Category: Business

City of Flagstaff Road work continues through September in Downtown, Coconino Estates, Sunnyside and University Heights areas

FLAGSTAFF — Road repair and maintenance work continues throughout Flagstaff as part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) project. Work on Aspen Ave. is scheduled for Sept. 17 and 18, when crews will complete final asphalt pavement surfacing and markings. Single lane closures will be in place on Aspen Avenue from Humphreys St. to Elden St to facilitate the work. Flaggers will be present at the intersections and delays are likely for motorists in the area.

Grand Canyon National Park seeks public comment on proposed backcountry fee increase

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park is seeking the public’s input on a proposed increase for backcountry permit fees. The proposed change would begin May 1, 2025.

The existing $10 per application fee would remain the same and the nightly per-person fees would increase: the below-rim fee would go from $15 to $24 per person per night, and the above-rim fee would go from $4 to $6 per person per night.

Interested parties can provide feedback on the proposal online at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GRCA_Backcountry_Fee_Increase through October 12, 2024. Written comments should be submitted through this website.

Coconino County Urges Continued Investment in Forest Restoration During Roundtable with USDA Sec. Vilsack

“Coconino County is no stranger to wildfire,” Vasquez said. “We have endured 9 major wildfires that have burned over 250,000 acres since 2010, and since 2017, the County Board of Supervisors has acknowledged that wildfire and post-wildfire flooding are the two greatest public safety threats to our people. That is why we have embarked on a Forest Restoration Initiative and used local Flood Control District tax dollars to leverage federal investment in forest restoration.”

Current, former Southside, La Plaza Vieja residents invited to attend community gathering Sept. 17, 18 to share memories for new sculpture

FLAGSTAFF — Share memories! All those with Southside ties are invited to a gathering to share remembrances, both personal and universally important recollections that have shaped the Southside and its people. The community’s words will be incorporated into a large-scale sculpture that will be installed at Cleo Murdoch Park in 2025.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 9-13, 2024

In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we are excited to share a new promotional video featuring Joshua Stegemeyer, Arizona Department of Health Services Suicide Prevention Program Manager.

This video emphasizes the crucial role of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7 support for those experiencing mental health crises or suicidal thoughts. Residents of Grand Canyon, AZ, can call or text “9-8-8” to connect with trained crisis counselors who offer immediate, compassionate help at no cost. For those who prefer, support is also available via chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.

For our community living at Grand Canyon, this information is particularly relevant as it ensures that help is always accessible, regardless of time or location. The 988 Lifeline offers specialized support for a wide range of individuals, including those in remote areas like ours. By promoting awareness of this vital service, we can help ensure that everyone in our community knows they have a valuable resource available whenever they need it.

For more details about what happens when you contact 988, please visit azhealth.gov/988.

United Way of Northern Arizona — 3rd Annual Brews & Views to Benefit UWNA on Sept. 28

We hope to see you on September 28 at the Sky Bar at Agassiz Lodge for Brews & Views, Snowbowl’s 3rd Annual Community Fundraiser to benefit United Way of Northern Arizona.

This full day of fun in the mountains will include delicious craft brews from local and nationally known breweries; live music with the Flag5; lots of giveaway prizes; and much more.

Tickets are $40 and all proceeds will be donated to UWNA to help fulfill its mission of improving lives by mobilizing communities to create lasting changes in community conditions.

“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 Manager at Arizona Snowbowl.

Discover Flagstaff — Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festival, Pepsi Amphitheater Sept. 13-15

Join us for Pickin’ in the Pines, voted “Flagstaff’s Best Festival” for the last 6 years! Live music, camping, jamming, music workshops, band contest, community dance, kids activities and amazing memories made in the pines! Fri-Sat 10 a.m., Sun 9 a.m

Learn More

Harm Reduction Products Available in New CCHHS Vending Machine

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has announced the availability of a new Public Health Harm Reduction (PHHR) Vending Machine to provide convenient access to free lifesaving harm reduction supplies.

The self-serve PHHR vending machine is located in the lobby of the CCHHS Flagstaff office, 2625 N. King Street. Access is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays.

Public health vending machines are an innovative, low-barrier strategy to reduce stigma and reach those who may not already be connected to harm-reduction services. Similar machines in the United States have demonstrated success at reducing rates of overdose and infectious disease.

Bilingual report — City of Flagstaff announces minimum wage for 2025

FLAGSTAFF — Beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $17.85 and $16.85 for tipped workers.

On Sept. 11, 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the consumer price index (CPI) numbers for August of 2024. The CPI for August 2024 was 2.5% greater than for August 2023. Accordingly, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $17.85 per hour on Jan. 1, 2025.

Grand Canyon National Park Eases Water Restrictions

GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim will transition to Stage 2 water restrictions due to rising water levels in reservoir tanks.

Operational changes include:

South Rim:

Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public.
Water spigots in Mather Campground and Desert View Campground will be turned on.
Fire restrictions throughout the South Rim will be lifted. However, the park will remain under Stage 1 fire restrictions, which require campfires to be contained within designated fire rings in maintained campgrounds. In the inner canyon, only gas cook stoves are permitted; campfires and other open fires are not allowed below the rim. River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permits regarding fires along the Colorado River.

Tourism to Grand Canyon National Park contributed $768 million to local economy in 2023

“I’m so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “And I’m just as proud to see those visitors making positive impacts of their own, by supporting local economies and jobs in every state in the country.” 

“We’re excited to see how the Grand Canyon continues to drive economic growth in our local communities,” said Grand Canyon Superintendent Ed Keable. “The spending by our visitors not only underscores the park’s allure but also highlights its vital role in supporting jobs and boosting the regional economy.”

City publishes 2024 Community Food Systems Assessment for Flagstaff & Northern Arizona

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Division invites members of the public to review the recently published “2024 Community Food System Assessment for Flagstaff & Northern Arizona,” which can be viewed at www.flagstaff.az.gov/NAZFSA. The Community Food Systems Assessment (CFSA), funded through the United States Department of Agriculture, provides an in-depth review of food systems, food access, and food distribution in Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. This assessment completes the first of three phases of the Assessing & Growing a Sustainable Community Food System project.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 2-6, 2024

Water Updates and Transition into Stage 3 Water Restrictions

As many of you may have heard, the park has transitioned to Stage 3 water restrictions as of September 5. This is a significant milestone and a testament to the collective effort and dedication of our community, staff, and partners.

Beginning today, September 5, we will resume overnight accommodations at our park lodges on the South Rim. Reservations are now open, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to these lodges. Your cooperation and commitment to conservation have been instrumental in our progress. Simple actions like limiting showers, turning off faucets, selectively flushing toilets, washing laundry with full loads, and reporting leaks have all significantly contributed to our success in managing water resources.

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport announces planned emergency response exercise on Sept. 9

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) would like to inform the public of an increased presence of first responders at the airport on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. This heightened activity is part of a planned full-scale exercise, “Operation Ready FLG.” The exercise involves a simulated aircraft incident and is being conducted in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Flight operations at the airport will not be affected.

The primary objective of “Operation Ready FLG” is to test and enhance the airport’s emergency response capabilities. The exercise will involve local, state, and federal agencies, with a focus on improving interoperability and coordination.

Sedona Arts Center — Celebrate Sedona this Friday!

Join us for the special opening reception in partnership with the Sedona Heritage Museum of work by Myrna Harrison! Sedona Trolley will transport guests to and from each location. Musicians at Sedona Arts Center provided by Sedona Symphony.  Enjoy beer, wine and food while you view colorful landscapes by the artist. Spread the word…Celebrate Sedona is now held on First Fridays! Bring your friends!

September at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Dear Museum Friends,

As we welcome September at the Museum of Northern Arizona, we find ourselves in a season of celebration.

This month, we proudly mark the Museum’s 96th anniversary! Since opening its doors on September 6, 1928, in a modest two-room space at the Flagstaff Woman’s Club, MNA has blossomed into a leading educational and research institution. For nearly a century, we’ve been dedicated to highlighting the art, science, and culture of the Colorado Plateau, sharing life-enriching knowledge and experiences with visitors from around the world.

Flagstaff Pedestrian underpass construction moves forward; traffic pattern changing

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation, have finished installing a portion of the large concrete structure for the new pedestrian underpass on the west side of Milton Road. With this work complete, crews will begin installing the remaining portion of the concrete structure and appurtenances on the east side of Milton Road.

Bilingual report — City of Flagstaff announces Neighborhood Sustainability Grants applications now open through Sept. 30

The Neighborhood Sustainability Grant (NSG) Program provides funding for creative projects that enhance community sustainability and promote healthy lifestyles through community partnerships.

The NSG Program for the year 2024 will award a total of $75,000, with maximum grants up to $7,500. The NSG is funded through the Environmental Management Fee. Local organizations, individuals, schools, and businesses whose projects are within Flagstaff city limits are eligible to apply. Applicants are eligible for one grant every other year.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — F3’s City Council Candidate Questionnaire Now Available

All six candidates named on the November general election ballot have answered the questions posed by F3 in our City Council Candidate Questionnaire. Flagstaff voter’s will decide who among the candidates will fill three open seats on City Council.

Eight questions addressing local issues and concernswere crafted by F3’s Board and Director. The candidates were asked to keep their replies to 150 words or less. We thank those who provided us with potential questions for the candidates.

There are many more questions to be asked of the council candidates and we encourage you to attend F3’s upcoming City Council Candidate Forum on September 23 (see below for details) and ask your questions.

View the candidate’s answers here:

Grand Canyon National Park to Reopen South Rim Hotels Sept. 5

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park will reopen hotels on the park’s South Rim beginning Thursday, September 5 and transition down to Stage 3 water restrictions.  

Park water utility crews successfully completed complex repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline late last week and resumed pumping water without identifying any new breaks. The park will operate under Stage 3 water restrictions until the water storage tanks have adequate capacity to return to routine water conservation practices.  

The NAU Review — Big news for the marching band + new ways researchers are tackling issues like homelessness and quantum computing

What are you doing on Thanksgiving Day 2025? The Lumberjack Marching Band just found out their plans: performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade! The band got the good news during halftime at Saturday’s football game against Lincoln University. There aren’t enough words to express how excited they are, so we got it on video.
Watch the video

United Way of Northern Arizona — Deadline to Register Annual Campaign Kickoff breakfast is 3 pm TODAY

Welcome back from the holiday weekend!

Today (September 3rd) is the last day to register for our Annual Campaign Kickoff breakfast at High Country Conference Center. We need to hear from you by 3 pm to make sure we save your seat!

Two of our honored guests at the kickoff will be this year’s Annual Campaign Co-Chairs, Northern Arizona University President Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera and his wife, Dr. Rima Brusi, and we hope you enjoy learning more about them in the profile below.

But before you read it, if you haven’t already registered to join us for the Annual Campaign Kickoff breakfast on September 13, please do it now!

Discover Flagstaff — Coconino County Fair (Aug. 30-Sept. 2), Flagstaff Art in the Park (Aug. 31-Sept. 1) highlight weekend events

Coconino County Fair, Fort Tuthill County Park — Celebrate 75 years of the Coconino County Fair. 10 a.m.
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Flagstaff Art in the Park, Wheeler Park — Flagstaff Art in the Park features fabulous art shown by artists, live music, awesome food, kids activities, beer garden and more! 9:30 a.m. Free.

City of Flagstaff announces Labor Day closures

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff’s City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 in observance of Labor Day. City Hall offices will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024.

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.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Time is Running Out to RSVP for Sept. 13 Kickoff Breakfast!

Time is running out to save your seat for our Annual Campaign Kickoff breakfast at High Country Conference Center. We are bringing northern Arizonans together so that we can continue Leading the Way in making our communities stronger, more resilient, and a place where our youth can thrive.

The deadline to register for our event is Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Deadline approaching (Sept. 16) for exhibitors to participate in our new Arts & Crafts Vendors Plaza at the 2024 Celebraciones de la Gente

By Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces

The Museum of Northern Arizona and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invite you to participate in the 21st annual Celebraciones de la Gente, a lively Day of the Dead Festival on Oct. 26, 27, 2024

Exhibitor booths will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.

Please click here to download and fill out a vendor application before we are sold out. The deadline is Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. Send the completed application to ctaillac@musnaz.org or call (928) 440-6480

Grand Canyon Seeks Public Review and Comment on Park Section 106 Programmatic Agreement

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — The National Park Service (NPS) is beginning public review of a programmatic agreement to establish a more efficient process to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) in Grand Canyon National Park. Public comments will be accepted from August 29 – September 28, 2024.

Section 106 requires federal agencies to consider the effects of projects that are carried out, assisted, funded, permitted, or licensed by the federal government on historic properties. If a federal or federally assisted project has the potential to affect historic properties, a Section 106 review takes place.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The ECoNA Q&A: Dave Cheney

Dave Cheney is CEO & President at Northern Arizona Healthcare, leading Flagstaff Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center, primary care and specialty clinics throughout Northern Arizona. Prior to joining NAH, Dave served as President and CEO of Sutter Hospitals. He led six area CEOs and oversaw the 24 hospitals within the Sutter Health System, following his tenure as CEO of Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento. 

Cheney is a member of the ECoNA Board. Below is an excerpt from our recent interview with him. You can see the full interview here.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation September 2024 Update

Join us to celebrate 75 years of the Coconino County Fair! Get excited for fun rides, delicious fair food, awesome exhibits, animals, entertainment, fun, and memories!

Join us Friday, August 30 to Monday, September 2, at the Fort Tuthill County Fairgrounds!

Entertainment Headliners Friday, 8:00: The Outlaw Mariachi Saturday, 8:00: RaeLynn
Sunday, 8:00: La Brazza Norteña Monday, 2:00: Sonoran Dogs

Havasupai Canyon Flood Recovery Effort

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By the Havasupai Tribe

GRAND CANYON — Many of you have asked how you can assist the Havasupai Tribe following the effects of last week’s flash flood. The Tribe is so appreciative of the generosity of so many people.

Grand Canyon Caverns Inn can accept donations at any time.

Our focus is on rebuilding and repairing our community and providing supplies for our tribal members.

We thank you in advance for your donation.

Here is a link to the Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3B3UA7JCYD75G…

Grand Canyon National Park to Temporarily Close Overnight Hotel Accommodations Beginning Aug. 29 

GRAND CANYON, AZ.—Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 4 water restrictions on the South Rim starting the afternoon of Thursday, August 29, due to a series of four significant breaks in the 12½ mile-long Transcanyon Waterline that supplies water from the canyon for use in the park. Since July 8, the park has faced challenges with water supply, and currently, no water is being pumped to either the South or North Rim. 

Old Route 66 to be Closed Between Cool Pines and Sherwood Forest Roads During Culvert Construction

Starting Monday, August 26, Old Route 66 will be closed for up to 65 days between N. Cool Pines Road and N. Sherwood Forest Road to reconstruct the box culvert. During this period all traffic will be detoured along E. Pittman Valley Road. 

Supervisor Patrice Horstman — District 1 Summer Newsletter 2024!

IN THIS ISSUE

Hello from Supervisor Horstman
New Coconino County Leadership
BOS Approves 2025 Budget
BOS Canvassed 2024 Primary Election Results
Pipeline / Copeland / Peaceful Way / Government Tank – Flood Control District Update
Pinyon Mine Is Hauling Uranium Ore
Proposition 482 Sustains County Services
Lake Mary Recreation Corridor Just Gets Better
Flagstaff Family Food Center Hosts 2024 Northern Arizona Anti-Hunger Summit
BOS Continues its Leadership at National Association of Counties Conference
Summer Events / Festivities
Upcoming Events

The NAU Review — Welcome back, Lumberjacks! Highlights from move-in, meet the new ASNAU president and don’t miss the welcome back BBQ

LumberSNAPS: Return of the Jacks

The new academic year is already off to an axe-citing start! Last week, the Flagstaff mountain campus buzzed with fresh energy as new students moved into residence halls, gathered at welcome events like Lumberjack Launch and donned matching T-shirts for the annual NAU letters portrait. More beginning-of-the-year fun is ahead this week, including the start of classes, the first football game of the season and the Running of the Freshmen, a beloved Lumberjack tradition.

New rates for water, sewer, and reclaimed water take effect Sept. 1, 2024

FLAGSTAFF —New rates and fees for potable water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services will take effect Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024 for Flagstaff City customers. The rates will increase over a five-year period to adequately fund water infrastructure projects, operations, maintenance, and debt repayment contained in the five-year capital improvement program for Flagstaff Water Services.  

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) F3 Opposes the Pinyon Plain Mine

F3 supports the sovereignty of indigenous tribes and peoples and believes the wishes of Indigenous peoples to close the Pinyon Plain Mine should be honored.

The Havasupai tribe have stated that uranium mining near the Grand Canyon poses real dangers to groundwater in the region. There is a risk of contamination of the ecologically important seeps and springs in the Grand Canyon area, including the Havasupai sole source of water. F3 supports Attorney General Mayes’ demand for an updated Environmental Impact Statement.

F3 also supports the Navajo and Hopi tribes in their efforts to stop the hauling of uranium ore through tribal lands.

BLM seeks nominations for Advisory Committee for Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument

PHOENIX – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking nominations for the recruitment of 15 members to serve on the newly established Monument Advisory Committee for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. The committee will provide information and advice to the BLM and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service on the management of the Monument. The 45-day nomination period closes Oct. 4, 2024.

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland recently signed the charter establishing the Monument Advisory Committee in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 10606.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 19-23, 2024

Water Conservation and Inner Canyon Water Status

Due to a break in the Transcanyon Waterline, the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is implementing stricter water restrictions and conservation measures. The North Rim will also begin preliminary conservation efforts. The park will remain in conservation mode until repairs are completed and water levels at storage tanks are restored.

Old Route 66 to be Closed Between Cool Pines and Sherwood Forest Roads During Culvert Construction

Coconino County’s contractor is mobilizing to break ground next week on a project to replace the existing Volunteer Wash box culvert on Old Route 66.

Starting Monday, August 26, Old Route 66 will be closed for up to 65 days between N. Cool Pines Road and N. Sherwood Forest Road to reconstruct the box culvert. During this period all traffic will be detoured along E. Pittman Valley Road. 

City of Flagstaff’s Lucky Lane Reconstruction Project to begin week of Sept. 23

FLAGSTAFF — As part of the annual Road Repair and Street Safety Program, the City and its contractor, C & E Paving and Grading, will be reconstructing Lucky Lane between Butler Avenue and Bronco Way. The project will begin the week of September 23 and is scheduled to be complete by late November. The work will include the removal and replacement of the asphalt pavement, sidewalk repairs and replacements, and curb replacement and installation.

2024 Housing Forum brings community ‘Home’ to build an Arizona for everyone

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH), will host the annual Arizona Housing Forum at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Fort McDowell, AZ from August 21-23, bringing together hundreds of affordable housing and homelessness stakeholders committed to building an Arizona for everyone.

The 2024 Arizona Housing Forum provides an unparalleled opportunity for affordable housing and community development professionals to learn, network, and share ideas that create and improve housing and community development choices in Arizona.

“The Arizona Housing Forum is an important event for the state and all our community housing partners as we look for smart solutions to our housing needs,” said ADOH CEO Joan Serviss. “Coming together to share ideas, successes, and challenges and to learn from each other creates the bridge that gets us to those affordable solutions.”

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Evolving Retail Sector in Northern Arizona

Good afternoon,

At first glance, it’s felt like a cruel summer for northern Arizona’s retail sector, with a string of announcements about store and restaurant closings. Often they were places that had been staples of the community for years: Big Lots, Kachina Kitchen, Peter Piper Pizza, Grimaldi’s.

While those businesses will certainly be missed, their closings don’t tell the whole story of the retail landscape in our region.

When a retail business closes, it often creates opportunities for new businesses to emerge, a life cycle that’s a part of how this sector evolves.

Throughout northern Arizona, we’ve had far more retail business launches than closures this year.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 12-16, 2024

Water conservation measures reimplemented for South Rim

As of August 13, the South Rim has returned to water restrictions. This is in response to a new pipeline break identified between Cottonwood Campground and Manzanita rest area along the North Kaibab Trail. Water conservation measures require all park residents to conserve and reduce water usage whenever possible.

Discover Flagstaff — Mother Road Classic Car Show, City Hall Parking Lot on Saturday, Aug. 17

The Mother Road Classic is a show for cars, trucks and (new this year) motorcycles. Located in downtown Flagstaff, it celebrates Route 66, and classic, vintage, and performance vehicles. It is a charity event, raising money for Flagstaff charities. 8 a.m.

Learn More

New ranger selected to lead Coconino NF’s Red Rock Ranger District

“I’m so excited to announce that our own Alex Schleuter has been selected as the permanent district ranger for the Red Rock Ranger District,” said Coconino National Forest Supervisor Aaron Mayville. “Most of you have gotten to know Alex as the deputy district ranger, but he has been acting in the lead ranger role for the past six months and has done a stellar job!”

Pipeline Fire closure to lift, allowing motor vehicle access in Schultz Pass area once again

FLAGSTAFF — Several roads located in the Schultz Pass area of the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District will reopen to motorized vehicles tomorrow following a roughly two-year closure due to the Pipeline Fire.

The temporary trail and road closure order for the Pipeline Fire, which has been in effect since September of 2022, will be lifted at 8 a.m. Friday (Aug. 16).

Gates, barricades and signage posted in the area will be modified and removed to reflect the removal of the closure order.

Annual Neighborhood Sustainability Grant application period open through Sept. 30

FLAGSTAFF —The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission are pleased to announce the opening of the annual application period for the Neighborhood Sustainability Grants Program, running from Aug. 15 to Sept. 30. The program funds projects that enhance sustainability and foster community partnerships.

Grants of up to $7,500 are available for groups, nonprofits, individuals, and businesses with sustainability-related projects located within Flagstaff city limits. The Sustainability Commission particularly seeks community-centered projects focused on building energy, climate action, food, public health, resilience, transportation, and waste. The review committee will consist of the members of the Flagstaff Sustainability Commission.

Firing operations near wildfire to begin east of Clints Well

CLINTS WELL, Ariz. — Fire managers are preparing to conduct firing operations on several hundred acres of land around the Tango Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire first reported last week and located 8.5 miles northeast of Clints Well.

Fire managers are planning to begin firing operations the morning of Aug. 15 and plan to conclude by the end of Friday in advance of forecasted monsoonal rains.

Smoke will be noticeable to residents of the Happy Jack and Clints Well communities and may also be visible to communities below Mogollon Rim and possibly to motorists along Interstate 17 in the area of Camp Verde.

The NAU Review — Sharing all your pun-tastic jokes! Plus, meet the new SAC president + relive NAU Day at the Diamondbacks

Are bird feeders bad?

It’s complicated. A new study authored by NAU alumnus Andrew Abraham and professor of ecology Chris Doughty found that bird feeders are changing the chemistry of local ecosystems and introducing a potentially harmful amount of phosphorus into the environment. Does this mean putting out bird feeders is always bad? Not necessarily, the researchers say—but it does mean we need a better understanding of how different factors interact to change the

Grand Canyon National Park Initiates Water Conservation Measures

GRAND CANYON, AZ — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will reimplement mandatory water conservation measures for the South Rim of the park. These water restrictions are in response to a pipeline break along the North Kaibab Trail.

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

Mandatory water conservation measures include:

SIGN UP for Art Classes & Workshops at the 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!

Mechanical thinning to begin along Snowbowl Road

“These mechanical thinning operations are part of a larger forest-wide initiative to fulfill our local obligations to the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy,” said District Ranger Matt McGrath. “These efforts are just one small part of a greater overall strategy to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and subsequent post-fire flooding in the Flagstaff area.”

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: August 5-9, 2024

Grand Canyon records second driest, second hottest July on record 

The National Weather Service reports July temperatures at Grand Canyon averaged +3.8° warmer than normal, and the precipitation total for the month was only 0.65 inches – that’s a full inch below normal! The period June 1-July 31, 2024 was the hottest on record for most locations across northern Arizona (including Grand Canyon).

During this period of high fire danger, it is important to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of wildfires and ensure the safety of ourselves and our community.