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These news releases are originated by various Coconino County agencies, the Forest Service, and other entities. News releases from the City of Flagstaff are sometimes posted on their website.
News releases issued by other organizations and businesses may be found through a
Google search using keyword phrases such as flagstaff news release or
sedona news release. News releases are posted here for a few days or weeks, as their news value warrants. ~~~~~ ~~~~~ Advertisements Did you know?
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| Progressive - Liberal | Conservative - Libertarian |
Dreams
From My Father
By Barack Obama By Barack Obama |
|
| Rules
For Radicals
By Saul Alinsky |
~~~~~ ~~~~~
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 5, 2010
Coconino County
Sheriff's Department
Flagstaff, AZ – A
36 year old male from Flagstaff who was skiing on the north side of Fremont
Peak in an area known as the Telemark Avalanche Path triggered an avalanche. He
was trapped in the avalanche and was drug more than a quarter mile and dropped
approximately 900 feet in elevation.
On Friday,
February 05, 2010 at about 1:26 p.m. Emergency Communications Specialists of
the Northern Arizona Regional 911 Reception Center received a call from an
individual who reported to be in a group three skiers in the area of the
Telemark Avalanche Path. According
to the reporting party one of the skiers was caught in an avalanche and was
buried under the snow.
The call was
transferred to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR)
Coordinator who immediately initiated a rapid response.
He called the Arizona Snowbowl and requested that a Stage 1 Avalanche
Rescue Team be mobilized. He also contacted the Arizona Department of Public Safety
Northern Air Rescue Unit and requested that a helicopter crew do a
reconnaissance flight with a Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue
member on board to determine if it was possible to insert rescue personnel.
Search and Rescue personnel prepared to respond from Lockett Meadow Road
to the Inner Basin to assist with the rescue.
Subsequent calls
from the reporting party revealed that the avalanche victim was able to self
extricate and all three members of the party were located near Doyle Springs.
Eventually a member of the Arizona Ski Patrol was able to make telephone
contact with the victim. The
victim remained at Doyle Springs and was picked up by the Arizona Department of
Public Safety Helicopter and flown to the Arizona Snowbowl where he was
evaluated and treated. The other two skiers remained with the victim until he
was transported and then skied out to North Highway 89.
The victim refused to be transported to the Flagstaff Medical Center.
Investigation
revealed that the three skiers dug a hasty snow study pit and intended to ski
one at a time. The victim was the first one to ski the line.
The other two skiers saw the avalanche as it began and attempted to
shout warnings to the victim but were too late.
It is believed the avalanche fractured at about 11,500 feet and the toe
of the run out was at 10,650 feet. The
Telemark Avalanche Path is located approximately 1 ½ miles from the top of the
Agassiz Chair Lift in remote rugged terrain.
Telemark is one of the most active avalanche paths on the San Francisco
Peaks.
he Coconino
County Sheriff’s Office is thankful for all of the agencies who assisted in
this rescue effort to include the Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue
Unit, the U.S. Forest Service, the Arizona Department of Public Safety Air
Rescue Division and the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Patrol.
We are also thankful for the positive outcome of this incident that
could have just as easily resulted in a fatality.
People venturing into mountainous terrain should carry avalanche rescue equipment such as a shovel, avalanche rescue beacon, avalanche probe, and winter survival gear. Good wilderness navigation and route finding skills are essential. Be prepared for travel and emergencies in the remote winter mountain environment where rescue is not immediate. Deep snow accumulations in the northern Arizona backcountry can make over the snow travel difficult. Do not travel alone and leave a detailed trip plan with a responsible person. It is important to review recent weather reports and forecasts prior to and during your trip. Carrying a cell phone is recommended; however, it may not always work in backcountry locations and should not substitute for good judgment and preparation. It is recommended that people who use the mountain backcountry receive formal avalanche safety education and winter survival skills. Free avalanche awareness clinics are offered by the Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center. More information about these clinics can be found at www.kachinapeaks.org.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 5, 2010
Coconino County
Sheriff's Department
Flagstaff
,
Mr. Watts was reported missing by a friend he was
living with in Kaibab Estates West, a subdivision located north of Ashfork and
within
Mr. Watts’ body was located on Thursday, February
4, 2010 at about 11:00 a.m. by a rancher who was inspecting a fence line on the
Randall Ranch. The location where Mr. Watt’s body was discovered is
approximately 10 miles from his home. Detectives were able to find photo
identification that assisted them in confirming that the victim was Robert Lee
Watts. The keys to Mr. Watts Vehicle were in his pocket however ground
and air searches have not been able to locate it.
At this point detectives have found no evidence to
indicate foul play however this investigation is ongoing. Anyone with
information regarding the whereabouts of
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 4, 2010
USDA Forest Service
Kaibab National Forest
WILLIAMS, Ariz. – The Twin Prescribed Fire Escaped Fire Review is
available on the Kaibab National Forest website at http://fs.usda.gov/kaibab.
To access the document, click on the right-hand link to “Twin Fire
Overview” and then scroll down the page to the “Post-Fire” section under
which the review document is posted.
The review, which was just finalized and submitted to the Kaibab National
Forest, outlines the sequence of events leading up to the Twin Prescribed Burn
being declared a wildfire, provides findings on potential factors contributing
to the escape, and offers recommendations on future prescribed burning projects
conducted on the Kaibab National Forest.
“We take the results of this review very seriously,” said Williams District
Ranger Martie Schramm. “The review outlines some recommendations on
things we should do differently in the future of our prescribed burning
program. As a forest, we plan to focus on those recommendations, learn
from them, and incorporate them into our program.”
The Twin Prescribed Burn was originally ignited Oct. 1. It was declared a
wildfire the following day. The wildfire portion burned 908 acres on the
Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest and forced the
evacuation of part of the Williams community.
For additional information, please visit the Kaibab National Forest website at http://fs.usda.gov/kaibab
or contact Jacqueline Banks at (928) 635-8314 or Punky Moore at (928) 635-5653.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 3, 2010
Arizona Game and
Fish Department
The Arizona Game and Fish
Department’s webcast about the Heritage Fund and impacts to
the state if it were to be lost is now available for on-demand
viewing at www.azgfd.gov/heritagefund.
The 45-minute presentation, which was given Feb. 2 at the Game
and Fish Phoenix office, identifies the many successes and valuable
programs achieved through the Heritage Fund and points out how
elimination of the fund could have significant impacts on Arizona’s
land use and growth that will be vital for the state’s economic
recovery, as well as impacts on outdoor recreationists and the future
well-being of the state’s wildlife.
In mid-January the Governor’s office released a budget plan that
proposes to eliminate the department’s voter-approved Heritage
Fund and redirect all Arizona State Lottery revenue to the state’s
general fund. That proposal has been sent for consideration by the
Legislature.
The department acknowledges the
difficulties the state faces in addressing the budget situation. Arizona
Game and Fish is a “business-model” agency that does not receive
Arizona tax dollars. It is important that the customers who pay the
bills in this “user pay, user benefit” model are informed and
educated about the potential impacts to them that could result from a
loss of Heritage funding.
Passed as an initiative in 1990 by an overwhelming 2-1 bipartisan ratio of Arizona voters, the Heritage Fund provides up to $10 million each year from lottery ticket sales for the conservation and protection of the state’s wildlife and natural areas. The Heritage Fund is one of the department’s significant funding sources, and it makes a difference in communities across Arizona and benefits all citizens.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 29, 2010
USDA Forest Service
Washington, Jan. 29, 2010--The Federal grazing fee for 2010 will be
$1.35 per animal unit month (AUM) for public lands administered by the Bureau
of Land Management and $1.35 per head month (HM) for lands managed by the
Forest Service. The grazing fee for 2010 is the same as it was in 2009.
An AUM or HM - treated as equivalent measures for fee purposes - is the
occupancy and use of public lands by one cow and her calf, one horse, or five
sheep or goats for a month. The newly calculated grazing fee, determined
by a congressional formula and effective on March 1, applies to nearly 18,000
grazing permits and leases administered by the BLM and more than 8,000 permits
administered by the Forest Service.
The formula used for calculating the grazing fee, which was established by
Congress in the 1978 Public Rangelands Improvement Act, has continued under a
presidential Executive Order issued in 1986. Under that order, the
grazing fee cannot fall below $1.35 per AUM, and any increase or decrease
cannot exceed 25 percent of the previous year's level.
The annually determined grazing fee is computed by using a 1966 base value of
$1.23 per AUM/HM for livestock grazing on public lands in Western states.
The figure is then calculated according to three factors - current
private grazing land lease rates, beef cattle prices, and the cost of livestock
production. In effect, the fee rises, falls, or stays the same based on
market conditions, with livestock operators paying more when conditions are
better and less when conditions have declined.
The $1.35 per AUM/HM grazing fee applies to 16 Western states on public lands
administered by the BLM and the Forest Service. The states are Arizona,
California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico,
North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
The Forest Service applies different grazing fees to national grasslands
and to lands under its management in the Eastern and Midwestern states and
parts of Texas.
The BLM, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, manages more land -
253 million surface acres - than any other Federal agency. Most of this
public land is located in 12 Western states, including Alaska.
The Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, manages
193 million acres of Federal lands in 44 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin
Islands.
- USDA Forest Service -
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 29, 2010
Coconino County
Flagstaff, Az. - Coconino County Assessor Christine Mazon recently announced deadlines to file applications for individual and organizational property tax exemptions, and the senior property valuation protection option. Organizational property includes non-profit and religious organizations.
The deadline to file for Widow/Widower, Disabled, Non-Profit and Religious Exemptions is March 1, 2010.
The deadline to file for the Senior Property Valuation Protection Option is September 1, 2010. The requirements to file for the option include the following:
* At least one of the property owners must be sixty-five years of age at the time the application is filed. A proof of age document must be submitted.
* The property must be the primary residence of the taxpayer. For purposes of this application, "Primary Residence" is defined as the residence that is occupied by the taxpayer for a cumulative total of nine months in the calendar year.
* The owner must have resided in the primary residence for at least two years prior to applying for the option.
* The owner(s) total income from all sources, including non-taxable income, cannot exceed the amount specified by law.
Application forms for exemptions and the Senior Property Valuation Protection Option are available at the Assessor's Office, located at 110 E Cherry Avenue in Flagstaff; or at www.coconino.az.gov/assessor .
For more information, please call (928) 679-7962; toll-free (877) 679-7120.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 26, 2010
Coconino County
Flagstaff, Az. - Now that the most recent severe snow storm is over, City and County officials are beginning to work on damage assessment in the City of Flagstaff and the unincorporated areas of Coconino County. Incorporated cities located within Coconino County are also working on their own assessment plans.
The assessment process was triggered by the recent State of Arizona Emergency Declaration, which allows qualifying residents and businesses, as well as public entities, to apply for possible limited assistance related to damages incurred during the storm. Assessments will be made on buildings, structures, roadways and utilities and they will be done in several ways, including ground and aerial surveys, agency assessments, and through damage reports by citizens.
The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County are working together with the Arizona Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) to ensure a smooth assessment process. The first step is to compile a complete assessment list of all known reports of possible damage. The list will then be forwarded to ADEM officials, who will use the information to identify locally damaged areas that will need to be prioritized and assessed in more detail. Since ADEM officials will begin their assessments in Northern Arizona beginning January 28 or 29, it is imperative that the City and County complete their lists as soon as possible.
Citizens may call the following numbers to report residential and commercial damage:
City of Flagstaff: 928-213-2399
Coconino County (unincorporated areas only): 928-679-7144
The following information is needed to report any damage related to this storm (not pre-existing damage or deferred maintenance):
Name of owner
Location/address
Residential or commercial
If residential, indicate whether it is a primary or secondary home
Brief description of damage
Whether or not the owner has insurance
Ballpark estimate of the cost of repairs
Impact to businesses (economic disruption, closures)
Businesses are encouraged to report any loss of income related to the storm.
Some fire departments and fire districts have already begun the damage assessment process in their communities and are working with citizens on an individual basis. City and County officials will obtain the preliminary information from them and will add it to their overall assessment lists to forward to ADEM.
More information will be made available to the general public as the process unfolds. In the meantime, for questions concerning the damage assessment process, please call the following:
City of Flagstaff residents and businesses, call 928-213-2399.
Coconino County residents and businesses, call the Office of Emergency Management, 928-526-2735.
Additional information: A call center has been set up to answer citizen questions and provide additional information. It will be activated on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. The number to call is 1-877-464-1144.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 23, 2010
Coconino County
The following options for snow
disposal are available for residents and private businesses:
·
Commercial loads will be charged $2.50 per cubic yard. For
example, if a contractor arrives with a 40-cubic yard roll-off full of snow,
the fee will be $100.
·
Residential customers in pick-up trucks or smaller vehicles will
be charged based on regular landfill rates. City residents who arrive
with a copy of their water bill and matching driver’s license will be able to
dump snow free of charge. County residents will be charged the regular
rate of $20 per pick-up truck load.
Hours of operation are regular landfill hours:
·
Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
·
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
·
Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.
Other options include (please call first to inquire):
·
Flagstaff Landscape Products, Old Rte. 66, next to Wildcat
Wastewater Treatment Plant (no specific address), 928-526-0801, Monday through
Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The fee is $15 per semi-load. If you
choose to haul a load there, please call after 6:00 a.m. on the day you would
like to haul.
The following options for road/driveway
snow removal are available:
Adan Painting, Inc., 527-4642
Snow blower/shovels; sidewalks/driveways
Brian Smith, 380-9440
Snow blower/shovels; sidewalks/driveways
Flagstaff Equipment, 774-1969
Roads; not driveways
Gaun’s Tree Service, 606-4371
Get Plowed Snow Removal, 699-8210
Driveways and berms
HTR Commercial Snow Removal, 606-5727
Joe Gaun Tree Stump & Plow, 699-6903
Driveways and berms
Magic Brush Painting & Snow Removal, 853-0624
Morning Dew Landscaping, 779-3125
Commercial only
The following options for roof
snow removal are available:
AAA Cut Rite
853-9812 (Ryan)
Arbor Ridge Tree & Yard Service
607-0272 (Steve)
Short Shingle & Shake
699-6889
Roof Answers
774-5481; Available Monday, January 25
Certa Pros Painters
853-9064 (Jay Bowers)
Bob Lee & Sons Tree Service
978-1282, 203-9161, 978-1930; 2 bobcat loaders, shovels
Flagstaff Equipment
600-6322 (Chris Algya) Roofs, commercial snow plowing
Major League Painting
522-0590; All snow removal
Superior Restoration
225-3605; Damage from ice or water damage
Stanley
Steemer
773-1299, 716-380-9543 (local call); 928-220-0204; 928-778-1095 Geno
Stellar
Works
773-1323 (Robert McGowan)
Wilbac Construction
773-0175; City and County
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 23, 2010
Coconino County
Sheriff's Department
Flagstaff
. AZ- The Northern Arizona Winter Storm Emergency Operation Center reports that
public safety officials have responded to several
problems with residential units in and around
There is also
the potential for damage in the form of warming temperature creating
freeze–thaw conditions under the snow pack…resulting in ice dams.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 22, 2010
Coconino County
Sheriff's Department
Flagstaff
. AZ- As a result of the severe winter storms that have pelted the
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 22, 2010
Arizona Game and
Fish Department
Late yesterday afternoon (Thursday, Jan. 21), the Arizona Game and Fish Department received from the news media a redacted copy of the U.S. Department of Interior Inspector General (IG) report about events related to the jaguar known as Macho B. News stories about the report have appeared in various media outlets.
The Department would note that the document represents a redacted and therefore incomplete version that gives no useful indication of what additional clarity or context the redacted material might add to the public’s understanding of it. Regardless, the Department has the following comment:
The Department stands by its previous statements that the
Department did not direct any Department employee or any other person
associated with the initial capture to intentionally capture a jaguar.
Should the outcome of the ongoing Federal criminal or Department
administrative investigations demonstrate that individuals employed by the
Department acted contrary to the Department’s understanding of the facts
or contrary to Department direction, the Department remains committed to
its previous assurance that it will take or pursue appropriate action.
The Department is disappointed that it was at no time
contacted during the IG’s investigation or prior to the release of the
report. The report provided contains allegations and opinions
apparently untested by the IG. Many of those assertions have been
previously addressed by the Department and present little or no new
information.
The IG notes that the Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service states that the Department’s Director requested an
independent investigation into the circumstances of the jaguar’s
capture, and ultimate euthanization , shortly after that euthanization.
The Department continues to fully cooperate with the ongoing Federal
investigation and, acting in cooperation with the Service, has conducted
its own extensive internal administrative investigation into the matter.
The administrative investigation remains ongoing pending final resolution
of the Federal investigation.
The Department notes that the IG apparently ignores the
Section 6 authorities conveyed to the state by the Endangered Species Act
and further, the IG misunderstands the scope of the Department’s
authority under its Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit. The Department
disagrees with any assertion in the report that the Department did not
have a valid permit.
As noted by the IG, the full necropsy of the jaguar remains incomplete pending the inclusion of the findings of tests done by several other laboratories. The Department awaits the release of those findings by the Service. Once thoroughly reviewed, final conclusions about the jaguar’s physical condition at the time of its recapture can usefully be made.
The Department will continue to cooperate fully with the Federal investigation to its completion.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 21, 2010
Coconino County
Sheriff's Department
Flagstaff
.
People
venturing into mountainous terrain should carry avalanche rescue
equipment such as a shovel, avalanche rescue beacon, avalanche probe,
and winter survival gear. Be prepared for travel and emergencies
in the remote winter mountain environment where rescue is not immediate.
Do not travel alone and leave a detailed trip plan with a responsible
person. Your best chance for survival in an avalanche is companion
rescue. It is important to review recent weather reports and
forecasts as well as driving conditions prior to and during your trip.
Carrying a cell phone is recommended; however, it may not always work in
backcountry locations and should not substitute for good judgment and
preparation. It is recommended that people who use the mountain
backcountry receive formal avalanche safety education and winter
survival skills. Free avalanche awareness clinics are offered by
the
Winter backcountry travel into
the Kachina Peaks Wilderness Area from Arizona Snowbowl requires a free
annual backcountry permit. This includes the parking areas at FR
522 and Lamar Haines Wildlife Area. Backcountry permits are
available in
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 20, 2010
Coconino County
Sheriff's Department
Flagstaff
,
Coconino County Sheriff Bill Pribil
would like to remind community members and visitors of some simple
safety tips that will make your winter travel safer and more enjoyable.
If you find yourself driving in the snow, stay
alert, slow down
and stay in control. These are
the three key elements to safe driving in the snow.
Here are a few other tips for driving in the snow:
During severe storms or blizzard
conditions if your travel is not absolutely necessary or
an emergency, do not travel.
Considering the possibility of a severe storm beginning
on Thursday out of town visitors who plan a
trip to
most current weather forecasts and strongly
consider not traveling as weather conditions
worsen.
If you think you may be heading into snow
or there is a possibility of driving in the snow, make sure you do a
maintenance check on your vehicle before making the trip. Check the
vehicle battery, belts and hoses, anti-freeze, oil, lights, brakes,
heater and defroster and check the exhaust system for leaks which
may allow carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.
Plan your route ahead of time and give
yourself extra travel time. Make sure someone knows your travel
plans.
Wear comfortable clothing that does not
restrict your movement while at the wheel. Keep warm clothing
available for when you exit the vehicle.
Always clear any snow and ice from all
windows, lights, mirrors and the roof before driving. After starting
the vehicle wait for the interior windows to clear of fog so you
will have appropriate visibility.
Make sure there is sufficient windshield
washer fluid in the vehicle reservoir and that it is rated for
freezing temperatures.
It takes longer to stop on slippery
surfaces, so add additional time to the three-second rule.
Know the proper handling procedures for a
skidding vehicle.
Slow down in snow and icy conditions, make
turns slowly, and make all starts slow and smooth.
Remember that bridges and overpasses may
freeze before the regular travel lanes of a roadway. Watch out for
black ice, areas of the roadway that appear black and shiny and
where your vehicle can suddenly lose traction. Slow down in these
areas and keep your foot off the brakes.
If you get stuck or stranded, don’t
panic. Stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth. Wait for help
to arrive. If you have a cell phone and are in an area with cell
phone service, try calling for help. Try to always know your exact
locations while driving.
Keep your clothing dry. Wet clothing can
lead to dangerous loss of body heat.
Winter Driving Survival Kit:
It’s a good idea to keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if
you might be traveling into an area where you could encounter snow.
Having essential supplies can provide some comfort and safety for
you and your passengers. The following items are recommended for
your winter driving survival kit:
Ice scraper/snowbrush
Shovel
Sand or other type of traction aid
Tow rope or chain
Booster cables
Road flares or warning lights
Gas line antifreeze
Flashlight and batteries
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Small tool kit
Extra clothing and foot wear
Non-perishable energy foods, like
chocolate or granola bars, juice, instant coffee, tea, soup, and
bottled water
Candles and a small tin can to hold the
candle
Water proof matches
Winter driving can be safe with planning and
extra caution. Sheriff Bill Pribil and the Men and Women of the
Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to wish all community
members and visitors a safe and happy Holiday Season.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 19, 2010
Coconino County
Due to anticipated severe winter weather conditions,
the Coconino County Health Department announced the cancellation of the H1N1
(swine) Flu Vaccination Clinic at the
Individuals who had appointments for these clinics
will be contacted to reschedule.
Updated clinic schedules are as follows:
§
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays,
(excluding Holidays), 9:00 am – 4:30 pm, Coconino County Health Department,
§
Wednesday, January
27, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm,
§
Wednesday, February 3, 3:00
pm – 7:00 pm,
§
Thursday, February 4, 11:00 am - 1:00
pm., Kaibab Fire Station,
§
Saturday, Feb. 13, 9:00
am – 1:00 pm
Appointments are
recommended and are available by calling the CCHD Flu Information Line at
928-679-7300, toll-free at 1-877-679-7272. Walk-ins will be accepted as
time permits.
More information is available by calling the
Coconino County Health Department Flu Information Line at 928-679-7300,
toll-free at 1-877-679-7272, or by visiting www.coconino.az.gov/health.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 5, 2010
USDA Forest Service
Coconino National Forest
Flagstaff, AZ - The Peaks and Mormon Lake Ranger District has announced the completion and formal decision for the Munds Park Fuel Reduction Project planning effort, authorizing a combination of prescribed burning and thinning treatments to reduce the fire hazard around Pinewood/Munds Park.
Implementation is anticipated to begin this spring.
The project calls for approximately 2,950 acres south and west of the Pinewood/Munds Park community to be treated; approximately 990 acres will be thinned and initial entry and maintenance prescribed burns will occur in all 2,950 acres where treatment has been approved. These treatments will not prevent wildfires from occurring, as fire is a natural and necessary part of this ecosystem. Rather, the reduced fuels will minimize the chances of severe fire behavior in the area, creating safer conditions for the community and firefighters.
“The Munds Park community has continued to be overwhelmingly supportive of this project, despite the setbacks in the planning process,” said Mike Elson, District Ranger for the Peaks/Mormon Lake District. In 2007, a decision memo to begin implementation was issued; however, in November 2008, decisions that were signed using the Categorical Exclusion referenced in that decision memo were enjoined nationwide following a lawsuit in California. Therefore, the district re-analyzed the project in an Environmental Assessment and additional scoping and comment periods were held. “We’re anxious to now move forward with these important treatments.”
Pending the outcome of the appeal period that ends this month, the Peaks and Mormon Lake District plans to begin thinning and prescribed burning operations this spring, continuing as conditions allow.
For additional information or a copy of the EA, contact the Peaks Ranger Station, 928-526-0866. To receive notification emails about prescribed fire activity across the forest, sign-up on the website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/conditions/current-rx.shtml.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 5, 2010
Flagstaff Nordic Center
The winter season is in full swing at the Nordic Center and we have some exciting upcoming events to announce!
Local parent volunteers and the Flagstaff Nordic Center are teaming up to offer a kids ski program in 2010! Our goal will be to get the kids out on the snow, have fun, and learn some basic ski skills. The program will begin this Sunday, Jan 10th. Find out more and how to register on our Junior Nordic Club page.
Our winter race season begins this Sunday, Jan 10th, with the Kahtoola Snowshoe Race. This event is great for people of all abilities, as we are offering a 1K Fun Run along with the standard 5K (good for beginners as well as more advanced folks) and the more challenging 10K.
Kahtoola will be providing demo snowshoe equipment on a first-come, first-served basis. Pre-register or just come out and join us on Sunday!
Next on the agenda is the Arizona Cup series. On Sunday, Jan 31, we will hold the 15K Classic style ski race. The 15K Freestyle/Skate ski race will be held on Sunday, Feb 7th. Compete in one race or in both. The Arizona Cup is Arizona's only cross country ski race series and we are proud to host it!
Paul Grams, parent leader of the Junior Nordic Club, will be organizing kids ski races to be held in conjunction with the Arizona Cup series. Contact Paul at 928-266-6807 or paul.grams@gmail.com for more information.
We look forward to seeing all of you -- Jr Nordic kids, racers, and snow lovers -- on our trails this month!
~~~~~ ~~~~~
December 11, 2009
USDA Forest Service
Coconino National Forest
Flagstaff,
AZ – Winter is here along with opportunities to enjoy the snow. The
Coconino National Forest and Coconino County Sheriff’s Office remind
visitors:
Be prepared for cold weather and winter driving conditions with a full tank of gas, chains, flashlight and other emergency items.
Pack extra dry clothes, snacks, water and a trash bag.
Be safe and aware. Don’t park along the highway. Look before you slide. Watch out for hazards and other visitors. Bike helmets are recommended for safe sledders.Be patient. Highways through the Flagstaff area may be congested.
Leave
no trace other than footprints and snowmen. Take your trash
with you. Respect
private property and other locations where snowplay and
sledding is not appropriate.
Know
before you go - Current information about where to go to play in
the snow is available daily from the Flagstaff Visitor Center
at 877-878-9377. A map
is at
Winter recreation locations include Flagstaff Nordic Center, Mormon Lake Lodge, Happy Jack Lodge, and Fort Tuthill County Park.
Peaks
and Mormon Lake Ranger Districts
Road Closures –
All
forest roads are closed above the rim off of
Forest
Highway 3/Lake Mary Road – A detour remains in place around
the west side of Mormon Lake.
Snowbowl Road - Snowbowl Road is subject to closure when the ski area and its business office are closed. Snowbowl Road will be open on Saturday, closed on Sunday.
Snowplay Areas –
Wing
Mountain Snowplay Area is open, located 10
miles northwest of Flagstaff off of Highway 180. This site,
managed by Recreation
Resource Management, charges $10/car. For conditions at
Wing Mountain call 928-226-0493 or http://www.snowplayaz.com/
Crowley
Pit further north on Highway 180 is also open for snowplay.
San
Francisco Peaks Backcountry Travel – Winter backcountry travel
into the Kachina Peaks Wilderness from Arizona Snowbowl requires
a free seasonal backcountry
permit, available Monday – Friday at the
Peaks Ranger Station, 5075 N. Highway 89, and the Coconino
National Forest Supervisor’s
Office, 1824 S Thompson St. Permits
will also be available at Arizona
Snowbowl’s Agassiz Lodge weekend mornings when the ski area opens. The
best source for current avalanche and snow
conditions information in the San Francisco Peaks backcountry is
the Kachina Peaks Avalanche
Center www.kachinapeaks.org.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
December 10, 2009
Coconino County
Superintendent of Schools
Flagstaff, Az.
– On March 9, 2010, Flagstaff Unified School District #1 will conduct an
override election to exceed its revenue control limit by 15 percent. If
this override passes, it will be in effect for seven years.
Voters will be
asked to vote on the following issue:
·
To adopt a General Maintenance and Operation Budget which exceeds the revenue
control limit specified by statute by fifteen percent for fiscal years
2010-2011 through 2014-2015 with the amount of the proposed increase in fiscal
years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017, reduced to ten percent and five percent,
respectively. The 2010-2011 budget override authority represents an
extension and increase of the existing budget override authority, which has
phased down by one-third in the current fiscal year (2009-2010), and will phase
down by an additional one-third for fiscal year 2010-2011 if the voters do not
approve the override.
The
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools office will prepare an informational
pamphlet for the election. The pamphlet will be mailed to
households with qualified electors who reside within the school district.
Arguments “For” and “Against” this special budget override are being
requested for inclusion in the Informational Report, which will be reviewed by
the School Superintendent to ensure all statements are factual. Any
inaccurate statements will be corrected. Any portion
of the written arguments identified as statements of the author’s opinion
will not be reviewed and corrected.
Arguments
are to be 200 words or less and must be typed or printed, and signed by the
author. The arguments should include the author’s name, address, telephone
number, a signature, and whether or not the name can be printed in the
information pamphlet.
Arguments
must be received by 4:00 p.m., December 29, 2009,
in the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools office, Ponderosa High School,
2384 N Steves Blvd., Flagstaff, AZ, 86004. Faxes will be
accepted at (928)679-8077; however, the original must be mailed to Coconino
County Superintendent of Schools,
For more information, please call the office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at (928) 679-8070.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
November 23, 2009
National Park Service
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (AP) - Motorized access to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon ends for the season next week.
The Arizona Department of Transportation will close State Route 67, the roadway leading to the North Rim.
Most North Rim facilities closed on October 15. However, scenic roadways and overlooks, as well as gas stations, camping and gift and book stores have remained open in order to provide basic services until the road closes for the season.
State Route 67 and all services on the North Rim are expected to reopen next May.
South Rim facilities and the inner canyon remain open year-round.
The North Rim campground will still be available for winter camping and is accessible by inner canyon trails from the South Rim or by cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
On The Web: http://www.nps.gov/grca
~~~~~ ~~~~~
October 8, 2009
USDA Forest Service
Coconino National Forest
Flagstaff- Fall is here and camping
season is coming to an end. Seasonal
closures have begun at Coconino National Forest campgrounds and day-use
sites. These areas are
closed for the duration of each winter and reopened every spring.
When closed, campgrounds
and day-use sites will no longer have services such as water and toilets
available, and in many cases, will be gated closed.
Some campgrounds on the Coconino, however, will remain open
year-round.
Alternately, a few
campgrounds on the Coconino may be used during the closure season, free
of charge, as long as the roads to those campgrounds remain open.
When visiting these areas during the off-season, use the
designated sites and be prepared to camp without services such as water
and toilets.
Visitors who choose to Dispersed Camp must remain at least 1 mile from designated recreation sties. As always, practice Leave No Trace methods when camping in the forest.
Campgrounds will be open only until noon the day before their listed close date.
The
following chart outlines the campgrounds and day use areas on the Coconino.
Campground
|
District
|
Available in Off-Season
|
CLOSE DATE
|
|
Ashurst
Lake & Forked Pine |
Yes |
Already
Closed |
|
|
|
Oct
13 |
||
|
|
Oct
13 |
||
|
|
Oct
13 |
||
|
|
Already
Closed |
||
|
Yes |
Already
Closed |
|
|
Oct 13 |
||
|
|
Oct
13 |
||
|
|
Oct
13 |
||
|
|
Oct
13 |
||
|
Yes |
Oct
13 |
||
|
O'Leary
Group Camp |
|
Oct
13 |
|
|
Open
Year-Round |
|||
|
|
Already
Closed |
||
|
|
Nov 16 |
||
|
Open
Year-Round |
|||
|
Open
Year-Round |
|||
|
Open
Year-Round |
|||
|
Open
Year-Round |
|||
|
|
Already
Closed |
||
|
Blue Ridge |
Mogollon
Rim |
|
Already
Closed |
|
Open
Year-Round |
|||
|
Elks Group
Camp |
Mogollon
Rim |
Open
Year-Round |
|
|
Open
Year-Round |
|||
|
|
Around
Oct 31 |
||
|
Moqui Group |
Mogollon
Rim |
|
Already
Closed |
|
Long Valley
Work Center |
Mogollon
Rim |
Open
Year-Round |
|
|
|
Already
Closed |
||
Day Use Areas
|
District
|
Available in Off-Season
|
CLOSE DATE
|
|
Lower Lake Mary Picnic Area |
|
Already
Closed |
|
|
Upper Lake Mary Site#1 |
Yes |
Oct
13 |
|
|
Upper
Lake Mary Site#2 |
Yes |
Oct
13 |
|
|
Lake
Mary Narrows Lauch Site |
|
Already
Closed |
For more information regarding recreational opportunities on the Coconino National Forest, please visit our web site at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino, or call 928-527-3600.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
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