NPS seeking public comment to control nonnative species near Glen Canyon Dam

PHOENIX – The National Park Service is seeking public comment on an Expanded Nonnative Aquatic Species Management Plan and Environmental Assessment in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, including Lees Ferry, and Grand Canyon National Park below the Glen Canyon Dam.

Public comments will be accepted through October 11.

The plan would expand the tools used in controlling nonnative fish in Lees Ferry and the Grand Canyon.

NPS is hosting a variety of meetings to present plan information, including a public webinar on Thursday, September 20 from 5 to 6 p.m. Arizona time. Call line: 888-790-2024; passcode: 9535626; web address: https://bluejeans.com/7293338944/.

Open houses also will be held September 25-27 at the following locations:

September 25, 6-8 p.m.: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Headquarters, 691 Scenic View Drive, Page, Ariz.
September 26, 6-8 p.m.: Flagstaff Aquaplex, 1702 N. Fourth Street, Flagstaff, Ariz.
September 27, 6-8 p.m.: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Eagle Room, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix. See more information.

ADOT truck safety training expands to maquiladora industry

NOGALES – The Arizona Department of Transportation’s first-of-its-kind international truck safety training program is adding another innovation to its resume: focusing instruction on commercial truckers from the maquiladora industry.

At the request of operators of border-area plants in Mexico making goods for export, ADOT’s Border Liaison Unit recently offered its first International Border Inspection Qualification training session for the maquiladora industry in Hermosillo, capital of the Mexican state of Sonora.

“Expanding to maquiladoras demonstrates that our partners in Mexico see as much value in this safety training as we do,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Interest from the maquiladora industry also means the safety and economic benefits we have seen in this program’s first year will multiply.”

Maquiladora factories import certain material and equipment without duties or tariffs. Goods are assembled, processed or manufactured using that material and then returned to the U.S. The industry employs about 34,000 people in Sonora near the Arizona border.

ADOT’s Border Liaison Unit developed the International Border Inspection Qualification program to help make Arizona roads safer and to support international trade by training Mexican truck drivers and mechanics – in Mexico – about the safety regulations they must follow to drive on U.S. roads.

The 469 drivers who have completed the training since it began a little more than a year ago have crossed the border nearly 5,500 times but have had only 12 significant safety violations that required trucks to be stopped for repairs.

“Arizona is leading the nation in developing innovative ways to make our ports of entry safer and more efficient – it’s been a priority for Governor Ducey since day one,” said Juan Ciscomani, Senior Advisor for Regional and International Affairs to Governor Doug Ducey. “This kind of proactive approach implemented by ADOT and supported by the Arizona-Mexico Commission, under Governor Ducey’s leadership, drives Arizona’s border to move at the speed of business and supports international commerce in the state.”

Following Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance guidelines, which are the standard across the U.S., this training stems from ADOT’s use of the Arizona Management System championed by Governor Ducey to have all employees continuously improve state agencies’ value to their customers.

The Hermosillo session was the 18th held in Mexico since International Border Inspection Qualification training began in summer 2017.

The program also has expanded beyond locations near the Arizona border and Hermosillo, with training offered in Mexicali and Ensenada in Baja California and in Caborca, Sonora, at the request of trucking companies in those areas.

To learn more about ADOT’s Border Liaison Unit and International Border Inspection Qualification training, visit azdot.gov/BLU.

Arizona Game and Fish accepting applications for Heritage Fund grants

PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is accepting applications for more than $400,000 in Heritage Fund grants.

The deadline to submit an application is 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 31, 2018 to be eligible for grant funding, which will be available through a competitive application process in the following categories: environmental education, outdoor education, schoolyard habitat, urban wildlife/habitat, public access; and Identification, Inventory, Acquisition, Protection and Management (IIAPM).

In addition to government agencies, the department welcomes non-profit organizations to apply for a Heritage Grant as eligible applicants. This eligibility applies to any non-profit group which meets the internal revenue service definition of a 501(c) organization.

The Heritage Fund was created after voters approved an initiative in 1990 and is funded through Arizona Lottery ticket sales. Heritage funding goes toward conservation efforts such as protecting endangered species, educating students and the general public about wildlife and the outdoors, and creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The grant program was established by AZGFD in 1992 as part of the overall Heritage Fund program. The grants were initially developed as a way to promote outreach to enhance important partnerships and generate fresh approaches in support of the department’s mission.

Since the grant program’s inception, the department has awarded more than $16 million and supported more than 800 projects throughout the state.

Applicants for this year’s grants should refer to the documents on our Heritage Grant web page for guidance on applying. The documents include the Heritage Grant application manual, the grant application form and the various “Heritage Grant Funding Window” documents, which describe eligibility information and provide specific eligibility criteria listed within each grant sub-category.

Potential grant recipients must have a project that is either located in Arizona or involves research in which the wildlife or its habitat is located in the state and meets the requirements in the funding windows.

Proposals and applications for these grants can be submitted either by email to rbeck@azgfd.gov or mailed to Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn: Wildlife Grant Administrator, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. No faxed applications will be accepted.

Applicants can submit grant applications up until the application deadline of 5 p.m. (MST) Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. For more information, visit https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/heritagefund/grantapply/.

Game and Fish Commission to meet September 21 in Overgaard

PHOENIX — The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be at 8 a.m. Friday, September 21 at the Navajo County Mogollon Complex at 2188 W. Country Club Drive in Overgaard, Arizona.

The public can attend the meeting or view it via webcast at www.azgfd.gov/commission. The meeting also can be watched on streaming video at any regional office statewide.

Those who wish to speak to the commission may submit “speaker cards” (blue cards) in person at the meeting or from any Game and Fish office. The ability to speak to the commission is not available for those viewing the webcast.

Several consent items on the agenda include:

  • Approval of an intergovernmental agreement with the Gila River Indian Community to remove tamarisk from a portion of the Base and Meridian Wildlife Area.
  • Approval of a five-year lease agreement with DS Services of America, Inc. for 200 acre-feet of the commission’s excess type II non-irrigation grandfathered groundwater rights.
  • The commission will consider approval of a policy for revoking shooting privileges for habitual rule violators at commission-owned shooting ranges.
  • Approval of memorandums of understanding with Arizona Mule Deer Organization, Arizona Deer Association and the Mule Deer Foundation to partner and share funding for conservation, habitat projects and education programs.

Other items on Friday’s agenda include:

  • A briefing on the status of state and federal legislation related to the department’s mission.
  • An update on the department’s efforts toward accomplishing commission priorities.
  • An update on the department’s involvement with resource management planning and other major actions on federal lands in Arizona.
  • A briefing on humpback chub recovery and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal for downlisting.
  • Hearings on license revocations for violations of Game and Fish codes, and civil assessments for the illegal taking and/or possession of wildlife (time certain at 10 a.m.).
  • A presentation on two future projects: migration from a license dealer commission to a license dealer convenience fee, and implementing a paperless spring 2020 draw.
  • A marketing update and a briefing on the fiscal year 2019 Conserve and Protect campaign strategy.

The commission will be briefed on the range of ideas received during the recent 30-day public input period regarding establishing discretionary funding sources to provide support for a consistent, long-term public awareness and education strategy.

The commission will consider separate memorandums of understanding between the Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District and the Commission to prepare an environmental impact statement for the Alamo Dam water control manual update; with the Snowflake Unified School District to partner with and provide funding for students and teachers to design and implement wildlife conservation projects; and with the Natural Resources Conservation Service for grassland habitat restoration activities in southeast Arizona.

  • An update on the National Park Service’s expanded non-native aquatic species management plan.
  • Approval of proposed amendments to commission order 40 (fish), establishing open seasons, open areas, closures, and bag and possession limits for sport fish in calendar year 2019 and 2020.
  • Approval of commission orders 25 (raptors), 41 (amphibians), 42 (crustaceans and mollusks) and 43 (reptiles) for the 2019-2023 hunting seasons, establishing seasons, dates, bag and possession limits, and open-closed areas.
  • Approval of final rulemaking amending Article 3 rules addressing the taking and handling of wildlife.
  • A briefing on current issues related to the Mexican wolf recovery program, including updates on cross-fostering pups to meet the recovery plan implementation strategy. The commission may provide direction to the department.
  • Presentation of the 2018 Commission Award nominees and selection of recipients.

At 8 a.m. Saturday, September 22 the commission will participate in a field trip to discuss current and future cooperative efforts between the department, U.S. Forest Service, Eastern Arizona Counties Organization, various non-governmental organizations and local White Mountain forest restoration professionals to restore ponderosa pine forests on the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest. The field trip will not be webcast.

To view a copy of the full meeting agenda, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission and click on the “commission agenda” link.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is a five-member, policy-setting board that oversees the Arizona Game and Fish Department. For more information about the commission, visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.

Homeless veterans benefit from new law waiving some MVD fees

PHOENIX – Arizona veterans who find themselves in the challenging situation of being homeless now have the opportunity to get a driver license or ID card without paying a fee.

Under a new state law that took effect this month, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division has the authority to waive the $25 fee associated with getting a license or ID. Several other fees, including those for a license suspension or revocation, a road test for drivers moving to Arizona from another state, among others, may also be waived.

“Having a license or ID card is essential to so many aspects of life and this new law will make it easier for less-fortunate veterans to get one of those credentials,” said MVD Stakeholder Relations Manager Jennifer Bowser-Richards. “Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to serve our nation, and the MVD is proud to assist homeless vets in this way.”

“Since most assistance programs require identification, getting an ID knocks down huge barriers for our homeless veterans,” Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services Deputy Director John Scott said. “This is important, especially for chronically homeless veterans, who can now access resources to help them stabilize.”

To qualify for the waiver, the MVD will verify the customer’s status as a veteran. In addition, the customer must provide a statement on U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs letterhead or a statement on the letterhead of a verified provider of homeless services that the customer has been homeless within the past 60 days.

Arizona law relies on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s definition of homeless as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. This includes a location not meant for human habitation, or a temporary or emergency shelter.

For more information: azdot.gov

Elk viewing workshop at Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area October 6

PINETOP — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is again partnering with the Arizona Elk Society White Mountain Chapter (AES) to offer an elk natural history and viewing workshop on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area near Eagar.

Late September to early October is prime elk breeding season and is the best time of year to view the majestic animals. Bulls will bugle as they battle to gather cow elk into harems. It is truly an awesome time of year to experience this unique wildlife event.

Workshop presentations will be begin at 11 a.m., followed by an early dinner served by the AES. After dinner, participants can attend an optional field trip to view nearby elk. Several field trip opportunities will be available, including some that will require driving and hikes or walks with various degrees of difficulty.

The workshop is limited to 100 participants. Children must be 12 years old to participate.

Dinner tickets cost $20 per person and must be payable by check only to Arizona Elk Society. The dinner is a fundraiser for the AES, which aims to enhance the quality of wildlife habitat as well as teaching future generations the importance of being responsible stewards of our national heritage our great outdoors. Dinner will include a hamburger, side and dessert.

Workshop topics include:

Elk Natural History
Elk Management in Arizona
History of Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area
Reintroduction and Management of Mexican Wolves in Arizona
Elk calling
Wildlife Photography by AZGFD photographer George Andrejko

OR

How to Get Started Hunting by AES

Directions to Sipe
Take Highway 191 south to Eagar towards Alpine; you’ll see the turnoff signs just two miles outside of Eagar. Follow the graded dirt road, which is suitable for passenger cars, about five miles to the property.

What to wear
Wear long pants and hiking/comfortable shoes. Participants might be walking distances of a ¼-mile or more in low light conditions. Dress in layers, be prepared for a cool night and possible rain. Dark or camouflage clothing is best as white or bright clothes will alert wildlife to your location. Also consider bringing a headlamp or flashlight, binoculars or spotting scope, a camera and water. A limited numbers of spotting scopes and binoculars will be provided.

Additional details
For more information or to register, call Diane Tilton at the Arizona Game and Fish Pinetop Office at (928) 532-3691 or email dtilton@azgfd.gov. After registration, please mail checks to Arizona Game and Fish Pinetop Office at 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop, AZ 85935.

Pavement work on State Route 89A between Cottonwood and Sedona begins in early September

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for delays on State Route 89A between Cottonwood and Sedona this fall while a pavement-repair project is underway.

Crews will have lane closures in place in both directions Mondays through Fridays from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Work is scheduled to begin Tuesday, September 4 and continue through November.

Drivers should always proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

ADOT officers trained to identify, respond to opioid overdoses

PHOENIX – While working at ports of entry to ensure that commercial vehicles have the proper permits and can operate safely on state highways, Arizona Department of Transportation officers have to be ready for situations in which they’re called upon to help save a life.

That’s why nearly 100 officers, part of ADOT’s Enforcement and Compliance Division, have been trained so far to identify opioid overdoses and administer a drug to reverse the effects.

“One of the worst feelings as a law enforcement officer is being unable to help someone in an emergency situation,” said Sergeant Sean Dalley with the Enforcement and Compliance Division. “Having the right tools and knowing how to use them is a way to ensure we are always in a position to act fast when called upon.”

ADOT officers who have gone through the training now carry Naloxone, a type of drug known as an opioid antagonist.

“This kind of training allows our officers to respond quickly to various types of situations at the ports of entry and in the field,” said Tim Lane, director of the Enforcement and Compliance Division. “ADOT looks to do its part in helping combat opioid abuse in Arizona.”

ADOT has set a goal of training an additional 100 officers before year’s end.

Since Governor Doug Ducey declared a statewide emergency in June 2017 to address opioid overdoses and deaths, Arizona has expanded access to Naloxone and training among first responders. The Arizona Opioid Epidemic Act, passed in January, enables county health department employees, detention officers, police aides and other ancillary law enforcement and corrections officers to administer such drugs.

“Training and equipping more responders, including officers at commercial ports of entry, is another way we are taking serious action in response to the statewide emergency of opioid overdoses and deaths,” Governor Doug Ducey said. “Too many Arizonans lose their lives as a result of an opioid overdose, and Arizona will continue to be vigilant in combating this epidemic.”

The first training for ADOT officers, offered by the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority in partnership with the Arizona Department of Health Services, consisted of identifying opioid overdoses and administering Naloxone. Officers also learned CPR, trauma response and how to protect themselves from opioid exposure.

Dove season outlook: Hunters won’t notice fewer birds

PHOENIX — When you’re talking about 20 million mourning doves criss-crossing Arizona’s skies on opening day, versus the usual 30 million or so, what’s the difference, really?

Not much.

In fact, Arizona’s dove hunters won’t even notice the drop-off when the 2018 season begins September 1.

“The first half of 2018 was an extremely dry year,” said Johnathan O’Dell, small game biologist for the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). “Based on what we’re seeing in the field, mourning doves may not have pulled off as many nests as usual. Early estimates are that most doves pulled off three or four nests, instead of the usual five to six nests.

“So what does that mean? Well, you still have to consider the scale we’re talking about. A down year like this one means there will be about 20 million mourning doves on opening day, instead of 30 million.

“You’re still going to find plenty of doves out there.”

Once again, the greatest number of doves – and dove hunters — will be concentrated in the state’s agricultural areas, particularly those that produce small-grain crops like wheat, barley, oats and sorghum. For hunters who prefer a little more elbow room, now is the time to scout desert locations for water sources.

O’Dell said white-winged doves are still abundant in most areas and call counts remain high. All of that could change, however, depending on monsoon weather patterns over the next couple of weeks.

“If we get any really big storms between now and the opener, many of them will start to migrate out of state,” O’Dell said. “If the monsoon slows down, we could be in for a very good opening day for white-winged doves.”

AZGFD reminds dove hunters to review the “2018-2019 Arizona Dove and Band-tailed Pigeon Regulations,” which are posted online at www.azgfd.gov/dove. The regulations have been produced in a format that hunters will find particularly handy in the field. The color brochure is easier to read and features important hunting information, such as season dates, daily bag and possession limits, and legal requirements, at a glance. The printed version is available at all department offices and more than 200 license dealers statewide.

All hunters 18 and older must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, as well as a migratory bird stamp for the 2018-19 season — both of which can be purchased online now. But don’t just buy a hunting license. Why not enjoy the “Best of Both Worlds” and save money at the same time? Go online and select a combo hunt and fish license that will be valid for the next 365 days — and for only $20 more (for state residents) than the price of an individual hunting or fishing license. Visit https://www.azgfd.com/bestofbothworlds/.

For everything else “dove,” visit www.azgfd.gov/dove. Also, check out O’Dell’s video that demonstrates two techniques for field-dressing doves at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DDRZGPzJDI.

Dove hunters play an important role in conservation. Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) funds are comprised of excise taxes collected on the sale of hunting and fishing equipment (including 11 percent on ammunition), the benefit of which comes right back to Arizona for habitat improvements, shooting ranges, boating access and more.

Life jacket exchanges coming to Lake Powell and Kingman

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has already exchanged a record number of life jackets this summer — more than 1,000 old, worn-out life jackets have been swapped for brand-new ones during numerous events held throughout the state.

Arizonans have two more chances to swap their life jacket for a new one. In September, the public is invited to join AZGFD and its partner organizations at the following life jacket exchange events (Type I and Type II life jackets will not be accepted):

  • Lake Powell at Wahweap Marina on September 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Kingman at the AZGFD regional office (5325 N. Stockton Hill Road) on September 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Lake Powell at Antelope Marina in front of the restaurant on September 14 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

2018 marks the 10-year anniversary of AZGFD’s life jacket exchange program, and to commemorate the achievement the department is working toward the goal of exchanging 1,700 life jackets and has held events in new areas throughout the state.

“The life jacket exchange in Kingman is another example of AZGFD bringing this important program to new locations,” said Josh Hoffman, boating safety education coordinator for AZGFD. “Come out and meet us and our partner organizations, and take advantage of this program to ensure you have a new, properly fitting life jacket.”

For more information about boating in Arizona or to sign up for a free safety course, visit azgfd.gov/boating.