayan near the junction of Forest Road 302 and 2719. The initial start of the fire covered 15 acres and has now grown to 25 acres as of today by moving through the grass and pine litter. There was very minimal smoke production yesterday and no reported impacts to the east rim drive or the town of Tusayan overnight.

Today crews will be finishing up with preparation work along the planning area boundary. Later in the day when conditions are favorable, firefighters will be using management ignitions to create a black line along the Arizona Trail and FR 2719. This buffer will be in the Northeast corner of the planning area. Dave Barringer, Coco Fire Incident Commander-T, states “that slight delays may be expected for hikers in this small portion along the Arizona Trail due to the burn out operations if the assessment is made to start those ignitions today.” When those ignitions begin some smoke impacts to the east rim drive may occur during the evening hours.

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.