Category Archives: News

Fall & Winter Pile Burns Begin on North Kaibab Ranger District at Various Locations

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FREDONIA – Prescribed fire pile burning will commence across the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest for the remainder of the fall and into the winter season.

Winter weather with forecasted snow present excellent opportunities nearly every year for fire crews to burn and consume piled slash and woody debris left over from previous forest restoration projects. For the months of November through February, 330 acres of piles near Dry Park Lookout Tower and Pleasant Valley cabin are planned for prescribed burning operations, with additional hand and machine piles planned near Jacob Lake and east of the North Rim Country Store near DeMotte Campground this winter.

Operations will begin with the ignition of about 300 acres of piles near Dry Park Lookout Tower on Wednesday, November 30th. These hand piles are relatively small in size and will consume quickly with little to no smoke impacts expected.

Smoke may be visible during the day as ignitions are occurring and may periodically impact Forest Road 22 but is predicted to be light in volume and short in duration. Smoke production is generally minimal after the first few hours with rapid dispersion as piles consume. Some smoke has potential to settle overnight into the lower elevations due to fluctuating atmospheric temperatures that produce nighttime inversions.

Forest visitors are asked to avoid active hot areas and are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through any prescribed fire project vicinity.

All prescribed burning on the Kaibab National Forest is subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
For additional information about the Smoke Management Division of the ADEQ and to view prescribed burn authorizations, please visit: legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/index.html

Oak Hill Snow Play area closed this season to facilitate theft of Arizona resources.

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WILLIAMS – The Oak Hill area on the Kaibab National Forest will be closed for the 2022-2023 winter season to protect public safety during logging operations. The Parks West forest restoration project is expected to begin December 1, 2022. Forest restoration projects are conducted to return the forest to more natural, fire-adapted conditions by removing overcrowded trees from the forest to reduce the likelihood and severity of wildfires.

The Oak Hill Snow Play Area is located in the center of the closure area, and will be closed. Heavy equipment will be working in and around the snow play area. The snow play area will also have a large amount of woody debris and ground disturbance following the restoration work that will make conditions unsafe for snow play.

Plan ahead for winter snow play. Though the Oak Hill Snow Play Area will not be available for use, the general forest is open for snow play and there are other privately operated snow play facilities in the Williams and Flagstaff area. Many of the roads are not maintained in the winter and travelers may become stuck while trying to access areas. Please ensure that you plan for winter driving conditions, have a 4×4 vehicle with tire chains, and have appropriate clothing, food, and water for cold and wet conditions.

Please reference temporary area closure order: #03-07-01-22-12 for more information.
Oak Hill Closure Map: bit.ly/3OJ2nFq

Endangered Mount Graham red squirrel population on rise

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The annual interagency survey of the endangered Mount Graham red squirrel showed an increase in the latest population estimate in the Pinaleño Mountains of southeastern Arizona, likely due to a new survey method.

The annual survey, conducted jointly by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), Coronado National Forest, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, resulted in an estimate of 156 squirrels. This is an increase from the 109 squirrels estimated in 2021 after a new survey method was implemented to more thoroughly survey their habitat.

“After the Frye Fire impacted a significant amount of the forest, we needed a better survey method in order to search out areas that red squirrels may not have been previously occupying,” said Holly Hicks, the department’s small mammal project coordinator. “This method was piloted for the past three years in conjunction with our usual annual survey to determine the accuracy and to compare the two methods.”

Previous annual red squirrel surveys focused on visiting all known “middens,” or areas where red squirrels store their cones. This method did not systematically detect middens created by red squirrels as they moved to new or different areas on the mountain.

The new method now involves systematically searching for active middens within survey plots that are designed to capture the majority of red squirrel habitat in the Pinaleño Mountains. This enables new middens to be detected as they are created, and activity at these middens is then used to estimate the population size.

“We work to actively manage and restore forest conditions for the benefit of all species on Mount Graham, including the Mount Graham red squirrel,” said George Garcia, the Safford District Ranger of the Coronado National Forest. “We are proud to be part of the efforts being taken by the interagency team.”

Marit Alanen, lead biologist for the Mount Graham red squirrel with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said: ”It’s exciting to have a method where we can survey red squirrels and also allows us to detect occupied areas we may not have known about before.

“Some of these areas are pretty tough to get to and survey, so we appreciate working with the interagency team and all our partners to make it happen.”

The continuing conservation measures for this endangered species and its habitat include the following: assessment of the remaining habitat, insect pheromone treatments to protect trees, conifer seed collection (including storage,and planting), forest stand monitoring/enhancement, reducing food and habitat competitors, captive rearing with partners at the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation, The Phoenix Zoo, continuing life history and translocation/augmentation research through the University of Arizona, and continuing annual survey monitoring.

This subspecies was listed as endangered in 1987. Mount Graham red squirrels live only in the upper-elevation conifer forests of the Pinaleño Mountains and feed primarily on conifer seeds. This subspecies is highly territorial and has lower reproductive rates than red squirrels in other locations.

Other long-term impacts to Mount Graham red squirrels and their habitat include insect infestations, competition with non-native Abert’s squirrels, and poor cone crops caused by drought, all of which influence population size.

The Mount Graham red squirrel population peaked at about 550 animals in the late 1990s, but typically ranged between 200 and 300 individuals until the 2017 Frye Fire devastated much of their habitat.

Restrictions in place as bald eagle breeding season begins

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PHOENIX — Arizona’s bald eagles are back, and they will soon be preparing for the next generation of eagles at breeding sites statewide.

To assist with the state’s continued bald eagle population growth, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) encourages outdoor recreationists, aircraft pilots, drone operators and motorized paragliders to do their part by not disturbing the state’s 94 eagle breeding areas. 
To protect breeding attempts, some portions of public land and water areas will be temporarily closed to help these majestic animals and ensure even more young eagles take to the skies this spring. 

“Arizona’s bald eagles are hard at work preparing their nest for what we hope will be a productive breeding season,” said Kenneth “Tuk” Jacobson, bald eagle management coordinator. “The birds nest, forage and roost at rivers and lakes that are also popular recreation spots. That’s why we must be vigilant to help protect the birds and ensure their populations statewide continue to flourish. That success wouldn’t be possible without the cooperation of outdoor recreationists who respect the closures during the breeding season.” 

During the 2022 breeding season, 78 young hatched, and 61 reached the important milestone of their first flight, known as fledging. 

Pilots are reminded to maintain the FAA-recommended 2,000-foot above ground level advisory when flying over bald eagle habitat, while drones and paragliders are asked to avoid the areas completely. Bald eagles are sensitive to even short durations of low-flying aircraft activity near their nests, and just a few minutes of disturbance can lead to a nesting failure. 
AIRSPACE ADVISORY

Statewide

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established a 2,000-foot above ground level (AGL) advisory along the Salt and Verde river drainages and lakes such as Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt Lake and Alamo Lake. These areas are designated on the Phoenix Sectional Aeronautical map and also include Alamo Lake, Ashurst Lake, Greer Lakes, Crescent Lake, Luna Lake, Show Low Lake, Chevelon Canyon Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, Lake Mary, Dogtown Reservoir, White Horse Lake and the Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge. Special brochures for pilots regarding this advisory can be obtained by calling the Arizona Department of Transportation or AZGFD’s Terrestrial Wildlife branch at 623-236-7506.

SEASONAL CLOSURES

Verde River 
  • A closure for the Verde River below Sycamore Canyon Wilderness is not planned this year unless the eagle pair resumes nesting. Verde River below Sycamore Canyon Wilderness may be closed to foot and vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 15. Floating through is allowed, but contact the Coconino National Forest, Red Rock Ranger District office for more information at 928-203-7500 or 928-203-2900.
  • Verde River near Chasm Creek is closed to foot and vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact the Prescott National Forest, Verde Ranger District, at 928-567-4121.
  • Verde River near Cold Water Creek, allows watercraft to float through but no stopping on the river or landing is allowed Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Prescott National Forest, Verde Ranger District, at 928-567-4121.
  • Verde River upstream of the East Verde confluence is closed to vehicle and foot entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed. Contact the Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, at 480-595-3300. 
  • Verde River near Mule Shoe Bend allows watercraft to float through but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, at 480-595-3300.
  • Verde River below Bartlett Dam is closed to foot or vehicle entry from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed. Contact the Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, at 480-595-3300.
  • Verde River at the Needle Rock Recreation Area is closed to foot and vehicle entry on portions of the west side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed, but no stopping in the river or landing on the east side of the river is allowed. Contact the Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, at 480-595-3300.
Tonto Creek 
  • Tonto Creek from Gisela to 76 Ranch is not planned to be closed to vehicle, foot entry, and floating through from Dec. 1 to June 30, unless the eagle pair resumes nesting within the closure area. Contact the Tonto National Forest, Tonto Basin Ranger District, at 928-467-3200.
  • Tonto Creek inlet to Roosevelt Lake is closed to vehicle and foot entry within 1,000 feet of the nest on land and to watercraft within 300 feet on water from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Tonto National Forest, Tonto Basin Ranger District, at 602-225-5395.
Salt River
  • Salt River from Horseshoe Bend to Redmond Flat allows watercraft to float through, but no stopping in the river or landing is allowed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Tonto National Forest, Globe Ranger District, at 928-402-6200.
  • Salt River near Meddler Point is closed to vehicle and foot entry within 1,000 feet of the nest on land and to watercraft within 300 feet on water from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Tonto National Forest, Tonto Basin Ranger District, at 602-225-5395.
  • Salt River below Stewart Mountain Dam is closed to vehicle or foot entry on the south side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact the Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District, at 480-610-3300.
  • Salt River near Goldfield-Kerr Fire Station is closed to foot and vehicle entry on the north side of the river from Dec. 1 to June 30. Floating through is allowed. Contact the Tonto National Forest, Mesa Ranger District, at 480-610-3300. 
Crescent Lake
A portion of land west of the lakes is closed to all entry from March 1 through Aug. 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Springerville Ranger District, at 928-333-6200.

Fool Hollow Lake
A portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from Dec. 1 through June 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Lakeside Ranger District, at 928-368-2100.

Greer Lakes
(Tunnel and River). Depending on the nesting location, portions of the lakes may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from March 1 through July 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Springerville Ranger District, at 928-333-6200.

Horseshoe Lake
Depending on the nesting location, a portion of the lake may be closed from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact AZGFD at 623-236-7506. 
Lake Pleasant
No vehicle, watercraft or foot entry is allowed into a portion of the Lower Agua Fria Arm from Dec. 15 to June 15. Contact Maricopa County Parks and Recreation at 928-501-1710. 

Luna Lake
Depending on the nesting location, the portion of land to the north or south of Luna Lake may be closed to vehicle and foot traffic from Jan. 1 to June 15. Contact the Apache National Forest, Alpine Ranger District, at 928-339-5000.

Lynx Lake
Depending on the nesting location, a portion of trail on the lake’s east side is closed to vehicle and foot traffic from Dec. 1 to June 30. Contact the Prescott National Forest, Bradshaw Ranger District, at 928-443-8000.

Show Low Lake
A portion of the lake may be closed to watercraft and a portion of the shoreline may be closed to foot entry from January 1 through July 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Lakeside Ranger District, at 928-368-2100.

Woods Canyon Lake
A portion of the shoreline is closed to foot entry from March 1 through Aug. 31. Contact the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Black Mesa Ranger District, at 928-535-7300.

TIPS FOR VISITING EAGLE AREAS

If you are visiting bald eagle country, an advance call to the local land management agency, such as the local U.S. Forest Service district office or AZGFD, may help to plan your trip to avoid disturbing bald eagles. By following these simple guidelines, we can all help ensure that our living wildlife legacy will last for generations to come: 
  • Enjoy bald eagles from outside the closures, which are marked with signs and/or buoys. Watch from a distance using a spotting scope, binoculars or telephoto camera lens. If the eagles are persistently watching you, observation at a greater distance is advised.
  • Anyone approached by a nestwatcher and asked to cease an activity or leave a closed area should comply. A few good places to see bald eagles without disturbing them (during December and January) are at Lake Mary and Mormon Lake near Flagstaff, on the Verde Canyon Train in Clarkdale, or Roosevelt Lake.
  • Bald eagles protecting an active nest will let you know if you are too close. If a bald eagle is vocalizing and circling the area frantically, you are too close and need to leave the area quickly. Bald eagles incubating eggs or brooding small young should never be off the nest for more than 15 minutes.
  • Help from anglers is especially needed. Fishing line and tackle have killed two nestlings and been found in two-thirds of all bald eagle nests in the state. Biologists remove these lethal hazards from nests and/or entangled nestlings every year. Discard any fishing line properly in specially-marked recycling containers or at fishing stores. Also, use fresh line that isn’t old and brittle. Use the correct test line for the fish you are trying to catch. Also, do not cut the line when an undesirable fish is caught and return it to the water with the hook and line attached. 
  • Duck hunters should scout out their hunting area to ensure that bald eagles are not nesting nearby.  
You can help conserve and protect bald eagles, and conservation research and recovery efforts, by reporting any harassment or shooting of bald eagles. Call the Operation Game Thief hotline at 800-352-0700 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement at 480-967-7900.

AZGFD’s bald eagle management efforts are supported by the Heritage Fund, an initiative passed more than 20 years ago to provide for wildlife education and conservation through Arizona lottery ticket sales. 

Protect your identity through the holiday season and beyond

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Medicine bottles found blowing in the wind.

DISCLAIMER –After this photo we stripped off the pharmacy labels and shredded them without keeping any record of who the person was.

WILLIAMS – While walking the streets, today, we found these medicine bottles that, apparently, blew from a residents trash can and was blowing around town. They had pharmaceutical labels which might be used to steal an identity. We removed the labels and shredded them without recording any names.

Northern Arizona Gazette would like to remind everyone to take care to secure their identities, particularly through the holiday season. Is someone looking over your shoulder while you enter your PIN? Does your wallet block RFID chips? Do you account for all of your receipts after a day of holiday shopping?

Do not shop on an Internet site whose address does not begin wit “https://.” If you are expecting packages from Amazon, Chewy or other online sites, try to be home when they are expected. Do not open emails if you do not recognize who sent it. If a “government agency” or “company” calls asking for personal information, make them give you a phone number that you can call back to. Check the number in your favorite search engine. Reputable companies will NOT ask you for personal information via email or over the phone. Your local law enforcement office probably has had complaints about certain activities by people attempting to steal personal information or identities. If you are suspicious, call them or check their Facebook or Twitter feeds.

We recommend that you be proactive about protecting your identity over the holiday season. It tends to get so busy that you may not catch something on your credit card until it is too late.

Santaland leads off festive events

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WILLIAMS – Petey is out to remind everyone that Santaland is in full swing at the Recreation Center at 300 W. Railroad Avenue. Kids can get pictures with Santa and his nemesis, the Grinch. They can also pick up some goodies.

Petey also reminds everyone that parking along Route 66 will not be allowed beginning at 4:30. Vehicles may be towed from about 1st Street through 4th Street. This is the parade route and people will want to pack in and be able to see the parade.

The Parade of Lights will start at 6:30 and will be followed by the tree lighting ceremony.

Fossil Creek reopened to public yesterday

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FLAGSTAFF — The Fossil Creek recreation area — closed since June 2021 due to impacts from the Backbone Fire — will reopen to the public beginning November 3.

All Fossil Creek sites, including Childs Dispersed Camping Area, will reopen November 3 except the Dixon Lewis Trail (formerly known as the Waterfall Trail). This trail is expected to reopen later this month when repairs are complete.

“This area is special to a great many people and we appreciate the public’s patience while it recovers,” said Deputy District Ranger Alex Schlueter. “That recovery continues for both Fossil Creek and Sycamore Canyon, but we are excited to welcome visitors back.”

The 16-month closure was necessary to allow the landscape to recover from both fire and monsoonal damage. Road and infrastructure repair was conducted during the closure period to ensure visitor safety.

The area’s continued recovery also means that a future closure is likely during the 2023 monsoon season (June through October) for public safety. Because vegetation in the area has not fully grown back since the fire, there is a greater risk for flash flooding and debris dams, especially during heavy precipitation.

Additionally, Fossil Creek will likely close temporarily in early 2023 to complete resurfacing of Forest Road 708.

Permits are not currently required to visit the Fossil Creek area, but permits will be required beginning April 1, 2023. Permits will be available for purchase beginning March 1, 2023 via Recreation.gov.

Recreationists interested in purchasing permits for the 2023 season can subscribe to emails from the Coconino National Forest or visit the Coconino NF website to remain up-to-date on permit information and check for unexpected changes in conditions or closures.

Recreationists seeking to explore Fossil Creek are reminded to pack out all trash, stick to developed recreation areas, and abide by all posted signage indicating restrictions or closures. It is also important to note that camping is only allowed downstream of Fossil Creek Bridge and upstream of the historic dam site in the backcountry. Camping is not allowed within the permit area during the permit season.

Winter Pile Burns Begin on Kaibab National Forest at Various Locations for Remainder of 2022

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WILLIAMS — Prescribed fire pile burning will commence across the Williams and Tusayan districts of the Kaibab National Forest for the remainder of the fall season.

Winter weather with forecasted snow present excellent opportunities nearly every year for fire crews to burn and consume piled slash and woody debris left over from previous forest restoration projects. For the months of November and December, up to 8,000 acres of piles near Tusayan, Williams, and Parks are planned for prescribed burning operations.

Operations will begin near the City of Williams on Friday, November 4th. About 300 acres of piles will be ignited on the south side of Bill Williams Mountain. These hand piles are relatively small in size and will consume quickly with little to no smoke impacts expected.

Smoke may be visible during the day as ignitions are occurring and may periodically impact Coconino County Road 73 and the City of Williams, but is predicted to be light in volume and short in duration. Smoke production is generally minimal after the first few hours with rapid dispersion as piles consume. Some smoke has potential to settle overnight into the lower elevations due to fluctuating atmospheric temperatures that produce nighttime inversions.

Forest visitors are asked to avoid active hot areas and are reminded to use caution and drive with heightened awareness when passing through any prescribed fire project vicinity.

All prescribed burning on the Kaibab National Forest is subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
For additional information about the Smoke Management Division of the ADEQ and to view prescribed burn authorizations, please visit: legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/index.html

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story

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Movie Review by Glen C. Davis

ROKU – The much anticipated Weird debuted, today, on Roku TV. This is the actual true story of Weird Al Yankovic. And there are so many things that are revealed about him.

The movie stars Daniel Radcliffe simply because they did not offer me the part. Radcliffe is known for staring in the Harry Potter series of movies. Radcliffe does a tremendous job of bringing the story of Weird Al Yanovic to life.

Weird Al’s musical journey started when his dad beat up an accordion salesman collapsing his lung. In order to avoid a lawsuit his mother offered to buy the accordion. His dad objected to this stringently. I don’t want to spoil the movie for you so I won’t tell you that his dad bought an accordion which caused his ejection from the Amish community he lived in.

Weird Al Yankovic and Daniel Radcliffe.

He attempted to sell his first song, My Bologna, to a record company run by Tony Scotti who is played by an actor who is vaguely familiar, though I can’t place him. They refused the song and advised him to write more songs and play before an audience. It was his song I Love Rocky Road that catapulted him to the top.

What I found amazing was how closely our lives parallel. We both grew up listening to Dr Demento.  He was a musical genius with the accordion. I had one of those wind-up monkeys that clashed the symbols together. He was Madonna’s lover. I saw Madonna’s videos on MTV. He was invited to the birthday party of drug lord Pablo Escobar, who was his biggest fan. I read about Escobar in the newspaper and then used the newspaper as a fan.

The movie follows his true life experience right up until the time when he was assassinated at the Shrine auditorium in 1985 while accepting an award.

The movie is a drama in pure Weird Al style. If you are a Weird Al Yankovic fan, you will want to see this film. If you’re just looking for a good movie with a lot of comedy you want to see this movie.

The only problem is it leaves a burning question. Did Michael Jackson come out with “Bad” first or did he parody Weird Al’s Fat?”

Missing Person Located Deceased in Wupatki National Monument

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FLAGSTAFF — On Saturday October 29th, 2022 at 4:08 pm, Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Antelope Hills area along Hwy 89 for the report of a Trespass in Progress. When Department of Public Safety Troopers arrived, the subject had left the area. Deputies and DPS Troopers were advised by witnesses the subject was last seen walking northbound on Hwy 89.

Deputies on scene were able to identify the individual as Conan Stults, a 46 year old male out of Utah, through personal property left on scene. An extensive attempt to locate was conducted by Deputies and DPS with negative contact. After multiple hours of attempting to locate and Stults not returning to his vehicle, Coconino County Search and Rescue units were requested.

Search and Rescue efforts continued through the weekend into Monday. On Monday October 31st, at approximately 11:36 am, a Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue dog team located Stults deceased within Wupatki National Monument, south of the Lomaki Pueblo area.

This incident remains under investigation by CCSO and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Department of Public Safety, the Flagstaff Area National Monuments, and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office for their assistance.