Author: Community Contributor

City of Flagstaff — Restoration work continues at Frances Short Pond

FLAGSTAFF — Restoration work at Frances Short Pond is ongoing and is scheduled to continue into the fall. This summer, the City removed over 5,000 cubic yards of ash and debris from post-wildfire flooding that had settled into Frances Short Pond. The City also repaired the retaining wall and improved drainage into the pond. This fall, the City is working to install electricity to deliver dissolved oxygen to the pond for fish. A valve will also be added to the pond to connect it with a future channel downstream. After this work is completed, the pond will be refilled and reopened to the public.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y supports positive experience for families at Flagstaff Festival of Science (Sept. 22-Oct. 1)

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Resilience is not something we expect from children it is something we support in children, families, and communities. Making sure every child and family has the opportunity for exposure to science, role models, caring adults and a big world is what makes this so special.

We support the Flagstaff Festival of Science. Our child abuse prevention work underscores the need for these positive experiences in our community!

Visit us @ Science in the Park 9/23/23 and participate in the “Best 10 Days of the Year!!”

Schedule@scifest.org

Festival Calendar

The NAU Review — How NAU is bolstering Arizona’s utilities, meet ASNAU President Maria Emilia Machelor and registering your Homecoming parade float

Humans of NAU
with Maria Emilia Machelor

Machelor found ASNAU as a freshman. Now a senior—and president—she talks about how she got involved (and how you can too!), how travel continues to define her life and what she has in common with the blue macaw.
Read the Q&A

City of Flagstaff to begin Road Repair and Street Safety Program Phase II

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Streets Section will begin the second phase of the 2023 Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program on Sept. 11. This program will address a number of roads in the City that have deteriorated and are in need of repair. In addition to street repairs, damaged multimodal infrastructure, such as sidewalks will also be repaired. The project will begin with the crack sealing, patching, utility lowering and concrete work. Once this initial work is completed, milling and paving operations will begin. The program is anticipated to last eight weeks, depending on weather conditions.

Logging, resurfacing operations continue along Rim Road

FLAGSTAFF — Motorists are asked to remain cognizant of log trucks, heavy machinery and timber debris as both logging and resurfacing operations continue along Rim Road (Forest Road 300) of the Coconino National Forest’s Mogollon Rim Ranger District (MRRD).

Resurfacing work is expected to last through mid-October.

Logging operations will run throughout the next decade as part of a long-term project aimed at restoration of the C.C. Cragin watershed.

Free use firewood collection area open near Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — Free firewood is available on a new area of the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District for valid permit holders.

The free use area is located roughly 1.5 miles down Little Elden Springs Road (Forest Road 556). Directions are included in the attached map.

Collection areas are clearly marked. Free use permits are needed to collect wood and can be obtained by calling or visiting the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger Station located at 5057 N. Highway 89 during business hours.

The Flagstaff Ranger Station is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding federal holidays.

Due to limited staffing, permit seekers are advised to call the Flagstaff Ranger Station at 928-526-0866 before arrival to ensure permits can be processed that day.

Sedona Arts Center presents ‘Celebrate Sedona’ free event on Sept. 6, and more news, events

View this email in your browser FREE EVENT Celebrate Sedona! Wednesday, September 6, 2023 4–6pm at Sedona Arts CenterSponsored by: City of Sedona Music by Traveler Artist Demonstrations, Free Food, Beer and Wine for Sale SAC Ceramics Department Demos &…

Grand Canyon National Park initiates water conservation measures for South Rim

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will implement mandatory water conservation measures for the South Rim of the park. This is due to diminished water supplies. Crews continue to investigate challenges with water treatment and cannot pump water from Roaring Springs to the South Rim to replenish water stores. They are working to reestablish water treatment and ensure drinking water is safe for the public. 

Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds.  

Coconino County Parks & Recreation 2023 Update

Book Corner

After a long weekend at the Fair, relax with a good book!
Were you inspired by the animals at the Fair and also want a cozy book for the transition to autumn? All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot is the classic, heartfelt story of a Yorkshire veterinarian.

Children may like the timeless tale of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, whose story of being yourself rings just as true today as in the 1920s.

Teens and tweens may enjoy Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, the story of a farm pig’s unlikely friendship with a talented spider.
These and other great autumn reads can be found at your local library!

Sol Over Luna, Grupo Conceptos and Selena Forever Tribute to perform at the Coconino County Fair on Sept. 3

FLAGSTAFF — Sol Over Luna, Grupo Conceptos and Selena Forever Tribute to be presented on Sunday, Sept. 3 on the Main Stage of the Coconino County Fair. (Facebook | YouTube | Instagram)

Grupo Conceptos will perform at 6:15 p.m.

The Selena Forever Tribute will be held at 8 p.m. (Facebook | Instagram | Website)

Buy tickets to the fair HERE

Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library — September is library card sign-up month!

September is library card sign-up month!
Visit the library to sign-up for a library card or get a free replacement card! One is never too young or too old for a library card. Check out all the fun for the entire family and spread the word to your friends and neighbors. 

Look at the special events and activities we have going on throughout the month including ones commemorating our new front entrance!

LIBRARY CARDS & SERVICES ARE ALWAYS FREE

Grandview Drive Reconstruction Project to begin Tuesday, Sept. 5

FLAGSTAFF — On Tuesday, Sept. 5 the City of Flagstaff and its contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, will begin the utility installation phase of the Grandview Drive Reconstruction Project as part of the Spruce Wash Flood Mitigation suite of projects. Starting on Tuesday, crews will begin setting up traffic control and mobilizing equipment into the work zone along Main Street, just south of Cedar Avenue. Crews will also begin removing the existing asphalt pavement in preparation for sewer infrastructure installation.

Construction will begin on Main Street, just south of Cedar Avenue. Lane shifts on Cedar Avenue will occur during the construction of the sewer main on Main Street south of Cedar but both east and west bound traffic on Cedar will be maintained at all times.

Coconino County Offices Closed for Labor Day Holiday

Coconino County’s Administrative Offices at 219 E. Cherry Ave. and the County Attorney’s Office at 110 E. Cherry Ave. will be closed in observance of the Labor Day holiday Monday, September 4, 2023.

Offices will return to regular operation on Tuesday. 

The County Health and Human Services offices at 2625 King St. will also be closed. Animal Management will have an officer available from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Contact the CCHHS Animal Management office at (928) 679-8756 to leave a message and an officer will return the call. 

New Preliminary Flood Maps Issued for Munds Park Show Flood Risks Have Changed

Coconino County announced today that updated, digital flood hazard maps for the Munds Park area are available for public review and comment.

The flood maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), show the extent to which areas recently re-mapped in the Munds Park area are at risk of flooding. These flood maps are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements. They replace maps that were based on studies more than 30 years old.

Residents and business owners can use the maps to obtain reliable information about their current flood risk on a property-by-property basis. The maps also provide flood zone and elevation data. These help community planners, engineers, builders, and others decide where and how new structures, developments, and remodeling projects should be built. Information about the mapping project and how to view the final maps can be found at www.coconino.az.gov/3141/Munds-Park. A Flood Risk Open House meeting is also being held. 

The NAU Review — NAU students plant a flag in Belize, Notes from the President and Camp Chit-Chat

This summer, a dozen NAU students went to Belize to do research. It’s called Jungle Boot Camp, and Jut Wynne takes a group down every summer. But this group was special. A well-worn flag joined the group—it’s the flag of the Explorers Club, which has gone to the top and bottom of the world, into space and all over, marking expeditions that contribute to our knowledge of the world in which we live. Learn more about the research Wynne and his students conducted in this tiny Central American country that is rich in biodiversity.

Theatrikos Theatre Company — September Newsletter – Nonprofits Welcomed to Theatrikos

Soroptimist, Flagstaff Family Food Center, Chomsky School of Business, Sedona International Film Festival and Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival hold events this month
Theatrikos’ mission, of course, is to present the best live theatre in Northern Arizona. But when we’re not having shows on the weekends, we like to invite other arts and non-profit organizations and help them with their mission. It’s all part of making our Flagstaff home a better place to be—and continuing to make downtown a vibrant part of the city.

This month we welcome the good folks from Soroptimist of Mountain Morning (9/9/23) and Flagstaff Family Food Center (9/7/23) for their fundraising events. We continue our successful partnership with Sedona International Film Festival (Wednesdays) and Mountain Film Festival (9/2/23). And Chomsky School of Business (9/1/23) once again performs in the new black box.

The public is welcome to all these events. Theatrikos loves supporting other organizations in Northern Arizona. Working together we raise all boats.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Tusayan Latest Focus of Our Safety & Security Efforts

Last week, the gateway to the Grand Canyon became the latest community in northern Arizona to be severely impacted by flooding.

After about three inches of rain fell on Tusayan, flooding ensued, causing a temporary closure of State Highway 64 and evacuations. The flood waters have receded, but many residents who live in employer housing in the town are dealing with damages to their dwellings.

United Way of Northern Arizona and its partners, along with the residents’ employers, are assisting during this time with resources so the residents can store their items and replace items that were lost while their homes are being repaired.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — 5-Year Strategic Plan Released

Earlier this week, representatives from Elliott D. Pollack & Co. and IO Inc. presented an overview of their comprehensive 5-year Stategic Plan for economic growth in northern Arizona, including a SWOT analysis, comparisons to similar areas, and six overarching goals needed to sustain and increase the economic vitality of the region.

The strategic plan, commissioned by ECoNA, identified the workforce housing gap, slow population growth in the region, and anti-growth sentiment as the biggest challenges facing our area.

“No economy remains static; it either progresses or regresses,” said Ioanna Morfessis, President and Chief Strategist for IO Inc., who added that strategic plans like the one created for ECoNA were not about “growth for growth sake” but preserving the assets of the region while creating opportunities for the next generations to live and work here.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 28-Sept. 1, 2023

Volunteer Cleanup Day slated for Tusayan this Saturday

While the recent flooding in Tusayan was short-lived, residents are still cleaning up the aftermath.  But Tusayan is not just a town – it’s a community.  And members of a community take care of each other.  So on Saturday, September 2, the town is planning a Volunteer Day.

If you’re willing and able to help neighbors and residents rebuild and repair their property, come to the Tusayan Sports Complex at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 2.  If you need help with a project, contact the Town of Tusayan.

You can also apply for emergency assistance through Coconino County online.  Please apply before Friday September 1. 

There is still food and clothing available until Tuesday, September 4 at Tusayan Townhall.

Sedona Arts Center — NEW featured artists in our shop and a Special Exhibition!

Come see what’s new in our Shop!

NOW FEATURING:
Carrie Clayden, Christine Debrosky, and Karen Puckett

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.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Keynote Tickets are now on sale!

On September 22nd, Dr. Beth Shapiro will share her research on the astonishing and controversial process of de-extinction, from sequencing ancient genomes to anticipating how revived populations might be overseen in the wild. In the W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation, How to Clone a Mammoth, Shapiro explores the technical, ethical and ecological challenges of bringing extinct species back to life. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y Board member discusses access to quality, reliable child care in First Things First’s ‘Voices from Community Leaders’ forum video

Editor’s note: Laura Rosensweet, Community Impact Manager for Education Forward AZ, is a member of the Executive Committee of the Board for the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth. She appeared in the forum’s “Voices from Community Leaders” video along with Coconino Community College President Eric Heiser and Window Rock Unified School District Superintendent Shannon Goodsell.

By First Things First

First Things First recently gathered community members from northern Arizona to discuss how the child care crisis is impacting their local communities.

The Aug. 15 forum at Twin Arrows conference center outside of Flagstaff was the second of a planned set of quarterly forums to be held throughout the state on Strengthening the Child Care Workforce. The first forum was in Thatcher in eastern Arizona. …

Listen to Laura Rosensweet from Education Forward Arizona talk about brain development and how access to quality, reliable care makes a difference for early childhood learning, as well as its importance for working families.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Coalition for Energy Retrofits & Remembering Jack Welch

The City Sustainability Office will soon be launching the Flagstaff Home Energy Retrofit Program with a substantial grant award. The program provides home energy retrofits to low income residents, helping them reduce energy costs, increase the comfort of their homes, strengthen community participation towards greater climate resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to our community’s Carbon Neutrality Plan.

City of Flagstaff Labor Day closures

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff’s City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023 in observance of Labor Day. City Hall offices will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Labor Day include:

East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N. Izabel St.)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)

The NAU Review — Welcome back, Jacks! Meet the new VP of inclusive excellence and discover some surprising good news about biodiversity

President Cruz Rivera welcomed students to campus in his annual first-day-of-class video message yesterday, and although Monday was the first day of school at NAU throughout Arizona and online, the Flagstaff campus has been humming with activity for a week as students moved into residence halls, got to know their classmates at Welcome Week activities, went to their first sporting events and donned blue and gold T-shirts for the Class of 2027’s Letters photo. It’s an especially exciting time at NAU, as the implementation of Access2Excellence has contributed to the most diverse, most accomplished and most Arizonan class NAU has ever welcomed. Take a look at the numbers for this class of Lumberjacks and find yourself and your friends in photos.

Sedona Arts Center — Upcoming Art Workshops in Sedona!

UPCOMING School Offerings
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community.

Besides what you see in this email, there are more offerings on our website.
Click here to see all of our classes and workshops.

North Country HealthCare ‘2023 Cultural Competency Report’

As we head into the final months of 2023, North Country HealthCare is pleased to provide our 2023 Cultural Competency Report. This report provides insight into our cultural competency, diversity, equity and inclusion-related efforts for the year prior. It gives our employees, patients, and community members a snapshot of where we have been, where we are now, and what we have in store for the future.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Meets In-Person to Elect New Chair (District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez) and Vice-Chair (District 4 Supervisor Judy Begay)

COCONINO COUNTY — In their return to regular in-person meetings on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) began by electing a new Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson to lead the Board through the remainder of their current session.

In two unanimous votes, Supervisor Judy Begay from District 4 was elected Vice-Chairwoman and Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez from District 2 was elected to serve as Chairman. This will be each Supervisor’s first term serving in these leadership roles. 

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Issues Emergency Resolution Regarding Tusayan Flooding

COCONINO COUNTY — Chairman Jeronimo Vasquez has authorized an official emergency resolution regarding the flooding in the community of Tusayan that occurred on Tuesday of this week.

In adopting this resolution, the Board is authorizing County Emergency Management and the Sheriff’s Office to issue further shelter in place or evacuation orders should another significant rainfall event affect this community. It also assists with requests for State and Federal assistance to aid in the clean up and repairs to public infrastructure.

Tuesday’s storm produced an estimated three inches of rainfall in less than one hour, concentrated over a wash east of Tusayan. The wash was soon overwhelmed, flooding the Grand Canyon gateway community with up to three feet of water by 5 p.m. that evening. Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, and Flood Control District staff arrived soon after to assess the situation and assist the Town of Tusayan in setting up a local incident command center. A temporary order to boil tap water for drinking has been lifted after testing confirmed no bacterial contamination present. 

City of Flagstaff Neighborhood Sustainability Grants Open September 1-30th

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission is pleased to announce that the annual application period for the Neighborhood Sustainability Grants Program is open from September 1st – 30th. The program inspires projects that enhance sustainability and foster community partnerships.

Grant awards of up to $7,500 are available. Groups, nonprofits, individuals, and businesses with sustainability-related projects within Flagstaff city limits are invited to apply. Specifically, the Sustainability Commission is seeking community-centered projects in the categories of food, waste, climate action, resilience, transportation, building energy, and public health. The Flagstaff Sustainability Commission made up of seven Flagstaff residents, will review and determine awardees.

Sedona Arts Center — Art Supply Swap Meet this Saturday!, Call-to-Artists’ in Flagstaff

Are you looking for new or gently used art supplies? Are you wanting to jump start your creative practice and need a refresh on your art supplies? Are you looking for an opportunity to meet fellow artists?

Then the Art Supply Swap Meet is for you!

Discover Flagstaff — Hopi Arts and Cultural Festival, Continental Country Club Driving Range Aug. 26-27 and more events

Hopi Arts and Cultural Festival, Continental Country Club Driving Range

The festival will have a variety of talented Hopi artists, showcasing contemporary and traditional artwork, and don’t forget Hopi social dance groups and soloists performing throughout the two day event! 9 a.m.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Join Us for ‘Brews & Views’ Community Fundraiser on Sept. 9

Join us at the Sky Bar at Agassiz Lodge on September 9 for Brews & Views, Snowbowl’s 2nd Annual Community Fundraiser to benefit United Way of Northern Arizona.

This full day of fun in the mountains will include delicious craft brews from more than 15 local and nationally known breweries; live music; lots of giveaway prizes; and much more.

Tickets are $40 and all proceeds will be donated to UWNA to help fund programs that promote early childhood development, positive youth development, and safety and security for residents of Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.

“Arizona Snowbowl is beyond proud to partner with United Way of Northern Arizona on Brews & Views in order to improve lives and community conditions for people in Northern Arizona,” said Angie Grubb, Marketing Coordinator at Arizona Snowbowl.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-Up Week of August 21, 2023

On Tuesday, August 22, emergency personnel from Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Tusayan Fire Department, and Grand Canyon National Park responded to the town of Tusayan for a report of flooding due to heavy rainfall in the area.

Water levels up to three feet deep prompted officials to close a section of Highway 64 for safety.  Over 100 residents and visitors in Tusayan were relocated, and about 70 students from the Grand Canyon Unified School District sheltered in place until it was safe for them to return home.  No injuries were reported and crews will continue working to clean up the aftermath.

CCC Community Education — September Schedule: Poetry | Tiramisu | Stained Glass | Jungian Journey | String Art | Comet Talk

Reading and Composing Poetry

Tuesday, Sept. 19, 26, Oct. 3, 10
5 to 6:30 p.m.

This four-part course will immerse you in the world of poetry! We’ll cover select poems from some of the world’s master poets, and work on your own compositions.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y provides variety of free online training including ‘Thriving Families’

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth provides a variety of free online training programs for parents, caregivers and all community members.

Our free Thriving Families webinar is a great starting place for parents, caregivers and community members brand new to the topics such as brain development, adverse childhood experiences, resilience and mindfulness. It is a great jumping off place to go deeper in knowledge and support through the rest of our library of webinars.

With thousands of views across our various topics, we are sure there is something for all community members and professionals. Whether you are seeking the best info for your family, your community or a program you work for, get a taste for our research supported prevention and community work.

The NAU Review — Recapping the University Convocation, an inside look at the diamond industry, space research and why we should be concerned for future rainforests

In the annual University Convocation, President Cruz Rivera reflected on NAU’s long history of championing student access and success, welcomed new faculty to campus, shared highlights from last year and set some big goals for the future, anchored by a bold challenge to structure and prioritize work across the university to improve retention, persistence and graduation to facilitate students’ academic momentum. Students should also keep an eye on the course catalog for the spring—Cruz Rivera announced that he’d be teaching a class.

Flooding Impacts Communities of Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village

TUSAYAN — A significant rainfall event has impacted the Coconino Wash east of the Town of Tusayan, just south of the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park.

Due to a reported two to three inches of rainfall in a short amount of time this afternoon, water up to three feet in depth has reached State Route 64 and most of the gateway community. 

Tourism to Grand Canyon National Park contributed $759 million to local economy in 2022

GRAND CANYON — A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 4.7 million visitors to Grand Canyon National Park in 2022 spent an estimated $759 million in gateway regions near the park. This spending supported a total of 9,990 jobs, $346 million in labor income, $576 million in value added, and $1.0 billion in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Grand Canyon National Park.

“Grand Canyon National Park continues to be an economic linchpin for local communities and the region surrounding the park,” said Superintendent Ed Keable. “We continue to heavily rely on the support of our neighbors and are proud to be able to help sustain local communities for many years to come.”

City of Flagstaff announces Westbound University Drive from NAU Lane Closure

FLAGSTAFF — Welcome back NAU students, parents, faculty, and staff!

The City of Flagstaff is currently constructing the Beulah/University Realignment Project. This two-and half-year project began in April 2023 and will continue through fall 2025.

In the current phase of the project, the westbound lane of University Drive is closed, between Knoles Drive and the western driveway entrance to Target, due to extensive underground construction and roadway demolition.

Board of Supervisors Adopts Final Tax Rate Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) unanimously approved and adopted the tax rate schedule for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24) and Tax Year 2023 for all special taxing jurisdictions for which Coconino County has authority to collect taxes.

Arizona Revised Statues mandate that an ordinance levying taxes for FY 24 be adopted no later than the third Monday in August 2023, and with this administrative action the Board has concluded the 2023-24 budget process.

Special taxing jurisdictions, often referred to as special districts, are created to fill a need and to enable the provision of services in an area that might otherwise be limited from receiving those services for various reasons, including size, location, financial limitations or unavailability of other government support. The formation of a special taxing district creates a funding stream to pay for the desired or necessary services by placing the responsibility on those who benefit from that service.

Heavy rains didn’t dampen spirit at 8th annual Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces’ Summertime Tardeada on Aug. 12

FLAGSTAFF — Despite heavy afternoon monsoon rains, visitors continued to come by, dance, enjoy food, chat with vendors and listen to the music of Mariachi de Nuevo Mexico and Soul Persuasion during the 8th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” on Aug. 12 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Dancers from Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaff didn’t miss a step during the rainy day performance which drew upwards of 300 visitors.

Coconino County — Flood Watch Aug. 18, Impacts from Tropical Storm Hilary this weekend

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

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-Up Week of Aug. 14

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.

Snowbowl Road to temporarily close Saturday morning accommodate the annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event

FLAGSTAFF — Snowbowl Road (Forest Road [FR] 516) will close from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday August 19 to accommodate the annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event.

While Snowbowl Road will remain open before and after the seven-hour closure window, drivers are asked to remain alert and cautious. Event coordinators and sponsors will be using the road to initiate event setup in the days leading up to the event.

Snowbowl staff will provide parking support for event participants at the base of Snowbowl Road (at the intersection of Fort Valley Road) and will work to redirect traffic until the event ends and the road opens.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Busy Summer at Northern Arizona’s Regional Airports

It’s been a busy summer at northern Arizona’s three local airports, with changes in personnel, new facilities and extensive improvement work to enable these facilities to better serve our region.

At Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, Brian Gall became the new Airport Director in late April. He had previously been the airport’s Program Manager and his career has included serving as a Development Engineering Project Manager for the City of Flagstaff and being an engineer for both the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Your membership, donations support the work of CCC&Y

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.

The NAU Review — An all-out effort to respond to wildfires, getting to know SAC president McKenzie McLoughlin and Lumberjack night at the Diamondbacks

NAU gets $5M grant to fund new wildfire initiative

The Arizona Wildfire Initiative is an all-hands-on-deck effort to deal with wildfires through a multipronged approach: more and better trained forest and fire managers; intentional forest management to reduce the risk of destructive wildfires; ensuring people on the ground have the knowledge they need to handle the increasing number and severity of wildfires as the West dries out and heats up; and building fire-resilient communities throughout Arizona. This innovative project is funded by the Office of the Governor.

Fire restrictions lifted across Coconino, Kaibab NFs

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.

City of Flagstaff lifts fire restrictions

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.

Board of Supervisors Unanimously Approves County Short-Term Rental Ordinance

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. 

NAU conducting bilingual survey on wildfire, post-fire flooding information

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.