Coconino County communities might see more precipitation over the weekend and into next week as the result of Tropical Storm Hilary.
The Flood Control District, Public Works, and Coconino County Emergency Management are working closely with NWS Flagstaff to monitor potential rainfall and post-wildfire flooding in our towns and neighborhoods.
Be aware and stay safe, sign up emergency alerts from Coconino County at www.coconino.az.gov/ready
Kane Fire wrapping up
The Kane Fire, located about 13 miles southeast of Jacob Lake on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest, is currently about 2,854 acres and 84 percent contained.
The fire was detected on August 3 after a lightning storm, and fire managers immediately implemented a full suppression strategy. Ensuing precipitation over the next several days curtailed fire activity considerably, and a Type 3 team took over on Tuesday, August 15.
Current and expected fire activity is minimal, and crews are now focused on cleanup and suppression repair.
In the interest of public safety, a portion of the Kaibab Plateau area east of Highway 67 leading to the North Rim will remain closed. Highway 67 is open.
You can visit the Kaibab National Forest website or Facebook page, or InciWeb for more information.
COCONINO COUNTY —
We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community. The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.
When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.
CCC&Y is building an inclusive movement of people dedicated to transforming and healing our communities.
Through leadership, education and advocacy. By becoming a member you add your name to an expansive list of individuals, families, businesses and organizations who are igniting collective action that creates better lives for children and families.
Please visit Membership Options
Make an Online Donation
Remember, CCC&Y is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) status-so your contributions are tax deductible eligible. Please consult your tax professional.
FLAGSTAFF — As of 8 a.m. (Tuesday, Aug. 15), the Coconino and Kaibab national forests have lifted all fire restrictions. Stage 1 restrictions had been in place across Coconino National Forest and the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest since June 29.
Fire managers continually evaluate conditions across the forest to help determine when to implement or rescind fire restrictions. Enough rain has fallen across the forest to increase fuel moisture levels and decrease fire danger. The forecast shows these improved conditions continuing.
LAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will lift current firerestrictions and return to Stage 0 fire restrictions on Tuesday,August 15 at 8:00 a.m.
Under Stage 0 fire restrictions,
Smoking and use of electronic cigarettes are prohibitedin all public places within the City of Flagstaff, includingCity Parks, Open Spaces, and the Flagstaff Urban TrailSystem (FUTS) at all times.
Residents and visitors should not throw cigarettes or matches outof a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of theroad and become a wildfire. All outdoor fires should beextinguished properly by drowning fires with plenty of water andstirring to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Charcoalshould be dunked in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoalon the ground and leave it.
COCONINO COUNTY — Following completion of their regular business Tuesday night, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors held a final public hearing regarding Ordinance 2023-22 before voting unanimously to adopt the new regulations for Short-Term Rentals in the County.
The ordinance will now take effect after 120 days on November 14, 2023.
The ordinance clearly defines a Short-Term or Vacation Rental as the short-term rental of any dwelling or portion of any dwelling for a period of less than 30 consecutive days. Further, Vacation Rentals are only permitted in habitable dwellings permitted by the County. This means that garages, sheds, tents, temporary travel trailers and recreational vehicles, temporary structures, or other structures that do not meet the standards for a dwelling may not be rented.
FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona University is conducting a study to better understand the Greater Flagstaff-area residents’ experiences and opinions of wildfire and/or post-fire flooding information. We are trying to reach as many community members as possible to understand similarities and differences experienced by different neighborhoods, demographics, and home ownerships (e.g., renter, homeowner) to inform future wildfire and flooding information and serve the diversity of people who live in the Flagstaff area.
Flagstaff Community First will hold their No on Prop. 480 campaign kick-off on Saturday at Bushmaster Park’s Community Ramada.
Flagstaff Community First is the political action committee composed of local organizations, including F3, and individuals that spearheaded the collection and delivery of more than 5,000 voter signatures to the City Clerk in July. That effort has ensured that the citizens of Flagstaff have a voice in determining if the City Council’s approval to rezone 98 acres of land just north of Ft Tuthill will stand.
This citizens’ referendum will be included on the November 7, 2023 mail-in ballot as Proposition 480. A “NO” vote on Prop. 480 will overturn Council’s decision allowing the rezoning of the 98 acres (Phase I) of the Northern Arizona Healthcare Corporation (NAH) proposed new hospital and ambulatory care center. Phase I is the first step in NAH’s proposed two phased medical and commercial complex.
COCONINO COUNTY —
CCC&Y shares this free online opportunity to ease some of the daily stress during this busy time of year.
Motivated by a long wait list for behavioral health services, and aware of challenging adult and child emotions causing behavior difficulties, Bethany Camp put this two part training together for CCC&Y to help meeting a wide-spread community need.
First we learn to understand our emotions and then we can understand and respond to the big emotional responses of children.
Watch Webinar – Managing Adult Emotional Responses, Part One
Watch Webinar – Helping Children Manage Their Emotions, Part Two
A welcome break from the summer heat
After our recent rainfall, Grand Canyon is no longer in an excessive heat warning, but Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions are still in effect for the Coconino National Forest and the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Additionally, all undeveloped areas of Coconino County, the Town of Tusayan, and the City of Flagstaff are also in fire restrictions. *Please note, at this time the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has no fire restrictions in effect.
Grand Canyon National Park remains in Stage 1 fire restrictions, as it is year-round, which means fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed campground site.
As we approach Fall, the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website to help parents and families during the upcoming back to school season.
Our growing library of on-demand webinars is designed to help the public gain the tools they need to provide trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences, address issues such as bullying and the support to adults and youth through the use of mindfulness practices.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Flood Control District (District) recently completed upwards of $35 million in on-forest watershed restoration and neighborhood flood mitigation in five flood corridors including Phase 1 of the Schultz Creek on-forest measures.
The Wupatki Trails and Brandis Way watersheds experienced 100-year rainfall events today, July 30, with a total of three inches of rainfall in two hours, with most of the rainfall concentrated in the first hour. The District is pleased to report this evening the recently completed measures both on- and off-forest performed exceptionally well with no flood impacts to roads or private property in those areas.
Coconino Fire burns close to park
On Thursday, July 27, a wildfire was reported approximately 5 miles southwest of Grand Canyon Village.
The Coconino Fire is a lightning caused fire first detected around 10 a.m. on the Kaibab National Forest. The fire is currently estimated at approximately 118 acres.
Fire crews from the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park responded quickly and aggressively, with containment estimated at 40%.
An Incident Management Team was mobilized in the park in case an evacuation order was given.
At this time, fire managers are confident that the fire is under control.
For more information, you can check our Facebook page or call 928-638-7688 for the latest updates.
While this fire never materialized into a credible threat, it serves as a great reminder to review the Ready-Set-Go evacuation plans and procedures for you and your family. We would also encourage Grand Canyon and Tusayan residents to sign up for Coconino County emergency notifications. Please help yourself and the community in becoming prepared and ready for a wildland fire.
By Coconino County
Check for a monsoon update from the US National Weather Service Flagstaff Arizona.
It looks like we may be in store for some rain soon! Visit Http://www.ready.gov/plan to learn how to make a plan in case of flooding or other emergency events. Sign up for emergency notifications from Coconino County at http://www.coconino.az.gov/ready.
COCONINO COUNTY — Income eligible individuals can contact Coconino County Health and Human Services for financial assistance to repair or replace broken appliances including:
Water Heaters, Refrigerators, Cooking Stoves
Microwaves, Furnaces, Air Conditioners
Home Telephone (Landline Only), Washers/Dryers
Evaporative Coolers, Electrical Panels
FLAGSTAFF — A new and improved Rio de Flag crossing at Slayton Ranch Road opened to traffic (July 20) less than four months after the old crossing was washed away by heavy snowmelt flows.
The $552,000 Slayton Ranch Road – Rio De Flag Crossing Improvement Project features an upsized drainage structure to better accommodate future flows in the Rio. The project, which broke ground in early May, includes a cast-in-place concrete arch structure under Slayton Ranch Road along with headwalls and water inlet and outlet protection.
Fire restrictions and heat danger continue through the weekend
Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions remain in effect on the entirety of the Coconino National Forest and the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Additionally, all undeveloped areas of Coconino County, the Town of Tusayan, and the City of Flagstaff are also in fire restrictions. *Please note, at this time the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has no fire restrictions in effect.
Grand Canyon National Park remains in Stage 1 fire restrictions, as it is year-round, which means fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed campground site.
Through Monday, July 24, an Excessive Heat Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for elevations at and below 4,000 feet in the Grand Canyon.
All Xanterra passenger mule rides to Phantom Ranch continue to be cancelled through at least July 24.
COCONINO COUNTY — Whether it’s connecting families with local representatives from the Coconino County Health & Human Services’ Women’s, Infants and Children (WIC) program, to helping foster care families learn about potential scholarship programs for their youth, resource guides provide a valuable assistance to residents throughout Coconino County and Northern Arizona.
To spread the word about these valuable information options, CCC&Y has compiled a listing and link to a variety of resource guides throughout the region including CCC&Y’s created Page/Fredonia and Tuba City resource guides and the recently updated Williams Area Community Resource Guide.
Do you have a new or updated resource guide you would like to add to our listing posting? Please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org
NASA space laser reveals rainforest mystery
We know less about the rainforest canopy, where most of the world’s species live than we do about the surface of Mars or the bottom of the ocean. However, that is about to change thanks to GEDI—a laser aboard the International Space Station that has provided a detailed structure of the world’s rainforests for the first time. Christopher Doughty and researchers throughout the world are using the 3D map to understand the amounts of biomass and carbon forests store and how much they lose when disturbed—vital information for understanding Earth’s carbon cycle and how it is changing.
IN THIS ISSUE
Accessibility View
Text Cover Lockett Meadow pond and peaks (002)-fotor-2023071492425.jpg
June/July 2023 District 1
Newsletter
In This Issue
Hello From Supervisor Horstman
Short Term Rental Ordinance Public Hearing
Board Adopts Budget For FY 2024
Horstman Travels To DC To Advocate For Grand
Canyon National Monument
NACo Fellowship Program Brings White House
And Congressional Leadership Staff To Coconino
County
County Recognition For COVID-19 Response
Western Interstate Explores Public Lands.
Stage One Fire Restrictions In Effect NOW!
Flood Control District Update
Mount Elden Lookout Road Drainage
Improvement Project is On Schedule.
Snowbowl Rd. Drainage Improvement Project
Westwood Estates Pavement Preservation
Update
Tiny Home Village Zoning Approved In Tusayan
KinderCamp Prepares Our Preschoolers For
Kindergarten
June Celebrates Diversity, Inclusion: Juneteenth
Celebration And Pride Month
July 4th Celebrated In Coconino County Style
Community Events and Resources
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) will hold a third public hearing followed by a vote on the final draft of a County-wide ordinance aimed at regulating the operation of short-term rental properties in unincorporated neighborhoods.
At their upcoming meeting August 8, 2023 the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) will hold a third public hearing followed by a vote on the final draft of a County-wide ordinance aimed at regulating the operation of short-term rental properties in unincorporated neighborhoods of Coconino County. If approved by the Board, it will soon be unlawful to rent, or to offer to rent, a vacation or short-term rental property without first complying with the provisions of the ordinance. The purpose of this ordinance will be to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of owners and users of vacation and short-term rental properties in the unincorporated area of the County, and to protect the residential character of neighborhoods and surroundings that are adjacent to vacation and short-term rental use.
New Trail Alert QR codes posted at trailheads
This week, in collaboration with the Grand Canyon Office of Communications and the PEP Division, the Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) team launched new QR codes posted to trailhead signs. Visitors can simply scan the Trail Alert barcode using a digital device that will take them to our trails webpage that is updated daily. Information on the webpage will include trail alerts, weather, safety messages, and tips on how visitors can hike smart.
If you interact with the public, feel free to disseminate and use this flyer that contains the QR code. Visit the new webpage here: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/key-messages.htm.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park plans to move its overnight backcountry reservation system to Recreation.gov for all calendar year 2024 and later permits. This move will help streamline the backcountry permitting process by allowing around 80% of backcountry permits to be directly reserved and paid for online.
The new system will provide applicants with greater control and add additional transparency. Applicants will no longer need to submit applications by fax and wait up to a month for the thousands of requests to be considered manually by park staff.
“Moving our backcountry permits to Recreation.gov has many important advantages. We are pleased to be able to modernize our permit process while keeping visitor safety and resource preservation our top priority,” said Park Superintendent Ed Keable.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth would like to thank those individuals who have served our organization and our community in supporting our mission — We ignite collective action that creates better lives for children and families.
Special thanks go to outgoing CCC&Y Executive Committee President Peter Van Wyck, BA, Regional Director, First Things First; outgoing CCC&Y Executive Committee Vice President Jennifer Hernandez, Project Manager, Center for the Future of Arizona and outgoing CCC&Y Executive Committee Treasurer Theresa Kulpinski, Program Manager for Coconino County Health & Human Services.
Read More
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced the award of $27.5 million to the National Park Service (NPS) for the Grand Canyon National Park Shuttle Bus Fleet Replacement project in Arizona. The project includes 30 new buses, including 10 new battery electric buses and 20 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, to replace the current aging fleet and the installation of charging infrastructure to support the new electric buses. An estimated 6 million people visit the park each year and use the free shuttle buses to access destinations throughout the Grand Canyon.
“Grand Canyon National Park is one of our most beloved national parks,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “This grant, made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help ensure safe and reliable bus service for park visitors for decades to come.”
Flagstaff Community First, a broad coalition of organizations (including F3) and individuals advocating for accessible, quality health care in Flagstaff and the region, will deliver of over 4,800 signatures to the City Clerk (on July 6) to place a referendum on the ballot.
The referendum will allow the public to weigh in on City Council’s June 6 rezoning decision that gave Northern Arizona Healthcare the go-ahead to move the hospital from the center of town. Flagstaff Community First launched the petition drive in order to refer the zoning decision to a vote of the public.
By the Vitalist Spark podcast
During this episode of the Vitalyst Spark Podcast, we will be exploring systems change and talking to 2023 Systems Change Grant recipient Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth to talk to us about their Self-Healing Community System and Policy Change in Coconino County initiative.
We will be joined by members of the Coalition, including Virginia Watahomigie, Executive Director; Becky Daggett, Mayor of Flagstaff; and Andrea Meronuck, Clinical Director with Northland Family Help Center.
Read More
Dear District 5 Residents,
As we transition into the planting season and celebrate our graduates’ achievements, I am again reminded of the Navajo teachings of T’áá hwó’ ají t’éego, “It is up to you.” Whether preparing for uncertain times ahead or getting ready for a change in season, this teaching rings true – it is up to us to take essential steps to ensure our lives’ safety, security, and structure. In this time of preparation, Coconino County and my office are committed to meeting each of you on those steps.
For those in Coconino County who need assistance in flood preparation or mitigation, looking to sign up for important emergency alerts, browse the various health and assistance programs available from Health and Human Services, or keep up with the Board of Supervisors meetings and even watch us live, please visit our website www.coconino.az.gov. For all County resources, it is a significant first step.
Fire restrictions go into effect across Northern Arizona; Grand Canyon NP remains in stage 1
Beginning Thursday, June 29, Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions will be in effect on the entirety of the Coconino National Forest and the Tusayan and Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Additionally, all undeveloped areas of Coconino County, the Town of Tusayan, and the City of Flagstaff will also be in fire restrictions on this date.
COCONINO COUNTY — Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will begin Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. in all unincorporated areas of Coconino County.
With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona in the coming days, both the Coconino National Forest and the Kaibab National Forest – Williams Ranger District will begin Stage 1 Fire Restrictions this Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) and County Manager’s Office have directed Emergency Management (CCEM) to do likewise in all unincorporated areas of the County.
The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,
Permits for open burning within the City will not be issued.
The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited in City parks and open spaces.
FLAGSTAFF — During the June 20 Council meeting, the Flagstaff City Council approved an agreement with Friedman Recycling Company for the equipment, transportation, processing, and recovery of recyclable materials. This Agreement supports new and enhanced operational and financial efficiencies in the hauling, processing, and recovery of the City’s recyclables and ensures that materials are recycled to their fullest extent possible.
The job of United Way of Northern Arizona is to bring together our community resources so we can do big and bold things that move the needle and improve life for our friends and neighbors in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
It takes the support of a whole community to make it happen. Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every bit of advocacy is important.
Our Summit Society members have an outsized impact, however, because of their unique generosity with annual gifts of $500 or more to UWNA.
Here are some of the ways that the Summit Society contributions are making a difference:
TUBA CITY — Nearly 200 family members and individuals representing a number of community non-profit organizations took part in the return of the AZ Health Zone’s Family Fun Day held Thursday, June 15 at Louise Yellowman County Park, Tuba City.
The program, which was last held in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, included food demonstrations, a variety off interactive education booths, games, a bouncy house and free summer lunches for children.
Some of the groups providing information at the event included Coconino County Health & Human Services’ AZ Health Zone, the Navajo Nation Indian Community Health Representative, various representatives from the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp. and Coconino County’s Rec on Wheels program.
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) celebrated the completion of Mental Health Month with the annual “Walk for Wellness!” held Saturday, June 10 at Buffalo Park.
Some of the groups presenting information at the event included the AZ Health Zone, the Arizona Dept. of Economic Security — Arizona Early Intervention Program, CCHHS’ Prescription Drug Overdose Prevention Program, First Things First, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Girl Scouts arizona cactus-pine and Native Americans for Community Action (NACA).
Free meals for kids and teens!
Meals served all summer long!
Meals for ages 1-18
No proof of residency or income required
Updates from the North Rim
Friday, June 2 kicked off the opening of the 2023 season on the North Rim with water conservation measures in place. With emergency funding assistance, water hauling operations began on June 4 and the North Rim water tanks are slowly refilling to meet visitor and residential demand. Construction contractors arrived on the North Rim this week and have begun the preliminary stages of rebuilding the broken section of pipeline, with work slated to continue through the coming weeks.
Fee staff are anticipating a full campground for the campground’s opening weekend beginning Friday, June 9. Trail crew staff continue to repair sections of the North Kaibab Trail and have cleared areas of major rockfall in the vicinity of Supai Tunnel. Project work continues with the North Kaibab Trail opening for hiker traffic beginning on Friday, June 16. Following this date, trail crew will continue working on the trail and hikers may encounter intermittent trail closures of up to 30 minutes.
Thank you to all staff, contractors, and concessions employees who have and continue to work tirelessly to reopen the North Rim to the public and provide quality visitor services during these extenuating circumstances.
The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) on June 7 awarded nearly $20 million in grants to local governments from the newly-created Homeless Shelter and Services (HSS) Fund to provide shelter and other services to people experiencing homelessness. The new budget signed by Governor Hobbs included $60 million for the new fund with $20 million to be allocated immediately before June 30th.
“I’m proud of the immediate relief our bipartisan budget is delivering to the people of Arizona,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “With the Homeless Shelter and Services Fund and the historic $150 million deposit into Arizona’s Housing Trust Fund, we are making real progress toward ensuring affordable housing for every Arizonan.”
Members of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth’s Trauma-Informed System Change grant program met recently to discuss the next steps in developing a mental model change ensuring trauma-informed and resilience information is understood at the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County levels and enacted as policy change.
The goal of the program is to improve patient engagement, treatment adherence, health outcomes and provider and staff wellness.
CCC&Y will be working with city and county officials to develop, implement and institutionalize the System Change over the next three years as part of its $175,000 Vitalyst Health Foundation’s System Change Grant. The Coalition was one of four one of four organizations in Arizona to be selected for the grant this year.
A workgroup has begun planning on the rollout of the three-year program including raising awareness of trauma and resilience-informed practices at the city and county level through the use of surveys, meeting with leaders and staff training during year one; fine-tuning that awareness outreach and training program during year two; and ensuring those practices are institutionalized into city and county policies and sharing the successes of the System and Policy Change effort with partners statewide.
As the Arctic warms, arctic ground squirrels changing hibernation patterns
A unique long-term study, which NAU professor Loren Buck started more than two decades ago while doing his Ph.D. research in Alaska, helps us understand biological responses to climate shifts through the hibernation patterns of a cute little rodent. In the course of the 25-year study, researchers found that the female and male squirrels developed different hibernation periods over that time. The females “rise and shine” a little earlier in response to warming, which could have both positive and negative ripple effects throughout the food web in these ecosystems.
What’s that clicking noise?
Pretty much everyone on the South Rim during the last two weeks has noticed the ‘click click click click click’ sounds coming from pretty much everywhere.
On the South Rim, we’re hearing Putnam’s Cicada, (Platypedia Putnami) — large, dark-colored insects with bulging eyes and membranous wings that are folded tent-like over their bodies. Putnam’s Cicadas are only found in the western states, and have a three to five year life cycle, unlike some varieties of cicadas found in the eastern U.S. that have 13 to 17 year cycles. Like other cicadas, they don’t bite or sting, just go around feeding by using their straw-like mouth to drink watery nutrients from plants and trees.
The City of Flagstaff and its partners announce the creation of all-hazard evacuation zones within the Flagstaff City limits. These zones group each location in the City into easily recognizable areas to aid in messaging and communication during emergencies. The zones build upon the existing “Ready, Set, Go!” program and were developed with area partners including the Flagstaff Fire Department, Flagstaff Police Department, Coconino County Emergency Management, City of Flagstaff Emergency Management, and Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.
This year, Coconino County’s Facilities Management Department has applied for and been awarded a grant from the EPA in the amount of $573,615 to fund the clean-up of hazardous materials within the former County Jail in downtown Flagstaff.
The County has owned and operated this property, located adjacent to the historic County Courthouse, on W.C. Riles Street between Birch and Cherry Avenues as the County Jail from 1892 until 2000.
Secretary of Interior, Deb Haaland, visits Grand Canyon
Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, and her team were in the park this past weekend to meet with the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition and community leaders about the efforts to create the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument.
This effort, spearheaded by the tribal coalition and supported by Representative Raul Grijalva and Senator Krysten Sinema, is a continuation of efforts to provide permanent protection from new uranium mining on over 1 million acres of land surrounding Grand Canyon National Park.
In addition to the meetings with the coalition and local stakeholders, the Secretary held separate informal meet and greets with staff from the Horace Albright Training Center and Grand Canyon National Park. Members of the park leadership team also had the opportunity to talk to her about our big infrastructure projects (trans-canyon waterline) and provide an aerial tour for she and Rep Grijalva of the area and proposed boundaries of the new national monument. Thanks to all the staff who helped support the Secretary’s visit and who came out to meet her on Saturday afternoon!
The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of upcoming summer camps in Coconino County. Contact individual programs for more information on their 2023 summer camps. (Updated May 23, 2023).
Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.
If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org
As Summer approaches, the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website to help parents and families during the upcoming summer vacation season.
Our growing library of on-demand webinars is designed to help the public gain the tools they need to provide trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences, address issues such as bullying and the support to adults and youth through the use of mindfulness practices.
The concerns that F3 continues to raise with regards to the NAH proposal to relocate the hospital relate directly to providing quality health care that benefits Flagstaff residents as well as the Region.
NAH continues to state that a new greenfield hospital is what’s best for Flagstaff and that a new hospital is needed in order to recruit and retain good doctors. These are questionable statements. While every doctor would like to work in a shiny new building, there are many hundreds of thousands who do not. In fact, many of these doctors work at the highest-rated hospitals in the US that are located in dense cities, such as Johns Hopkins and Mass General. Older hospitals in dense cities cannot always be moved miles away and rebuilt. Instead they are renovated or rebuilt in the same place.
This week, prescribed fire treatments began on the Grapevine segment, approximately 0.5 miles south of the Duck on a Rock Overlook along Highway 64 (Desert View Drive). The Grapevine project area totals 865 acres and is bound by the Kaibab National Forest’s boundary to the south and the E4/Long Jim Canyon Road to the north. Following completion of the Grapevine project, crews will initiate ignitions on the Lonetree project area, totaling approximately 926 acres. Ignitions may be complete as early as Friday, May 12, but may be extended through the weekend based on favorable weather conditions. A map of the project areas can be found here.
The Coconino County Flood Control District and the Coconino National Forest will begin the first phase of watershed restoration project in Schultz Creek this spring.
This watershed restoration project is an effort to respond to post-fire flooding caused by the 2022 Pipeline Fire, which damaged the Schultz Creek watershed, dramatically increasing levels of flow and erosion in Schultz Creek, which overwhelmed downstream stormwater infrastructure in the City of Flagstaff. The Coconino County Flood Control District (the District) will begin the project the week of May 22, and the first phase of construction is expected to run through June.
Our water system recently violated a drinking water requirement. Although this incident was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did to correct this situation.
We are required to chlorinate our drinking water source located at the Roaring Springs cave. On the morning of May 8, 2023, we did not meet one or our treatment requirements to provide sufficient levels of disinfectant due to high levels of turbidity in the drinking water system. Although chlorine residual levels are above the minimum requirement at Phantom Ranch along the Trans-Canyon Pipeline, the levels on the South Rim are below that requirement.
I hope you are enjoying the warmer weather as the sun begins to shine
more often. As the weather warms, it is important to keep in mind how the
changing weather will also affect the landscape of our district. It is
important to keep in mind what preventative measures we can take as a
community to protect ourselves and our community. April is coming to a
close and I would like to recognize the proclamations we have created as
the Board of Supervisors and county. I would like to honor that April is
Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and
Earth Month. As we continue with our year, it is important to keep into
consideration the discussion and actions we have taken as both a county
and community to continue the dialogue of the issues we are facing
holistically. That said, I would like to highlight all county employees for
continuing to create discussion and honoring the topics that affect our
community.
Tusayan’s first annual Cinco de Mayo celebration will take place on Friday, May 5 at the Squire Resort. The fiesta takes place from 3 to 7 p.m., is family-friendly, free, and open to the community.
There will also be lawn games, piñatas, a Mariachi band and a variety of authentic Mexican foods for guests to enjoy. The drive-in movie, Coco, will be begin at 5:30 p.m.
The Cinco de Mayo event is new this year and reflects the town’s goal of offering more activities and recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike. A full flyer with more details on the event is available here.
Grand Canyon National Park fire managers—working with personnel and resources from Saguaro, Rocky Mountain National Park as well as Dinosaur National Monument, anticipate initiating prescribed fire treatments from May 10-12, on the South Rim, as weather and fuel moisture conditions allow.
On Wednesday, May 10, ignitions will occur on the Grapevine segment, approximately 0.5 miles south of the Duck on a Rock Overlook along Highway 64 (Desert View Drive). The Grapevine project area totals an area of 865 acres and is bound by the Kaibab National Forest’s boundary to the south and the E4/Long Jim Canyon Road to the north. Following completion of the Grapevine project, crews will initiate ignitions on the Lonetree project area, totaling an area of approximately 926 acres. Ignitions may be complete as early as Friday, May 12, but may be extended based on favorable weather conditions.
DIY – Mountain Bike Repair
Friday, June 2 and
Saturday, June 3
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn essential mountain bike repair skills and what tools you should carry for trail-side repairs.
Mountain Bike – Learn more and register!
The collection of residential recycling carts will resume on Monday, May 8. Residents who normally receive recycling services on Monday should place their carts at the curb by 6 a.m. The City has secured a hauling service to transport the City’s recyclables to a Materials Recovery Facility in the Phoenix area so that collected materials can be properly recycled. This arrangement will be utilized by the City in the short term (several weeks) to allow recycling services to resume on May 8. Future updates will be provided as they become available on a long-term plan for recycling services.
Sophia Swainson was working as a server when she got a text message that changed her life—a job posting for a student worker position at NAU’s Office of Sustainability. It was a big change, but she took it and never looked back. As she prepares to graduate, she’s looking at jobs in the sustainability nonprofit sector, confident that the perseverance that got her through the challenges of college will help her as she takes on conservation.
COCONINO COUNTY —
Hundreds of visitors experienced a variety of STEM-related activities and exhibits during 2023 STEM Celebration held Saturday, April 29 at Fort Tuthill.
Presented by Flagstaff STEM City, the 10th annual event featured more 70 indoor and outdoor exhibits offering a variety hand-on activities and demonstrations including robotics, mini rocket launches, a trebuchet catapult launcher, helicopter and heavy equipment displays.
Sponsors included Tgen, APS, Coconino Community College, Coconino County, KSC and the Flagstaff Unified School District.
Some of the exhibitors included Coconino High School and its CocoNuts Robotics Team, Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, W.L. Gore & Associates, Northern Arizona University, Tynkertopia Inc., the Flagstaff Police Dept. Bomb Squad, Grand Canyon Youth, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, the U.S. Geological Services Geology and Biology departments, City of Flagstaff Open Spaces, the Museum of Northern Arizona, Lowell Observatory, Guardian Air, Mountain Line, the Phoenix Truck Driving School, the Flagstaff Fire Dept., City of Flagstaff Public Works and the KAFF Radio Remote.
Senior Trevor Geiger is a passionate animal lover who has fostered four dogs through High Country Humane Society. Despite challenges, he persevered with patience and empathy, successfully helping dogs find furever homes while pursuing his studies in biology and chemistry. He finds joy in seeing the progress and transformation of dogs in his care, and his heartwarming experiences with fostering have brought him happiness even when it meant later nights and earlier mornings. For National Pet Foster Care Month, learn more about Geiger’s dedication to animals and his future strengthening the human-animal bond as a veterinarian.
The Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and public recycling drop-off located at 1800 E Butler Ave remains closed, and while the City of Flagstaff continues to evaluate recycling alternatives, the pause on the collection of residential recycling carts will continue until further notice. Residents are asked to not put their recycling carts on the curb as they will not be collected. In the interim, alternative public recycling drop-off locations can be viewed in Google Maps here. However, the City encourages the public to hold their recyclables until further notice.
The City of Flagstaff has recently been made aware that the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), at 1800 E Butler Ave, has closed. The MRF is operated by Norton Environmental, Inc. under a contract with the City to process the City’s recyclables. Due to the abrupt nature of this closure, the City does not currently have immediate alternatives in place to manage City-collected recyclables and has decided to pause the collection of residential recycling carts on Friday, April 28 while alternative solutions are sought.
