Flagstaff, AZ –Labor Day weekend means another opportunity to camp in the cool pines of northern Arizona national forests. There are currently no campfire restrictions in the Coconino National Forest, but Forest Service officials would like to provide a few campfire safety reminders:

• Use existing campfire rings to minimize impacts to the soil. Make a fire only if you have a shovel and sufficient water to put it out.

• Never leave your campfire unattended and keep your campfire as small as practical.

• To make sure your campfire is out, drown with water and stir with dirt, making sure all burned materials are extinguished. Feel with your hand to make sure it’s out cold.

For tips on putting out a campfire, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqqGjD_TqhA

With a long holiday weekend for many people, campgrounds are expected to start filling up on Friday. Most campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you arrive, the better your chances of finding a campsite. If planning to disperse camp beyond developed campgrounds, remember the Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash when you leave. Dispose of human waste by burying or packing out within a portable camp toilet.

Two Emergency Closure Areas are in effect on the Coconino National Forest. These areas are closed to all public entry for public safety.

• Schultz Fire on east side of San Francisco Peaks.

• Cinder Lake Flood Zone east of Highway 89.

The closure for the Ranger Fire Complex between Highway 87 and Blue Ridge/C.C. Cragin Reservoir is re-opened, however a portion of the Arizona Trail remains re-routed.

Most Forest Service offices will be closed on Monday, September 6 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. The Red Rock Visitor Station south of Sedona on Highway 179 will be open all weekend. For more information, visit www.coconinoforest.us or call 928-527-3600.

Sedona, AZ – Once again, the public is invited to experience Snakes in Sedona at the Red Rock Ranger District, Saturday September 4 and Sunday September 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Visitors can see – and maybe even touch – some of the Sedona area’s native snakes.  This popular exhibit is being brought back this Labor Day weekend for the public to enjoy.   

From Rattlers to Kings, the Red Rock District’s marvelous landscape provides habitat for a spectrum of our slithery neighbors. Snake Specialists Russell Dunn and Karen McClellend will showcase their collection of snakes, educating visitors on habitats, behaviors, and feeding habits of the different species common to this part of Arizona.

The Red Rock Visitor Office is located at 8375 State Route 179, approximately 7 miles south of Sedona and one mile south of the Village of Oak Creek.  No reservations are necessary; come any time. This event is being hosted by the Coconino National Forest and the Arizona Natural History Association. For additional information, please contact Genny Riner at the Red Rock District Visitor Contact Office at 928-203-2900.

Williams, AZ – The Williams Ranger District will host two community meetings to discuss prescribed burning planned this fall. Fire managers will present information and answer questions about prescribed burning projects located near Williams and Parks. Community members are encouraged to attend.  Meeting information is as follows:

        Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. at City Council Chambers
        Monday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. at Maine Consolidated School in the music room

For more information, please call Punky Moore, Fire Information Officer, at 928-635-5653.

Sedona , AZ- On Wednesday August 25, 2010 Sedona Police Department and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a man threatening suicide.

At approximately 5:47 a.m. Dispatch ers of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office/ Flagstaff Police Department  911 Center received a call from the Sedona Police Department regarding a man with a gun who was threatening to shoot himself and jump off Midgley Bridge , Highway 89A.  This bridge spans Wilson Canyon approximately one mile north of Sedona just east of the Sedona corporate boundary.    

Officers on scene were attempting to convince 59 year old Paul Miller to put his gun down and move away from the bridge railing that he was straddling.  Mr. Miller shot himself and fell over 200 feet to the bottom of the canyon.  Detectives and Coconino County Sheriffs Office Search and Rescue Volunteers recovered Mr. Miller’s body from the canyon at approximately 10:15 a.m. today.

This incident remains under investigation by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The public is asked for comments on 13 applicants for an opening created on the Arizona Supreme Court when Justice Michael Ryan retired on August 6.

The applicants are James P. Beene, Robert M. Brutinel, Kent E. Cattani, John C. Gemmill, Andrew W. Gould, Diane M. Johnsen, Drue A. Morgan Birch, Kenneth E. Moyer, Regina L. Nassen, Maurice Portley, Ann A. Scott Timmer, Lisa G. Tewksbury Hauser, and Lawrence F. Winthrop. Their applications for the position can be viewed online at http://www.supreme.state.az.us/jnc.

The Commission on Appellate Court Appointments will review the applications and hear comments at a public meeting on September 13. The meeting will be held at the Arizona State Courts Building in Phoenix, 1501 W. Washington, Conference Room 345, starting at 10:00 a.m. Citizens may address the commission at that time or send written comments to 1501 W. Washington, Suite 221, Phoenix, AZ, 85007 or to jnc@courts.az.gov. Comments must be received by September 6 to be considered. Anonymous comments cannot be considered.

At the September 13 meeting the commission will decide which applicants will be interviewed for the opening. The selected applicants will be interviewed on September 30. After the interviews the commission will recommend at least three nominees to Governor Jan Brewer, who will appoint the new justice.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding the whereabouts of 30 year old Richard Clay Branham.  Branham had been staying in the Kanab, UT area and was last seen in Fredonia , AZ on July 21^st, 2010.  Branham may have been planning on traveling to the Kaibab Plateau but his exact plans are unknown.  Family, friends, and authorities have become concerned about Branham’s welfare.  Anyone with information about Branham or his vehicle should call the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office or their local law enforcement agency.

NAME: Richard Clay Branham                    

AGE:  30                   

HEIGHT: 5’ 8” tall

WEIGHT: 165 pounds

EYES: Hazel eyes

HAIR: Brown hair

DESCRIPTION:  Tattoo on his right shoulder of a purple crescent moon with white clouds.

CLOTHING: Often wears Wrangler Levis, rounded toe boots, ball cap or cowboy hat.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 2001 black in color GMC extended cab pickup truck, 20 inch chrome rims, Nevada license plate 398-VAW.

PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Commission finalized the purchase of the 160-acre Foster Ranch property in Coconino County for the future site of the Northern Arizona Shooting Range.

“This is a historic moment for a project that has spanned nearly 15 years,” said Game and Fish Commission Chair Jennifer Martin. “After evaluating nearly 50 properties, Foster Ranch was the best choice that meets our objectives for a public shooting range in the Flagstaff area.”

A pubic survey was used to shape the objectives of the shooting range, the top three concerns were 1.) to be located within 30 minutes from downtown Flagstaff; 2.) sized for a local range with potential to expand to regional range; 3.) and the ability to be operational by 2013 (3-5 years).

Northern Arizona residents have been without a rifle and pistol shooting range since 1968. In 1994, closures of the local shotgun and archery ranges resulted in one of Arizona’s largest communities being without a designated place for recreational shooting.

Surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, the property is located approximately 15 miles east of Flagstaff and 5 miles south of the Town of Winona. The property is in the mid 6000 foot elevation, consisting of pinion-juniper and high country ground cover.

“The Coconino National Forest is looking forward to a safe, designated area for recreational shooting – especially one that offers youth development and hunter education programs,” said Coconino National Forest Supervisor Earl Stewart. “We are prepared to work cooperatively with Game and Fish in the development of this long-needed range.”

The $1.1 million property purchase came at no expense to taxpayers, state or local.

Because the Game and Fish receives no tax dollars from the state’s general fund and operates under a user-pay, user-benefit model, the property was purchased and will be developed through the sale of licenses to hunters and anglers.

A $3 surcharge is imposed on hunting and fishing licenses to acquire, construct, renovate, or improve Game and Fish facilities. The fund for the development of the Northern Arizona Shooting Range was established beginning in 2001.

Developing the range
At this stage, no detailed site plans have been made. Properties for shooting ranges are selected based on key macro-level considerations, such as size, layout, safety, access, drainage, utilities, and other development considerations.

Before any development of the property can take place, there is a multitude of logistical planning required, including an environmental compliance checklist; coordination with the Coconino National Forest and Coconino County; developing a scope of work and timelines; and providing the public opportunities to give input to assist in the development of this local range.

Other factors such as funding, process time for of environmental compliances, resources, and weather will dictate a phased-in development approach of the Northern Arizona Shooting Range over the next three years and beyond.

The public is invited to an informal open house to provide input on the range development plan on Thursday, Sept. 23 from 3-8 p.m. at the Game and Fish Flagstaff regional office at 3500 S. Lake Mary Road. For those who are unable to attend the open house, the same materials and a way to submit your comments will be made available online at the same time at www.azgfd.gov/nazsr.

On display will be a very early conceptual site design, preliminary timelines for development, and an opportunity to provide comments. While no formal presentation will be made, key Game and Fish personnel and representatives from the Coconino National Forest will be available to provide information and answer questions.

 “Given all the supportive comments from residents, shooting clubs, past commissioners, along with the Coconino National Forest supervisor at the May public meeting, I’m confident that we are on the right track to meeting the needs of the shooting community and reduce wildcat shooting around Flagstaff,” added Martin.

History and information
A local or community range is typically 60-80+ acres in size, and provides a multi-purpose facility. Some features of a local range may include a 100-yard rifle sight-in and pistol range, a small bore / hunter education range, shotgun / clay target shooting (trap, skeet and/or sporting clays in some cases), and archery venues.

Game and Fish has spent the last 15 years seeking to establish a shooting range in northern Arizona. Some of the past key events include:

• 1995-2003 – Attempted Bellemont land exchange with Coconino National Forest (CNF).

• 2005-2009 – Willard Springs site identified as alternate for land exchange with CNF.

• March 2009 – Begin 90-day re-evaluation of alternate sites due to 2019 estimation to complete land exchange for Willard Springs property.

• May 2009 – Criteria for eliminating potential alternate sites identified based on public survey: located within 30 minutes from downtown Flagstaff; sized for a local range with potential to expand to regional range; and the ability to be operational by 2013.

• June 2009 – Three sites recommended, all require land exchange with CNF.

• Sept. 2009 – Foster Ranch added to recommended properties for consideration.

• Dec. 2009 – Site selection reduced to three properties, including Foster Ranch.

• May. 2010 – Commission approves purchase of Foster Ranch.

• July 2010 – Purchase of property completed.

Interested parties can get the latest information on the Northern Arizona Shooting Range by e-mail www.azgfd.gov/signup by selecting “shooting sports news” or by visiting www.azgfd.gov/nazsr.

Sedona, AZ – The Coconino National Forest will soon begin improving access to existing restrooms at two popular trailheads on the Red Rock Ranger District. This includes the Bell Rock Vista and Courthouse Butte trailhead parking areas located north of the Village of Oak Creek along State Route 179. Construction work is scheduled to begin Tuesday, September 7 and is expected to be complete by October 22. Although daily trailhead parking is still available, construction activity may create some inconvenience between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., including weekends. Restrooms will remain closed throughout the construction period. 

Facility improvements will include a new information kiosk at the Court House Butte Trailhead and new concrete walkways and handrails at both the Court House Butte and Bell Rock Vista trailheads to improve public restroom access. There will be some earthwork involved around the buildings and will require earth moving equipment. Overall improvements will provide easier access and ultimately, a better experience for visitors. 

During the construction period, alternative restroom facilities are available at the Red Rock Visitor Information Office located south of the Village of Oak Creek or the Little Horse Trailhead, located approximately 2.5 miles north of the Bell Rock Vista Trailhead. 

For more information, please contact the Red Rock Ranger District at (928) 203-7500.

The Coconino National Forest is implementing a second round of Burned Area Emergency Response Treatments on the Schultz Fire. This work is being accomplished through four contracts. The objective of these treatments is to protect life and property, primarily homes, private and county roads from additional flood damage. A secondary objective is to retain soil in place to preserve long-term soil productivity, which is fundamental for restoring and sustaining the health of the burned watersheds. Additional objectives include protection of archaeological resources, forest roads, and control of invasive weeds.

Aerial Seeding Contract Contractor completed all 5,600 acres last week. A special certified weed-free seed mixture was used that includes a non-reseeding sterile annual grass known as “Quickguard” in addition to native mountain brome, squirrel tail, Arizona fescue and June grass. This seeding will not provide immediate vegetative cover this summer, but is expected to help “jumpstart” native regeneration within the burned area and help prevent erosion next year.

Significant natural regeneration of aspen, oak and other native plants has been observed in the burned area.

Helicopter Mulching Contract The contractor, Columbia Basin Helicopters, started application of certified weed-free straw late last week. Most of the 900 acres to be re-mulched is on steep slopes between Forest Road 146/Waterline Road and Forest Road 420/Schultz Pass Road. About 300 acres has been applied. Straw mulch application rate of 1.5 tons per acre is one and a half times heavier than initial application. Anticipated completion is next week, dependant on weather conditions.

Forest Road Drainage and Stabilization Contract This contract includes constructing water bar drainage on a number of forest roads within the burned area to minimize runoff down the road surfaces. Local contractor, Mountain High Excavating, is about 90% done.

Removal of Log Debris Contract This contract was awarded to Arbor Pro, a local small business, and started this past weekend. The work entails clearing fallen log debris in drainage channels to prevent water from damming up then breaching and causing increased flooding. Contract is about a third complete, but like the helicopter work, may be delayed due to storm activity.

For more information including BAER assessment documents and treatments maps, see the Schultz Fire BAER page at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/fire/schultz-fire-2010/baer/index.shtml

Flagstaff, AZ – Kristin Bail has been named as the new deputy forest supervisor for the Coconino National Forest and will officially begin mid-October. 

Her 25-year career with Federal land management agencies consists of a variety of experiences in natural resources and leadership positions at different organizational levels. I

n 1984 she joined the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon as a Cooperative Education student trainee in hydrology. She graduated from Washington State University in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in geology and began her career as a hydrologist in the BLM’s Lakeview District. Bail held a variety of positions during her 10 years there, including a 1-year detail on the Fremont National Forest as a ranger district management assistant. 

She spent two years in the BLM's Washington Budget Office and then returned to Oregon as part of a dual career move with her husband, Barron, who works for the BLM. 

In 2003 she was selected as the district ranger for the Crooked River National Grassland on the Ochoco National Forest in Oregon. During her time in Oregon she also served as the acting district ranger for the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District on the Deschutes National Forest, as well as other assignments on both Forests. 

In December 2006 Bail returned to Washington D.C. to serve in the BLM’s Business and Fiscal Resources section. She is currently the national policy and program lead for the agency’s 37 national monuments and national conservation areas. 

Bail grew up in Arizona and graduated from Camelback High School in Phoenix. 

“I am delighted to be joining the Coconino National Forest, and I look forward to working with the Forest staff, our partners, and communities on the many challenges and opportunities we face, including planning for the forest’s future,” said Bail. 

She will officially begin her assignment as deputy forest supervisor for the Coconino National Forest on Oct. 12. 

Bail succeeds Joe Stringer, who currently works in Vallejo, Calif. as the director of ecosystem planning in the Pacific Southwest Region of the Forest Service.

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR SUNSET CRATER VOLCANO NATIONAL MONUMENT WASTEWATER SYSTEM PROJECT

The recent heavy rains and flooding have prompted the Coconino County Health Department (CCHD) to increase mosquito surveillance in the Schultz flood area.   Standing water in the flood zone is being monitored for mosquito activity and is treated if needed.  CCHD staff is also trapping and testing mosquitoes to monitor for West Nile virus (WNV).

“Any standing water can create the perfect location for mosquitoes to reproduce. The water left behind in the Schultz flood area is an example of a potential mosquito breeding area so we are paying close attention to mosquito activity,” said Randy Phillips, CCHD Environmental Services Senior Manager.

Residents are encouraged to remove standing water from areas around their homes when possible and to wear mosquito repellent. Be aware that mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, products containing these active ingredients typically provide reasonably long-lasting protection:

•        DEET

•        Picaridin

•        Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus* or PMD -the synthesized version of oil of lemon eucalyptus

•        IR3535

Be sure to follow the directions on the label of the repellent. Additional information on repellents is available at http://cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/Repellentupdates.htm.

The following suggestions may help reduce or eliminate standing water around a home.

• Dispose of or turn upside down tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers.

• Remove all discarded tires from your property.  Used tires have become one of the most common mosquito breeding sites in the country.

• Drill holes in the bottoms of all recycling containers that are kept outdoors.

• Make sure roof gutters drain properly, and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.

• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.

• Change the water in bird baths, pet dishes and flower pots at least twice per week.

• Clean vegetation and debris from the edge of ponds.

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.

• Drain water from pool and spa covers.

• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property

These preventive measures should be continued until cold weather returns and mosquito activity diminishes in the fall.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause symptoms ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe neurological symptoms. However, in most infected people there are no symptoms at all. 

Although the chance of becoming ill due to WNV is small, persons over the age of 50 are at higher risk for serious illness.  In mild cases of WNV disease, symptoms including sudden onset of fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, muscle pain, and rash, typically occur 3–14 days after the mosquito bite.  More severe forms of the illness, including encephalitis and meningitis, are marked by weakness, high fever, stiff neck, headache, confusion, paralysis, and seizures.  Very severe illness can be fatal, but less than 1% of those infected develop the more severe illness.  There is no specific treatment for WNV other than supportive care, and there is no vaccine available for humans.

For more information, or to report any concerns, call the Coconino County Health Department at 928-679-8750 or toll free 1-877-679-7272.

Flagstaff, AZ —The Coconino National Forest has issued an emergency flood closure order for national forest land in the Cinder Lake area east of Highway 89. The area is bounded by Forest Roads 776 and 777 to the north, Forest Roads 9144D and 498 to the east, private property in Doney Park to the south, and private property in Fernwood to the west.

The area is compromised by flooding and unstable cinder surface. Because of drainage structures constructed to relieve flooding, water is collecting where it’s not usually present. In case of rainfall, additional flooding would occur. Public safety officials urge people to stay out of this closure area for their own safety and to avoid the need for rescue.

Violation of this closure is punishable by a fine of up to $5000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both. The order is in effect until September 30, 2010 or later if necessary.

Most of the Cinder Hills OHV area is still open and accessible through Sunset Crater National Monument/Forest Road 545. Access to the City of Flagstaff landfill is still open.

For more information about the closure area including a map, see www.coconinoforest.us or call Peaks Ranger Station Monday-Friday at 928-526-0866.

Flagstaff, Az. – As the Doney Park and Timberline community continues the hard work of recovering from flooding that began July 16, residents there are asked to help recovery crews by avoiding areas under construction.  Coconino County asks that all citizens heed barricades and warning signs posted “Danger” wherever they are placed, especially near drainage ditches. Specifically, the Copeland Lane Drainage area is closed to entry.

Dirt banks around ditches and trenches – like that under construction near East Copeland Lane – can be dangerous and unstable, especially after exposed to rain.

Newly placed dirt banks and berms often have sharp drop-off edges, especially before they are compacted.  They can also have swift running water between banks. This makes them extremely dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles alike because they can give way without warning, leading to injury or potential drowning.

Driving and even walking on the berms can also cause construction damage, thus altering the intended flow of drainage.

FLAGSTAFF – Following last winter’s rough weather and the effects of heavy traffic, the Arizona Department of Transportation is set to resurface a 15-mile stretch of southbound Interstate 17 in the Verde Valley region starting Monday, June 14.

Drivers who use southbound I-17 between the Red Hill Scenic Overlook (milepost 312) and McGuireville are encouraged to allow extra travel time and expect delays due to single lane restrictions needed for the paving work. 

Crews are scheduled to work from 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for several weeks.  The project is scheduled to be finished by mid July.  Work will not take place over the extended July 4 weekend.

The resurfaced section will include a final top layer of smooth and durable rubberized asphalt, which includes rubber from thousands of recycled tires blended into the asphalt mixture.

While ADOT strives to provide up to date project information for drivers, commercial trucking firms and local communities, unscheduled closures or restrictions may be needed at times.  To receive weekly construction updates please email FlagstaffDistrictUpdates@azdot.gov.  The project hotline is 1.888.236.4374.

When the paving project is under way, truck drivers will be required to stop at the Red Hill Scenic Overlook for a brake check.  All drivers are urged to slow down, pay attention to project signs and remain alert for flag crews, construction workers and equipment in the work zone.