Wildfire Prevention is Everyone’s Responsibility
Forest Service News Release
Wildfire Prevention is Everyone’s Responsibility
PRESCOTT, AZ – April 16, 2021— The Prescott National Forest wants to remind our visitors about the importance of campfire safety and your part in preventing human-caused wildland fires. Warmer temperatures and spring winds are increasing fire danger across Arizona.
Please be vigilant of the high winds and rising temperatures and avoid using anything with an open flame or a spark. #OneLessSpark
• If mowing grass down, use a string-style trimmer rather than a lawn mower as the blades can strike rock and produce a spark.
• Make sure that your chain saw has a spark arrestor and if welding avoid hot dry and windy days.
• Maintain vehicle brakes, check that your trailer chains are not dragging and that all cigarettes are extinguished in an ashtray.
• Did you know that that shooting of tracer rounds or exploding targets are prohibited on federally managed public land in Arizona? Place your targets on dirt or gravel; and shoot in areas free of dry vegetation and avoid windy days. Before you leave, inspect your target areas for signs of burning embers/grass.
• Always be prepared - have extra water on hand, a shovel and fire extinguisher.
Campfire safety tips are:
• Bring a small shovel, rake, and buckets of water to drown that fire.
• Don’t start your fire in tall grass – make sure there is bare ground, or a pre-established fire pit.
• Don’t start underneath overhanging trees or brush.
• Don’t start your campfire on a windy day or during a RED FLAG WARNING day.
For information on the Prescott National Forest, check out the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Visiting the site of the Granite Mountain Hotshots? Shuttle Service is Available
Visiting the site of the Granite Mountain Hotshots? Honor them by doing it safely.
4/9/2021
By Ryan Harding / ADOT Communications
Planning to visit Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park(link is external) in Yarnell to pay respects and learn about the 19 brave firefighters who gave their lives battling against the Yarnell Hill Fire?
Make sure you do it by not parking illegally along State Route 89, putting yourself and others at risk.
With signs near the parking lot summarizing the tragedy of June 30, 2013, and a memorial at the top of the Weaver Mountains for those who are in shape to hike up the hill, the park provides multiple opportunities for Arizonans and others across the country to honor and remember those men.
Parking illegally along the shoulders of SR 89 to get to the park, however, is not the best nor safest way to show that honor. The shoulders of state highways are reserved for emergencies only. Parking along them causes distractions to drivers along the highway and can prevent emergency vehicles from gaining access to those who need help.
Plus, it puts you and your family and friends at greater risk right next to the highway.
With more than 25,000 annual visitors to the state park, the parking lot can fill up fast. Thankfully, the Yarnell Fire Department has risen to the occasion by providing a shuttle service to the park on the weekends when the memorial park sees the most visitors.
The shuttle service runs Fridays through Sundays every half hour from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proceed past the park into Yarnell and park at the Yarnell Fire Department. The last dropoff at the park trailhead is 1 p.m., and the last pickup at the park trailhead is 5 p.m.
To learn more about Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park and the shuttle service, visit azstateparks.com/hotshots (link is external).
Two in the Nest!
Forest Service News Release
Two in the Nest!
PRESCOTT, AZ – April 9, 2021— The Prescott National Forest implemented an area closure in December to reduce disturbances to the nesting Bald eagles which has paid off with success! Two young eaglets can be seen in the nest getting food from one of the parents.
Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Prescott National Forest would like to remind visitors to Lynx Lake to respect the nesting eagles and minimize disturbances while recreating.
Tips for recreating near bald eagle nesting areas:
• Enjoy from a Distance – Bald eagles should always be viewed from outside the seasonal closure area. The Lynx Lake nest can be seen to the east when standing at the top of the boat launch ramp at the south shore.
• No Drone Zone – Bald eagles are highly territorial and may react to drones as avian predators. Do NOT fly drones in when bald eagles are present.
• The Bald Eagles will let you know – If you are too close, bald eagles will intently focus on you and be distracted from caring for their young, hunting, or feeding.
To learn more about the management of the southwestern bald eagles in Arizona, visit Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee or Arizona Game & Fish.
If you have any questions about the bald eagles and their management on the Bradshaw District, please feel free to email Noel Fletcher at noel.fletcher@usda.gov.
For information on the Prescott National Forest, check out the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter
Emergency Rental Assistance Program - Yavapai County Received 7.2 Million in Assistance
Yavapai County Received 7.2 Million for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program
YAVAPAI COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO HOST FIRST ANNUAL FALLEN OFFICERS MEMORIAL AND UNVEIL BRONZE STATUE PAYING TRIBUTE TO FALLEN OFFICERS
Fallen Officers Memorial
Friday, April 9, 2021
YAVAPAI COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO HOST FIRST ANNUAL FALLEN OFFICERS MEMORIAL AND UNVEIL BRONZE STATUE PAYING TRIBUTE TO FALLEN OFFICERS.
PRESCOTT, AZ - The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office is hosting its first annual Yavapai County Fallen Officer Memorial Ceremony on Saturday, May 1st, 2021, at 2 pm on the Yavapai County Courthouse plaza. The ceremony will honor the 18 law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty in the history of the county.
An unveiling of the bronze memorial statue will take place during the ceremony. The memorial statute would not be possible without the generous donations from businesses, community groups, and individuals who simply wanted to see that law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in Yavapai County are honored.
“We can’t thank the community enough for their support in making this happen. The people who sacrificed their lives to protect our county should never be forgotten and this memorial will be a way to remember them for generations to come,” said Sheriff David Rhodes.
Retired Sheriff Scott Mascher, who formed the Memorial Committee early last year, will offer remarks along with the bronze artist, Bill Nebeker. An informal gathering time with some introductions will take place at 1 PM. The public is invited or watch the Ceremony live on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Beginning on April 13, 2021, and each day until May 1, the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page will highlight the name, date, and brief circumstance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
25th ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE - SAVE THE DATE and VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
25th ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE - SAVE THE DATE and VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
April 8, 2021
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors would like to invite anyone wishing to remember and honor those who have fallen in service to their country to join them, Congressman Paul Gosar, Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli, and many others at the Historic Citizens’ Cemetery, on May 31, 2021, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The Citizens’ Cemetery is located at 815 Sheldon St in Prescott AZ.
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors is also looking for a few volunteers to help during the event. If you are interested, please contact Barbara Fox-Thomas at 928-771-3200.
Presentations for the observance will include Master of Ceremony the Honorable Ken Bennett, Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chairman Craig Brown, Yavapai County Board of Supervisor Harry Oberg, Prescott City Council member Phil Goode, and Yavapai County Sheriff Dave Rhodes.
Period attire is welcome, and parking will be available at Yavapai College with shuttle vans picking up near the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center. CDC Covid-19 guidelines will be followed with additional cleaning and limiting the number of attendees. Additional parking is available at Prescott Transit Authority and Bennett Oil. Golf carts will be available to shuttle attendees from the entrance of the cemetery to the event. Seating is limited and anyone able to bring a light chair is encouraged to do so.
For more information about the event or to volunteer, please contact Barbara Fox-Thomas at Barbara.Fox-Thomas@yavapai.us or by calling the Board of Supervisors office at 928-771-3200.
Interagency Partners Introduce New Tool For Fire Restrictions Information
Forest Service News Release
Interagency partners introduce new tool for fire restrictions information
PHOENIX, April 5, 2021 —Interagency public land management partners from Arizona and New Mexico have developed a map-based, online resource to inform the public about fire restrictions on public lands.
Partner agencies, under the Southwest Coordinating Group, developed a new informational web tool that went live today, April 5. This tool provides the public with fire restrictions information for public lands that is easy to find and understand. The tool also links users to those agencies that manage public lands for more detailed information for trip planning.
In Arizona, the fire restriction information web tool can be found by visiting: wildlandfire.az.gov. In New Mexico, the fire restriction information web tool can be found by visiting: NMFireInfo.com
Fire restrictions are implemented in an effort to help decrease human-caused fires during periods of high fire potential by restricting activities which are the most common causes of wildfires. By providing a resource with accurate and timely information, the goal is to educate and increase compliance, therefore reducing preventable, human-caused fires.
Partner agencies involved in this effort include the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, and the New Mexico Forestry Division.
Do your part in keeping our residents, property, and wildlands safe from unwanted, human-caused fires; know before you go!
Congressman Gosar Announces Funding for Prescott Regional Airport
Representative Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) issued the following statement in response to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) decision to award two grants totaling $1,860,000 to the Prescott Regional Airport.
"I am pleased to announce that Prescott Regional Airport will receive this critical funding from the Federal Aviation Administration to complete the new passenger terminal at Ernest A. Love Field and to provide economic relief funds for costs related to combating the spread of COVID-19. Last month marked the official opening of the new, state-of-the-art facility at the airport. Completion of the terminal will ensure the community and surrounding towns have access to convenient air service for decades," said Rep. Gosar.
Robin Sobotta, Airport Director, Prescott Regional Airport said, "We were thrilled to receive Congressman Gosar's notification of two significant DOT funding allocations, totaling nearly $1.86M. The funding will be used for Prescott Regional Airport's new 18,460 SF Passenger Terminal and other eligible airport operating costs.
This announcement times perfectly with last week's opening of our amazing new Passenger Terminal. Prescott's new Passenger Terminal was sorely needed to replace an aging structure build in the 1940s. The City of Prescott is immensely grateful to the DOT for this generous allocation, as well as to Rep. Paul Gosar and his team, for their continued support of our community and the growing region served by Prescott Regional Airport."
Background:
On April 1, 2021, The Federal Aviation Administration issued two Notices of Grant Awards to provide $1,859,434 in combined federal funding for Prescott Regional Airport. The funding will be used for Prescott Regional Airport's new 18,460 square feet passenger terminal and to provide economic relief for costs related to operations, personnel, cleaning, sanitization, janitorial services, debt service payments, and combating the spread of pathogens at the airport.
Wildfire Awareness Week is March 28 to April 3, Will You Stand With Us?
News Release
USDA Forest Service stands ready to respond to wildfire, will you stand with us?
Wildfire Awareness Week is March 28 to April 3
PRESCOTT, AZ, March 26, 2021 - USDA Forest Service and its tribal, state, and local partners are taking steps to reduce the risk of wildfires, keep communities safe and landscapes resilient. While land management agencies prepare for wildfires throughout the year, Wildfire Awareness Week is a reminder for homeowners to prepare year-round and take this time to reduce flammable material around homes and communities before a fire occurs.
Dale Deiter, Prescott National Forest Supervisor said, “We all have a role to play in fire prevention and homeowners can contribute to this effort by reducing flammable material around homes and communities. This can help keep the public, firefighters and property safe in the event of a wildfire.”
Creating a buffer between homes and trees, shrubs, or other wildland areas is essential to improving a home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. Not only does this space help slow or stop wildfire spread, it also provides a safe place for firefighters to work.
Learn about your wildfire risk from your local fire or forestry department. Talk to your neighbors and share information about being prepared. Remember that wildfires have no boundaries and that embers can fly far ahead of the main fire igniting dried out debris. The less burnable material around your house and around your neighbor’s house, the better. The Firewise website is a good source to learn about preventative measures you can take now before a wildfire starts.
Federal agencies, tribal, state and local partners stand together, ready to respond safely and effectively to wildland fire to protect our communities and natural resources. Will you stand with us and be prepared before a wildfire starts?
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Debbie Maneely
Public Affairs/FOIA
Forest Service
Prescott National Forest
NOTE – New Phone Number
p: 928-777-2212
c: 928-499-4736
debbie.maneely@usda.gov
735 N. Highway 89
Chino Valley, AZ 86323
www.fs.fed.us
Caring for the land and serving people
Recreation Sites in the Prescott National Forest - What’s Open/What’s Closed
The Prescott National Forest will begin opening family campgrounds across the Forest on Thursday, April 1. Several developed recreation sites will remain closed to protect public health and safety and limit the spread of COVID-19.
Developed recreation sites open:
White Spar Campground
Powell Springs Campground
Yavapai Campground
Alto Pit OHV Campground
Hayfield Draw OHV Day-Use Area (September 1 through May 31)
Granite Basin Recreation Day-Use Area
Lynx Lake Recreation Day-Use Area
Thumb Butte Recreation Day-Use Area
Mingus Mountain Recreation Day-Use Area
Sycamore Cabin (available Thursday-Sunday, with a 2 night minimum stay)
Developed recreation sites that open April 1:
Hilltop Campground
Lynx Lake Campground
Developed Recreation sites that open May 1:
Potato Patch Campground
Mingus Mountain Campground
Groom Creek Horse Camp
Developed recreation sites that will remain closed:
Group Campgrounds - Eagle Ridge, Playground, Turney Gulch and Upper Wolf Creek
Group Day-use Sites - Thumb Butte Group Picnic Site, Groom Creek Schoolhouse Group Day-Use and Nature Trail, Spruce Mountain Picnic Area
Family Campgrounds - Hazlett Hollow, Lower Wolf Creek
Cabin Rentals – Horsethief Basin Cabin
Most developed campgrounds on the Prescott NF accept reservations, with a few sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov. Reservations for group sites for the 2021 season are not being accepted at this time.
If you are planning to visit the Prescott NF, please remember to:
Be a good steward and recreate responsibly.
Avoid crowded areas to maintain social distancing and limit group size.
Park only in designated areas. Do not impede emergency access by blocking roadways, fire lanes or driveways.
Follow “Leave No Trace” principles, including “pack it in, pack it out” with your trash, to avoid creating a public health hazard for forest visitors and employees.
Follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on protecting yourself and others from COVID-19.
Visitors can obtain additional information by visiting the Prescott National Forest Website or by following us on Facebook or Twitter.
25th ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE - SAVE THE DATE and VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors would like to invite anyone wishing to remember and honor those who have fallen in service to their country to join them, Congressman Paul Gosar, Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli, and many others at the Historic Citizens’ Cemetery, on May 31, 2021, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The Citizens’ Cemetery is located at 815 Sheldon St in Prescott AZ.
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors is also looking for a few volunteers to help during the event. If you are interested, please contact Barbara Fox-Thomas at 928-771-3200.
Presentations for the observance will include Master of Ceremony the Honorable Ken Bennett, Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chairman Craig Brown, Yavapai County Board of Supervisor Harry Oberg, Prescott City Council member Phil Goode, and Yavapai County Sheriff Dave Rhodes.
Period attire is welcome, and parking will be available at Yavapai College with shuttle vans picking up near the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center. CDC Covid-19 guidelines will be followed with additional cleaning and limiting the number of attendees. Additional parking is available at Prescott Transit Authority and Bennett Oil. Golf carts will be available to shuttle attendees from the entrance of the cemetery to the event. Seating is limited and anyone able to bring a light chair is encouraged to do so.
For more information about the event or to volunteer, please contact Barbara Fox-Thomas at Barbara.Fox-Thomas@yavapai.us or by calling the Board of Supervisors office at 928-771-3200.
Supervisor Oberg would like you to know...MOBILE VACCINE CLINIC IS COMING TO CONGRESS, AZ!
Come one, come all, to the Mobile Vaccination Clinic on Friday, March 19th from 9:00-3:00 at the Congress Elementary School. Spectrum Healthcare will be on site to vaccinate using the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine. | Flyer
