The City of Flagstaff is excited to announce that Joanne Keene will be joining the City as a Deputy City Manager. She will start with the City on May 30, 2023.
Joanne is currently serving as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Sedona.
Each year in the spring (April – June), Grand Canyon National Park experiences an increase in turbidity in the drinking water. This increased turbidity is caused by the snow melt and by the spring rains recharging the aquifer and the increased water flows through the rock formations to the point of supply for the Grand Canyon National Park Public Water Supply System.
Art Classes & Workshops Coming Soon at Sedona Arts Center
Sedona is surrounded by a magical landscape of red rock formations and high desert hills with beautiful Oak Creek meandering through it all. Come experience the Shangri-La of the Southwest, a beautiful learning environment with Art Colony roots going back nearly 100 years. Click here to see all of our classes and workshops
Every year, hundreds of undergraduate students in all disciplines become researchers—either joining a professor’s lab or creating their own research project, including getting their own funding. That work culminates at the Undergrad Symposium, a daylong event in which students present their research to the NAU and Flagstaff communities. Experience the 15th annual symposium on Friday at the High Country Conference Center. All events are free and open to the public.
Tuesday, April 24
Sammy Kershaw, The Orpheum
Disciple Live Events Presents Sammy Kershaw LIVE at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff! 6:30 p.m.
Learn More
California Condor Update
Free-flying California condors in Arizona continue to be confirmed with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
As of April 17, 2023, 20 condors have died in the Arizona-Utah flock; HPAI has been confirmed for 10 of those condors. Eight birds were captured and brought in for supportive care. Four of those condors died shortly thereafter and are included in the total of 20 deceased birds. Four condors are still receiving supportive care and have shown improvement.
Report bird mortalities to NPS wildlife immediately so that bird die-offs can be investigated and tested for avian influenza. Report dead wild birds to Grand Canyon Dispatch at 928-638-7805 and they will call the on-call wildlife specialist to assist.
The National Park Service (NPS) has scheduled meetings to provide information to the public and respond to questions about multiple construction activities at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
The meetings will include a presentation by NPS staff featuring the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL), Bright Angel Substation and the substation access road projects with a question-and-answer period. These meetings will be an opportunity for community members to learn about construction updates and anticipated impacts to park operations, residents, and visitors. Questions are being accepted in advance at: https://forms.office.com/g/RM8ZVq7X4t.
This morning is your last chance to bid on unique experiences through the MNA Virtual Auction. The auction closes today (Wednesday, 4/19) at 12 pm (MST).
We are grateful to the many individuals and businesses who have generously donated their time and services to benefit MNA, and we are grateful to you for your enthusiastic bidding!
The experiences below are just a few of the many items you can bid on before noon. Happy bidding!
The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office invites you celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 22 by putting your waste in the right place at the Drop Off Event at the Flagstaff Police Department, and then join us for live music, food, workshops, and more at Bushmaster Park.
FLAGSTAFF — CCC Arts Fundraiser
The public is invited to enjoy an evening of fine art, fine food and entertainment which will feature a culinary style competition with 10 restaurants live art demonstrations, and live and silent art auctions. Time to dress up and enjoy an evening of epicurean delights
Tickets can be purchased through www.coconino.edu/foundation
Location: Coconino Community College, 2800 S Lone Tree Road, Flagstaff
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Coconino County Emergency Management announce the creation of evacuation zones in Coconino County. In an effort to further enhance emergency messaging to the public, the evacuation zones focus on neighborhoods, communities, and residential areas throughout the county.
Prepare to be engulfed in a larger-than-life choral sound when NAU Shrine of the Ages Choir, directed by Timothy Westerhaus, joins the FSO to perform Haydn’s hopeful Missa in Angustiis (Mass in Troubled Times), also known as the “Lord Nelson” mass.
It is always a joy showing off all that northern Arizona has to offer – and what new things are on the horizon – to visitors who appreciate the power of economic development in keeping a community vibrant.
So it was with great pleasure that ECoNA recently hosted the business development team from the Arizona Commerce Authority on a whirlwind two-day tour of our region.
We packed a lot into those 48 hours, and our guests could not have been more positive and engaged as they learned more about the strides we are making to improve economic vitality in Flagstaff, Winslow, Sedona, and Camp Verde.
Friday, April 14
Star Party, High Country Motor Lodge
Explore the universe with astronomers from Lowell Observatory. 7:30 p.m.
Learn More
On April 11, 2023, Coconino County Chair Patrice Horstman and District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler, joined eleven tribal leaders of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, alongside Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), to launch an effort to call on President Joe Biden to use his authorities under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to designate the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument.
The Monument designation would protect 1,102,501 acres adjacent to the Grand Canyon by making the current 20-year moratorium on mining permanent across the vast landscape of the Grand Canyon region.
At their regular meeting on April 11, 2023, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) unanimously approved a proclamation designating April 2023 as Earth Month in Coconino County.
“Coconino County affirms that all that inhabit the Earth have a right to a healthy, sustainable environment,” the proclamation reads. “… as humans we are caretakers of the planet, and have an obligation to change human behaviors that contribute to climate change and environmental degradation and work to preserve the Earth’s beauty and its resources.”
President José Luis Cruz Rivera recognized and honored outstanding students at NAU with the President’s Prize, Gold Axe and Distinguished Senior awards. The ceremony, held on April 10, celebrated the hard work and accomplishments of students selected from a pool of applicants representing different colleges. NAU honored 50 Gold Axe winners, including five President’s Prize winners—the highest honor awarded to undergraduate students. Additionally, nine students were honored as Distinguished Seniors of their colleges.
The City of Flagstaff continues to see high spring runoff flows with the recent warm temperatures. The Schultz Creek Detention Basins reached 100 percent capacity last night due to runoff. Water overtopping the basins will flow downstream towards the Rio de Flag, crossing the Schultz Creek culvert at Hwy 180 and potentially impacting the neighborhood of Coconino Estates. Please note that the Schultz Creek Detention Basins are fully functioning and were designed to allow for the safe overtopping of water while allowing for debris and sediment to settle within the basins. Additional mitigation for homes in Coconino Estates beyond what was recommended after the Pipeline Fire is not recommended at this time.
Starting April 22nd and meeting one Saturday evening a month through August, we invite you to “pro-vision” ways to shape robust community life.
Pro-visioning is the intentional practice of planning for the future, preparing for its challenges and possibilities, and providing for generations to come. It is a practice of care, foresight, and positive action.
In the tradition of salon gatherings where cutting-edge conversations encouraged friendship and creativity, we’ll share a meal and learn how to re-frame our thinking, write our own public narratives, and understand how to leverage our power for social change.
Most of all, we’ll inspire each other to initiate the changes we’ll need in the years ahead.
In this Edition…
Message from Jeronimo
Preparation, Prevention, and Information: Our Surrounding
Environment
District 2 Highlights
Special Spotlight: Areina Contreras
Service Positions & Job Listings
Services and Programs
Community Events & Resources
And more!
The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will open on Friday, June 2 at 6 a.m. to mark the official start of the 2023 season. Following a record-setting snow season, this delayed opening is necessary to ensure the safe plowing of State Route 67 and allow staff to reopen visitor facilities on the North Rim.
“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our neighbors and visitors with this delay as our partners and park staff work to open the North Rim roads, trails, and facilities safely,” said Superintendent Ed Keable.
Key changes this 2023 season include:
The City has recently learned that the Schultz Creek culvert that runs underneath Highway 180 is damaged and partially blocked. The impact of this blockage is unknown but could lead to higher levels of runoff entering downstream neighborhoods. This culvert is owned by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The City has been in contact with ADOT to make them aware of the blockage and ADOT is formulating a plan to address the issue. Predicted warm temperatures in the coming days will create the potential for rapid snowmelt in the Rio de Flag watershed draining from the San Francisco Peaks, raising the risk of flooding in the Coconino Estates neighborhood. Please note that the Schultz Creek Detention Basins are functioning as designed.
Fair Book
The digital Fair Book is here!
The 2023 Fair Book is now available online!
It’s time to start prepping your exhibits for this year’s Coconino County Fair!
Printed books will be available at the Fairgrounds and distributed around the County early this month.
Introducing the 4 Rs of recycling: Recycle right, reap rewards
NAU is revamping its sustainability efforts with a new recycling program intended to increase recycling rates while decreasing landfill waste. The bin system is getting an upgrade, making it easier for everyone to know where to put which materials. Funding from the Green Fund, including new waste sensors, will allow the team to track how much waste is generated on campus to analyze and ensure effectiveness. The team hopes to encourage everyone to recycle correctly and reduce our environmental footprint. This program will enable us to do our part and be recycling superheroes!
First Friday ArtWalk, Downtown Flagstaff
Join us in Downtown Flagstaff on the First Friday of each month for art and music! 5 p.m.
Learn More
There needs to be a word to refer to the vibrant cultural community we are part of, in the same way we can refer to an ecosystem. Like organisms in an ecosystem, the many arts organizations in Flagstaff interact and create a stronger, more vibrant place for us all to thrive. That’s why this month’s Museum News includes upcoming events put on by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestraand Theatrikos Theatre Company. We often work together with these and other arts organizations and decided to reach out to our mailing lists together. Strengthening existing partnerships and broadening our engagement with the community is all part of MNA’s Strategic Plan.
Art Classes & Workshops at Sedona Arts Center
Sedona is surrounded by a magical landscape of red rock formations and high desert hills with beautiful Oak Creek meandering through it all. Come experience the Shangri-La of the Southwest, a beautiful learning environment with Art Colony roots going back nearly 100 years. Click here to see all of our classes and workshops
At the April 4, 2023, meeting of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board), the voting members present unanimously approved a proclamation designating the month of April 2023 as Fair Housing Month in Coconino County.
The Fair Housing Law of 1986 and subsequent amendment in 1988, makes it illegal in the United States to discriminate against people because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, family status, or disability when selling, renting, advertising, or maintaining housing. In adopting the Fair Housing Month proclamation, the Board acknowledges Federal policy and affirms that fair housing is a fundamental human concept and entitlement for all Americans.
“Affordable housing and fair housing are extremely important as we see the cost of housing in our communities increasing,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Vice-Chair of the Board. “This is making it difficult for families to find a place to live and still have a comfortable life. We need to continue to be advocates so our community does not fragment because people can’t find affordable places to live.”
Join us at the Flagstaff Aquaplex on Friday, April 7th from 7 a.m. to noon. Open to the public, the health fair features free health screenings, fitness advice, health insurance and wellness information, healthy snacks from local businesses and much more.
“There are so many reasons to support the arts and Sedona Arts Center on AZ Gives Day and every day! First and foremost, the arts enrich our lives and help define our cultures. They help us build bridges and open dialog and create understanding. They contribute to better health and wellness, heal trauma and allow us to age more gracefully. They alleviate stress and that alone has saved lives. The arts are an incredible economic driver and contribute billions to our economy nationwide.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Public Works will reopen the Willard Springs Green Waste Site on Saturday, April 1, 2023 for free green waste-only disposal all season long to support residents’ efforts to clean up their properties for wildfire season.
Residents will be allowed to dump acceptable green waste such as pine needles, branches, leaves, and brush free of charge with no load limits on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. through the end of the season on Saturday, October 28, 2023.
Fundamentals Program returns to Albright Training Center
A redesigned NPS Fundamentals Program has relaunched! The staff of Horace M. Albright Training Center (HOAL), a National Park Service employee development facility located within the park, are excited for the return of NPS’s keystone Learning and Development program: NPS Fundamentals. The NPS Fundamentals Program has been redesigned into a three-part training opportunity for new permanent employees in agency. The program serves as the foundation for all careers in the NPS. The program’s mission is to invest in new employees, deepen their understanding of the NPS mission and operations, and build their commitment to the NPS core values.
As the Bioscience Roadmap enters its third decade, we hope you will join us next month for the annual update on the growth and progress of Arizona’s bioscience sector.
The Flinn Foundation, which originally commissioned this long-term strategic plan more than two decades ago, will be hosting the free Zoom session from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19. You can register to attend HERE.
The event will feature presentations by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero on the capacity of municipalities to drive growth in this sector.
We all remember the empty shelves that marked the early days of the pandemic and the high fuel prices that accompanied the war in Ukraine. Access to food, water, energy and other supply chains is critical for the U.S. economy and the well-being of the American people, yet the infrastructure that keeps the supply chain moving is at risk—not only from world events but also from hackers or terrorists. NAU is building on its FEW-Viewtechnology, a groundbreaking project that maps the entire U.S. supply chain, to reduce these risks through data science and technology.
Thursday-Saturday, March 30-April 2
The Northern Arizona Book Festival, Flagstaff
A festival of literary art, culture, and community on the Colorado Plateau.
Learn More
Stress Management
Monday, April 3 and 17
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Join a discussion about the neuroscience of trauma- and stressor- related disorders, and adaptive interventions. Zoom option available.
Stress Management – Learn more and register!
The City of Flagstaff has adopted a new stormwater rate, equivalent to a 12 percent annual increase, effective April 1, 2023. The current rate will increase from $3.74 per equivalent rate unit (ERU) to $4.19 per ERU, then increase by 12 percent annually through 2028. Funding from the rate increases will be used to create enhanced flood mitigation and flood risk reduction through improved infrastructure and maintenance services.
Beginning April 1, the City of Flagstaff and its contractor, Network Cabling Systems, will be installing fiber-optic line in the Southside area of Flagstaff between Aspen Ave and Butler Ave. There will be lane closures from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Beaver St and Butler Ave, as well as mobile flagging operations along Phoenix Ave and Mikes Pike St. Work is expected to be completed by May 1.
This project will enable better traffic signal management on Butler, higher internet speeds at the Visitor’s Center, and future expansion of low-cost, high-speed internet access for the Flagstaff community.
Creating inclusive spaces: policing and education at NAU
Luis A. Fernandez, professor and chair of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, is also the Hispanic-Serving Institution Advisor to the Provost at NAU currently researching the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement on policing and how to create a more balanced approach to community safety while working to support Latinx students and increase their access to education. Fernandez aims to create inclusive spaces that promote safety, inclusivity and opportunity for all students.
The City of Flagstaff and its contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction,are set to begin Phase 1 of the Beulah/University Realignment Project the week of April 3, 2023.
Phase 1 of the project includes extending present-day Beulah Boulevard northward to present-day University Avenue, with a roundabout constructed at the new intersection. Present-day University Avenue will then be realigned, east of the new roundabout, to match up with University Drive. In addition to this work, Phase 1 includes stormwater infrastructure improvements and sewer and water pipe-upsizing along University Drive, between Knoles Drive and Milton Road, and within the Milton/University intersection.
Rockfall frequency increases; flash flood warnings remains in effect throughout Northern Arizona
Recent storm impacts have created near impassable road conditions throughout much of Coconino County, especially in flooded roadways adjacent to creeks. Although these areas are limited within park boundaries, please be aware of the increased likelihood of rockfall and flash flood activity within the inner canyon as temperatures rise and active snowmelt occurs.
This week there were three reported sizeable rockfalls along the Bright Angel Trail reported by staff at the Backcountry Information Center. The trail remains passable to hikers. It is likely these events will occur on a routine basis in the coming weeks/months.
If you observe an active rockfall along a trail, please notify Grand Canyon dispatch as soon as possible at 928-638-7805. If you have a camera or phone, photos of the rockfall can be helpful to staff on Trails and the Backcountry Information Center.
For a more comprehensive list of backcountry trail updates, visit our park website here.
Easter Bunny, Flagstaff Mall — March 24-25
The Easter Bunny has returned to Flagstaff Mall. Fri. 3 p.m. & Sat. 12 p.m.
Right now, two UWNA volunteer groups are evaluating more than 50 requests for grants from either the Community Impact Fund or the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Earlier this year, the City of Flagstaff chose UWNA to administer $700,000 in ARPA funds on behalf of the City.
In This Issue
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Short Term Rentals
Hearing on Coconino County Fair Fees
BOS Adopts New Fort Tuthill Management Plan
Upper Rio de Flag Watershed Forest Restoration
County Receives $10.9 Million State Funding for
Flood Mitigation
County Comprehensive Plan and Flagstaff
Regional Plan Explained
Community Meeting on Proposed Forest
Restriction Plans and Emergency Preparedness
NACo Legislative Conference
Fort Valley Gets Its Sign!
Fort Valley Community Meeting on Rain and
Snow Melt
Valle It Is!
County Parks and Recreation Receives Arizona
Forward Environmental Excellence Award
Congratulations to Jim Driscoll, Western States
Sheriff of the Year!
Community Events
Coconino County Parks and Recreation is inviting you to attend presentations to learn more about the proposed Coconino County Fair fee updates.
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 22 beginning at 6:00 PM through Microsoft Teams. We expect these presentations to last approximately 1 hour including the Q&A. You can learn more, RSVP to those meetings, and provide comments at coconinocountyfair.com/feeupdate. The public may also post comments and questions to the Fair’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CoconinoCountyFair.
March is Women’s History Month, and HECHO honors the leadership and contributions of women in conservation. Elevating their voices is essential to our mission. From Indigenous women in Oak Flat fighting for environmental justice and Latinas working in the wilderness to safeguard wildlife for future generations to many other female conservationists are an example of courage, resiliency, and strength.
Here are their stories and other important news about our efforts across the Southwest.
Sincerely,
Camilla
What sustainable freshwater management looks like in Arizona
World Water Day is an annual United Nations observance day held on March 22. The day highlights the importance of freshwater and the need for sustainable management of freshwater resources—a pressing issue for all. Abe Springer, professor of ecohydrogeology in the School of Earth and Sustainability, shared his expertise with The NAU Review, giving insights on the critical importance of sustainable freshwater management and why it is essential to ensure a healthy future for our planet.
Read the blog
NOW FEATURING:
Ed Buonvecchio, Mary Heyborne, Casey Cheuvront, and Sue Horine
Our Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.
Grand Canyon Trails Update and Flash Flood Safety
Possible flash flood and rockfall activity this week and throughout the next month
Increased precipitation and seasonal snow-melt may lead to enhanced flood risk along creek drainages in the inner canyon. Backpackers and hikers should be especially aware of elevated flows in rivers, creeks, washes, and low water crossings. Low water crossings may become impassable due to flooding or flood damage.
Parks & Recreation is hosting public meetings about the proposed Coconino County Fair fee updates. Two meetings have been scheduled for the public to hear the presentation, ask questions, and inform the Department of any concerns they may have.
The Coconino County Parks & Recreation Department is now offering ramada rentals for the 2023 season. Ramadas are available seven days a week for full or half days. Rental rates range from $46 to $114.
Ramadas are perfect for gatherings of many sizes, with the smallest ramada serving up to 20 people and the largest up to 125. They may be used for birthday parties, reunions, get-togethers, and other gatherings.
The National Park Service (NPS) is preparing for a multi-year $208 million rehabilitation of the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) and related upgrades to the associated water delivery system within the inner canyon and South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. This critical investment will ensure the park is able to meet water supply needs for the next 50 plus years, supporting 6 million annual visitors and approximately 2,500 year-round residents.
Initial activity in late spring and summer 2023 will focus on establishing construction infrastructure and staging areas in the Grand Canyon Village Area on the park’s South Rim. The NPS does not anticipate restrictions or closures in 2023 that would impact visitors. The TCWL replacement is projected for completion in 2027.
Grand Canyon Trails Update
Trails into Grand Canyon remain snow-packed and icy. As many of us know, rain, snow, and ice can increase the risk of rockfall on backcountry trails. Foot traction and trekking poles are strongly recommended for those planning to hike into the canyon in the coming weeks.
In the wake of the highest snow accumulations in decades, it is imperative hikers demonstrate the highest level of preparedness for evolving and extreme winter weather conditions. On most trails, expect snow packed and icy trails for roughly the first three miles, with some sections retaining drifts of snow. Every hiker needs to evaluate not only their individual level of skill and preparedness, but that of their group as a whole, for extreme winter conditions.
On the North Kaibab Trail, staff reported conditions below the Coconino Overlook are virtually impassable. Hikers should expect deep snow above Redwall Bridge and mountaineering conditions above Supai Tunnel. Hiking is not recommended in the upper North Kaibab Trail at this time. Conditions may improve as temperatures warm this week, but given the volume of snow, expect travel on the North Kaibab to remain very challenging for some time.
For a more comprehensive list of backcountry trail updates, visit our park website here.
Steve Peru became Coconino County Manager for a second time in 2021. He was originally hired by the County after graduating from Northern Arizona University in 1979 and had a storied 32-year career that culminated in becoming County Manager in 2006. He retired in 2011 and went on to positions at W.L. Gore & Associates, United Way of Northern Arizona and Coconino Community College before returning to County Government in 2021. Below is an excerpt from our recent interview with him. You can see the full conversation here.
42ndAnnual
Juried Members Exhibition and Sale
March 6–31, 2023
Sedona Arts Center’s 42nd Annual Juried Members’ Show, our community’s largest and longest-running group exhibition of visual art in Uptown Sedona is now showing! Free to the public and all the works are for sale, with no sales tax included.
Visitors will find everything from painting and watercolor to metal, wood, jewelry, and fiber art. A focus is also placed on drawing, mixed-media, photography and digital art. The Members’ Show is steeped in tradition and remains open to all current Arts Center members, whether seasoned professionals or new and emerging artists.
The show is open 10am – 5pm Monday through Saturday, and 12 – 5pm on Sunday in our Special Exhibitions Gallery.
Opening Reception / Meet the Artists
Friday, March 10 from 4 to 6pm
March certainly arrived like a lion. Beautiful as all this snow is, I’m looking forward to some more lamb-like weather and eventually some spring flowers. While we may not see those flowers until April or May, we have lots to look forward to at the Museum this month, including fun activities for kids during spring break next week. It’s another example of our efforts to broaden our engagement with visitors and the community, as identified in our Strategic Plan.
This is also the final month for the exhibition Baje Whitethorne Sr: Náátsʼíilid/Rainbow Light, which has been nominated for a Viola Award in Visual Art. If you haven’t seen it yet, come in to enjoy a burst of vibrant color by one of Flagstaff’s preeminent artists. Then come back on March 25 for a closing event to celebrate Baje and this marvelous exhibition, which was curated by another Viola honoree – Alan Petersen.
A coalition of cities and counties in the Western United States has awarded $389k in funding to four projects that fight climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the production of concrete. The 4 Corners Carbon Coalition — a partnership of Boulder County, CO, Flagstaff, AZ, Salt Lake City, UT, and Santa Fe, NM — pools resources to provide grants to accelerate carbon dioxide removal (CDR) project deployment and business development in the Four Corners region.
To fulfill its mission of improving lives by mobilizing communities to make lasting positive change, United Way of Northern Arizona has always depended on its volunteer Board of Directors to direct its efforts.
The Board is comprised of 25 individuals representing the diversity of the region it serves. The Board sets and monitors policies, reviews the budget, and ensures United Way’s accountability to all donors.
Recently, the UWNA Board elected its officers for the 2023 year.
