Category Archives: Arizona

Reminder: Public comment deadline on draft EA for Arizona’s sport fish stocking program is June 11

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PHOENIX — The deadline for submitting comments on the draft Environmental Assessment (dEA) for Arizona’s sport fish stocking program is 5 p.m. (Arizona time) on June 11, 2021.

The dEA is part of a process to continue to allow federal Sport Fish Restoration funding to support the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s (AZGFD) long-standing program of stocking fish for public recreational opportunities, and for hatchery operations and maintenance.

Each year, thousands of anglers in Arizona take advantage of the fish stocking program, which is funded in part by federal dollars from the Sport Fish Restoration Program and augmented by state dollars from fishing license sales.

Every 10 years, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and AZGFD evaluate the social, economic and environmental effects of Arizona’s stocking program, and pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), prepare a dEA that analyzes possible actions or alternatives. The preferred alternative for the agencies, also known as the Proposed Action, would allow AZGFD to continue its stocking program for the next 10 years and also includes conservation measures to reduce potential impacts on federally listed or sensitive native aquatic or semi-aquatic species.

Two Facebook Live sessions were held June 1 and June 2.

Written comments on the dEA, which was made available for public review beginning on May 11, can still be submitted through 5 p.m. (Arizona time) June 11, 2021. Comments can be either:

  • Emailed to fw2fa@fws.gov, or
  • Sent by U.S. Mail to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attention: Dave Weedman, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086 (must be postmarked no later than June 11, 2021).

Your written comments—including personal identifying information, such as name, address, phone number, and email address—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask that personal identifying information be withheld from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Additional information

Recreational angling in Arizona created a statewide economic impact of more than $1.4 billion in 2013, according to the 2013 Economic Impact of Fishing in Arizona by Responsive Management (the last year such a survey was done). In fiscal year 2020, AZGFD sold 273,902 fishing licenses, generating revenue of nearly $14 million. During the last six years, AZGFD has stocked approximately 3 million fish per year. The majority of stockings were cold water species, such as Rainbow, Apache, Brook, Cutthroat, and Brown Trout. AZGFD also stocked warm water species including Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Redear Sunfish, and Bluegill.

In 2013, there were 5,979,637 angler days of fishing in Arizona. Sport Fish Restoration funding will make it possible for AZGFD to continue to meet part of this demand for public recreational angling opportunities on Arizona’s waters.

This information is also posted at https://www.azgfd.com/Fishing/FisheriesManagement/.

From Pens to Dens: A Record Number of Mexican Wolf Pups Fostered into the Wild

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–Arizona Game and Fish Photo

PINETOP —​​​​​​​ A record 22 captive-born Mexican wolf pups were placed in wild dens to be raised in the wild by their surrogate parents after another successful cross-foster season. For six years, wild Mexican wolves have been raising captive-born pups as their own, helping to boost the genetic diversity of this endangered subspecies and moving the wild population towards recovery.

During April and May, nine pups were fostered into three different packs in eastern Arizona and 13 were fostered into five packs in western New Mexico.

“Fostering is an outstanding example of a working private-public recovery program. Wolf recovery has to recognize the importance of meeting genetic criteria, which requires many private organizations maintaining captive wolves for release into the wild. Without this important partnership, genetic recovery would be essentially impossible,” said Jim deVos, AZGFD Mexican Wolf Coordinator. “Importantly, we are now seeing Mexican wolves that have been fostered producing litters themselves supporting the use of fostering as an effective conservation tool.”

Cross-fostering is a proven method used by the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team (IFT) to increase genetic diversity in the wild Mexican wolf population. It involves placing genetically diverse pups that are 14 days or younger from the captive breeding population into wild dens with similarly aged pups to be raised in the wild by experienced wolves. The IFT has documented that cross-fostered pups have the same survival rate as wild-born pups in their first year of life (about 50%).

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service remains committed to improving the health of the wild population of Mexican wolves, and cross-fostering is one of the many tools we are using to make progress in that direction,” said Allison Greenleaf, biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “To see this program continuing to have success is a true testament to the hard work of all our field staff and partners.”

Five different captive-born litters provided Mexican wolf pups for fostering into the wild population. The following facilities provided pups this year:

  • Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka, Missouri: one litter provided two pups into the Owl Canyon Pack in New Mexico and three pups into the Elk Horn Pack in Arizona; a second litter provided three pups into the Lava Pack in New Mexico and three pups into the Hoodoo Pack in Arizona
  • El Paso Zoo in El Paso, Texas: one litter provided three pups into the Castle Rock Pack in Arizona and one pup into the Leon Pack in New Mexico;
  • Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in Socorro, New Mexico: one litter provided two pups into the San Mateo Pack in New Mexico and two pups into the Leon Pack in New Mexico; a second litter provided three pups into the Dark Canyon Pack in New Mexico.

Aerial support for this year’s operations was provided by three private organizations: LightHawk Conservation Flying and APLux and Aero Charter. In addition, Arizona Game and Fish Department provided air support to facilitate fostering efforts.

“The cooperation between Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has allowed another record year, allowing us to improve the genetic diversity in the wild population and gaining on the goal for genetic recovery,” said Stewart Liley, Wildlife Management Division Chief at New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

Since the beginning of the cross-fostering program, the IFT has documented a minimum of 12 cross-fostered wolves currently alive and surviving in the wild. Seven of these wolves have reached breeding age (two years old) and count toward the Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan criterion for genetic recovery of the population. Four of these cross-fostered wolves have subsequently produced pups in the wild. Pups are too young to mark when fostered, therefore only those that are recaptured can be confirmed as being alive. It is likely that other fostered pups are alive and contributing to improving the genetic diversity of the wild population and helping meet recovery criteria.

The IFT will continue to monitor the packs that pups were placed in through GPS and radio telemetry signals from collars on older wolves within the pack to avoid further disturbance. Later, through remote camera observations and efforts to capture the young of the year, the IFT plans to document additional survival of cross-fostered pups.

The end-of-year census for 2020 showed a minimum of 186 wild Mexican wolves in the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area (72 in Arizona and 114 in New Mexico). This marked a 14% increase in the population from a minimum of 163 wolves counted at the end of 2019. The IFT documented a 24% growth in the Mexican wolf population in 2019, which has nearly doubled in size over the last five years.

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.

Coconino NF responding to 20-plus-acre Slate Fire

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is responding to the 20-plus-acre Slate Fire located in the northern part of the Flagstaff Ranger District near Highway 180 and the border of the Kaibab National Forest.

Roughly 50 personnel — including four engines, two crews, a water tender and a dozer — have been dispatched to the fire.

Traffic along Highway 180 may be affected.

The fire was called in at about 4 a.m. and the cause is still under investigation.

Coconino NF seeks input on Mt. Elden/Dry Lake Hills project

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is seeking public input on a proposed project to improve non-motorized trails in the Mt. Elden/ Dry Lake Hills area just outside the city of Flagstaff.

The Mt. Elden/Dry Lake Hills (MEDL) Recreation Planning Project includes proposed trail construction, relocation, re-routes, closures and improvements. It includes the construction and improvements of trailheads and will make improvements in the Mt. Elden Environmental Study Area. It also aims to identify appropriate trail systems for special-use permit events.

As the most popular and heavily used recreation area on the Flagstaff Ranger District, frequent use of the MEDL area has led to both deteriorating conditions on existing trails as well as a system of unauthorized trails.

In addition to developing a premier trail system, the MEDL project will also respond to ongoing negative impacts from unsustainable recreational uses, which affect natural resources such as wildlife, watershed and soil conditions, recreational experience, and vegetation.

The proposed plan has been modified based on comments received during last fall’s scoping period, in addition to numerous meetings with partners and stakeholders. The goal of the MEDL plan is to protect natural land and cultural resources while providing opportunities for forest visitors to enjoy public land.

The public comment period will run for 30 days, from June 1 to July 1.

An environmental analysis, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act, has been prepared and can be found on the Coconino National Forest’s website.

The Coconino National Forest will hold several informational events throughout the 30-day comment period, as listed below. Advance registration is not required.

  • 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 5: Forest Service representatives will staff a kiosk located at “The Y” Schultz Creek Natural Area, at the intersection of Mount Elden Lookout and Schultz Pass roads
  • 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday, June 20: Forest Service staff will be available at the Flagstaff Community Market farmers market, located at City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave.
  • 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 22: Forest Service staff will be available at the Ramadas at Buffalo Park, located at 2400 N. Gemini Road

In addition, timely, project-specific written comments can be submitted online. Comments must be received by June 30 to be considered for analysis.

Only those who submit comments — as defined by 36 CFR 218.2 — will be eligible to file an objection after a draft decision notice is issued, which is anticipated to happen during the summer of 2021.

For additional information, please contact Environmental Coordinator Christine Handler at 559-920-2188 or christine.handler@usda.gov, or Recreation Staff Pat McGervey at 928-526-0866 or patrick.mcgervey@usda.gov.

Coordinated law enforcement & volunteer efforts result in cleaner forests, protection of habitat, safer off-road use

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FLAGSTAFF — Memorial Day weekend was marked by efforts that resulted in a safer and cleaner Coconino National Forest, thanks to Arizona law enforcement officers, employees with state and federal agencies, along with volunteer organizations. Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), and the U.S Forest Service recently conducted several joint law enforcement efforts on the Coconino National Forest over Memorial Day weekend.

Prior to the holiday weekend, employees of these agencies and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, along with volunteers from National Forest Foundation, Oak Creek Watershed Council, and Friends of Northern Arizona Forests, spent several hours picking up trash at popular camping areas in the Coconino National Forest at the headwaters of Oak Creek Canyon. A 20-yard dumpster donated by Waste Management Group was filled with trash left in the forest by about 30 volunteers.

Law enforcement personnel then contacted campers as they were leaving their campsites to ensure camping areas were left as clean as when they arrived. Ten citations and 11 warnings were issued over the holiday weekend, while another 27 citations and four warnings were given last Labor Day weekend.

“This was the most thorough saturation patrol I have seen, demonstrating tremendous collaboration, planning and follow through between the Forest Service, Law Enforcement agencies and public interest groups,” said Forest Service Patrol Captain Andy Pederson. “A big thanks to Game and Fish for all the pre-work that made this event a success.”

Additionally, law enforcement agencies conducted an off-highway vehicle (OHV) patrol on the Coconino National Forest targeting unlawful off-road vehicle travel that was damaging sensitive wildlife habitat. CCSO made 144 contacts with OHVs which resulted in 25 citations, two of which were injury accidents. AZGFD made 168 contacts with OHVs, resulting in 17 citations, 11 of which were for unlawful travel off roads.

Another forest cleanup project will be conducted on June 30 in anticipation of the busy IDEPENDENCE weekend around the fourth of July. For more information about that event, see Pickin’ Up in the Pines online or send an email to sstortz@nationalforests.org.

Moving Wall in place

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WILLIAMS — After almost a year of delay, the Moving Wall is finally set up in Williams. About 25 volunteers assisted in getting the wall set up which took about four-hours. Mayor John Moore came out to look at the Wall. He said that after ten-years of trying to get the wall here, it was difficult to believe that it was actually here.

About 25 volunteers assisted in the contruction of the Moving Wall.


The Moving Wall is a replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. which–until recent events–is visited each year on Memorial Day by veterans of Run For The Wall and Rolling Thunder. This memorial means a great deal to the remaining heroes of the Vietnam Era, so we ask that you take your dogs somewhere else to take care of their natural business while the Moving Wall is in place. If your dog has an accident, we ask that you clean it up immediately.

The last piece of the wall being put into place by volunteers.


There will be a ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. tomorrow and there will be displays of military equipment and other military service organizations.

Each slab of the Moving Wall was carefully carried and put into place by volunteers.

Each slab of the Moving Wall was carefully carried and put into place by volunteers.

Each slab of the Moving Wall was carefully carried and put into place by volunteers.

The components of the wall were not allowed to touch ground. Volunteers, here, hold it up on their feet until it was put into place.

Mayor John Moore of Williams toured the Moving Wall.

Visitors started touring the wall before completion.

Panels of the wall being cleaned of any fingerprints left by volunteers.

I-40 lane restrictions at Leupp Road starting June 2

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FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for travel restrictions on Interstate 40 at Leupp Road starting Wednesday, June 2, as rehabilitation work is performed on the Leupp Bridge.

Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel while the following restrictions are in place from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2; Thursday, June 3; Monday, June 7; and Tuesday, June 8:

  • East- and westbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane of travel in each direction.
  • A vehicle width limit of 15 feet will be in place. Wider loads can be accommodated with advance notice.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph.

The Leupp Bridge is located about 50 miles east of Flagstaff. The bridge project is part of a $275 million investment ADOT has made to the I-40 corridor over the last five years. This includes improvements to 90 miles of roadway and 35 bridges.

Plan for overnight lane restrictions on Interstate 40 in Flagstaff June 1 – 4

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FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers who travel Interstate 40 in Flagstaff to plan for overnight lane restrictions while ADOT crews continue pavement preservation work.

The following restrictions will occur nightly from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 1, to the morning of Friday, June 4:

  • Eastbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane in work areas between the junction with I-17 (milepost 195) and Country Club Drive (milepost 201).
  • Law enforcement may be on site to assist with traffic control.
  • A 16-foot vehicle-width restriction will be in place.

For more information, visit the project webpage: azdot.gov/I40WalnutCanyonRd

ADOT advises drivers to slow down and use caution around personnel and equipment while pavement repairs are underway.

Since 2016, ADOT has replaced about 90 miles of pavement and repaired, upgraded or replaced 35 bridges along I-40.

ADOT: Drivers should focus on safety for Memorial Day road trips

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PHOENIX – Drivers who are planning road trips over the Memorial Day weekend should prepare ahead of time for hot weather in areas, stay alert and bring along essential items in case of an unscheduled stop in traffic.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is not scheduling any full construction or maintenance closures along state highways from Friday afternoon, May 28, through Monday night, May 31, to limit impacts on holiday weekend travel.

Drivers should allow extra time, especially during peak travel periods, and be prepared for unscheduled highway closures due to crashes, disabled vehicles or other incidents such as wildfires.

While no full construction closures are scheduled over the three-day weekend, drivers should prepare to slow down and merge safely when approaching and traveling through existing work zones.

Motorists also should pack extra drinking water and other items including blankets, a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, a fully charged cell phone and charger, healthy snacks, baby diapers if necessary and a small tool kit.

Since travel delays are possible, don’t forget an adequate amount of prescription medicines. A hat, sunglasses and umbrella – to help with rain or shade – also are good items to remember.

Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including blowing dust. ADOT’s holiday weekend safe driving recommendations include:

  • Never drive while impaired. Buckle up and obey speed limits
  • Arrange for a designated driver or ride service if necessary
  • Check your vehicle, including tire pressure
  • Get some rest before traveling. Fatigue is a serious safety risk
  • Avoid distractions. Don’t text while driving
  • Don’t park in areas with grasses and brush. Hot vehicle components could start a fire

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov. ADOT also provides highway condition updates via its Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT. When a highway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.

Plan for overnight lane restrictions on Interstate 40 in Flagstaff May 27-28

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers who travel Interstate 40 in Flagstaff to plan for overnight lane restrictions while ADOT crews begin pavement preservation work.

The following restrictions will occur from 8 p.m. Thursday, May 27, to 5 a.m. Friday, May 28:

  • Eastbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane at the junction with I-17 between mileposts 195 and 196.
  • Law enforcement may be on site to assist with traffic control.
  • A 16-foot vehicle-width restriction will be in place.

ADOT advises drivers to slow down and use caution around personnel and equipment while pavement repairs are underway.

Since 2016, ADOT has replaced about 90 miles of pavement and repaired, upgraded or replaced 35 bridges along I-40.