Tag Archives: Tusayan

Skydiving Accident Results in a Death at the Grand Canyon

Posted on by

TUSAYAN – On September 8, 2019 at approximately 9:55 am, Deputies were called to the area of the Grand Canyon National Park Airport for a report of a skydiving accident in which two males had been injured.

Upon arrival, Deputies confirmed two males who had been skydiving in tandem had been injured. One person appeared to have suffered a broken leg and was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center. The other person was unconscious, and CPR lifesaving efforts were being performed by paramedics on scene. The second person was later pronounced deceased by doctors from Flagstaff Medical Center. The deceased has been identified as Christopher Swales, a 55-year-old male from the United Kingdom.

Mr. Swales had purchased a skydiving package from Paragon Skydive, a company at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport. The skydiving package included a tandem jump with a Paragon Skydiver. The skydive reportedly had been going as planned until they encountered difficulties when approaching the landing area. These difficulties caused the pair to free-fall for an unknown distance and hit the ground in what was described as a “hard landing.”

Investigators are still looking into the details surrounding the accident. Currently, there are no indications that the incident is criminal in nature. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified and also is investigating the incident.

Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details are available at this time.

Kaibab National Forest to offer firewood permits in Navajo and Hopi communities

Posted on by

TUSAYAN — The Kaibab National Forest will offer free-use, paid personal-use and ceremonial firewood permits for the Tusayan Ranger District at a variety of locations in Navajo and Hopi communities over the next two months. These opportunities are part of the Kaibab National Forest’s ongoing effort to increase access to firewood for tribal members and communities.

Kaibab National Forest representatives will offer firewood permits on the specified days and times and at the following locations:

  • Friday, Sept. 13 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. DST – Tuba City, Flea Market
  • Saturday, Sept. 28 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. DST – Cameron, Cameron Celebration
  • Friday, Oct. 4 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. MST – Kykotsmovi Village, Honahnie Building
  • Friday, Oct. 18 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. DST – Tuba City, Flea Market
  • Saturday, Oct. 26 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. DST – Cameron, Chapter House

A permit must be acquired by anyone harvesting firewood on the Kaibab National Forest. The 2019 firewood season runs from May 1 to December 31 for the Tusayan Ranger District.

Each person, with proper identification, may obtain permits for up to 30 cords per season of combined paid-use and free-use firewood. Individuals may purchase up to two 10-cord paid-use firewood permits at a rate of $2 per cord, and may obtain one 10-cord free-use firewood permit. Ceremonial-use permits are also available, which authorize collection of two cords per individual.

The Kaibab National Forest has increased the amount of wood available to each person for purchase while reducing the cost per cord by crediting firewood cutting for the contribution it provides to forest restoration goals. By removing dead and down as well as small-diameter trees, firewood cutting can help improve forest health and reduce the risk of unnaturally severe wildfire.

It is important that a permit be acquired even for free-use areas because by tracking public demand for the various kinds of permits, the amount of wood removed, and other factors, forest managers are better able to plan for the future needs of firewood collectors and provide greater opportunities for accessing these important resources. Firewood from the Kaibab National Forest is frequently used by local community and tribal members for home heating, cooking and other critical purposes.

All firewood permits issued by the Kaibab National Forest will include a map and detailed cutting regulations as well as load tags, which must be physically attached to each ¼ cord of firewood and visible from the rear of the vehicle. The goal of this load tagging system is to ensure accountability for the amount of wood removed from the forest and to inform planning for future firewood cutting areas to meet public need and forest restoration objectives.

The removal of firewood is permitted only from National Forest lands on the specific district for which the permit is issued. Firewood cutters are reminded to take note of property boundaries and cut only on National Forest lands.

Detailed firewood cutting information and maps are available on the Kaibab National Forest website at http://bit.ly/KNFfuelwood.

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

Ikes Fire Moves Across Landscape As Containment Increases

Posted on by

GRAND CANYON – The Ikes Fire is approximately 3,289 acres, 42% contained, and has 89 resources assigned. The natural caused lightning fire is being utilized to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem. Due to the absence of fire for nearly two decades in the northeast corner of the planning area, there is a heavy accumulation of dead and down forest debris and pine litter. Fire will help to reduce forest litter and burn off excess vegetation, promoting new plant growth and strengthening wildlife habitat. The lightning-caused wildfire is actively burning within a 7,785-acre planning area.

Yesterday crews made progress with firing operations as weather conditions remained favorable. Work on the northeast corner and eastern boundary of the planning area has been completed. Today firefighters will continue to strengthen and improve containment lines along the northern border heading west towards Fire Point. Firing operations are weather dependent and may not occur as strong winds are expected. The Type 3 Incident Management Team will continue to evaluate weather conditions and monitor fire behavior to meet incident objectives while providing for firefighter and public safety.

The predicted weather is mostly sunny with clouds in the afternoon. Expect very dry and breezy conditions with wind gusts up to 22 mph. Precipitation is not forecasted as we move into the weekend. Expect to see smoke from multiple fires within the area surrounding the Grand Canyon from both the North and South Rims. Smoke has settled into the canyon overnight due to cooler temperatures but is expected to lift out as the day temperatures become warmer.

Closures remain in effect for Grand Canyon National Park and Kaibab National Forest. More information on closures can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/6475/.

The Ikes Fire poses no danger to structures or local infrastructure.

Kaibab National Forest proposes fee increase for Ten X Campground

Posted on by

TUSAYAN — The Kaibab National Forest is proposing to increase fees for overnight camping at Ten X Campground on the Tusayan Ranger District in order to better align prices with other nearby private and public recreation areas as well as to improve visitor experience by enhancing amenities and services.

The fees at Ten X Campground have not been raised for more than 25 years, resulting in the recreation area being significantly underpriced as compared to equivalent offerings. The proposed fee increases would not only better align costs with average market values but would also provide additional funds to better maintain existing infrastructure, hire more seasonal workers to service the campground, and support the proposed expansion of this popular recreation site.

The Kaibab National Forest is proposing that the overnight camping fee for a single site be raised from the current $10 to $24, and for a double site from $20 to $48. The Kaibab National Forest is also proposing that the overnight fee for Group Site A, which accommodates 75 people, be increased from the current $125 to $175, and for Group Site B, which accommodates 50 people, from $75 to $125. Fees are assessed based on the level of amenities and services provided, cost of operation and maintenance, market assessment, and public comment.

“Ten X Campground provides a valuable camping experience in a beautiful setting for visitors to Grand Canyon National Park and northern Arizona,” said Dutch Maatman, assistant recreation staff officer with the Kaibab National Forest. “If approved, this fee increase will help us support the proposed expansion of the campground, increase the amenities offered there, and ultimately provide the positive recreation experience that our visitors have come to expect.”

In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, which allows the Forest Service to retain funds collected at certain recreation sites and use those funds locally to operate, maintain and improve these sites. Eighty to 95 percent of the revenue collected at recreation fee sites remains on forest for management of those same facilities.

Under REA, all new fees and fee changes must be proposed and approved by a citizen advisory committee, in this case the Arizona Bureau of Land Management Recreation Resource Advisory Committee. Committee members represent a broad range of recreation interest groups to help ensure that the Forest Service is proposing reasonable and publicly acceptable new fees and fee changes.

Members of the public are invited to provide input on the Kaibab National Forest’s proposed Ten X Campground fee increases through Oct. 31, 2019. Comments should be submitted to Dutch Maatman at joseph.maatman@usda.gov or (928) 635-5661.

Once the public review period has ended, the proposed fee changes and all comments received will be considered by the advisory committee, which will then submit a recommendation to the Regional Forester of the Forest Service’s Southwestern Region for a final decision.

To learn more about the proposed Ten X Campground Expansion project, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55626.

Suspects arrested for aggravated assault and weapons violation in Tusayan

Posted on by

TUSAYAN – On May 27 at about 3:57 p.m. the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a male subject pointing a gun at people inside and outside of the Squire Inn in Tusayan. Further reports indicated several shots had been fired outside of the hotel with no injuries reported.

Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office, Department of Public Safety Helicopter, Department of Public Safety Officer’s and Park Rangers from the Grand Canyon Nation Parks Service responded to the scene. During the investigation the male subject was identified as 23-year-old Ezekiel VALENZUELA and female subject identified as 20-year-old Reyna MUNOZ.

Upon responding to the Squire Inn, deputies spoke with witnesses on scene who described a male and female subject in the arcade engaged in an altercation. Bystanders attempted to intervene to stop the altercation when the male subject pulled a hand gun from his waist and pointed it at patrons.

Both subjects exited the Squire Inn and began walking towards a forested area to the west of the hotel. The male subject again pointed the gun at an employee in the parking lot as the two were walking from the area.

Both subjects were found to work at the Wendy’s in Tusayan and reside in local housing. Deputies, DPS and National Parks Service Rangers were able to locate the subjects at a residence in the area and detained both subjects without incident.

Upon interviewing the subjects, MUNOZ reported she had been the one who had discharged the gun after taking it from VALENZUELA. MUNOZ reported she had not discharged the gun at anyone.

A search warrant was obtained for the residence, where deputies located the firearm and the clothing they had been wearing at the time of the incident as indicated by video surveillance.

Both subjects were transported to the Coconino County Jail in Flagstaff and booked on multiple charges including Aggravated Assault, Disorderly Conducted with a Deadly Weapon, Endangerment and False Information to Law Enforcement.

Kaibab National Forest to offer firewood permits in Navajo and Hopi communities

Posted on by

TUSAYAN — The Kaibab National Forest will offer free-use, paid personal-use and ceremonial firewood permits for the Tusayan Ranger District at a variety of locations in Navajo and Hopi communities over the next three months. These opportunities are part of the Kaibab National Forest’s ongoing effort to increase access to firewood for tribal members and communities.

Kaibab National Forest representatives will offer firewood permits on the specified days and times and at the following locations:

  • Friday, May 10 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. DST – Tuba City, Flea Market
  • Saturday, May 18 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. DST – Cameron, Chapter House
  • Friday, May 31 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. MST – Upper Village of Moenkopi, Moenkopi administrative office
  • Friday, June 14 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. DST – Tuba City, Flea Market
  • Friday, June 28 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. MST – Kykotsmovi Village, Honahnie Building
  • Saturday, July 13 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. DST – Cameron, Chapter House

A permit must be acquired by anyone harvesting firewood on the Kaibab National Forest. The 2019 firewood season runs from May 1 to Dec. 31 for the Tusayan Ranger District.

Each person, with proper identification, may obtain permits for up to 30 cords per season of combined paid-use and free-use firewood. Individuals may purchase up to two 10-cord paid-use firewood permits at a rate of $2 per cord, and may obtain one 10-cord free-use firewood permit. Ceremonial-use permits are also available, which authorize collection of two cords per individual.

The Kaibab National Forest has increased the amount of wood available to each person for purchase while reducing the cost per cord by crediting firewood cutting for the contribution it provides to forest restoration goals. By removing dead and down as well as small-diameter trees, firewood cutting can help improve forest health and reduce the risk of unnaturally severe wildfire.

It is important that a permit be acquired even for free-use areas because by tracking public demand for the various kinds of permits, the amount of wood removed, and other factors, forest managers are better able to plan for the future needs of firewood collectors and provide greater opportunities for accessing these important resources. Firewood from the Kaibab National Forest is frequently used by local community and tribal members for home heating, cooking and other critical purposes.

All firewood permits issued by the Kaibab National Forest will include a map and detailed cutting regulations as well as load tags, which must be physically attached to each ¼ cord of firewood and visible from the rear of the vehicle. The goal of this load tagging system is to ensure accountability for the amount of wood removed from the forest and to inform planning for future firewood cutting areas to meet public need and forest restoration objectives.

The removal of firewood is permitted only from National Forest lands on the specific district for which the permit is issued. Firewood cutters are reminded to take note of property boundaries and cut only on National Forest lands.

Firewood cutting permits may also be obtained throughout the 2019 season at the following locations and during the specified hours Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays:

  • Williams Ranger District, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (928) 635-5600
  • Tusayan Ranger District, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Tusayan; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (928) 638-2443
  • North Kaibab Ranger District, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (928) 643-7395

Public comments sought on proposed campground expansion project south of Tusayan

Posted on by

TUSAYAN — The Kaibab National Forest is providing an opportunity to comment on a proposed project to remodel existing campsites and expand the current footprint of Ten X Campground, which is located south of Tusayan about 5 miles south of the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park.

The comment period for the Ten X Campground Expansion project begins today and will continue through May 30. A draft environmental assessment, background documents, and other detailed project information are available for public review on the Kaibab National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55626.

The project is designed to increase overnight camping opportunities for visitors to the area and improve overall experience by upgrading aging facilities and adding amenities. The expansion would increase capacity from the current 70 campsites to a total of 300. The total expansion and remodel would encompass about 345 acres.

The remodeling of existing sites and the addition of new sites would increase Ten X Campground’s ability to accommodate large RVs while eliminating the current problem of parking along the Ten X roadway, which creates congestion and safety concerns. The 230 sites to be added would be a mix of RV-friendly, individual tent, and small group sites.

In order to facilitate the construction of the camping loops, a new roadway would be established as a larger loop surrounding the current campground footprint. Two egress routes would be added in order to better facilitate any future emergency evacuation.

Other proposed campground improvements include adding ramada structures with more grills, fire rings and picnic tables, as well as a new amphitheater for campfire talks. To see all proposed campground expansion features, visit the project website at www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55626.

“There is increasing public demand for recreation and overnight camping opportunities in the area, and Ten X is in the ideal location given its proximity to Grand Canyon National Park,” said Dutch Maatman, assistant recreation staff officer with the Kaibab National Forest. “We also believe this campground expansion project will reduce resource damage associated with the increase in dispersed camping we have seen on the Tusayan Ranger District.”

The Ten X Campground Expansion project would be completed in phases, with the first phase likely to include the creation of three new camping loops, the development of 4 miles of two-way main loop road, and the installation of a multilingual entrance station and centralized location to access visitor services. Other phases of the project and the specific components of each would be determined over time based on a continuing assessment of needs and opportunities.

Ten X Campground on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest was originally constructed in the early 1970s, and currently offers 70 individual sites, two large group sites, one host site, several vault toilets, and a potable drinking water system. Since the development of Ten X Campground, there have been only minor expansions and updates, leaving it vulnerable to frequent overcrowding and visitor use conflicts.

The comment period for the Ten X Campground Expansion project will continue through May 30. To submit comments, email them in an email message, plain text (.txt), rich text (.rtf), or Word document (.doc) format to comments-southwestern-kaibab-williams@fs.fed.us with the subject title of “Ten X Campground Expansion”; fax comments to (928) 635-5680; hand deliver comments Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to Victoria Tyler at the Williams Ranger Station; or, mail comments to Victoria Tyler, NEPA Planner, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams AZ, 86046. For additional information on submitting comments, visit the project website at www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55626.

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

Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts to Begin Spring Prescribed Fire Operations This Week on the Kaibab National Forest

Posted on by

WILLIAMS — Fire managers on the south zone of the Kaibab National Forest will begin springtime burning on both the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts beginning Thursday of this week and will likely burn through the weekend and into the following week ahead.

Due to the higher snow and precipitation levels that were received across northern Arizona this past winter, conditions have presented ideal opportunities to implement prescribed burns in the spring months of the year. Prescribed fire is one of the many tools used to accomplish multiple forest restoration objectives. It is also beneficial as a practical method to reduce risks associated with uncharacteristic wildfires that can pose significant threats to public health and safety.On the Williams Ranger District, crews are hopeful to finish the final 5200 acres of the Sunflower project which began in 2017. The area to be treated is located approximately 10 miles southeast of Williams between County Road 73 and Whitehorse Lake. A helicopter may be used to assist with aerial ignitions on this project and up to 1000 acres a day could potentially be ignited.

On the Tusayan Ranger District managers will continue working on the Reed Prescribed Fire project and will be looking to burn approximately 500 acres 3 miles northeast of the town of Tusayan. Crews may move over the Russell Rx project located approximately 18 miles southeast of Tusayan and continue working in this project area if conditions allow.

Smoke will be highly visible at times near all of these locations. Officials understand that smoke impacts to air quality may be unpleasant at times, however they can significantly reduce the amount and limit the duration more effectively using prescribed methods as opposed to an uncontrolled wildfire situation with long term effects. Smoke will be monitored very closely with the intent to minimize impacts to rural areas.

Turkey Hunters are advised to be aware of these fire operations occurring across the southern half of the Kaibab National Forest and use caution if hunting near these areas.

During operations, fire personnel and vehicles working in these vicinities will be visible to the public. Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive with heightened awareness when passing through active project areas.

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 burns authorizations, please visit www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/index.html. Additional fire information for Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:

· Fire Information Recorded Hotline: 928-635-8311
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
· Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
· Kaibab website “Recent News”: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
· Kaibab South Zone Rx Fire: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5922/

Kaibab National Forest seeks public input on proposed expansion of Forest Service campground south of Tusayan

Posted on by

TUSAYAN – The Kaibab National Forest is seeking public input and comments on a proposed project to remodel and expand the popular Ten X Campground located south of Tusayan about 5 miles south of the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park.

The Ten X Campground Expansion project is designed to increase overnight camping opportunities for visitors to the area and improve overall experience by upgrading aging facilities and adding amenities. Specifically, the proposed expansion would increase capacity from the current 70 individual campsites to a total of 300. Existing sites would undergo remodeling while new sites would be added, thereby expanding the overall campground footprint.

The proposed remodeling of existing sites and the addition of new sites would increase Ten X Campground’s ability to accommodate large RVs, which have become increasingly popular since the campground’s original construction in the early 1970s. The campground would also provide additional small group sites as well as individual tent sites. In order to facilitate the construction of the new camping loops, a new roadway would be established as a larger loop surrounding the current campground. Two egress routes are also being proposed in order to better facilitate any future emergency evacuation.

Proposed campground remodeling would include the installation of a new multilingual entrance station; the development of visitor common areas with ramada structures, grills, fire rings, and picnic tables; and, the addition of an amphitheater for campfire talks. Included with the proposed expansion is the possibility of modernizing the existing utilities.

In order to enhance the visitor experience and provide conservation education venues, the Kaibab National Forest is proposing the development of new nature and interpretive trails, including a trail connecting Ten X Campground to Tusayan and the Arizona National Scenic Trail, as well as an opportunity to site a future interagency visitor center at the location.

“Ten X Campground is frequently filled to capacity due to its popular location,” said Dutch Maatman, assistant recreation staff officer with the Kaibab National Forest. “We are excited about the opportunity to not only support the increased number of visitors to the area but also to provide them with a better overall camping experience.”

Ten X Campground on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest was originally constructed in the early 1970s, and currently offers 70 individual sites, two large group sites, one host site, several vault toilets, paved roads, and a potable drinking water system. Since the development of Ten X Campground, there have been only minor expansions and updates, leaving it vulnerable to overcrowding and visitor use conflicts.

The Kaibab National Forest encourages public participation in the development of proposed projects and is seeking input and comments on the Ten X Campground Expansion project. Specific, written comments should be received no later than March 29.

Comments must be in writing and may be delivered electronically, in person, or by mail or facsimile. Electronic comments, including attachments, may be emailed to comments-southwestern-kaibab-williams@fs.fed.us. Comments may be submitted electronically in Word (.doc or .docx), rich text format (.rtf), text (.txt), Adobe portable document formats (PDF), or HyperText Markup Language (.html). Submit comments via hand delivery (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays) or mail to: Kaibab National Forest, Williams Ranger District, 742 South Clover Road, Williams, Arizona 86046. Please marks comments “Attention: Ten X Campground Expansion.”

To view the full proposed action and other information related to the Ten X Campground Expansion project, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55626. For questions, please contact Dutch Maatman at (928) 635-5661 or jmaatman@fs.fed.us.

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

Tusayan Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Posted on by

TUSAYAN – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a Neighborhood Watch meeting for the Tusayan area on Thursday, October 11 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Tusayan Fire Station located at 408 West State Route 64, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023.