|
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 10, 2012
IRC
Congressional Map Heads to D.C.
for Federal Review
Justice Department Has 60 Days to
Accept, Reject or Request More Information
PHOENIX (Feb. 10, 2012) – The
Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission has
sent its congressional-district map for Justice
Department review.
Because Arizona is subject to Section 5 of
the federal Voting Rights Act, the commission is
seeking "preclearance" from Washington
for the map to be used in this fall’s
elections.
The Justice Department has 60 calendar days
to respond, starting the first full day after it
receives a submission. The response could be
approval, rejection or a request for additional
information.
The commission sent the package Thursday
evening for overnight delivery. The Justice
Department should receive it today, meaning the
60-day clock would start Saturday.
Commission staff and counsel now turn their
attention to preparing the legislative-district
map for submission. That will be considered a
separate submission and have its own 60-day
response period.
A submission package includes the map itself,
as well as supporting documentation about
minority-voting strength, public participation
and other aspects of the redistricting process.
For additional information about the
congressional-map submission, visit the
commission’s website: azredistricting.org.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 9, 2012
Office of the Governor
Moody’s Upgrades Credit Outlook for
State of Arizona
Upgrade is Further Evidence of State’s Improving
Finances
PHOENIX – Moody’s Investors
Service, one of the nation’s top bond credit agencies, has upgraded
Arizona’s credit outlook from "negative" to "stable."
This rating improvement arrives on the heels of Standard & Poor’s
announcement late last year, when the credit ratings service similarly upgraded
the outlook for the State’s fiscal condition, certificates of participation
and lease revenue debt.
"This is wonderful news for Arizona," said Governor Jan Brewer.
"In the past two months, two of the country’s largest credit ratings
services have recognized the great fiscal strides Arizona has made since 2009.
This is all-the-more impressive when you consider it was only a year ago that
the state faced a billion-dollar budget deficit."
Moody’s attributes its outlook revision primarily to "significant
improvement" in the State’s budget and overall liquidity. Moody’s
report denotes the following as Arizona’s greatest financial strengths:
- Significant improvement in the State’s overall liquidity;
- Stabilization of the State’s budget position, including projected
surpluses for fiscal years 2012 and 2013;
- Pension funding ratios above the median of other states.
Moody’s announcement is just the latest validation that Arizona’s
economy and financial position are on the mend. Recently-released numbers show
that, over the 12-month period between December 2010 and December 2011,
Arizona’s job growth ranked 11 th best
in the nation. Additionally, the state’s unemployment rate is the lowest it
has been since February 2009.
"Our work is far from over," said Governor Brewer. "But this
week’s announcement from Moody’s is further validation of the difficult
budget decisions we’ve made and new evidence of Arizona’s improving
economy. This is fantastic news to carry us into our 100 th
year of Statehood."
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 9, 2012
Congressman
Paul Gosar
Gosar Jobs Bill Makes Progress in the U.S.
Senate
The
Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011
Had a Hearing
Today in the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee
WASHINGTON,
D.C. – Today, Congressman Paul Gosar’s (AZ-01) major job legislation, H.R.
1904, which passed with bipartisan support by the U.S House of Representatives
last year, made progress in the U.S. Senate being heard in the Senate Energy
and Natural Resources Committee. The Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and
Conservation Act of 2011 facilitates a land exchange that will bring nearly
3,700 jobs equating to $220.5 million in annual wages to the state of Arizona.
Congressman Paul Gosar followed the hearing closely
saying, “I thank my colleagues on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Committee for taking up this important jobs bill today. Senator Murkowski
asked informed and thoughtful questions which showed an understanding of the
additional burdens the Obama administration and others are trying to impose to
stop the creation of jobs. Arizona cannot wait for these jobs any longer.
The federal bureaucratic process has already taken over six years. Enough
is enough. This bill strikes the right balance between resource utilization,
environmental conservation and economic development. It should serve as a
national model for what can be accomplished when all stakeholders come to the
table and the government gets out of the way of private industry.”
H.R. 1904 is legislation geared towards revitalizing the
economy of Southeast Arizona and preserving and protecting Arizona’s natural
treasures. Specifically, the legislation authorizes a land exchange,
opening up the third largest undeveloped copper resource in the world located
near Superior, Arizona, in exchange for high-value conservation lands
encompassing endangered species, sensitive ecosystems, recreational sites, and
historic landmarks.
According
to a recently conducted economic analysis, the total economic impact
of the project is estimated to be over $61.4 billion, over $1 billion per year,
and another $20 billion in federal, state, county and local tax revenue.
This bill which passed with bi-partisan
support also garnered notable support of local and national business
leaders. A full list of supporters and their letters of support can be
found here:
http://gosar.house.gov/HR1904BusinessSupport
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 9, 2012
SoFA
Staff
Another Snowmaking Lawsuit Rejection
Attorney Howard Shanker and his newest group of plaintiffs have been labeled
by some court observers as The Contrarians." Yesterday they saw their
latest suit against snowmaking rejected.
Those same court observers termed the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals action
"a judicial smackdown of grand proportion."
The court called this latest suit a “gross abuse of the judicial
process.”
Writing for a three-judge panel, Judge Milan Smith wrote that these
plaintiffs “brought certain environmental claims that were virtually
identical to some that the attorney had improperly attempted to raise in the
earlier lawsuit, for no apparent reason other than to ensure further delay and
forestall development.”
A similar suit went all the way to the US Supreme Court, where it was denied
in 2009.
Attorney Shanker said “I have not yet had an opportunity to discuss the
prospect of seeking review of the decision with my clients.”
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 9, 2012
U.S. Forest Service
CEQ and Forest Service
announce project to improve efficiency of
federal environmental reviews
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9, 2012 —The
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) today
announced a new National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) Pilot project under an initiative
launched in March 2011 to increase the quality
and efficiency of Federal environmental reviews
and reduce costs. CEQ has selected a U.S.
Forest Service proposal to develop NEPA best
practices for forest restoration projects using
lessons learned from two restoration projects
currently being analyzed in Arizona and Oregon.
"NEPA is a cornerstone of our
country’s environmental protections and
critical to protecting the health of American
communities and the natural resources we depend
on,” said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the Council
on Environmental Quality. “This pilot
project will promote faster and more effective
Federal decisions on projects that will help
restore our forests and support strong and
healthy communities and economies."
"These two projects demonstrate that by
involving partners early in the NEPA process we
can cut costs and operate more efficiently while
still maintaining strong environmental
safeguards at the ground level," said U.S.
Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. "We
look forward to replicating what we are doing in
Arizona and Oregon to other parts of the country
where we are engaged in critical restoration
work."
Under this NEPA pilot project, the Forest
Service will compare and contrast environmental
review methods used for the landscape-scale Four
Forest Restoration Initiative in Arizona and the
smaller-scale 5-Mile Bell project in
Oregon. The Four Forest Restoration
Initiative is an effort to collectively manage
portions of four contiguous National Forests.
The pilot includes the first restoration project
under consideration, which would cover
approximately 1 million acres. The Forest
Service will employ a collaborative NEPA
approach to plan and analyze the proposed
restoration activities in an Environmental
Impact Statement of unprecedented scale and
scope for forest restoration projects. In
collaboration with stakeholders, the Forest
Service also will develop an adaptive management
strategy to allow for flexibility in
implementing the restoration projects and
minimize the need for future planning and
environmental reviews.
The 5-Mile Bell Landscape Management Project
is an ecological and habitat restoration project
on nearly 5,000 acres of National Forest System
lands on the Oregon Coast. For this
smaller scale project, the Forest Service will
employ an innovative approach to NEPA by
engaging local, state and tribal partners in the
environmental review process up front to an
unprecedented extent. In an effort to
reduce potential conflicts and delays, the
partners will collaboratively prepare the
environmental review and implement the selected
land restoration project.
CEQ and the Forest Service will compile the
lessons learned from the NEPA approaches used
for both the small-scale and the landscape scale
projects and use them to develop best practices
for future land restoration projects.
The Forest Service project is the fifth pilot
selected under the NEPA Pilot Program, which is
part of a broad CEQ initiative to modernize and
reinvigorate how Federal agencies implement NEPA.
Other actions under the modernization
initiative include issuing new NEPA guidance for
Federal agencies, enhancing public tools to
encourage participation in the NEPA process, and
forming rapid response teams to help expedite
the review process for transportation,
transmission and renewable energy projects.
For more information on CEQ’s NEPA Pilots
Program, please visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/nepa/nepa-pilot-project.
For more information on CEQ’s Initiative to
Modernize and Reinvigorate NEPA, please visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initatives/nepa.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 9, 2012
BLM
BLM Signs Revised
Historic Preservation Agreement That Enhances
Tribal Consultation and Public Participation
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Bob
Abbey today signed a revision to the BLM’s
national programmatic agreement (PA) that
clarifies how the agency consults with Tribes
and other consulting parties on activities
that may affect historic properties.
“This revision reinforces the BLM’s
practice of respecting our unique relationship
with Tribes and carefully considering their
views and concerns through consultation,”
said Abbey. “As the BLM examines proposals
for activities on public lands, this revised
PA will help us preserve the historical and
cultural foundations that make the public
lands special and vital.”
The PA has three signatories: the BLM,
the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation
(ACHP), and National Conference of State
Historic Preservation Officers (NCSHPO). Abbey,
ACHP Executive Director John Fowler, and
NCSHPO President Ruth Pierpont all signed the
PA this morning at the ACHP’s quarterly
business meeting in Washington, D.C. The
original programmatic agreement was signed in
1997. A copy of the signed revision and
questions and answers can be downloaded at this
link.
The PA governs the agency’s activities on
federal, state and private lands that may
impact historic properties, including those
historic properties of traditional religious
and cultural significance to Tribes. It
allows efficient consultation between the BLM
and State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPOs). The
PA is authorized by the National Historic
Preservation Act (NHPA). That law
requires BLM to consider, plan for, protect,
and enhance historic properties that may be
affected by its actions.
The revision emphasizes the requirement for
the BLM to consult with Tribes in the context
of an ongoing government-to-government
relationship, to obtain their views on the
potential impacts on resources of significance
to Tribes, and encourages the development of
tribe-specific consultation protocols. It
authorizes the BLM to maintain protocols with
SHPOs that establish a more efficient
alternative Section 106 compliance process,
but institutes a requirement for tribal
consultation and public comment on BLM-SHPO
protocol revisions. It also adds the BLM
national tribal coordinator to the BLM
Preservation Board. That board advises the BLM
on policies and procedures for NHPA
implementation.
While the revision enhances the consultation
role of Tribes, it does not apply to Tribal
lands.
The BLM announced the revision in December
2011. The current revision was developed
with the two other signatories following an
extensive process of outreach and consultation
with tribes and other stakeholders which began
in August 2008.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 9, 2012
USFWS
MEDIA ADVISORY
Fish and Wildlife Service to Host Public Session on Climate Change Strategy
February 14, 2012
10:00 – 2:00 pm
DOI Auditorium
Main Interior Building
1849 C St., NW
Washington, DC 20240
Come learn about the recently released draft National
Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy that was developed
through state, tribal, and federal agency partnerships. This strategy
represents a draft framework for unified action to help decision makers and
resource managers prepare for and reduce the impacts of climate change on
wildlife species, ecosystems, and the people and economies that depend on them.
This public information session is an opportunity to
learn more about the development and goals of the strategy, ask questions and
provide comments verbally or in writing.
To register for this meeting visit:
http://www.wildlifeadaptationstrategy.gov/public-workshops.php.
The draft strategy is available for public review and
comment through March 5, 2012, at the web site www.wildlifeadaptationstrategy.gov.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 9, 2012
Congressman
Paul Gosar
Gosar Supports Rules That Promote Integrity
Among All
WASHINGTON, DC –Congressman
Paul Gosar D.D.S (R-AZ), issued the following statement after the House passed
the STOCK Act (S. 2038), which stands for Stop Trading on Congressional
Knowledge. Congressman Gosar has long called for reforms to provent
insider trade by govern officials and is a cosponsor of the House version of
the bill – H.R 1148. . The version of the bill which passed the House
today strengthens current rules to include those who serve in all branches of
the federal government.
Congressman Gosar said, “I was pleased
to vote for this important bill. Americans
deserve to have confidence in those that serve
them in all branches of the federal government.
No one should be exempt from rules which ensure
the highest levels of integrity are held when
serving our nation.”
The
House added provisions to the Senate bill which
extends the reforms across all branches of the
federal government, ensures that Members of
Congress who commit a crime do not receive a
taxpayer funded pension and adds a provision to
ensure public administrators and their staff are
not able to receive special access to initial
public offerings because of their position.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 8, 2012
Coconino
County
Coconino County Centennial Events
Coconino
County to Honor Centenarians
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — As
Coconino County residents commemorate
Arizona’s 100-year-old history through daylong
celebrations and remembrances Feb. 14, the
County Board of Supervisors will specifically
honor and recognize those who have lived through
much of the state’s history.
County supervisors will
culminate the occasion by honoring living
residents 95 years old and older with individual
proclamations. The special recognition aims to
thank our elder residents, who over their
lifetimes have contributed to the County and
Arizona’s rich and proud history over the past
century.
In addition to seeking
residents 95 years old and older, the County
Centennial Celebration Committee is collecting
their stories, photographs and memories about
life and events inside the County over the past
100 years. Stories and photos will be shared on
the County’s website.
Those interested in
receiving a proclamation or sharing their
stories can e-mail the Committee with basic
information by clicking the “Centenarians”
tab on the County Centennial website at http://www.coconino.az.gov/centennial
or call 928-679-7161 for more information.
However, the proclamation is just one of many
planned Centennial events.
Throughout the day from 8
a.m. to 5 p.m., the public can tour the historic
County Courthouse at 200 N. San Francisco
Street, where visitors can view historic
architectural drawings and learn of our
Courthouse’s storied past. The tours will
continue as past and present Superior Court
judges gather at 9 a.m. for a plaque
presentation.
At 10 a.m. visitors can
participate in discussions and learn about
various historical markers around the County. At
11:30 a.m., officials will dedicate the
Centennial Tree, planted on the Courthouse lawn
to commemorate the historic anniversary. Those
interested in learning about the “Old Jail”
can learn of the facility from a display at the
County Administration Building from 2 p.m. to 4
p.m.
For more information and a
full list of events, visit Coconino County
Centennial website at http://www.coconino.az.gov/centennial,
the County Centennial Facebook page at http://tiny.cc/6w4d1
or the official County Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CoconinoCounty.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 8, 2012
Navajo Nation
*MEDIA
ADVISORY*
Navajo Nation opposes H.R. 1904; supports San Carlos at U.S. Senate Energy
& Natural Resources Committee Hearing on February 9, 2012
ST. MICHAELS, Ariz.— The Navajo
Nation President, the 22nd Navajo Nation Council,
and the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission oppose U.S.
Congressional bill H.R. 1904 and endorse and support the efforts of San
Carlos Apache Nation to oppose U.S. Congressional bill H.R. 1904. The bill
will be heard by the full U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural
Resources on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at 9:30
a.m.
– Eastern Standard Time in Washington,
D.C.
WHO: Inter-tribal
Council of Arizona President Shan Lewis will present testimony in opposition
to U.S. Congressional bill H.R. 1904.
WHAT: The
full U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources to
receive testimony on H.R. 1904, the
Southeast Arizona Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2011. The Committee
will also receive testimony on the text of S. 409, the Southeast Arizona
Land Exchange and Conservation Act of 2009, as reported by the Committee
during the 111th
Congress.
WHEN: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9,
2012
9:30 A.M. EST (7:30 MST)
WHERE: U.S.
Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources
Energy Committee Hearing Room - SD-366
Washington, D.C.
OPEN PRESS
LIVE WEBCAST:
http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.NoWebcast
URL: http://energy.senate.gov/public/
Read
the Resolution here
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 8, 2012
Office of the Governor
Governor Jan Brewer Launches
GovNET Telecom Project
Program will
Increase Broadband, Communication Capacity
throughout Arizona
PHOENIX
– Governor Jan Brewer today celebrated the
official launch of a telecommunications project
that will create Arizona jobs and expand
communication and broadband capabilities
throughout the State of Arizona.
"The launch of GovNET marks an exciting
time for our state, especially our underserved,
rural communities," said Governor Jan
Brewer. "Not only does this program create
much-needed jobs for Arizonans, it provides
broadband capacity that will create new economic
opportunities and draw Arizona residents
together in a truly meaningful way."
This project is made possible by a $39.2
million grant from the U.S. Department of
Commerce’s National Telecommunications and
Information Administration (NITA). The 2010
grant was awarded as part of an initiative to
build a statewide microwave and fiber network to
increase broadband capacity and internet
connectivity in each of Arizona’s 15 counties.
Expanded broadband and internet capabilities
means increased efficiency in all Arizona
institutions. For instance, rural schools and
libraries will be enhanced by the technology.
Communication between public safety and law
enforcement agencies will be strengthened and
more direct, potentially improving operations
along the border. Hospitals in metropolitan
areas will be able to provide remote diagnoses
and treatments for rural hospitals, an
improvement with the potential to save lives.
"In this 21 st
Century
economy, Internet access and jobs go
hand-in-hand," said Governor Brewer. "GovNET
will play a crucial role in creating new
economic opportunities by helping close the
technology gap for rural Arizonans."
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 8, 2012
BLM
Historic Partnership Advancing Science on the
Grand Canyon's North Rim
FLAGSTAFF, AZ - Against the stunning backdrop of the Kaibab Plateau and
Vermilion Cliffs, a pioneering partnership has been forged to bolster the
science guiding resource management and public lands stewardship along the
North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
On January 25, 2012, the Grand Canyon Trust, Arizona Game and Fish
Department, Bureau of Land Management, Northern Arizona University,
University of Arizona, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Geological Survey
signed a Memorandum of Understanding, ushering into existence the Kane and
Two Mile Research and Stewardship Partnership - a collaborative group of
scientists, livestock producers, and resource managers actively pursuing
science-based solutions to the challenges facing this dramatic landscape.
“This Partnership creates an exciting opportunity for us to pool
resources across organizations and to work collectively to answer the
questions most relevant to land managers,” according to Ron Sieg, Regional
Manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
“Formalizing this Partnership is an endorsement of all the hard work
everyone has put in since the 2005 purchase of the ranches by the Grand
Canyon Trust and The Conservation Fund. We are entering a new era in public
lands stewardship, and this commitment to applied research will benefit
conservation efforts across the West,” added Tom Sisk, Director of the
Landscape Conservation Initiative at NAU.
Guided by the Kane and Two Mile Ranches Applied Research Plan, the
Partnership has identified several key research initiatives designed to
inform management across the 850,000 acres of private land, BLM, and USFS
grazing permits that comprise the ranches. These include
evaluating the sustainability and effects of various livestock management
strategies, identifying key factors responsible for the spread of non-native
species, developing methods for restoring semi-arid grasslands, and creating
tools for monitoring environmental change – particularly the effects of
climate and land- use change.
“The partnership encourages and facilitates research with universities
and other entities to answer these very important questions,” said
Lorraine Christian, Bureau of Land Management Arizona Strip Field Manager.
These sentiments were echoed by Timothy Short, North Kaibab District
Ranger, “The Kaibab National Forest is pleased to participate in this
effort as we seek answers to both short and long term questions related to
livestock management.”
“Sound science is essential for the development of effective solutions
to the challenges faced by land managers,” said David Lytle, Director of
the USGS Southwest Biological Science Center. “The USGS looks forward to
helping provide the information necessary for our partners to manage their
resources sustainably.”
“As both grazing permitee and conservation organization, we are
dedicated to actively pursuing solutions to the conservation challenges
posed by a rapidly changing environment,” said Matt Williamson, manager of
the Kane and Two Mile Ranch Program at the Grand Canyon Trust. “This
Partnership provides an opportunity to do just that.”
The Partnership is meant to formalize an innovative approach to carrying
out the science necessary to inform public lands management and address the
often contentious issues that arise across the Southwest. In an era of
declining budgets for land management agencies, this public-private
partnership will enhance capacity to address high priority conservation and
stewardship activities. Work occurring under the auspices of the
Partnership is already underway, and will expand rapidly over the coming
years.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 8, 2012
AZGFD
Next commission meeting is Feb. 10
The next meeting of the Arizona Game
and Fish Commission will be this Friday,
Feb. 10, at the Game and Fish Department
headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway
in Phoenix (1.5 miles west of I-17). The
meeting begins at 8 a.m.
Agenda items include:
- A presentation on HabiMapTM
Arizona, the department’s web-based
geospatial data viewer.
- Request for approval of the transfer
of the St. John’s Shooting Range in
Apache County and to enter into a
license agreement with the
Northeastern Arizona Sportsmen’s
Association to operate the range.
- Request for approval of a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) between the
department and the Phoenix Zoo.
- Request for approval of a Notice of
Final Rulemaking and Economic Impact
Statement amending R12-4-121
(addressing big game tag transfers).
- Request for approval of a Notice of
Final Rulemaking and Economic Impact
Statement amending R12-4-202 (disabled
veteran’s license).
- Updates on state and federal
legislation, shooting sports
activities, information/education and
wildlife recreation activities,
recreational access issues, lands and
habitat program, and law enforcement
program activities.
- Hearings on license revocations for
violations of Game and Fish codes and
civil assessments for the illegal
taking and/or possession of wildlife
(time certain at 2 p.m.).
- Discussion of appointments to
standing committees.
- Discussion of the Director’s 2012
Goals and Objectives.
The public can view the meeting any of
three ways: (1) attending the meeting in
person in Phoenix; (2) viewing it via
video stream at any of six Game and Fish
regional offices; or, (3) viewing it over
the Web at www.azgfd.gov/commissioncam.
Those wishing to submit “blue
slips” to present oral comment during
the meeting must do so either at the
Phoenix meeting or at any of the regional
Game and Fish offices (Pinetop, Flagstaff,
Kingman, Yuma, Tucson and Mesa). For
office addresses and contact information,
visit www.azgfd.gov/offices.
The Game and Fish Commission is
comprised of five members (serving
staggered five-year terms) appointed by
the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
No more than one commissioner may be from
any one county. No more than three may be
from the same political party.
The commission is the policy-setting board
overseeing the Arizona Game and Fish
Department. Since its inception in 1929,
this organizational structure has served
as a buffer for the best interests of
science-driven wildlife conservation
during eight decades of back-and-forth
political change.
For a complete meeting agenda or to learn
more about the Game and Fish Commission,
visit www.azgfd.gov/commission.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 8, 2012
DOI
Salazar Announces $50 Million in Funding for
Water Infrastructure Projects in Western United
States
Funding includes $30 million to help bring
safe and reliable water to tribal, non-tribal
residents in rural communities
WASHINGTON – Secretary of
the Interior Ken Salazar today announced $50
million in funding for water infrastructure
projects in the West – including $30
million in funding for rural water
construction projects. The funding will
support a variety of efforts – providing
financial assistance and construction
support for rural water projects, addressing
aging infrastructure to maintain system
reliability and safety, restoring aquatic
habitat and meeting the increasing water
demands of the western United States.
"Water is the lifeblood of our
communities, and clean, reliable drinking
water is absolutely vital to build healthy
people and healthy economies – especially
in rural areas in the West,” Secretary
Salazar said. “Building the infrastructure
we need to deliver clean water to our
nation’s rural and tribal communities will
create construction jobs and, when complete,
will provide lasting benefits for local
economies and public health.”
The six rural water projects, selected by
the Bureau of Reclamation as directed by the
Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012,
will help advance six infrastructure
projects that will deliver clean, reliable
drinking water to remote areas. The projects
are:
- $10.9 million for the
Garrison Diversion Unit
(Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program)
in North Dakota. This will allow the
Spirit Lake Tribe to replace an existing
water storage reservoir, known as Spirit
Lake-Tokio Tank & School Tank
Projects, to ensure reliable water
service to the West Fort Totten area of
the reservation. The funding will also
be used to replace poor quality private
wells in Logan and McIntosh counties.
- $9 million for the Fort
Peck Reservation/Dry Prairie Rural Water
System (Montana). This project
will enable the Assiniboine Sioux Tribe
to complete the mainline pipeline from
Brockton to the Big Muddy to facilitate
the delivery of water to Dry Prairie.
The funds will also allow for the
completion of the mainline from Big
Muddy to Culbertson so that a sufficient
amount of water from the new treatment
plant will be delivered to Dry Prairie.
- $5 million for the Lewis
and Clark Rural Water System (South
Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota).
This project will allow for the purchase
of water treatment plant tools,
vehicles, maintenance equipment,
security fencing and installation of
approximately three miles of pipeline in
Minnesota.
- $3.9 million for the Rocky
Boy’s/North Central Montana Rural
Water System (Montana). This
funding will allow the Chippewa Cree
Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Indian
Reservation to complete a portion of
Segment 3 of the Core pipeline
installation for the Rocky Boys Rural
Water System. It will also help to
provide an interim water system to three
areas in Montana as part of the North
Central Montana Rural Water System.
- $1 million for the Eastern
New Mexico Water Supply Project (New
Mexico): This funding will
support the construction of an intake
structure at Ute Reservoir that will
supply water to eight municipalities and
three counties in eastern New Mexico.
- $200,000 for the Jicarilla
Apache Rural Water System (New Mexico).
This project will assist the Jicarilla
Apache Nation in continuing its on-going
work related to the Jicarilla-Apache
Water System. This rural water grant
will allow construction of new water and
waste water facilities in the town of
Dulce, New Mexico.
This new funding is in addition to $16.1
million that Reclamation had
already identified for construction activity
for the Mni Wiconi project in South
Dakota that will help build water
distribution systems to serve several rural
communities, including reservation areas of
the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Rosebud Sioux
Tribe.
To allocate fiscal year 2012 funding for
rural water projects, Reclamation considered
the level of time and financial resources
already committed by project beneficiaries,
a perspective on regional watersheds, and
compelling need – such as water quality,
tribal members served, economic impacts and
water use efficiency.
The remaining $20 million in Reclamation
funding supports:
- $5 million for fish passage
and fish screens to meet the
increasing water demands in the West
while protecting the environment and
restoring aquatic habitat that has been
impacted by historic development.
- $6 million for water
conservation and delivery studies
to promote water conservation and
improved water management.
- $4 million for environmental
restoration and compliance
efforts with an emphasis on species
recovery and protection.
- $5 million for facility
operation, maintenance and
rehabilitation to ensure system
reliability and safety of infrastructure
in support of sustainable water
management. Funding has been assigned
through criteria that identified
projects with the most urgent need.
"This funding will allow work on
these projects to be accelerated, saving the
American taxpayers money," said
Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor.
"The funding will also stimulate
regional and local economies, support the
creation of much-needed jobs and provide a
stable and reliable water supply to
communities throughout the West."
To view a summary of all the projects in
this spending plan, please visit: http://www.usbr.gov/budget/2012/spd
Reclamation is the largest wholesale
water supplier in the United States, and the
nation's second largest producer of
hydroelectric power. Its facilities also
provide substantial flood control,
recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits.
To learn more, visit http://www.usbr.gov.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 8, 2012
AZGFD
Online services have been restored
Arizona Game and Fish Department customers are advised that the
department’s vendor for online services has identified and resolved
the technical issue that temporarily made online transactions
unavailable this morning.
All online services, including draw applications, hunting and fishing
license purchases, and watercraft registration renewals, are now fully
functional.
We thank you for your patience.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 8, 2012
DOE
Secretary Chu and Energy Department Officials to Highlight Obama
Administration’s Investments in American Energy and Innovation at Events
Across the Nation
Washington D.C. – This week, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Deputy
Secretary Daniel Poneman and other senior Energy Department officials will
participate in events across the country to highlight America’s
investments in cutting-edge energy innovations that are laying the
building blocks for an American economy built to last. The visits
nationwide will highlight American-made energy resources like natural gas
and biofuels, and focus on the important role American scientists,
engineers and entrepreneurs are helping to ensure the U.S. leads in the
global clean energy economy.
On Thursday, February 9, Secretary Chu will tour the
Energy Department’s National Energy Technology Laboratory’s (NETL’s)
facilities outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he will tour a range
of research and development facilities. The tour will focus on
science and technology that is now being developed at NETL to extract
natural gas more safely and efficiently, and will highlight the initial
innovations supported by the national laboratory that have helped to spur
the expansion of shale gas development in Pennsylvania and around the
country. After the open press tour, the Secretary will join with NETL
Director Anthony Cugini and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl to deliver
remarks and take questions from reporters.
Later in the day, the Secretary will join Mayor Ravenstahl at the
Pittsburgh City-County Building to highlight a Recovery Act-funded project
that will reduce energy use and energy bills at one of the city’s main
municipal buildings. The Secretary will also meet with a range of
natural gas industry leaders and the Marcellus Shale Coalition while in
Pittsburgh.
Also on Thursday, Deputy Secretary of Energy Poneman
will tour Dow Kokam’s new global battery research and development
center, located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, outside of Kansas City. The
R&D center aims to bring next-generation lithium-ion battery solutions
to the market faster, increase battery performance and reduce their
overall cost. The Energy Department and Dow Kokam have shared a strong
partnership in working to improve lithium-ion battery performance. Last
August, Dow Kokam was awarded a $4.9 million Energy Department grant and
unveiled its new R&D center in October.
And on Friday, February 10, Energy Department Senior
Advisor Peter Gage will tour Novozymes biofuels facilities in Blair,
Nebraska. In 2010, Novozymes was awarded a clean energy manufacturing tax
credit for $28.4 million that helped to expand its production operations.
The company manufactures an “enzyme cocktail,” which converts
cellulose in various feedstocks, waste paper and cardboard, wood chips,
and corn into simple sugars that are then fermented into biofuels.
For details on the specific trips, please contact the Energy
Department’s Office of Public Affairs at 202-586-4940.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 8, 2012
DOE
Energy Department Announces Over $12 Million to Spur Solar Energy
Innovation
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As part of the Obama Administration’s blueprint for
an American economy built to last, today U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu
announced over $12 million to speed solar energy innovation from the lab
to the marketplace through the Energy Department’s SunShot Incubator
program. The funding will accelerate American innovation in solar energy
and manufacturing by supporting advancements in hardware, reductions in
soft costs, and the development of pilot manufacturing and production
projects.
“Investments in American energy and manufacturing are critical
building blocks for an American economy built to last,” said Secretary
Chu. “The SunShot Incubator program fosters the innovative small
businesses that will rapidly bring technological advances to market and
pioneer a new era in American energy.”
The SunShot Incubator program helps launch new startups and business
units within existing companies to accelerate the innovative solar
technology development. Since 2007, DOE has invested $60 million through
the Incubator in promising technologies as they are brought from the lab
to the marketplace. These investments have catalyzed $1.6 billion in
private sector support. The federal investment in these projects has been
leveraged at a rate of more than 26-to-1.
The funding opportunity announced today builds on the SunShot Incubator
program’s history of successful partnerships. Nearly forty companies
have participated in the Incubator, including Colorado-based PrimeStar. In
2007, DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory and PrimeStar Solar
announced a cooperative R&D agreement to transition NREL’s cadmium
telluride solar technology to commercial production. Primestar later
received a $3million Incubator award to commercialize its
highly-efficient, low-cost photovoltaic solar panels.. Primestar, now
owned by GE, has announced a $600 million investment in the company and
the construction of a large-scale manufacturing plant in Colorado that
will employ more than 350 American workers to produce state-of-the-art
solar panels. Through the Department’s SunShot Incubator program, these
types of investments help early-stage companies overcome barriers to bring
innovative solar technologies to market faster.
Today’s SunShot Incubator funding will support innovations in the
development of hardware and non-hardware approaches from the
proof-of-concept stage to prototype demonstration, including advances in
photovoltaics, concentrating solar power and power electronics, as well as
streamlined permitting, inspection and financing approaches, and to
shorten the timeline for awardees to transition innovative prototypes
produced at lab-scale into pilot and eventually full-scale manufacturing,
production, or deployment. Each of the investments will require
significant cost-share commitments from the awardees.
Applications are due on April 9, 2012. For more information and
application requirements for the Funding Opportunity Announcement, please
visit the Funding
Opportunity Exchange website.
Launched in February 2011, DOE’s SunShot Initiative funds competitive
research to make solar energy systems faster, easier, and cheaper for
America’s homeowners, businesses and utilities to generate clean,
renewable energy. The collaborative national effort aims to make solar
energy cost competitive with other forms of energy by the end of the
decade. Achieving this goal will drive widespread adoption of solar energy
technologies, fortify the U.S. leadership in the global clean energy race,
spur new industries, and create jobs across the nation. For more
information, visit
the SunShot Initiative website.
DOE's Office of
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy accelerates development and
facilitates deployment of energy efficiency and renewable technologies and
market-based solutions that strengthen U.S. energy security, environmental
quality, and economic vitality.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 8, 2012
Flagstaff
Area National Monuments
100
Years, 100 Miles:
Flagstaff
Area National Monuments Celebrates Arizona’s Centennial, 1912-2012 with a Fee
Free Day and Special Event
FLAGSTAFF,
ARIZONA – The
National Park Service congratulates the great state of Arizona on 100
remarkable years of statehood. Celebrate
Arizona’s 100th year as the 48th state with the
National Park System of Arizona and the Flagstaff Area National Monuments.
Bring your family and friends to one or more of Flagstaff’s National
Monuments – Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki on Tuesday,
February 14, 2012 to commemorate this monumental event.
The
Flagstaff Area National Monuments staff is actively celebrating this special
event by carrying the Arizona state flag 100 miles on the Walnut Canyon Rim
Trail, Walnut Canyon Island Trail, the Sunset Crater Lava Flow Trail and the
Wupatki Pueblo Trail! Help us reach
our goal by walking one mile or more on February 14, 2012.
This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and experience the natural and
cultural resources of the monuments, while wishing the 48th state a
happy 100th.
With
your help, we will walk a mile for each year Arizona has been a state.
To be part of this special event, please sign up by calling (928)
526-3367. All ages are welcome.
Come take the Arizona State flag for a walk!
Our
park partner, the Western National Parks Association (WNPA), will also
celebrate Arizona’s Centennial by offering a 15% discount on all products at
the monument bookstores on February 14, 2012.
In addition, these additional National Park System sites in Arizona
will offer fee-free entry on Tuesday, February 14th: Casa Grande
Ruins, Chiricahua, Montezuma Castle, Organ Pipe Cactus, Pipe Springs, Sunset
Crater Volcano, Tonto, Tuzigoot, Walnut Canyon, and Wupatki National Monuments;
Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro National Parks; Tumacacori National
Historical Park; and Glen Canyon and Lake Mead National Recreational Areas
(only at Katherine’s Landing, Arizona).
For more on visiting the Arizona National Parks System Units please go
to: www.nps.gov/az.
For more on Arizona’s centennial celebrations, please visit:
www.az100years.org, and for a calendar of centennial events, please go to: www.az100years.org/events/calendar-of-events/.
Walnut
Canyon NM is located 10 miles east of downtown Flagstaff via I-40 and can be
reached at (928)526-3367 and on the web at www.nps.gov/waca
Sunset
Crater Volcano NM is located six miles north of Flagstaff via Hwy 89 and can be
reached at (928)526-0502 and on the web at www.nps.gov/sucr.
Wupatki
NM is 26 miles north of Flagstaff via Hwy 89, and can be reached at
(928)679-2365 and on the web at www.nps.gov/wupa.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 7, 2012
Congressman Paul Gosar
Rep.
Gosar Votes for Better Accounting Practices for the Use of Taxpayer Dollars
WASHINGTON, DC –Today, U.S.
Congressman Paul Gosar, D.D.S (AZ-01) voted for the Budget and Accounting
Transparency Act (H.R. 3581). This legislation, which passed the House by
a vote of 245-180, requires Congress and the executive branch to use “fair
value” accounting for its direct loan and loan guarantee programs such as
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Solyndra.
Congressman Gosar said, “To the Washington establishment and career
bureaucrats, at every level of government, taxpayer money represents an
abstract number. The people of Arizona and I know that, for every
dollar spent by the government, that is one less dollar workers are bringing
home in their paychecks. This bill which requires the federal
government to consider “fair value” when assessing program cost, a
practice used in the private sector, will in turn allow the taxpayers to see
the real cost of programs they are paying for.”
This
bill requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) to conduct a study on extending this fair value methodology
to federal insurance programs, which are currently accounted for on a
cash-flow
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 7, 2012
Flagstaff Area National Monuments
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Trail Management Plan
INITIAL PUBLIC SCOPING FOR THE SUNSET CRATER VOLCANO
NATIONAL MONUMENT COMPREHENSIVE TRAIL MANAGEMENT PLAN
FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA – Flagstaff Area National Monuments’ (FLAG)
Superintendent Diane Chung has announced that the National Park Service
(NPS) is planning for a Comprehensive Trail Management Plan (Plan) for
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (SUCR). The Plan will be developed
in 2012, and will address impacts on the creation of additional trails to
accommodate monument visitors, protect monument resources, and address
ongoing maintenance needs.
Proposed trail designs will promote minimal impacts to soil, vegetation,
and cultural resources, and inform the visitor of the varied terrains and
viewscapes at SUCR. The proposed trails will link points of interest, have
routes that are removed from monument infrastructure and address current
sustainability issues with existing trails.
The NPS will prepare this document in compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
to provide the decision-making framework. The NPS encourages public
participation throughout the planning process. We are currently in the
initial public scoping phase; wherein public comments are solicited on the
project proposal. The park invites the public to submit written suggestions,
comments, and concerns regarding the proposed project online at the NPS
Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website:
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/sucrtrails
If you are not able to submit comments
electronically through this website, you may
submit written comments to Superintendent,
Flagstaff Area National Monuments, 6400 N.
Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004. Please provide
comments by March 9, 2012.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 6, 2012
Office of the Governor
Governor Brewer Files SB 1070 Brief with
U.S. Supreme Court
State of Arizona to Defend
Immigration Law in Oral Argument April 25, 2012
PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer and the State
of Arizona today filed an opening brief with the
U.S. Supreme Court regarding SB 1070.
Governor Brewer has asked the High Court to
lift an injunction that has blocked critical
provisions of SB 1070 from taking effect. The
Court is scheduled to hear the oral argument on
April 25, 2012.
Statement
by Governor Brewer
"Today’s filing and the upcoming oral
argument before the U.S. Supreme Court are the
culmination of a battle I pledged to fight on
behalf of the people of Arizona. This debate is
not just about SB 1070. Rather, it is for the
constitutional principle that every state has a
duty and obligation to protect its people,
especially when the federal government has
failed in upholding its core responsibilities.
"The people of Arizona have borne the
brunt of this federal failure. We see it in our
hospitals, burdened with the costs of providing
care to uninsured illegal aliens. We feel it in
our neighborhoods, too often victimized by drop
houses and drug-runners. Meanwhile, the federal
government compensates the State for just a
fraction of costs Arizona incurs due to illegal
immigration. SB 1070 is Arizona’s way of
saying ‘enough!’
"I take heart that Arizona is not alone
in this effort. States like Utah, Alabama, South
Carolina and Georgia have followed our lead in
enacting SB 1070-style legislation, and citizens
from every state in the union have supported
Arizona and joined our chorus in calling for the
federal government to secure the border. They
know a simple truth: Arizona may be the gateway
for illegal immigration, but the problems
associated with a porous border do not stop in
the Grand Canyon State. They spread nationwide.
"The struggle over SB 1070 has not been
easy. It is emotional, as is any issue that
impacts lives and livelihoods. But, as we
present our legal case to the Supreme Court, I
remember my words from the day I signed SB 1070
into law. ‘We must use this new tool wisely,’
I said, ‘and fight for our safety with the
honor Arizona deserves. We must react calmly. We
must enforce the law evenly and without regard
for skin color, accent or social status. I know
in my heart that this great state, my home for
more than 40 years, is up to the task.’
"I am optimistic, if the High Court
overturns the injunction, the State of Arizona
will yet have the chance to prove it."
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 6, 2012
SoFA Staff
The
Grand Canyon
Limited
CELEBRATING
THE ARIZONA CENTENNIAL
Photos provided by the San Bernardino
Railroad Historical Society (SBRHS)
Excursion to Arizona
The SBRHS is collaborating with the Central Coast Railway Club
and Amtrak to operate a special excursion train to Arizona in May of
2012 to help celebrate the States Centennial year. The train is being
designated "The Grand Canyon Limited" and operate
between Los Angeles, CA. and Williams, AZ. While in Williams, additional
plans are in the works to double head with the former CB&Q 4960
2-8-2 steam locomotive on the Grand Canyon Railway between Williams and
the South Rim in a one day roundtrip.
This trip is sponsored by the Central Coast Railway Club. For all
information regarding ticket sales please visit their website at www.goldenstaterails.com
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 6, 2012
AZGFD
Opportunity offered to learn about hunting,
outdoors
Javelina Hunt and Outdoor
Fair to be held Feb. 24-26
PRESCOTT, Ariz. –
In a time when electronic devices have become primary sources of
entertainment, a unique opportunity is being offered to enjoy an old-fashioned
camp out.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department, in conjunction with the Arizona
Bowhunters Association and the Outdoor Experience 4 All, is offering just such
an event.
The Javelina Hunt and Outdoor Fair will be held Feb. 24-26 in the Prescott
area. The dates mark the opening weekend of the general javelina hunting season
and the camp is free and open to the general public with an emphasis on those
new to hunting and the outdoors.
Javelina tags will be available on site while supplies last. Experts will
also be on hand to help individuals get started on their hunt.
“If you have ever thought about hunting, but aren’t sure how to get
started, this is the perfect opportunity,” said Darren Tucker, wildlife
manager for Game and Fish. “And there’s more than hunting. This is a
general outdoor event with a focus on getting folks outdoors.
“Getting out from behind the computer or away from the television provides
an opportunity for parents to spend some great time with their children.”
Last year’s effort did spark a lot of interest, and Tucker is quick to
explain there is a need to recruit new hunters, although there’s more to this
endeavor.
“We understand not everyone wants to hunt, but it is important to
understand the critical role hunters play in modern wildlife management,” he
explained. “Hunting and fishing dollars are the primary funding for wildlife
management in Arizona with no burden on the taxpayer.
“I know there will be a focus on the ‘hunt’, but this is really about
getting outside and spending time with family and friends. This is a great
opportunity for everybody, not just hunters.”
Activities available will include shooting archery and air guns. How-to
demonstrations will cover wildlife viewing, predator calling, javelina natural
history and hunting, glassing and use of binoculars, wild game care, and basic
camping skills. There will also be exhibitor areas to explore local
sportsmen’s groups, manufacturers of outdoor equipment, and retailers of
outdoor equipment.
A limited number of volunteers will be available for youth hunters under 18
years old. Those interested in a mentor must pre-register for the mentored
hunting program. All youth must be accompanied by a legal guardian at all
times.
Participants in the hunt must purchase a hunting license and javelina tag.
All are responsible for their own transportation to the hunting area and this
is not a guided hunt. Participants are also responsible for their own camping
equipment, hunting equipment, and food. The location is approximately 4,900
feet in elevation, so dress appropriately.
Javelina are a big-game animal in Arizona. People ages 10 and older may
participate, but youth 10-13 must first pass an Arizona Game and Fish hunter
education class. For those 14 and over, the class is still strongly
recommended, but not required. For more information on hunter education
classes, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/i_e/edits/hunter_education.shtml.
“This is a great opportunity for people to connect with nature,” Tucker
said. “It’s an opportunity to slow down and enjoy what this area has to
offer.”
For more information or to register, visit www.huntingfair.com.
Questions may be directed to dtucker@azgfd.gov.
Hunting licenses can be purchased at Arizona Game and Fish offices and at
license dealers.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 6, 2012
SoFA Staff
Walnut Canyon National Monument Revisited
Walnut Canyon National Monument is the site of Early
American cliff dwelling ruins.
Walnut Canyon National Monument is perched high on the side of a steep
canyon, Early American inhabitants built a community under a protective
overhang. It is presumed that this site was chosen for protection, from both
the weather and other peoples.
Spanish explorers traveled this part of Arizona in the 1500's, and observed
the already abandoned site. They named the mysterious, missing inhabitants Sinaugua,
which means "without water". Even today, Walnut Creek, which gently
flows through the canyon, offers only a meager supply of life sustaining water.
The overhanging cliff forms the roof of the rooms, The floors are also rock
and dirt. A typical room appears to be about 20 feet long and 8 or 10 feet
deep. Dividing walls and stacked rocks with mud mortar.
Archeology, geology, botany, climatology, and other scientific subjects are
on display in the canyon.
Guided hikes and other interpretive
events are offered.
Two ranger-guided hikes are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! Call (928) 526-3367 for reservations.
The LEDGE HIKE - Three to four hour hike. Strenuous. Offered first and last
Saturday of each month at 9:00am MST
The RANGER CABIN WALK - Two hour hike. Easy. Offered at 9:00am MST, several
days per week. Call for information.
Walnut Canyon National Monument is located about ten miles southeast of
Flagstaff, off of Interstate 40. The facility is open daily.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 3, 2012
Office of the Governor
Gov. Brewer Proclaims Week of Feb. 6 'Arizona Green Week 2012'
ADEQ Schedules Number of Student Activities
PHOENIX
– (Feb. 3, 2012) – Governor Jan Brewer has
proclaimed the week of Feb. 6 as “Arizona
Green Week 2012.” In light of this
announcement, the Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has scheduled a
number of activities throughout the state to
educate and encourage students to become
environmental stewards.
Governor Brewer’s proclamation encourages
teachers and students to conserve our planet’s
natural resources by developing good
waste-reduction and recycling practices and
conserving energy at school and at home. The
“Green Week” activities are part of the
Green Education Foundation’s annual project to
educate K-12 students on sustainability issues.
“I’m a gardener at heart, and every gardener
knows the value of good soil, clean water and
clear air,” said Governor Brewer. “Arizona
Green Week is about teaching our children simple
behaviors that can help them reduce waste,
conserve energy and take better care of the
planet we all share.”
ADEQ will conduct activities in Cottonwood,
Gilbert, Holbrook,
Phoenix
and
Tucson
as follows:
Cottonwood – On Saturday, Feb. 11, an
electronic waste recycling presentation will be
given to Cottonwood boy scouts and girl scouts
at the
Cottonwood
public works yard,
1490 W. Mingus Ave.
, from noon until 1 p.m.
Gilbert – Ten classroom recycling bins will be
delivered to San Tan Learning Center,
1475 S. Higley Road
, and about 450 students will begin a school and
communitywide paper collection program
Holbrook – On Friday, Feb. 10, a tour of
Iberdola Renewables’ Dry Lake Wind Power
Project, south of Holbrook, will be conducted
for more than 20
Holbrook
High School
students at 1 p.m.
Phoenix
– On Tuesday, Feb. 7, a recycling presentation
will be conducted for the Recycling Club,
consisting of fourth to eighth graders, at
Granada
East
Elementary School
,
3022 W. Campbell Ave.
, at 2:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, a presentation on
children’s environmental health risks will be
given to an early development class at
South
Mountain
High School
,
5401 S. Seventh Street
, from 8 a.m. until 1:45 p.m.
On Wednesday, Feb. 8, a recycling and pollution
prevention activity and presentation will be
made to the special needs class at Madison Simis
Elementary School, 7302 N. 10th Street, from 9
a.m. until noon.
On Friday, Feb. 10, a presentation on air, water
and waste pollution reduction will be given to
about 40 senior and freshmen environmental
science students at Franklin Police and
Fire
High School
,
1645 W. McDowell Road
, from 8:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
Tucson
– On Tuesday, Feb. 7, a recycling presentation
will be made to five kindergarten classes at
Drexel
Elementary School
,
801 E. Drexel Road
, beginning at 12:45 p.m.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 3, 2012
SoFA Staff
Click on the link above to see current road
conditions for the Red Rock, Mogollon Rim, and
Flagstaff districts.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 3, 2012
Coconino County
Coconino County Fair Committee Seeks Members
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Coconino County Fair Committee is seeking additional
members to join their team of volunteers. The committee provides hands-on
assistance to produce a dynamic, well-rounded and, above all, a fun County
Fair.
The Coconino County Fair occurs annually Labor Day weekend and is the largest
event in northern Arizona. The four-day event attracts more than 45,000
visitors who participate in one of the country’s longest event traditions.
The committee seeks members that have a strong interest in helping plan the
fair. Individuals with an interest or expertise in the following areas are
especially encouraged to consider joining the committee:
-
Educational programming
-
Entertainment
programming
-
Sustainable living and
conservation programming
-
Vendor recruitment
-
Volunteer recruitment
-
Sponsorship recruitment
-
Ribbon and award
programming and fundraising
-
Youth livestock and
non-livestock programming and outreach
-
Adult livestock
programming and outreach
-
Fair entries program and
outreach
Those with questions or interested candidates wanting to submit a letter of
interest should contact Fair Manager Cynthia Nemeth at cnemeth@coconino.az.gov
or 928-679-8000.
The committee meets the second Monday of the month at 5:15 p.m. at the County
Fairgrounds located in Fort Tuthill County Park. The next meeting is Feb. 13.
The committee provides the foundation for noticeable benefits and improvements
to the County Fair for many years to come.
For
more information on the 63rd Coconino County Fair, visit http://www.coconino.az.gov/parks.aspx?id=480
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 3, 2012
AZGFD
Deadline to apply for elk, pronghorn hunts is Feb. 14
If you haven’t yet submitted your application for the draw for
Arizona’s 2012 elk and pronghorn antelope hunts, the deadline is
approaching. Applications must be received by the department by Tuesday,
Feb. 14, by 7 p.m. (MST).
Applications can be submitted through the online
service, hand delivered to any of the seven Arizona
Game and Fish Department offices, or sent by U.S. mail to: Arizona Game
and Fish Department, Attn: Drawing Section, PO Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ
85087-1052. Mailed applications must be received by the department by the
deadline; postmarks don’t count.
Remember, a 2012 Arizona hunting license is required to apply in the draw.
If you haven’t already purchased your license, you can do so through the
draw application process. Please keep in mind that if you are purchasing your
license online, you must have a working printer handy and print your license
out at the time of purchase. The department does not mail out licenses that
are purchased online. Licenses can also be purchased at Game and Fish offices
and at hunting/fishing license dealers throughout the state.
Copies of the 2012 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information Booklet
are available at Game and Fish offices and at hunting license dealers
throughout the state. The booklet is also available online at www.azgfd.gov/draw.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 2, 2012
USDANF
US Forest Service highlights expansion
of restoration of national forests and
funding for Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration projects
'Increasing the Pace of Restoration and Job Creation On Our National
Forests’ charts course for federal agency; US Forest Service seeks To reduce
major threats through restoration
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2012 —Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a new report, Increasing
the Pace of Restoration and Job Creation on our National Forests, that
outlines a strategy and series of actions for management on 193 million acres
of national forests and grasslands managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
As part of the accelerated restoration strategy, $40 million for 20 forest and
watershed restoration projects have been announced for the upcoming year. The
funding includes ten new projects under the Collaborative
Forest Landscape Restoration (CFLR) program, continued funding for the
original 10 projects selected under the CFLR program in 2010, and an additional
$4.6 million to support other high priority restoration projects.
"Through our partnerships with states, communities, tribes and others, we
are committed to restoring our forests and bringing jobs to rural
America," said Vilsack. "Whether the threat comes from wildfire, bark
beetles or a changing climate, it is vital that we step up our efforts to
safeguard our country's natural resources."
Within the context of the overall restoration program, the strategy and actions
announced today are designed to expand the number of forest acres treated by 20
percent over the next three years and increase the pace of active forest
management, including fuels reduction, reforestation, stream restoration, road
decommissioning, replacing and improving culverts, forest thinning and
harvesting, prescribed fire and a range of other techniques.
As a result of these efforts, the Forest Service will be able to accomplish
critical restoration objectives, including for water, wildlife, forest health
and resilience, and community safety. This effort will support jobs and
stimulate a more vibrant forest industry that will provide the workers and the
know-how to undertake other restoration projects. Altogether, the Forest
Service estimates this will increase the amount of forest products sold in 2014
to 3 billion board feet, up from 2.4 billion board feet in 2011.
The restoration of National Forest System lands is critically needed to address
a number of threats to the health of forest ecosystems, watersheds, wildlife
habitats and forest dependent communities. Major threats include wildland
fire, climate change, beetle epidemics and invasive species.
The national forests and grasslands are the backdrop and neighbor to many rural
and urban communities, providing a range of values and benefits, including
clean drinking water for millions of people across the U.S., vital wildlife
habitat, a variety of recreation opportunities, and other multiple uses that
support jobs and economic growth in rural communities. The Forest Service’s
restoration program of work is designed to sustain the ability of these lands
to continue to deliver a full range of ecosystem services for generations to
come.
These restoration efforts will further stimulate local economies by retaining
and increasing other forest related jobs, such as the 1,550 jobs expected to
maintained or generated through implementation of the CFLR projects, and by
supporting recreation activities and attracting more tourists to rural areas.
Currently, recreation activities on National Forest System lands contribute
$14.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy and support hundreds of thousands of
jobs in local communities.
“Accelerated restoration efforts demonstrate a shared vision where
environmentalists, forest industry and local communities are working together
to build healthier forests and contribute to local economies,” said U.S.
Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “The increased restoration work will
benefit the environment and people, with more resilient ecosystems, improved
watersheds and wildlife habitat, hazardous fuel reduction, and outputs of
forest products. We hope accelerated restoration activities will bring all of
our partners together, working as allies for forest conservation.”
The Forest Service will increase restoration activities with a series of actions,
some of which are already underway. The list includes: expanding
collaborative landscape partnerships; finalizing and implementing a new forest Planning
Rule; implementing the Watershed Condition Framework; improving
efficiencies of the planning process for restoration projects under the
National Environmental Policy Act; implementing Integrated Resource Restoration
budgeting; implementing the agency bark beetle strategy; improving the
implementation and efficiencies of timber and stewardship contracts; and
expanding markets for forest products.
The Forest Service received 26 proposals for Collaborative Forest Restoration
Grants which were evaluated by a federal advisory committee. The committee
recommended 13 projects to the USDA for funding consideration, of which 10 were
selected under the program. Because the remaining three are high priority
restoration projects and exemplify the intent of the program, the Forest
Service is setting aside another $4.6 million to fund those projects as well.
Project proposals included ecological restoration treatments to reduce wildfire
risk, enhance fish and wildlife habitats, maintain and improve water quality,
use woody biomass and harvest timber. All of the landscape proposals
include matching contributions from partners, either funds or in-kind services.
The following 10 new projects are approved for funding in 2012:
Burney-Hat Creek Basins Project, California
- $605,000
Pine-Oak Woodlands Restoration Project, Missouri
- $617,000
Shortleaf-Bluestem Community Project, Arkansas and Oklahoma
- $342,00
Weiser-Little Salmon Headwaters Project, Idaho
- $2,450,000
Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative, Idaho
- $324,000
Southern Blues Restoration Coalition, Oregon
- $2,500,000
Lakeview Stewardship Project, Oregon
- $3,500,000
Zuni Mountain Project, New Mexico
- $400,000
Grandfather Restoration Project, North Carolina
- $605,000
Amador-Calaveras Consensus Group Cornerstone Project, California
- $730,000
The following three projects are considered high priority restoration and are
approved for funding in 2012 outside of the Collaborative Forest Landscape
Restoration Act:
Northeast Washington Forest Vision 2020, Washington
- $968,000
Ozark Highlands Ecosystem Restoration, Arkansas
- $959,000
Longleaf Pine Ecosystem Restoration and Hazardous Fuels Reduction, De Soto
National Forest, National Forests in Mississippi
- $2,710,000
The following 10 Collaborative Forest Landscape projects were approved for
funding in 2010 and will continue to receive funding in 2012:
Selway-Middle Fork Clearwater Project, Idaho
Southwestern Crown of the Continent, Montana
Colorado Front Range, Colorado
Uncompahgre Plateau, Colorado
4 Forest Restoration Initiative, Arizona
Southwest Jemez Mountains, New Mexico
Dinkey Landscape Restoration Project, California
Deschutes Skyline, Oregon
Tapash Sustainable Forest Collaborative, Washington
Accelerating Longleaf Pine Restoration, Florida
Since taking office, President Obama’s Administration has taken historic
steps to improve the lives of rural Americans, put people back to work and
build thriving economies in rural communities. From proposing the
American Jobs Act to establishing the first-ever White House Rural Council –
chaired by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack – the President wants the
federal government to be the best possible partner for rural businesses and
entrepreneurs and for people who want to live, work and raise their families in
rural communities.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 2, 2012
DOI
Interior Seeks Comments on Cobell Land Consolidation Draft Plan
First Meeting of Trust Reform Commission set for March, 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of the Interior today
announced two important steps in the ongoing commitment to fulfilling this
nation’s trust responsibilities to Native Americans. Today, Interior
announced the publication of a draft plan and a request for comment on
implementing the potential Cobell Land Consolidation Program. Additionally,
Interior announced that the first meeting of the Commission established to
undertake a forward-looking, comprehensive evaluation of Interior’s trust
management of Native American trust funds is set for the first week of March.
“Interior’s continued rapport and outreach through consultations with
Indian Country are crucial components to accomplishing truly open
government-to-government communication,” said Deputy Secretary of the
Interior David J. Hayes. “We are thankful for the participation of all of the
tribal leaders as we continue to move forward with this landmark program in a
manner that incorporates tribal priorities and promotes tribal participation in
reducing land fractionation in a timely and efficient way.”
The Cobell Land Consolidation Program will not be implemented until all
court approvals are final; however, Interior has prepared the draft plan to
continue the tribal consultation on the development of the program. In May,
2011, the District Court allowed representatives of the United States to
communicate with Cobell class regarding to the land consolidation component of
the settlement. Since then, Interior has conducted seven regional
government-to-government tribal consultations on the issues.
In accordance with the $3.4 billion Cobell
Settlement, a $1.9 billion land consolidation fund is to be used to
purchase fractionated interests in trust from willing sellers to benefit tribal
communities and aid in land consolidation. Up to $60 million of the $1.9
billion will be set aside to provide scholarships for post secondary higher
education and vocational training for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Today’s publication in the Federal Register opens a 45-day
comment period on the draft implementation plan that seeks to remedy the
proliferation of thousands of new trust accounts caused by the increasing
subdivision or “fractionation” of trust and restricted fee land interests
through succeeding generations. The draft implementation plan proposes a
voluntary buy-back and consolidation of fractionated trust and restricted fee
land interests that would occur over a 10-year period after the Cobell
Settlement becomes final.
Deputy Secretary Hayes also announced that the first meeting of the National
Commission on Indian Trust Administration and Reform is scheduled for March
1-2, 2012 in at the Interior Department in Washington, D.C. The March meeting
will mark the first time the five
recently-named members of the Commission will meet to move forward on their
comprehensive evaluation of Interior’s management and administration of the
trust assets, as well as recommendations for improvement.
“Building upon the progress made with the historic Cobell Settlement, this
commission will help usher in a new era of trust administration,” added
Hayes. “Our trust administration must be more transparent, responsive,
customer-friendly and accountable in managing these substantial funds and
assets.”
More information on the Cobell Trust Land Consolidation Program can be found
at: www.doi.gov/cobell.
The Cobell Land Consolidation Draft Plan can be found here.
The public notice of the National Commission on Indian Trust Administration
and Reform can be found here.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 2, 2012
Flagstaff
Area National Monuments
Walnut Canyon and Wupatki National Monuments Artist-In-Residence Announcement
FLAGSTAFF,
ARIZONA – The National Park
Service protects a variety of natural settings offering a great place for
artists of different backgrounds and talents to be inspired and connect with
monument resources. Please join us
as we welcome Michele Lauriat to Walnut Canyon and Wupatki National Monument.
Artist-in-residence,
Michele Lauriat, will be hosting a Plein Air (French for painting in the
“open air”) painting demonstration. Please
join us during this public Plein Air session.
Michele works with a variety of water soluble media.
Her magical and ethereal paintings focus on the tension between the big
and small in the landscape, making Walnut Canyon and Wupatki the perfect
subject matter for her experimental and contemporary work.
WALNUT CANYON NATIONAL MONUMENT
Saturday,
February, 4, 2012 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Walnut Canyon Visitor Center
- Plein Air Painting Demonstration
by Artist-in-Residence, Michele Lauriat. Michele will be working on small-scale
landscape drawings and paintings.
WUPATKI
NATIONAL MONUMENT
Sunday,
February, 5, 2012 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Wupatki Visitor Center - Plein
Air Painting Demonstration by Artist-in-Residence, Michele Lauriat. Michele
will be working on small-scale landscape drawings and paintings.
Walnut Canyon
National Monument is located 7.5 miles east of downtown Flagstaff via I-40 and
can be reached at (928)526-3367 and on the web at www.nps.gov/waca.
Wupatki National Monument is 37 miles north of Flagstaff via Hwy 89, and
can be reached at (928)679-2365 and www.nps.gov/wupa.
The entrance fee is $5.00/person for visitors 16 and over.
America the Beautiful Passes are honored and sold.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 1, 2012
Congressman
Paul Gosar
Gosar Fights To Save Taxpayer Dollars and Reform the Government--"No
Government Money for Strippers”
WASHINGTON, DC –Congressman Paul Gosar D.D.S
(R-AZ), issued the following statement after the House of Representatives
passed several bills today that will save taxpayer dollars and reform how the
federal government spends money. The two bills each help taxpayers.
One bill, H.R. 3835, continues a pay freeze for Members of Congress and federal
employees. The other bill, H.R. 3567, the Welfare Integrity Now for
Children and Families Act of 2011, prohibits the use of government welfare
money to be spent on strippers, gambling and booze. Currently, under the
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, welfare recipients
apparently were allowed to spend government money at strip clubs, casinos, and
liquor stores. "Banning the use of welfare money for strippers and
whiskey seems like a long overdue common sense reform. You would have
thought this would have passed by unanimous consent."
Regarding the bill to freeze federal employee pay, Gosar explained that the
Congressional Budget Office "determined that pay for federal workers is 16
percent higher than their counterparts in the private sector. This is
wrong. Public service is not about killing the private sector. Government
employees should not make more than the private sector. To make matters
worse, the private sector is paying for those federal employees to live large.
I am happy we voted to stop this."
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 1, 2012
AZGFD
Suns offer discounted
tickets to Arizona hunting and fishing license holders
Are you a professional basketball fan? Do you have an Arizona hunting or
fishing license?
The Phoenix Suns are offering discounted ticket prices for two games in
February to people who have a current Arizona hunting or fishing license. If
you haven’t already purchased your license for 2012, this is a great
incentive to do so.
Discounted tickets will be available for the following games:
- February 15
vs. Atlanta Hawks
100 level
baseline (regularly $79.95) for only $50
200 level sideline (regularly 29.75) for only $25
- February 19
vs. L.A. Lakers
100 level
baseline (regularly $194.75) for only $175
200 level sideline (regularly $115.75) for only $112
This unique group package includes a discounted Suns’ ticket, a FREE Suns'
drawstring backpack with each ticket purchase, and a special group welcome on
the Jumbotron.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
February 1, 2012
Congressman
Paul Gosar
Rep. Gosar Votes to Repeal Another Failing
Part of ObamaCare
WASHINGTON, DC –Today,
U.S. Congressman Paul Gosar, D.D.S (AZ-01) voted for the Fiscal
Responsibility and Retirement Security Act of 2011 (H.R. 1173), for which he
was a cosponsor. This legislation, which passed the House by a vote of
267–159, repeals the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports
(CLASS) Program. The CLASS Program was another poorly designed part of
ObamaCare which threatened to continue our nation’s path towards fiscal
insolvency.
Congressman Gosar celebrated the passage of
this legislation, saying “At a time where individuals and businesses are
focused on regaining their financial freedom, we do not need to waste money on
programs that are destined to fail.”
As
a dentist for over 25 years, a current member of the GOP Doctor’s Caucus and
the Rural Healthcare Caucus Congressman Gosar expressed dismay that today’s
legislation was necessary saying, “This Administration’s support of this
flawed program, although they admit it is likely to be yet another insolvent
program within just a few years, further shows the disconnect that they have
with Main Street America. As a small business owner and healthcare provider I
was proud to support this bill to repeal the CLASS program.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 31, 2012
BLM
BLM and Forest Service Announce 2012 Grazing Fee
The Federal grazing fee for 2012 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 U.S. Forest Service.
The 2012 fee is the same as last year’s.
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 2012 grazing fee of $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. Permit holders and lessees may contact their
local BLM or U.S. Forest Service office for additional information.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 31, 2012
Kaibab
National Forest
Arizona Wildfire & Incident Management
Academy
Prepares for 2012 Fire Season Training
WILLIAMS, Ariz. – The tenth annual Arizona Wildfire & Incident Management
Academy will take place March 10-16, 2012 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University in Prescott, Arizona. Organizers say about 4,000 students have
attended the Academy since its inception.
There will be over 40 classes at the Academy to prepare firefighters for the
2012 season. Registration is underway at www.azwildfireacademy.org.
Tuition is $65.00 per day which includes all course materials, breakfast, lunch
and tent camping on-site at Embry-Riddle. Hotel accommodations are
available at additional cost.
Pete Gordon, Incident Commander, comments, “Training at the Academy includes
formal lectures, hands-on demonstrations and practical exercises to make the
most of the learning process. Part of our mission is to help prepare
firefighters to safely and effectively accomplish the missions that they are
asked to perform. We are proud of the training we offer and look forward to a
fun and educational week for all of our students.”
For those interested in the training but unable to secure funding, there are
scholarships to help offset costs. To apply for a scholarship, please
find the application on the website, complete it online and send it to the
Academy.
Participants at the week-long event include firefighters in federal, state,
local and volunteer departments from many states. Besides working to provide
the skills and technical expertise required to meet the challenge that wildland
fire poses, the Academy also provides an opportunity for trainee assignments
for those interested in learning more about incident management.
The Arizona Wildfire Academy is a non-profit organization with the mission of
developing professional and safe responses in the wildland environment by
offering training and education that meet National Wildfire Coordinating Group
standards.
Training courses include Basic Firefighting and Wildland Fire Behavior;
Leadership; Wildfire Power Saws; Fire Operations in the Urban Interface; Public
Information Officer; and many others.
For
more information please call Punky Moore, Information Officer, at 928-635-5653.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 31, 2012
BLM
BLM Seeks Nominations to Resource Advisory
Council
Phoenix, Ariz. – The Bureau of Land Management announced today that it is
seeking public nominations for five open positions on its Arizona Resource
Advisory Council (RAC), which advises the BLM on public land issues. The
BLM will consider the nominations for 45 days beginning January 25, when the
agency published its formal call for nominations in the Federal Register.
The BLM’s RACs, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in
natural resource issues, help the Bureau carry out its stewardship of 245
million acres of public lands. The Bureau, which manages more land than
any other Federal agency, has 29 RACs across the West, where most BLM-managed
land is located. Each RAC consists of 10 to 15 members with an interest
in public land management, including such individuals as conservationists,
ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, Tribal
officials, and academics. The diverse membership of each RAC is aimed at
achieving a balanced outlook that the BLM needs for its mission, which is to
manage the public lands for multiple uses.
“I value the advice given to the BLM by these citizen-based Resource
Advisory Committees,” said BLM Director Bob Abbey. “The people who
live, work, and recreate near or on BLM-managed lands deserve a formal voice
on public land issues, and their input will enhance our agency’s ability to
manage the public lands for multiple uses while conserving resources for
future generations.”
Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory
council. Nominees, who must be residents of the state where the RAC has
jurisdiction, will be judged on the basis of their training, education, and
knowledge of the council’s geographical area. Nominees should also
demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative
decisionmaking. All nominations must be accompanied by letters of
reference from any represented interests or organizations; a completed
background information nomination
form; and any other information that speaks to the nominee's
qualifications.
The five RAC positions open in Arizona are in the following categories:
- Category One – Public land ranchers and
representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral
development, the timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way,
off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation. (Two Positions
Open)
- Category Two – Representatives of nationally or
regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and
historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse
and burro organizations. (One Position Open)
- Category Three – Representatives of state, county, or
local elected office; representatives and employees of a state agency
responsible for the management of natural resources; representatives of
Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is
organized; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are
involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large. (Two
Positions Open)
Nominations should be sent by March 12, 2012 30, to Dorothea Boothe,
Bureau of Land Management, Arizona State Office, Communications Division, One
N. Central Ave., Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004. For additional
information, contact Dorothea Boothe at (602) 417-9504.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 30, 2012
DOE
Secretary
Chu and Energy Department Officials to Continue Post-State of the Union Efforts
to Highlight Obama Administration’s Commitment to American Energy
Washington D.C. – This week, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Deputy
Secretary Daniel Poneman and other senior Energy Department officials will
participate in events across the country to highlight President Obama’s State
of the Union address and discuss the Obama Administration’s commitment to
American energy.
Last week, President Obama outlined a blueprint for an American economy that is
built to last, based on American-made energy resources and clean energy
technologies. He called for “an all-out, all-of-the-above strategy that
develops every available source of American energy,” highlighting the
innovations that have helped lead to advances in energy sources like natural
gas, and reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to “the promise of
clean energy.”
A wide range of Department of Energy leaders will fan out across the country
this week to highlight that message.
On Monday, January 30, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu will join Interior
Secretary Ken Salazar, the Trust for the National Mall, and senior officials
from the private sector for a Lighting Ceremony on the National Mall that will
feature newly installed LED lights on the Mall from 3rd – 15th
Streets. The LED technology will reduce lighting energy use by 65 percent
and provide a well-lit, more secure atmosphere for the National Mall’s 25
million annual visitors.
Also on Monday, the Energy Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oil
and Natural Christopher Smith will deliver keynote remarks at the Energy,
Utility and Environment Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, where he will discuss
the role natural gas is playing in America’s clean energy economy.
On Tuesday, January 31, Secretary Chu will host a meeting of the Secretary of
Energy Advisory Board (SEAB). The Secretary will participate in a discussion of
some of the major scientific and technical challenges in energy innovation and
receive briefings from the Advisory Board on energy efficiency, the
Department’s SunShot effort to reduce the cost of installing solar panels,
and nuclear energy issues.
- NOTE: Reporters
interested in covering the SEAB meeting should RSVP by the close of business on
Monday, January 30 by emailing niketa.kumar@hq.doe.gov.
Also, on Tuesday, Acting Under Secretary of Energy Arun Majumdar will
participate in a roundtable discussion with clean technology businesses hosted
by the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), a non-profit organization
working to accelerate the development of clean energy start-ups. The discussion
will focus on the future of electrification, biofuels, solar power, and
building efficiency, and will be followed by an open press tour of the LACI
facility.
On Wednesday, February 1, Secretary Chu will travel to Berkeley, California, to
participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory’s Computational Research and Theory (CRT) Facility. The CRT
will be at the forefront of high-performance supercomputing research, helping
lead to advances in the game-changing energy technologies of tomorrow.
Also on Wednesday, the Director for the Department’s Office of Indian Energy
Policy and Programs, Tracey Lebeau, will deliver remarks at the Bakken
Collective Stakeholders Conference of the Allottees of the Three Affiliated
Tribes in New Town, North Dakota. The conference will focus on the
development of American oil and gas resources in the Bakken Oil Play.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 30, 2012
ADOT
ADOT Adopts National Road Signage Standards
Larger, easier to read signs now appearing in Arizona
PHOENIX — Whether you are driving along a busy highway,
traveling on a rural dirt road or cruising along a bicycle trail, all public
roads share a common bond – traffic signs provide guidance and are
constantly evolving to keep up with changing traffic needs.
With that in mind, the Arizona Department of Transportation has adopted the
latest edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, along with
the Arizona supplemental modifications, as a standard for traffic control
devices for use on the streets and highways of the State of Arizona.
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices is the national standard for
all traffic control measures, including traffic signs, pavement markings,
signals and any other devices used to regulate, warn or guide traffic.
Ensuring uniformity of traffic control devices across the nation – from
their messages and placement to their sizes, shapes and colors – helps to
reduce crashes and traffic congestion.
"Safety is a top priority for the Arizona Department of
Transportation," ADOT State Traffic Engineer Mike Manthey said.
"Traffic control devices help to promote highway safety and efficiency by
providing for the orderly movement of all road users on streets, highways,
bikeways and private roads. As an agency, we are always looking for ways to
make our roads safer."
What can Arizona drivers look to see in the future?
- Bigger, Easier to Read Signs: replacing highway signs
with brighter, larger and more legible ones that are easier to understand
at freeway speeds.
- Enhanced Crosswalk Safety: changing the formula used to
calculate crosswalk times to give walkers more time and implementing
pedestrian countdown signals that alert pedestrians how much time they
have to cross the street safely.
- New Logos: new symbol signs alerting drivers about
recreational and cultural interest area destinations will be added.
ADOT intends to phase in the new signs as new roadways are constructed,
when highways undergo major reconstruction or as existing signs wear out. This
way no additional costs are incurred. However, this means that motorists will
see both the old and new signs in use for a period of many years.
ADOT is encouraging Arizonans to learn about the new signs and safety
standards contained in the updated Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
and the Arizona supplemental modifications. Both are available to view online
at http://www.azdot.gov/highways/traffic/Standards.asp.
Traffic professionals interested in learning more about the new standards
through ADOT training can contact Eunice Lee at elee@azdot.gov.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 30, 2012
ADOT
Phoenix, Tucson and statewide construction projects continue in 2012
New projects include Loop 303, widening of I-10 between
Phoenix and Tucson
PHOENIX —Despite funding challenges and a dim long-term
outlook for transportation revenue, the new year brings major milestones for
highway projects in metro Phoenix and across the state. Some long-anticipated
projects to widen existing freeways, replace outdated bridges and build new
interchanges will be finished, while others will get started. It promises to
be a busy year ahead for the Arizona Department of Transportation with highway
construction across the state.
In all, ADOT will complete $1.3 billion in transportation improvements
across Arizona in 2012, including about $300 million to keep existing highways
in good repair. According to the department, 80 percent of that money –
collected through state and federal gas taxes – returns to the local
economy.
Phoenix Area Freeway Projects for 2012
Fall 2011 saw the completion of more than 40 miles of High Occupancy
Vehicle lanes along Loop 101 from north Phoenix to the West Valley and along
Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) in Chandler. ADOT will concentrate its 2012 freeway
work on a major interchange linking Interstate 10 with Loop 303 in Goodyear
and the first section of a new freeway – State Route 24 – near Gateway
Airport in Mesa. Metro Phoenix freeway improvements are funded, in part,
through the region's half-cent sales tax for transportation.
Interstate 10/Loop 303 Interchange
The multi-level interchange will include elevated ramps to carry I-10 traffic
onto an expanded Loop 303 and southbound Loop 303 traffic onto I-10. Crews
also will construct the segment of Loop 303 between I-10 and Thomas Road.
ADOT broke ground on the $134 million project in November. One of the first
steps is to add new I-10 on- and off-ramps at Sarival Avenue and Citrus Road
to provide drivers with continued access to the local area once crews begin to
replace the existing Cotton Lane interchange with the much larger
freeway-to-freeway connections at Loop 303.
Before the project is completed in 2014, crews will have excavated more
than 3 million cubic yards of dirt, used more than 14 million pounds of
reinforcing steel and poured more than 470 thousand square yards of concrete
pavement.
Additional Loop 303 Improvements
Construction will continue on the $129 million expansion project south of
Grand Avenue to Peoria Avenue, while work to improve Loop 303 into a six-lane
divided freeway between Thomas Road and Peoria Avenue will get under way this
year. All the work between I-10 and Grand Avenue is scheduled for completion
in 2014.
State Route 24 (Gateway Freeway)
Under the Maricopa Association of Governments' 20-Year Regional Transportation
Plan, work will start this spring on the one-mile stretch of SR 24 (Gateway
Freeway) between Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) and Ellsworth Road in southeast
Mesa. The new freeway will provide drivers with access to the growing
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The City of Mesa issued bonds to accelerate the
project's start by several years. Completion is expected by fall 2013.
State Route 143 Interchange at Phoenix Sky Harbor International
Airport
A $17.8 million project adding ramps and other improvements to the interchange
linking SR 143 (Hohokam Expressway) with Sky Harbor Boulevard is scheduled for
completion this summer. The project's more prominent features include new
ramps connecting Sky Harbor Boulevard traffic to southbound SR 143.
Statewide Highway Projects for 2012
In 2012, ADOT will be working on several expansion projects on I-10 between
Phoenix and Tucson as the department makes this heavily-traveled corridor a
priority. In northern Arizona, ADOT broke ground last year on the I-17 Cordes
Junction traffic interchange in September and will continue to move forward
with this critical project, along with several others, in 2012.
Southern Arizona
Interstate 10 Widening (Prince to Ruthrauff Roads in Tucson)
Following a recently completed $200 million project to widen I-10 through the
downtown Tucson area between Prince Road and 29th Street, ADOT is currently
widening I-10 to four lanes in each direction between Ruthrauff and Prince
roads and reconstructing the Prince Road traffic interchange to pass over the
Union Pacific Railroad and I-10. The $76.4 million project is slated to be
completed in 2013.
Interstate 10 Widening (I-8 to SR 87)
This 12-mile segment of I-10 between Casa Grande and Picacho in Pinal County
is being widened from two to three lanes in each direction to alleviate
congestion and improve traffic flow. ADOT expects to complete this $31.3
million project this spring. Construction began in September 2010.
Interstate 10 Widening (Val Vista to Earley Roads)
The third widening project along I-10 will expand the highway from two lanes
to three in each direction for 10 miles within the Casa Grande area as part of
ADOT's plan to increase capacity on the heavily traveled highway. Completion
of this $31 million project is scheduled by the end of 2012.
State Route 189/Mariposa Port of Entry Improvements
Coinciding with the current expansion under way at the Mariposa Land Port of
Entry, ADOT is constructing improvements to approximately one-half mile of
State Route 189 near Nogales to accommodate the expected increased traffic at
one of the busiest land ports in the United States. Construction of the $3.5
million project began in October and is expected to be completed this summer.
A separate $7.1 million project to improve facilities at the port of entry,
which will aid the movement of commercial vehicle traffic, is also under
construction and will be completed this spring.
US 70 San Carlos River and US 70 Gila River Bridges
On US 70 between Globe and Safford, ADOT will replace two structurally
deficient bridges built in 1957 on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation.
The San Carlos River Bridge is located 21 miles east of Globe, just south of
the communities of Peridot and San Carlos. The $7.9 million project includes
construction of a new bridge and other improvements that are scheduled for
completion in early 2013.
At nearly 2,000 feet in length, the US 70 Gila River Bridge at Bylas is
among the longest in Arizona. Located five miles west of Bylas, the $12.7
million project will start this spring and includes replacing the existing
steel girder bridge with a precast concrete bridge that will feature wider
travel lanes, emergency shoulders and a pedestrian walkway. The project will
be completed in spring 2013.
Northern Arizona
Interstate 17/SR 69 Cordes Junction Traffic Interchange
The Cordes Junction traffic interchange is being reconstructed at the junction
of I-17 and State 69, approximately 65 miles north of downtown Phoenix. Built
nearly 50 years ago when traffic volumes were much lower, the interchange
mixes local and through traffic, causing congestion and delays. Highway
traffic headed to Prescott will be separated from local traffic driving at
slower speeds. The $50.9 million project, which is scheduled to be completed
in summer 2013, will also include new bridges over Big Bug Creek, a new
interchange to the north and two roundabouts to improve safety and traffic
flow.
US 93 Widening (Southbound Wagon Bow Ranch and Southbound Deluge
Wash)
This seven-mile segment of US 93 north of Wikieup (mileposts 109-116) will
include construction of new southbound lanes, which will make it a four-lane
divided highway. The $25.9 million project is one of a series of widening
projects ADOT has completed on this heavily-traveled corridor between Phoenix
and Las Vegas. Work is expected to be completed this fall.
State Route 260 Doubtful Canyon Widening
The Doubtful Canyon widening project approximately 20 miles east of Payson
will construct three miles of four-lane divided highway between the previously
improved Kohl's Ranch and Christopher Creek segments along SR 260. The
widening of SR 260 at Doubtful Canyon is the fifth of six projects designed to
widen the highway from Star Valley to the Mogollon Rim. The $29.4 million
project is scheduled for completion this fall.
Interstate 17 Munds Park Traffic Interchange
The Munds Park traffic interchange, located approximately 20 miles south of
Flagstaff, is undergoing a complete reconstruction, including the replacement
of two bridges that were built in 1958 with two new bridges measuring 100-feet
long (replacing the old 25-foot long bridges). After completing the northbound
bridge in 2011, ADOT will demolish the southbound bridge, reconstruct a new
bridge and repave I-17 through the work zone. While the work is being done,
the southbound bridge will be closed and motorists will be detoured over to
the northbound lanes of I-17. The $10 million project is scheduled to be
completed this fall.
State Route 89A Spur (Fain Road) Widening
After becoming a state highway in 2011, State Route 89A Spur (Fain Road) will
be transformed from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided highway between
State Route 69 and State Route 89A in Yavapai County. The majority of the work
will involve construction of a new northbound roadway parallel to the existing
five-mile stretch of Fain Road. The $16 million widening project is scheduled
for completion this fall.
Interstate 40 Little and Big Lithodendron Wash Bridges
Built in 1959 and 1960, the Little and Big Lithodendron Wash bridges on I-40
(milepost 301) located approximately 15 miles east of Holbrook, will be
replaced. The $9.7 project to replace the structurally deficient bridges will
break ground this spring and is expected to be completed in early 2013.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 30, 2012
Flagstaff Area National
Monuments
Wupatki
National Monument offers Guided Discovery Hikes
Discover
Your National Parks
Join us for a guided hike, and discover for yourself what makes Wupatki National Monument a unique and beautiful place.
Hikes begin at 12:00 p.m. every Saturday from February 4 through March 31. Reservations are required as space is limited. Please call (928) 679-2365 to reserve a space. Hikes are moderately difficult and last 3 hours. Visit our Web site
www.nps.gov/wupa for a detailed hike schedule.
The Visitor Center at Wupatki National Monument is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and all trails are open from sunrise to sunset. Entrance fees are $5.00 per person age 16 and over. America the Beautiful passes are honored and sold. There is no additional fee for the hike.
Wupatki National Monument is located 34 miles north of Flagstaff via Highway 89. Allow one hour to drive from Flagstaff to the Wupatki Visitor Center. For more information about Wupatki, please call (928) 679-2365 or visit
www.nps.gov/wupa .
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 27, 2012
Coconino
National Forest
Mormon Lake/Pinewood Snowmobile Trail System
The Mormon Lake/Pinewood Snowmobile Trail System provides approximately 54
miles of designated snowmobile routes south of Flagstaff with four vehicle
parking / trailheads. The trail system is supported through a grant from the
Arizona State Parks. Although primarily used by snowmobilers in the winter, be
alert for dog sledders, cross country skiers and other winter sport
enthusiasts.
The trail system features Mormon Mountain, an extinct volcano ranging
between three and thirteen million years old. The trail also runs near Mormon
lake, often the largest natural lake in Arizona. You may find historic sites
including remnants of past timber railroads, a dairy and other structures. The
trail system is primarily within the ponderosa pine forest and is at an
elevation of 6500 to 7500 feet.
These areas are home to elk, deer, coyote, porcupine, squirrel and other
animals. Keep in mind that these animals need to conserve energy over the long
winter months. Chasing or harassing animals forces animals to expend valuable
energy they need to survive over the winter. Enjoy wildlife from a distance.
More
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 27, 2012
Office of the Governor
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 26, 2012
Coconino County
2012 Coconino County Fair Vendor Applications Available
2012
Coconino County Fair Vendor Applications Available
FLAGSTAFF,
Ariz. — While snow still fills parts of Coconino County’s Ft.
Tuthill Park, the Parks & Recreation Department is already gearing up for
the 2012 County Fair, held Aug. 31 to Sept. 3.
Parks & Recreation officials hope the upcoming fair will surpass the 2011
event, which saw more than 45,500 attendees over four days. To prepare for the
upcoming 63rd Annual Coconino County Fair, the County is now
accepting vendor applications for food, commercial business and non-profit
organizations.
In an effort to promote local products and services,
an early bird rate is being extended to County‐based businesses only.
Interested business owners and operators are encouraged to submit a vendor
application by May 1 to take advantage of a 50-percent early bird discount for
midway and outdoor booth locations.
Vendor applications are available on the Coconino
County Parks & Recreation’s website at: www.coconino.az.gov/parks.
The following links will take interested vendors directly to the application
packet:
·
Early Bird Fair Vendor Application:
http://tiny.cc/xsrrl
·
Vendor Application: http://goo.gl/qn3bY
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 26, 2012
Congressman
Paul Gosar
Rep. Gosar Decries the Obama Administration’s New Forests Planning
Rule
Prescott, AZ –
Congressman Paul Gosar (R-AZ) responded to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s
release of the Final
Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for the U.S. Forest
Service’s new forest planning rule, policy that will determine how the agency
manages the country’s national forests and grasslands:
“The
Obama Administration’s new forest planning rule increases costly, burdensome
regulations and undermines the multiple-use mission of the Forest
Service. Rural Arizonans know first-hand the unfortunate truth: these
types of policies stifle our local economies and lead to unhealthy and
overgrown forests, which leave my constituents vulnerable to catastrophic
wildfires.
Our
forest and natural resources are a way of life in Arizona. I urge the
Administration to reconsider these new overly restrictive regulations. A
new plan that emphasizes active forest management will improve public safety,
help the environment, and stimulate the economy of rural Arizona.”
Last
February, Congressman Gosar joined 58 other Congressmen, who represent
over 75 percent of our country’s federal forest and grass lands, in sending a
letter
to Secretary Tom Vilsack raising concerns about the proposed new planning rules’
de-emphasis on active forest management. The Administration’s new
regulations represent excessive layers of bureaucracy that will cost jobs,
hinder proper forest management, increase litigation and add burdensome costs
for Americans.
The
National Forest System consists of 155 National Forests and 20 Grasslands,
totaling 192 million acres in 44 States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin
Islands. Arizona’s First Congressional District is home to over nine
million acres of those lands. That acreage includes all or parts of
Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Kaibab, Prescott, and Tonto National
Forests. As a member of the House Natural Resources Committee,
Congressman Gosar continues to be a strong advocate for federal forest policy
reforms. To learn more about his work regarding forest health, please
visit www.gosar.house.gov.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 26, 2012
USDANF
Planning
Rule
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 26, 2012
Coconino County
Polling Changes for Feb. 28 Presidential Preference Election
FLAGSTAFF,
Ariz. –
Only voters registered with the Republican party or Green party are
eligible to vote in the Feb. 28 Presidential Preference Election (PPE).
Recognized
political parties are given the option to participate in a Presidential
Preference Election and only the Republicans and Green parties selected to
participate for 2012. If a voter wishes to register to vote or change
party affiliation they must do so by Jan. 30.
Voters who are registered to vote as Democrats, Libertarians,
non-partisans, independents or any other political party are NOT
eligible to vote in the PPE. The reason being is that this “preference”
election is being conducted by political party rules.
However,
all voters no matter what party preference they are registered with, will be
eligible to participate in the Aug. 28 Primary Election.
Per
state statute for this election, the county is required to consolidate
precincts except on reservation land. Based on that, Coconino County
Elections has taken 85 precincts and consolidated into 26 polling districts.
Each
household with a registered Republican or Green Party voter will be mailed a
sample ballot that lists the name and polling place address for this election.
Sample ballots should arrive about 30 days prior to the election.
In
addition, as provided by ARS (16- 248A) voting precincts containing 300 or less
registered voters will be conducted as mail ballot precincts. That means
a ballot will automatically be mailed to every eligible registered Republican
and Green Party voter in those precincts and there will be no polling place on
election day. The following 23 precincts will be conducted as all mail
ballot precincts; Bellemont, Parks, Ranches, Blue Ridge, Forest Lakes, Mormon
Lake, Meteor, Winona, Kiva, Fort Tuthill, Kachina Village, Pinewood, Fort
Valley, Fredonia, North Rim, Glen Canyon, Grand Canyon, Tusayan, Kaibab North,
Havasupai, Paiute, Sedona North and Sedona South.
Republican
and Green Party voters who currently have signed up to be on the Permanent
Early Voting list (PEVL) will automatically be mailed a ballot on February 2.
Republican and Green Party voters that live in precincts that will be
voting at a polling place but are not on the PEVL listing can still
vote an early ballot by either calling the Elections Office at
928-689-7860 or toll free 800-793-6181; send a written request to
Coconino County Elections, 110 E. Cherry, Flagstaff, AZ 86001; or
submit an on-line request at www.coconino.az.gov/elections
and click on “Request Early Ballot.”
Republican and Green Party voters may also vote an
early ballot in person at early voting locations throughout the County. The following early voting locations are available Monday through Friday, 8:00
a.m. to 5:00 pm, unless noted differently, at the following locations:
|
Coconino County Elections Office 110 E. Cherry (first floor), Flagstaff |
|
Tuba
City Elections Office Tuba City Library-
Basement
|
| Page City
Hall 697
Vista Avenue
|
| Williams City
Hall 113 S. First Street (Monday
through Thursday only) |
| Fredonia Town
Office 25 N. Main Street |
For more information, call the County Elections Office at (928) 679-7860
or 1-800-793-6181.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 26, 2012
Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park Announces Speakers for 2012 Conversations on the Edge Community Lecture Series
Grand Canyon, Ariz. - Grand Canyon National
Park's Division of Science and Resource Management will once again be
presenting monthly community lectures in Flagstaff, Arizona in
collaboration with the Grand Canyon Association and Northern Arizona
University's Cline Library. The
Ranger Lecture Series, Conversations on the Edge, features park resource
specialists speaking about the National Park Service's scientific work
monitoring, managing and preserving Grand Canyon's natural and cultural
resources.
According to Grand Canyon Association Executive
Director Susan Schroeder, "Grand Canyon Association has been
presenting Canyon Country Community Lectures since 2004. We added the
Ranger Lecture Series in 2009 to offer a way for people in northern
Arizona to connect directly with park researchers about science and
resource management at the Grand Canyon.”
The 2012 Conversations on the Edge lectures will
take place the first Thursday of each month, February through May, and
will include the following four lectures:
February 2:
Science and Resource Management Deputy Chief Jan Balsom and
Tribal Program Manager Janet Cohen present "Bridging the Gap:
Finding the Intersection between Park Management and Tribal
Values." Park managers
will share their experiences working with the park’s traditionally
associated tribes to maintain lasting relationships that recognize the
significance of Grand Canyon in tribal histories, on-going culture and
daily lives.
March 1: Physical
Sciences Program Manager Deanna Greco presents "It's Not Just
Scenery: The Physical Sciences of Grand Canyon." While some may
think that landscape features are merely unchanging scenery, they are
dynamic resources that require preservation and management. Greco will
give a brief history of physical science management at Grand Canyon, and
share some of the program’s new directions and emphasis areas.
April 5: Resource
Planner and Wilderness Coordinator Linda Jalbert presents “Keep It
Wild: Managing Wilderness in Grand Canyon National Park.”
More than 93% of Grand Canyon National Park’s
area qualifies for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation
System and must be managed in the same manner as congressionally
designated wilderness. Jalbert
will explore the challenges and benefits of managing Grand Canyon
wilderness.
May 3: Watershed
Stewardship Program Manager Todd Chaudhry presents "Thinking Big
and Starting Small: Watershed Stewardship in Grand Canyon National
Park." Grand Canyon’s Watershed Stewardship Program was
established in late 2010. One of the program’s first emphasis areas is
a pilot stewardship project at Granite Camp and Monument Creek.
All lectures are free and open to the public and
are held at 7:00 p.m. at the Cline Library, located at the intersection
of Knoles Drive and McCreary Road on the Northern Arizona University
campus. Parking is available to the west of the library (Lot P13 on
Riordan Road).
“We are very pleased to be working with the
Grand Canyon Association and Cline Library on a lecture series that
provides an invaluable opportunity for park Science and Resource
Management staff to share information with the Flagstaff community about
some of the issues affecting Grand Canyon National Park,” stated park
Superintendent Dave Uberuaga.
For additional information on the 2011 Ranger
Lecture Series, Conversations on the Edge, please contact Allyson
Mathis, Grand Canyon National Park Science and Education Outreach
Coordinator at 928-638-7923 or Beth Hickey, Grand Canyon Association
Membership Program Manager at 928-638-7022. To download a copy of the
2012 Conversations on the Edge flyer,
go to http://www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/upload/Ranger_Conversations_Spring_2012.pdf
;
and for information on all Grand Canyon Community Lectures, visit http://www.grandcanyon.org/events_lectureseries.asp
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 26, 2012
SoFA Staff
Grand Canyon's 2012
Ranger Lecture Series
Conversations on the Edge
Begins February 2
NEW 2012 Ranger Lecture Series
in Flagstaff starts February 2. Download the brochure
here. (470 kb PDF)
Grand Canyon National Park,
a World Heritage Site, encompasses
1,218,375 acres and lies on the Colorado Plateau
in northwestern Arizona. The land is semi-arid
and consists of raised plateaus and structural
basins typical of the southwestern United
States. Drainage systems have cut deeply through
the rock, forming numerous steep-walled canyons.
Forests are found at higher elevations while the
lower elevations are comprised of a series of
desert basins.
~~~~~ ~~~~~
January 25, 2012
USPS
U.S. Postal
Service Launches ‘2nd Ounce Free’
New Pricing for Commercial Mailers Adds More Value to Mail
WASHINGTON — High-volume commercial mailers spoke, and the
Postal Service listened. Effective this week, businesses mailing First-Class
Mail automation, presort letters using “2nd Ounce Free” pricing can mail
letters weighing up to 2 ounces at the 1-ounce postage rate.
First-Class Mail automation, presort letters are primarily generated by
commercial mailers of bills and statements — or transaction mail. 2nd Ounce
Free pricing will provide these customers with greater value from their
transaction mailings by letting them include an additional ounce that can be
used for operational or marketing purposes at no additional cost.
“With 2nd Ounce Free, companies have greater flexibility to offset mailing
center costs by including additional promotional offers with bills, invoices
and statements,” said Gary Reblin, vice president, Domestic Products. “2nd
Ounce Free also provides business mailers with the option of using higher
quality paper stock or larger envelopes to create greater impact.”
Bills and statements delivered via First-Class Mail are opened more than 95
percent of the time and, on average, the receiver spends two to three minutes
with each piece. “This makes transaction mail a highly effective medium for
target marketing,” said Reblin.
An integral part of the overall commitment from the Postal Service to add value
to the mail, 2nd Ounce Free is not a limited time promotion, but a new price
for First-Class Mail presort, automation letters. 2nd Ounce Free does not apply
to single-piece letters mailed by consumers.
“No registration is required, no annual minimum thresholds apply, and no
payment rebates are needed, since 2nd Ounce Free pricing is offered upfront,”
said Reblin.
2nd Ounce Free can be used to inform, educate and strengthen customer loyalty
by providing additional information, such as announcements, disclosures and
notifications. The extra ounce also can be used to conduct consumer research
with surveys and reply cards.
By combining transaction mail with promotional mail, known in the industry as
transpromo, companies can add more inserts and “onserts” — totaling up to
2 ounces — without incurring additional postage costs. (Onserts are
advertisements or promotional offers usually printed at the bottom of bills or
statements.)
“Transpromo is a highly targeted, measurable form of direct mail that helps
companies increase revenue based on an ‘opt-in’ relationship,” said
Reblin. “Customers also can use the free second ounce to sell advertising
space to other marketers, which has the potential to lower the costs of mailing
bills and statements.”
Transpromo is often combined with variable data printing (VDP), a form of
on-demand printing that can be used to produce mail pieces that are
personalized to an individual’s specific data. “VDP allows marketers to
customize the messages on each mail piece, resulting in more personal and more
effective communication,” said Reblin.
For more information about 2nd Ounce Free, visit usps.com/2nd-ounce-free.
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on
the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
Source: Trans Meets Promo…Is it More than Market Hype? InfoTrends, August
2008
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