Category Archives: Arizona State Parks

AZGFD seeks public comment on Notice of Supplemental Proposed Rulemaking

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is seeking to amend the previously published Notice of Proposed Rulemaking within Articles 1, 2, 3, and 6.

The intent of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was to enact amendments developed during the latest Five-year Review Report. After receiving feedback from stakeholders and members of the public, the Commission is removing proposed changes to the use and sale of live baitfish. Amendments to R12-4-314 (Possession, Transportation, or Importation of Aquatic Wildlife) and R12-4-411 (Live Bait Dealers License) are removed from this Notice of Supplemental Proposed Rulemaking.

In addition, the rulemaking clarifies that the use of a pneumatic weapon using bolts or arrows during an archery-only hunting season is limited to persons who possess both a crossbow permit issued under R12-4-216 and a Challenged Access/Mobility Permit (CHAMP) issued under R12-4-217.

The remaining proposed amendments are not affected from the previous comment period. Those amendments are designed to clarify current rule language; protect public health and safety and private property rights; facilitate job growth and economic development; support Fair Chase principles and the tenets of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation; enable the Department to provide better customer service; and reduce regulatory and administrative burdens wherever possible.

Visit www.azgfd.com/about-arizona-game-fish/commission-public-information/rulemaking/, or https://azsos.gov/rules/arizona-administrative-register, to view the Notice of Supplemental Proposed Rulemaking.

Public comments will be accepted through Nov. 6, 2023 by:

Email: rulemaking@azgfd.gov, or msumner@azgfd.gov.
U.S. Mail: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Celeste Cook, Rules and Policy Manager, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.
Telephone: Michael Sumner, Regional Supervisor (Yuma), 928-341-4040.

The public can submit comments through the Department’s AZGFD Rulemaking Contact Form, as well. The Commission also will be available to receive public input at its Jan. 19 meeting at Department headquarters in Phoenix.

Survey looks to measure off-highway vehicle financial impact

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PHOENIX — The popularity of off-highway vehicles (OHV) has exploded throughout the state and, Arizona State Parks and Trails and the Arizona Game and Fish Department are turning to OHV enthusiasts to help shape the future of the activity statewide.

With 365 riding days per year, scenic trails and great weather, Arizona continues to draw OHV enthusiasts from across the country to access our motorized trails. To better plan for the future of the activity statewide, Arizona State Parks and Trails partnered with Arizona State University to produce an economic impact study to measure the broad effect the activity has in our state.

“Having a better understanding of spending behaviors, travel trends and trail needs will aid State Parks and our partners to provide enhancements to the statewide trail system, programs, and information to OHV users,” said Skip Varney, State Parks State OHV Coordinator.

Over the next 12 months, the public is invited to complete a survey, either electronically at www.azstateparks.com/OHV or at various riding areas throughout the state. The questionnaire takes about 10 minutes to complete, however only completed surveys can be used in the reporting process.

“There are nearly limitless riding opportunities and Arizona offers some of the best views available,” said Nathan Gonzalez, AZGFD public information officer. “In addition to guiding future trail development, the results of this survey are vital to helping AZGFD anticipate current and future safety and education program needs. Our goal is to ensure our education methods are adequate to meet the needs of our growing OHV community.”

The economic impact study was last completed in 2002 and found that OHV recreation in Arizona had a $4.25 billion impact. In addition, the activity supported nearly 37,000 jobs, contributed to $1.1 billion in household incomes and added $187 million to annual state tax revenues.

To participate, please click here to complete the survey.

For more information on OHV riding in Arizona and to take an online safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/OHV.

March is Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month

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PHOENIX – March has been designated as Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness month since 1983. The Governor’s Archaeology Advisory Commission is a part of the Arizona State Parks system.

Arcaeology awareness was started in 1983 by the State Historic Preservation Office and an ad hoc Archaeology Advisory Group for the Governor. This group morphed into the Arizona Archaeology Advisory Commission. The duties of the Commission are specified in Arizona Revised Statue. The commission will end July 1, 2017.

March was designated Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month and this statewide celebration has grown into a major public education effort involving over 60 different federal, state, municipal, tribal and private organizations. Proclaimed by the Governor each year, this celebration annually features over 100 events including prehistoric site tours, exhibits, open houses, lectures, demonstrations and other activities throughout Arizona.

Starting in 1989, an annual Archaeology Expo was added to the Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month events. The Archaeology Expo is a pivotal event in the month-long celebration of AAAM and provides an opportunity for organizations involved in archaeology to provide exhibits, demonstrations of prehistoric crafts and archaeological techniques, and hands-on activities for both children and adults. Other activities at the Expo include: guided site tours, Native American arts and crafts, demonstrations, and living history re-enactments.

These activities give visitors new insights into Arizona’s many prehistoric and historic cultures. This successful public education event reaches out to thousands of people each year in an effort to instill a stewardship ethic toward our state’s archaeological and historical resources. The annual Archaeology Expo is held in a different region of the state to benefit people throughout Arizona.

A free listing of events is available by contacting Arizona State Parks at (602) 542-4174. Events available in your area are listed on the Arizona State Parks web site.