Category Archives: News

Coconino County Officials Endorse New Presidential Designation of Grand Canyon National Monument

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FLAGSTAFF —— On April 11, 2023, Coconino County Chair Patrice Horstman and District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler, joined eleven tribal leaders of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, alongside Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), to launch an effort to call on President Joe Biden to use his authorities under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to designate the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. The proposal builds on Coconino County’s long established and ongoing commitment to permanently protect the region from mining and uranium development.

The Monument designation would protect 1,102,501 acres adjacent to the Grand Canyon by making the current 20-year moratorium on mining permanent across the vast landscape of the Grand Canyon region. This moratorium would protect the water and land, while allowing the area to continue to be used for existing activities like ranching, logging, hunting, and outdoor recreation, so that generations of residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the tremendous natural resources and beauty of the region for decades to come. The monument designation would also honor the deep cultural and spiritual ties of the many tribal nations that inhabit the region.

“Protecting the pristine Grand Canyon landscape has been a longstanding position of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors since adopting resolution 2008-09 to oppose uranium mining near the Grand Canyon within Coconino County,” said Fowler. “This designation won’t have an effect on recreation, hunting, or visitation, but it will safeguard our natural resources, our clean drinking water, our wildlife habitats, and our region’s very fragile natural watersheds.”

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors have long recognized the critical importance of protecting the land and water from the risks of contamination created by uranium mining, which has already left a toxic legacy on portions of tribal lands in the area, and they have worked persistently to engage our federal representatives in putting permanent protections in place. The county applauds the efforts of Congressman Grijalva and Senator Sinema to preserve this special region.

The Antiquities Act of 1906 was the first U.S. law to provide general legal protection of cultural and natural resources of historic or scientific interest on Federal lands and set an important precedent by asserting a broad public interest in the preservation of these resources. Some of the country’s original National Parks, including Grand Canyon, were originally designated as National Monuments by President Theodore Roosevelt under the Act.

“Protecting the greater Grand Canyon area and keeping it forever free of mining would recognize the historic, cultural, and religious importance of this special place and protect the beauty and water sources for many tribal members and the western communities that rely on Colorado River water,” added Patrice Horstman, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 1. “It would allow Arizona, the United States, and the whole world the ability to keep our Grand Canyon even grander for now and for all future generations.”

The Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition consists of leadership representatives of the Havasupai Tribe, Hopi Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, Kaibab Paiute Tribe, Las Vegas Band of Paiute Tribe, Moapa Band of Paiutes, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, Navajo Nation, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, Yavapai-Apache Nation, Pueblo of Zuni, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes.

Coconino designates April Earth Month.

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FLAGSTAFF — At their regular meeting on April 11, 2023, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) unanimously approved a proclamation designating April 2023 as Earth Month in Coconino County.

“Coconino County affirms that all that inhabit the Earth have a right to a healthy, sustainable environment,” the proclamation reads. “… as humans we are caretakers of the planet, and have an obligation to change human behaviors that contribute to climate change and environmental degradation and work to preserve the Earth’s beauty and its resources.”

The proclamation was drafted by Coconino County’s Green Team, a collaboration of County employees from all divisions of the administration and staff that serve Coconino County.

“This shouldn’t be about just one day or one month,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Vice-Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 2. “In order to have a sustainable future we need to think of ways we can minimize our carbon footprint and provide opportunities for the community to see the little things that we can each do to contribute to that sustainable future.”

The first annual Earth Day celebration started in April 1970 as a response to the lack of legislation about pollution in America’s air and water. Then, in 1990, the celebration spread worldwide. Now, Earth Day draws over 1 billion people throughout 190 countries to draw attention to worldwide sustainability issues.

“I remember when Earth Day was created,” added Matt Ryan, Supervisor for District 3. “The benefit I got out of it as a high school student was the introduction of environmental sciences to the curriculum and how that started to influence people wanting to make a difference.”

Coconino County’s Green Team and Friends of Coconino County Parks would like to invite the public to celebrate Earth Day and join a cleanup at Ft. Tuthill County Park on Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. On that day County employees will also participate in the City of Flagstaff’s Earth Day celebration at Bushmaster Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Surface Water and Soil Test Results near Walker

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) surface water and soil test results of orange water and soil in the area surrounding the former Sheldon Mine (see sampling location map at end) in Walker, Arizona, indicate the orange coloration is due to naturally-occurring iron. As iron is exposed to air, it forms iron oxide, which is orange or red in color. Based on the heavily mineralized geology in this former mining district, ADEQ tested the samples (surface water and soil) for metals (barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, selenium, silver, iron), arsenic, cyanide, and pH. Test results confirm that surface water and soil in the area do not pose an immediate threat to public health and that no remediation activities are warranted.

“Within 24 hours of receiving information from a resident about concerns related to the orange liquid and soil, ADEQ had an inspector on-site to investigate,” said ADEQ Water Quality Division Director Trevor Baggiore. “Once we confirmed the orange liquid, we immediately coordinated with our local, county and state partners and worked with Yavapai County Emergency Management to post signs to inform the public to avoid the area, while we made arrangements to conduct environmental sampling.”

On April 1, 2023, ADEQ collected four surface water samples — two from the area where the orange water was pooling and two where the orange water was entering a nearby creek. ADEQ also collected three soil samples from the area with the orange color.

  • Surface Water Results: ADEQ test results show that water in the nearby creek met applicable state surface water quality standards that protect people’s health if they recreate in the creek. For the orange water samples taken prior to reaching the creek, most elements met the standards; the elements that measured higher than the standards were arsenic and lead. The orange water is also weakly acidic, which is common in this area due to the geology and consistent with data from other streams in the Bradshaw Mountains.
  • Soil Results: ADEQ’s soil test results show all elements were well below the most conservative state cleanup standards, which are for residential areas, with the exception of arsenic. The arsenic results are consistent with levels that naturally occur in this highly mineralized area and across Arizona, do not present a concern for public health, and do not warrant cleanup action.

As a precautionary measure, ADEQ continues to advise people near the Sheldon Mine to avoid contact with orange water and orange stained soil in the area.

The Bradshaw Mountains include miles of underground mine workings and dozens of historic waste rock and tailings piles that date back many decades. Groundwater upwelling along with runoff from the historic waste rock and tailings piles contribute to the mineral content of surface water. Due to recent above-average precipitation in the region, orange water may be surfacing in other nearby areas.

On March 31, 2023, out of an abundance of caution, ADEQ advised the public to stay away from orange water or orange stained soils in the area surrounding the former Sheldon Mine in Walker, Arizona. While surface water and soil conditions in the area of the former Sheldon Mine do not pose an immediate health risk, ADEQ reminds Arizonans to always stay away from discolored soil, discolored surface water, and stormwater runoff in both urban and rural areas. In addition to metal pollutants, stormwater surface water flows can carry bacteria and pathogens. ADEQ also reminds and encourages private well owners to regularly test their well water according to guidance provided by the Arizona Department of Health Services.

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Kaibab NF firewood permits start April 14 and May 1

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WILLIAMS – The Kaibab National Forest will soon be offering personal-use fuelwood permits for the 2023 season. On the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts, the Forest Service will begin issuing permits Friday, April 14, 2023 and permit holders will be able to collect firewood Saturday, April 15 through April 14, 2024. On the North Kaibab Ranger District, permit sales and firewood collection will run from May 1 through December 31, 2023.

Paid Permits are $20 for 10 cords of wood (limit 20 cords per year) and can be purchased by check, credit card, money order, and cash with exact change. Cash and check purchases are generally faster than credit card. A valid ID is required to obtain a permit. A Free Permit is available for the Tusayan Ranger District and allows for gathering 10 cords of dead and/or down pinyon pine.

Details such as tree sizes and species will be outlined in the cutting regulations issued with each permit. Permit holders will also receive maps and load tags which must be physically attached to each ¼ cord of firewood and visible from the rear of the vehicle.

Customers can obtain permits at the following offices. Office hours are listed on the Kaibab NF website; However, hours are subject to change and customers should call first.

For Williams District and Tusayan District permits:
Williams Ranger District Office, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams; 928-635-5600
Tusayan Ranger District Office, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Tusayan; 928-638-2443

For North Kaibab District permits:
North Kaibab Ranger District Office, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia; 928-643-7395

It’s important to remember that many forest roads are extremely muddy and unsuitable to travel at this time; and may remain that way for the next several weeks. Regardless of the time of year, forest visitors are expected to use good judgement when traveling in the woods. Plan ahead, contact the district office for conditions, and remember that causing resource damage – such as ruts from driving on saturated roads – is illegal.

A wealth of information can be found on the Kaibab National Forest website, including additional details that will be added about the forest’s 2023 Firewood Permit Program.

Seasonal road closures still in place across Coconino NF

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest authorities would like to remind the public to stay off forest roads that are closed, and do not drive around gates, barricades, or signs that indicate a road is closed for the season.

Forest Service personnel have found broken locks on gates and tracks of drivers ignoring road-closed signs, which have created deep ruts and damaged forest roads and sensitive areas.

Coconino National Forest closes many forest roads every winter season in order to protect resources, watersheds, and forest roads from damage caused by even the lightest vehicles on soft, wet soil.

Damaging forest roads and areas costs valuable resources and personnel time to repair the damage after the roads dry out. It also prolongs road closures, which affects recreational opportunities in areas that must remain closed until repaired.

There is no set date by which districts on the forest close or re-open forest roads. Districts will re-open forest roads as the weather dries out and the soil on and around forest roads harden enough to safely accept the weight of vehicles.

When roads do begin to open, drivers are reminded that care should be taken when driving on the soil, and drivers should not continue driving on an open road if the vehicle begins to create deep ruts or otherwise damage the road or soil.

Remember to only stay on open and authorized roads that are shown on the Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), which is free at any Ranger Station or can be downloaded on a smartphone. More information about how to download the Avenza app and MVUM is available on our MVUM web page.

The smartphone map, available through the Avenza Maps app, transforms your phone to a GPS unit that can aid navigation, allow you to collect route data, and identify waypoints. The Coconino National Forest Travel Map includes additional detail and information, with shaded relief topography, game management units, hiking trails, and all designated motorized routes and areas. Once the map is downloaded, it works without cell coverage.

As an additional reminder before the camping season begins, camping is allowed on the national forest up to 14 days in a 30-day period. Camping beyond 14 days is prohibited.

West Side of Lower Lake Mary closed due to leaking levee

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) has issued a closure order for a portion of Lower Lake Mary’s west side due to a leaking levee.

The closure has been issued as a precaution due to visible leaks in the levee.

“The safety of the public is our No. 1 priority,” said Deputy District Ranger Nicholas Mustoe. “Luckily, heavy snowfall this past winter means there are still numerous spots in the Lower Lake Mary area that visitors can still safely access.”

Lower Lake Mary visitors are advised to check the closure order map and abide by all posted signage.

Forest engineers have been working to assess the structural integrity of the levee since Friday, and forest personnel are seeking to contract a qualified third-party to assist with the analysis.

Should the levee fail, Lower Lake Mary will empty out into a side tributary. There are no campgrounds, recreation sites or private homes at risk should the levee fail. Forest officials ask the public to comply with the closure order and find other areas around Lower Lake Mary to recreate until the levee can be assessed and repaired.

Forest Road (FR) 296 may become impassible should the levee fail. Forest visitors are reminded to check the status of all forest roads at coconinonationalforest.us prior to any forest excursion.

Weekend pedestrian accident in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – On April 8th, 2023, at approximately 8:27 pm The Flagstaff Police Department received a call regarding a pedestrian versus a vehicle crash at N Highway 89 and N Cummings St.

Flagstaff Police Department Patrol responded to find the pedestrian, Clinton Brown of Louisiana, had been struck by a vehicle. Life saving measures were performed on Mr. Brown by medical personnel. At approximately 8:57 hours Mr. Brown was pronounced deceased.

The driver of the vehicle stayed on scene and was cooperative with law enforcement and the investigation.

It was reported by witnesses that the vehicle was traveling northbound approaching the intersection in the number three lane, closest to the sidewalk, when the crash occurred. The witnesses advised the vehicle had the green light to proceed through the intersection. It was reported that Mr. Brown was not in a cross walk and was crossing the road from the west.

Detectives, the Collision Reconstruction Team, and the Coconino Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene to investigate the crash. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Attempted armed robbery in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – On April 5th, 2023, at approximately 1:47 pm a male entered the Swift Travel Center located at 3099 W Shamrell Blvd. Once inside the male attempted to purchase dog food. He handed the clerk money and when the money drawer was opened, he had a handgun at his waist and demanded money. The suspect left without receiving any money. He fled in a vehicle southbound on I17. He was described as a white male with face tattoos and driving a blue Dodge Durango.

Flagstaff Police Department Patrol Officers arrived on scene, obtained a description and Dispatch placed an attempt to locate out to local agencies. The Criminal Investigations Unit responded and processed the scene for evidence.

Coconino County Deputies responded to the Chevron in Munds Park, after receiving a phone call from the Clerk that they had just been robbed at gunpoint. The Clerk advised the Suspect had left the scene and left south bound on interstate 17 from Munds Park.

Responding Deputies were given a description from the clerk of the suspect and the suspect vehicle. The Clerk described the Suspect as a male wearing a black sweatshirt with white writing on the sleeve, a red Angel’s ball cap, and a black mask over his face. The Vehicle was described as a Black or dark colored Dodge Durango with a Colorado license plate.

While Deputies were responding to the Munds Park Chevron an attempt to locate was put out Department of Public Safety and other agencies south along Interstate 17.

At approximately 2:33 PM, Department of Public Safety Troopers observed a vehicle matching the description of the Armed Robber traveling southbound on Interstate 17 at Mile Post 275 in Yavapai County. State Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit was ended after the use of Stop Sticks brought the vehicle to a stop on I-17 in the Camp Verde Area at Mile Post 278. The suspect was identified as Christopher Williams, a 39-year-old male out of Westminster, Colorado. Williams was taken into custody and booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility on several felony charges.

This matter is currently under investigation and no further information is available at this time.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Department of Public Safety and the Flagstaff Police Department for their assistance in this incident and bringing it to a safe conclusion.

Wildlife assets to be auctioned March 25-26 at AZGFD’s Outdoor Expo

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will auction its inventory of wildlife assets at the upcoming 2023 Outdoor Expo at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, one-half of a mile west of Interstate 17 on Carefree Highway.

Antlers, hides, skulls and wildlife mounts, as well as wildlife artwork and taxidermy — all seized during law enforcement investigations, obtained from animals killed in vehicle collisions, or acquired through donations — will be sold March 25-26. Items can be purchased individually, by the pound or through a silent auction (cash or credit card only).

AZGFD will be posting bidding rules and auction procedures on Instagram (www.instagram.com/gf_assets). Once the expo gets underway, photos of many of the assets will be posted for the benefit of those wanting to see what items become available throughout each day.

Funds generated from the wildlife assets auction are used to purchase equipment and technology used in the investigation of wildlife crimes and to protect the state’s wildlife resources.

Expo hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 25; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 26. Admission and parking are free. Event sponsors this year include Sig Sauer (gold), Kimber America (silver), Walther and TrueShot Gun Club (bronze), and Canyon Coolers (prize pack).

Leftover permit-tags remain for 2023 elk hunts

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PHOENIX — Arizona hunters still have an opportunity to receive a hunt permit-tag for select 2023 elk hunts.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted a list of leftover hunt permit-tags, as well as a printable paper application, on its website.

Leftover hunt permit-tags include:

  • 62 — limited opportunity (general) antlerless elk.
  • 9 — limited opportunity (HAM) antlerless elk.
  • 6 — archery-only antlerless elk.
  • 6 — youth-only (general) antlerless elk.
  • 2 — archery-only bull elk.

The department will begin accepting paper applications for leftover hunt permit-tags on a first-come, first-served basis — by mail only — beginning Monday, March 27. All completed paper applications must be addressed to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Draw/First Come, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. There is no “mini” draw. Allow 10 to 15 business days to receive a hunt permit-tag by mail.

Any remaining leftover hunt permit-tags will go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Monday, April 3, at all department offices. Some of the leftover hunt permit-tags are for Hopi hunt open areas and are available to everyone, both tribal members and non-tribal members, through the first-come, first-served process.

A number of leftover hunt permit-tags remain for military hunts at Camp Navajo, for those who qualify. For more information, visit https://dema.az.gov/army-national-guard/camp-navajo/garrison-operations/camp-navajo-hunting-information.

For more information, including license and hunt permit-tag requirements, view the “2023 Pronghorn and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet online, or call 602-942-3000.