Tag Archives: Arizona

AZGFD creates web page to bring outdoor enthusiasts latest updates

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is committed to staying connected with its customers and providing exceptional service, while protecting everyone’s health and safety.

Get the latest information about changes to processes and procedures, and review frequently asked questions, by visiting the department’s new web page: www.azgfd.com/agency/covid-19-related-updates/.

In the meantime, all seven department offices statewide are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (except holidays). Customers also can call the department’s main number at (602) 942-3000, or email customerservice@azgfd.gov.

Customers are reminded they can conduct most department business online by visiting www.azgfd.gov.

Leftover elk permit-tags remain only for “low density” hunt

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s random draw for 2020 elk hunts has been over for weeks, and all leftover permit-tags are gone — with one exception.

More than 600 hunt permit-tags remain available for the minimal occurrence zone/low-density hunt in game management units 12A, 12B, 13A and 13B. There are two ways that hunters can purchase these leftovers on a first-come, first-served basis:

By mail: The preferred method would be to mail a paper application addressed to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Draw/First Come, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. Note: There is no “mini” draw. Allow 10 to 15 days to receive a permit-tag by mail.
In person: Applications will be accepted in person beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, March 30, at any of the department’s regional offices.

Before mailing that application, or venturing out to a department office, hunters are reminded that these four units combined have an extremely low-density elk population of less than 50 animals. The department is specifically managing these units for wildlife values other than elk, and an established population is not desirable. The intent of this particular hunt (Hunt No. 3799) is to eliminate this elk population.

Those who purchase one of these permit-tags should be aware that because of extremely low densities, hunt success likely will be less than 5 percent. Only those who did not receive a permit-tag in the random draw may buy one of these permit-tags. Bonus points are not affected when purchasing a permit-tag through the first-come, first-served process.

The cost of a permit-tag is $48, which includes a $13 non-refundable application fee. A non-resident hunt permit-tag is $50, which includes a $15 non-refundable application fee. The hunt dates are April 15-Oct. 8, and Oct. 23-Dec. 31, 2020. A bull or cow elk may be harvested.

Salvation Army continues to serve during crisis

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WILLIAMS – The Salvation Army has been on the front lines of major disasters around the globe for 120 years and is uniquely equipped to respond in times of crisis, so as the COVID-19 situation constantly changes, The Salvation Army continues to serve our neighbors in need in the Williams area with:

• Canned food
• Clothing
• Toilet paper
• Feminine hygiene products
• Outdoor equipment
• Assistance with heating bills
• Veterans services
• Prayer services
• Support groups
• Bibles

The Salvation Army in Williams operates out of the Hope for the World building at 117 W. Route 66, Suite 125. Regular hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the office can be reached at 928-221-3577.

As goods are subject to availability, The Salvation Army is asking for the public’s help with donations of food, toilet paper, dental hygiene products, and, most importantly, monetary donations. Monetary donations give The Salvation Army the flexibility to meet the most urgent needs at any given time.

Those wishing to donate are asked to call The Salvation Army office at 928-221-3577 to set up an appointment, to lessen person-to-person contact.

County weekday COVID-19 media availability updated call-in number

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Media Availability call-in number is changing. Please call 623-473-9267, and use the Conference ID number 46969762# to log in.

Media availability on the County COVID-19 response will continue at 4 p.m., weekdays via conference call. County Incident Command will give a short briefing on the County COVID-19 response and take questions from the media following the briefing.

County Board of Supervisors issue statement to close Grand Canyon National Park

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FLAGSTAFF — The following is a statement from the Coconino County Board of Supervisors regarding the closing of the Grand Canyon National Park.

“For the safety and health of Coconino County healthcare providers, residents and visitors, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors strongly urge Department of Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to close Grand Canyon National Park due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board also calls on local, state and federal officials to join the Board in calling for the closure of the park.

“The Grand Canyon is the crown jewel of parks across the County and country. However, it is important that the park adheres to proven guidance to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing measures in response to pandemics work. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, closures aimed to reduce the spread of infection have been proven to be extremely effective. Keeping the park open and allowing travelers from all over the world to come here and risk spreading COVID-19 is an unnecessary risk.

Locally elected officials know their communities and how best to look out for the public health of the people they serve. Leaders in Washington D.C. should heed, and seek out, the advice of, local leaders for the safety of Coconino County, the state and the nation.”

STATEMENT FROM COCONINO COUNTY ATTORNEY BILL RING

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“Coconino County, in partnership with local, state, and federal partners is actively working to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our community. The health and safety of our residents is our top priority.

Preserving justice and public safety are critical aspects of our community response. Justice and the sense of basic fairness that we all share is what binds us together. There are hundreds of courtrooms around Arizona, from small towns to large cities, and from small counties to the Arizona Supreme Court. Included among these is the Coconino County Attorney’s Office, composed of 22 attorneys and 25 support staff. As civil servants, we serve the interests of Justice and Liberty in our communities, our County and in the State of Arizona.

In difficult times such as these, prosecutors are challenged to consider what justice and fairness require of us under the circumstances. The Governor has declared a State of Emergency and the Arizona Supreme Court and our local Superior Court have crafted Administrative Orders to provide the necessary procedures of judicial administration to protect our staff and the public, but that do not alter the meaning of Justice.

The County Attorney’s office will alter some procedures to include:

  1. Reducing, for a limited time, the number of individuals coming into physical contact with the criminal justice system. Cases and interests will be addressed virtually, through all available technologies.
  2. Enhancing our collaborations with law enforcement, the courts, defense counsel, probation departments, and especially the victims of crime.
  3. Protecting our most vulnerable citizens.

The role of Prosecutor is an honorable one, and a critical position occupied continuously by caring people. We take public welfare seriously. We, the prosecutors of the Coconino County Attorney’s Office, wish you good health while we fulfill our public duty.”

Coconino County Health officials confirm first death due to COVID-19

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) confirmed the first COVID-19 related death in Coconino County. The individual was a male in his 50s with underlying health conditions.

CCHHS is working to identify and contact anyone who may have been in close contact with the decedent. These individuals will be asked to quarantine or isolate as necessary and will be monitored by public health for fever and respiratory symptoms.

“Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time,” said County Incident Commander and Deputy County Manager Dr. Marie Peoples. “We share in this family’s grief and are deeply committed to doing all we can to ensure the health and safety of our community. We urge everyone to take precautions to protect themselves and their family including washing their hands frequently, staying home when they are sick and contacting a healthcare provider for medical guidance. “

To date, there have been 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Coconino County. COVID-19 can be a serious disease, especially in elderly populations and people with underlying health conditions.

CCHHS urges people to continue to take precautions. The best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

COVID-19 spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are thought to appear within two to 14 days after exposure and consist of fever, cough and difficulty breathing. For people with mild illness, individuals are asked to stay home, drink plenty of fluids and rest. For people with more severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, individuals are advised to seek healthcare.

Coconino County activated the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on March 12, 2020. The EOC coordinates the County’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. For more information about COVID-19, please visit www.coconino.az.gov/covid19 or email COVID19Information@coconino.az.gov.

Coconino NF closing developed recreation sites

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., March 24, 2020 — Coconino National Forest has closed its developed recreation and day-use sites indefinitely to protect public and employee health, as well as align with state and local measures already in place to lessen the impact of COVID-19.

The vast majority of the forest is still open to visitors who want to spend time outdoors participating in recreational opportunities that support social distancing, such as hiking and biking on trails, and dispersed camping.

However, the following developed recreation sites, facilities, and restrooms are closed. More sites may close in the future, depending on the situation, as circumstances can change rapidly in response to COVID-19:

Day-Use Sites

  1. Banjo Bill Picnic Site
  2. Bootlegger Picnic Site
  3. Clints Well Picnic Site
  4. Encinoso Picnic Site
  5. Fossil Creek Area
  6. Halfway Picnic Site
  7. Long Valley Day-Use Site
  8. Oak Creek Vista

Group Campgrounds

  1. Chavez Crossing Group Campground
  2. Clear Creek Group Campground
  3. Dairy Springs Group Campground
  4. Elks Group Group Campground
  5. Long Valley Work Center Group Campground
  6. Moqui Group Campground
  7. O’Leary Group Campground

Heritage Sites

  1. Honanki Heritage Site
  2. Palatki Heritage Site
  3. V Bar V Heritage Site

Rental Cabins

  1. Apache Maid Cabin
  2. Crescent Moon Cabin
  3. Fernow Cabin
  4. Kendrick Cabin

Single Family Unit Campgrounds

  1. Ashurst Lake Campground
  2. Bonito Campground
  3. Blue Ridge Campground
  4. Canyon Vista Campground
  5. Cave Springs Campground
  6. Clear Creek Campground
  7. Clints Well Campground
  8. Dairy Springs Campground
  9. Double Springs Campground
  10. Kehl Springs Campground
  11. Knoll Lake Campground
  12. Lakeview Campground
  13. Little Elden Springs Campground
  14. Lockett Meadow Campground
  15. Manzanita Campground
  16. Pine Flat Campground
  17. Pine Grove Campground
  18. Rock Crossing Campground

Visitor Centers

  1. Red Rock Ranger Station & Visitor Center
  2. Oak Creek Visitor Center

Notifications to those who have made any reservations will be made as soon as possible and refunds will be processed.

Visitors should mitigate resource impacts wherever they recreate by taking their trash with them when they depart and appropriately managing human waste by burying it at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from water, trails and recreation sites.

All Coconino National Forests offices are conducting business and providing services virtually. While being outside is believed to be safer than indoor spaces, visitors to national forests are urged to take the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended precautions.

Members of the public who have additional questions that cannot be answered through the Coconino National Forest website can contact one of our ranger stations:

  • Forest Supervisor’s Office: 928-527-3600, then press “0.”
  • Flagstaff Ranger Station: 928-527-8279.
  • Mogollon Rim Ranger Station: 928-477-2255.
  • Red Rock Ranger Station & Visitor’s Center: 928-203-2900, then press “0.”

Kaibab National Forest closes some recreation sites

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WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest has closed specific recreation and day-use sites indefinitely to protect public health and align with state and local measures already in place to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

The closed sites on each of the Kaibab National Forest’s three ranger districts are as follows:

North Kaibab Ranger District – (928) 643-7395
· Le Fevre Overlook

Tusayan Ranger District – (928) 638-2443
· Grandview Lookout Tower Day-Use Site
· Russell Tank Day-Use Site

Williams Ranger District – (928) 635-5600
· Oak Hill Snow Play Area
· Kaibab Lake Day-Use Site (boat launch and parking to remain open)
· Dogtown Lake Day-Use Site (boat launch and parking to remain open)
· Sycamore Falls Climbing Area and Day-Use Site

The Kaibab National Forest’s developed campgrounds remain closed, as they have not yet opened for the overnight camping season. All rental cabins on the forest are also closed. More recreation sites may close in the future as forest officials continue to monitor conditions and evaluate appropriate actions to limit the spread of COVID-19.

While specific recreation sites on the Kaibab National Forest are closed, most of the forest is open for visitors who want to spend time outdoors. Recreation opportunities that support social distancing, such as hiking, biking, wildlife viewing and dispersed camping, remain available.

The Kaibab National Forest asks members of the public to recreate responsibly by avoiding high-risk activities that could increase the chance of injury or distress. Law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited due to COVID-19. While being outside is believed to be safer than indoor spaces, visitors to national forests are urged to take the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended precautions.

Visitors can help reduce impacts to their public lands and protect forest resources for the future by following Leave No Trace outdoor ethics including properly disposing of waste, respecting wildlife, leaving in place artifacts and other objects of interest, and avoiding the creation of damage by staying on established roads and trails.

All Kaibab National Forest offices are conducting business and providing services virtually. Customers needing information, permits and maps are encouraged to call the following offices during regular business hours for prompt customer service:

Supervisor’s Office – (928) 635-8200
Williams Ranger District – (928) 635-5600
Tusayan Ranger District – (928) 638-2443
North Kaibab Ranger District – (928) 643-7395

Kaibab National Forest information is also available through the following sources:

Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
Flickr: http://bit.ly/KaibabNFPhotos

NOAA Wind Advisory Monday

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WILLIAMS – The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory from noon to 7 p.m. Monday, March 23. The winds are expected to be 20- to 35-mph with gusts up to 50-mph. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. In addition, winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

I addition there is a 70% chance of rain and snow during Monday during the day with a 10% chance of rain early Monday night. Little or no snow accumulation is expected. Tuesday will be sunny with 52-degree high. Clouds will return Tuesday night through Wednesday with a chance of snow returning Thursday. It should clear up Friday night and return to sunny with temperatures around 50-degrees.