Category Archives: Arizona

Christmas Tree Sales to Begin October 13

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Williams, AZ, October 6, 2022 – Christmas tree permits for the Kaibab National Forest will be available to purchase online through Recreation.gov beginning Thursday, October 13th and permit holders may begin cutting their trees on Tuesday, November 1st.

Permits will be available for purchase through the Kaibab NF on Recreation.gov for trees, which also lists details about designated cutting areas, maps, dates, and sizes of trees that may be cut. Information can also be found on the Kaibab NF Christmas tree webpage.

When purchasing an online permit, it is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing. Visitors will also need to set up a login account to Recreation.gov to complete the transaction. Permits are limited to one recreation.gov online account and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out. Up to 5 trees may be purchased on a single permit at $15 per tree. A small processing fee will be applied to the transaction.

Fourth-grade students can get a free Christmas tree pass through the Every Kid Outdoors program by entering their pass ID they acquire on that website then enter it on Kaibab NF Recreation.gov when going through the acquiring process.

The tree cutting areas are in general areas and the trees are not individually marked. It is up to the permit holder to select the tree that is harvested. It is helpful to use the species map to predetermine what type of tree you would like and in what area they are growing before you start your adventure. The trees that are for this sale grow in the wild and are not cultivated to be a fully filled-in tree like the ones that are bought from your local store or a private Christmas tree farm. However, it is the experience of finding and cutting a tree and having an adventure with the memories being priceless.

Permits are valid to cut trees between November 1st through December 31st, 2022.

Stay informed of all Kaibab National Forest information by our KNF website and follow us on our social media through KNF Flickr photos, KNF Twitter and KNF Facebook.

Thunderstorm hits in late afternoon

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WILLIAMS – Another quick thunderstorm passed over Williams, again today. According to the long range forecast, more rain is moving in and will stay through next Wednesday.

This much rain is unusual for this time of year. It is, however, the good type of rain that moves through quickly and does not drop too much. The temperature has remained comfortable and, for the most part, the days will be mostly sunny. The chance of rain is 30% tomorrow, to 50% Saturday and 40% on Sunday and Columbus Day.

Watershed protection work continues north of Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — A phase II of the Flagstaff Watershed Protection project resumed operations recently in an area north of Flagstaff and will benefit forest and watershed health by thinning overgrown stands of dense pine and mixed conifer.

The Dry Lake Hills project area is located east of Forest Road (FR) 420 and north of FR 551 in the Dry Lake Hills area and will help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and subsequent flooding to the city of Flagstaff.

Vehicular traffic is currently prohibited in the project area, but other means of entry such as hiking, biking, etc., are still permissible.

Operations will involve heavy machinery and log truck traffic along portions of Forest Road 6353, 420, and 556, and the project is expected to be ongoing through fall of 2023 with a temporary cease in all operations each year from March 1 through August 30 due to seasonal restrictions. The public should be aware of heavy machinery and falling timber in the area—a majority of which will be on or in close proximity to hiking and biking trails.

This project is being implemented by Markit! Forestry and Apache Homelands in coordination with the Coconino National Forest.

Free firewood available on Coconino NF, northwest of Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — Free firewood is available to permitted individuals on two new areas of the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District.

The A-1 area is located off Interstate 40 west. It can be accessed by taking the A-1 mountain exit. Follow the road for half a mile, turn left onto Forest Road 518, and take a slight right onto FR 519. FR 9012J, FR 519 and FR 9022K can all be used to access the collection area. There is plenty of parking in the A-1 area off the road surface.

To access the 9007S area, head northwest on Highway 180. Turn right onto FR 151, located roughly 18 miles northwest of Flagstaff. Follow FR 151 for 1.5 miles, turn left onto FR 9218 and follow it for half a mile. Make a right onto FR 9007S, and logs will be located along both sides of the road. Only a handful of trucks and trailers can fit in the 9007S area at one time; so permit holders are asked to be patient with other vehicle drivers at the collection site.

There are about 20 truck loads of wood located at the 9007S area and there are roughly 15 large slash piles located at the A-1 collection area. While the wood in the 9007S area will likely not last long, it’s expected that wood will remain available in the A-1 collection area through November.

Only dead and down Ponderosa pine may be collected from the free use areas, which include slash piles from a recent timber sale contract.

Collection areas are clearly marked. Free use permits are needed to collect wood, and can be obtained by calling or visiting the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District or Supervisor’s Office during business hours.

Free use permits are separate from personal use paid permits. Free use permits are valid only for collection within the designated area. Free use permits allow the cutting of up to five cords of dead and down wood in specified areas, and a maximum of five cords per household per year is allowed under free use.

Permit-holders are asked to keep safety in mind and be considerate of other forest visitors. Please leave unused wood stacked in slash piles. Drivers should remain wary of tight turns on roads and in collection areas and watch for uneven surfaces both on forest roads and in collection areas.

Tornado Event Causes Damage in Junipine Estates

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WILLIAMS – On October 3, 2022 at 1:30 PM, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a weather-related event in the Junipine Estates community, north of Williams. The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado ripped through the Junipine community, causing damage to between 8-10 residences.

No injuries were immediately reported. Life and property assessments are being evaluated at this time. Further information will be released as it becomes available. The Sheriff’s Office Patrol, Detectives, and Search and Rescue divisions responded, along with High Country and Williams Fire Departments.

A temporary shelter has been established by the American Red Cross at 636 South 7th Street in Williams. Animal shelter information is forthcoming.

“We are saddened by the impact to this community and the impact to the residents who have lost their homes. At what we thought would be the end of the 2022 Monsoon Season, we must now once again pull together as a community to help our neighbors in need,” commented District 3 Supervisor Matt Ryan, “Our thanks go out to our first responders for their swift response to this unexpected weather emergency. As with previous natural disasters, the County will be here to support our community members however we can.”

Junipine Estates is a neighborhood in unincorporated Coconino County approximately 10 miles north of the Town of Williams.

Road Work Occurring on Forest Roads 74 and 141 on the Williams Ranger District

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WILLIAMS – As more people are getting into the woods for the start of hunting season, the Kaibab National Forest would like to remind visitors to be on the lookout for heavy truck traffic and changed road conditions associated with construction activities on forest roads. One project to be aware of is occurring on Forest Road 74 north of Pittman Valley and portions of Forest Road 141 northwest of Sitgreaves Mountain on the Williams Ranger District.

This road project involves improving surfacing and side drainage to ensure long-term sustainability of the road and support forest restoration and fire risk reduction activities planned for the near future in the area. Work on these roads is ongoing and is expected to be completed by the end of September. While this project is underway, visitors may want to seek alternate access to avoid truck traffic and construction activities.

Free, downloadable maps of open forest roads to assist with route planning can be accessed from the Kaibab National Forest’s Motor Vehicle Use Maps & Motorized Travel Aids webpage.

Crews managing Murray 2 wildfire on North Kaibab Ranger District

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FREDONIA — Fire crews on the North Kaibab Ranger District plan to manage a new natural-caused wildfire discovered on September 11th. The Murray 2 Fire is estimated at 300 acres and is seven miles south of the Jacob Lake Inn along Arizona Route 67.

The fire is burning within the 2006 Warm Fire area. The fire suppression for this incident is to confine and contain it to a predetermined area. Due to hazardous trees and limited access and to provide for firefighter safety, crews will implement varying types and intensities of operational actions to delay and direct fire spread. They will utilize existing roads, trails and natural barriers to help limit fire spread within Forest Roads 224, 220, 3140, and 205/AZ 67. This fire is burning with a creeping, low rate of spread and at low intensity through grasses and dead-and-downed Ponderosa pine and aspen.

The current and forecast weather conditions are favorable to low fire behavior and high vegetation fuel moisture which will allow crews to manage the Murray 2 Flat fire to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations and restore forest health. The overall strategy will be to contain the fire within a road system and various control features surrounding an area of about 3,200 acres.

Smoke may be visible along AZ 67 south of Jacob Lake and Arizona Route 89A in the House Rock Valley area east of the North Kaibab Ranger District. No smoke impacts are anticipated to reach developed areas in the surrounding communities. A one-mile section of the Arizona Trail has been temporarily re-routed along a section of AZ 67 and will re-open once it is determined safe for use.

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. Managing this wildfire in this 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.

Additional fire information for Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab

Last Call for Basic Archery Clinic

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The last Basic Archery Clinic will be on October 1 at the Archery Range. This clinic is for ages 8 and up and costs $28 for adults and $17 for youth.

The archery clinics require advanced registration, and openings fill quickly! Visit HERE to register for the clinics and other Parks & Recreation programs.

Coconino County thanks volunteers for County Fair

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Thanks to all the workers, volunteers, superintendents, sponsors, partners, vendors, entertainers, exhibitors, contractors, and attendees of the 2022 Coconino County Fair.

More than 42,000 people visited over Labor Day weekend.

If you were inspired by this year’s event, please start thinking about a project you might want to enter next year. From gardening to collecting, there are many opportunities to be part of the Fair. See you at the County Fair next year!

Stupidity on rise as political signs defaced.

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WILLIAMS — Stupidity appears to be on the rise as punks emerge from their “safe spaces” to deface political signs in Williams. It is a crime to do so IAW Arizona Revised Statute 16-1019.

The Northern Arizona Gazette does NOT endorse any specific candidate. Our function is to bring you information on what they say and let you make up your own minds. The sign targeted shows which side did the defacing. We are, however, intolerant to the defacing of the signs of ANY candidate.

Of course, there is another side.

Arizona Revised Statute 16-1019. Political signs; printed materials; tampering; violation; classification

A. It is a class 2 misdemeanor for any person to knowingly remove, alter, deface or cover any political sign of any candidate for public office or in support of or opposition to any ballot measure, question or issue or knowingly remove, alter or deface any political mailers, handouts, flyers or other printed materials of a candidate or in support of or opposition to any ballot measure, question or issue that are delivered by hand to a residence for the period commencing forty-five days before a primary election and ending fifteen days after the general election, except that for a sign for a candidate in a primary election who does not advance to the general election, the period ends fifteen days after the primary election.

B. This section does not apply to the removal, alteration, defacing or covering of a political sign or other printed materials by the candidate or the authorized agent of the candidate in support of whose election the sign or materials were placed, by a person authorized by the committee in support of or opposition to a ballot measure, question or issue that provided the sign or printed materials, by the owner or authorized agent of the owner of private property on which such signs or printed materials are placed with or without permission of the owner or placed in violation of state law or county, city or town ordinance or regulation.

C. Notwithstanding any other statute, ordinance or regulation, a city, town or county of this state shall not remove, alter, deface or cover any political sign if the following conditions are met:

1. The sign is placed in a public right-of-way that is owned or controlled by that jurisdiction.

2. The sign supports or opposes a candidate for public office or it supports or opposes a ballot measure.

3. The sign is not placed in a location that is hazardous to public safety, obstructs clear vision in the area or interferes with the requirements of the Americans with disabilities act (42 United States Code sections 12101 through 12213 and 47 United States Code sections 225 and 611).

4. The sign has a maximum area of sixteen square feet, if the sign is located in an area zoned for residential use, or a maximum area of thirty-two square feet if the sign is located in any other area.

5. The sign contains the name and telephone number or website address of the candidate or campaign committee contact person.

D. If the city, town or county deems that the placement of a political sign constitutes an emergency, the jurisdiction may immediately relocate the sign. The jurisdiction shall notify the candidate or campaign committee that placed the sign within twenty-four hours after the relocation. If a sign is placed in violation of subsection C of this section and the placement is not deemed to constitute an emergency, the city, town or county may notify the candidate or campaign committee that placed the sign of the violation. If the sign remains in violation at least twenty-four hours after the jurisdiction notified the candidate or campaign committee, the jurisdiction may remove the sign. The jurisdiction shall contact the candidate or campaign committee contact and shall retain the sign for at least ten business days to allow the candidate or campaign committee to retrieve the sign without penalty.

E. A city, town or county employee acting within the scope of the employee’s employment is not liable for an injury caused by the failure to remove a sign pursuant to subsection D of this section unless the employee intended to cause injury or was grossly negligent.

F. Subsection C of this section does not apply to commercial tourism, commercial resort and hotel sign free zones as those zones are designated by municipalities. The total area of those zones shall not be larger than three square miles, and each zone shall be identified as a specific contiguous area where, by resolution of the municipal governing body, the municipality has determined that based on a predominance of commercial tourism, resort and hotel uses within the zone the placement of political signs within the rights-of-way in the zone will detract from the scenic and aesthetic appeal of the area within the zone and deter its appeal to tourists. Not more than two zones may be identified within a municipality.

G. A city, town or county may prohibit the installation of a sign on any structure owned by the jurisdiction.

H. Subsection C of this section applies only during the period commencing seventy-one days before a primary election and ending fifteen days after the general election, except that for a sign for a candidate in a primary election who does not advance to the general election, the period ends fifteen days after the primary election.

I. This section does not apply to state highways or routes, or overpasses over those state highways or routes.