Category: Health

Fire managers planning prescribed burns across Coconino National Forest next week as a weather window of opportunity opens for safe implementation

FLAGSTAFF  — Up to four prescribed burn projects are planned across Coconino National Forest next week to reduce hazardous forest fuels and reduce the risk of wildfires to many northern Arizona communities (listed below in chronological order).

Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. Prescribed burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.

Should wind and weather conditions become unfavorable, ignitions will be halted, and project plans will be postponed, changed or canceled.

For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available.

Community recognizes April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month with its Field of Hope Dedication Ceremony

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County and City of Flagstaff officials gathered with volunteers from the Exchanged Club of Flagstaff to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and the 116 children who died in 2024 as a result of child abuse at the “Field of Hope Dedication Ceremony” on Friday, April 4, 2025.

“As you look across the field today and remember each of the 116 precious children who died from child abuse or neglect, remember there are many who have survived atrocious treatment from the adults who were responsible for their care,” Exchange Club officials stated in the program. “Let each of these flags also represent the survivors. The Field of Hope is dedicated today to all children, that they will be nurtured to adulthood in love and safety.”

The flags were first planted on the Coconino County courthouse lawn during a snow storm on April 2, and replanted during the dedication ceremony on April 4.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — See You (Virtually) at the Bioscience Roadmap Progress Report

Speakers at the event include Heather Carter, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice CEO and the chair of the Roadmap Steering Committee. She’ll share new data on Arizona’s bioscience and hospital jobs, wages, venture capital, university tech-transfer, and other measurements of how the biosciences impact our economy statewide.
We’ll also learn about the opportunities and challenges surrounding bioscience research, commercialization, and healthcare during these uncertain times from Tomás Diaz de la Rubia, Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Arizona.
And SRI International will provide a sneak peak of the new Bioscience Roadmap set to launch in September.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — City of Flagstaff employees gain valuable System Change information to help them become more resilient at work, home

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — From dealing with day-to-day tasks and public service requirements, to assessing and meeting community needs such as building permits, parks and recreation programs, library services, to addressing housing, fire and police response, to responding to and working to prevent emergency including wildfires and floods, City of Flagstaff employees often face a wide range of community stressors and traumatic events each day.

Each individual has their own stress and trauma that they may be dealing with on top of the complex work they are tasked with. To support the City of Flagstaff employees, CCC&Y Executive Director  Virginia Watahomigie recently presented “Trauma in the Workplace” as a live workshop.

“The research is clear that what happens to us impacts our behavior and interactions with others. When we are in a trauma-responsive environment we not only understand this, we make simple changes that can improve outcomes and relationships as opposed to creating further stress or trauma,” Watahomigie said. “Organizations and systems who are on the frontlines of our community’s deepest needs are supported when they understand the behaviors they and others are experiencing.”

The NAU Review — A student’s idea is bringing generations together + meet an NAU swimming star from Team USA

NAU students and senior citizens don’t have too many opportunities to interact with each other—but Honors College student Emma Patterson is changing that. Inspired by her relationship with her grandparents, Patterson launched a pen pal program connecting NAU students with residents at The Peaks as part of an independent study course. The writing club not only bridges generational gaps but also encourages students to see beyond seniors’ physical and mental limitations.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors recognize April as ‘Sexual Assault Awareness Month’

COCONINO COUNTY — At this week’s regular meeting of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, the Board unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Coconino County.

The proclamation reads, in part: “Sexual Assault Awareness Month,’ which officially began being observed nationally 24 years ago, is intended to raise public awareness to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and has public health implications for every community;”

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 31-April 4, 2025

Northern Arizona Weather Outlook: Navigating Drought, Fire Season, and the Anticipated Monsoon

Northern Arizona, including Grand Canyon, faces ongoing weather-related challenges. While March brought some relief, an exceptionally dry winter has left much of the region grappling with severe to extreme drought conditions. Flagstaff’s snowfall, at just 46.8 inches, represents only 56% of the average through March, and overall precipitation wince October 1, 2024, has remained below 50% of normal across the region.

Looking ahead, the forecast indicates a high likelihood of drier and warmer-than-normal conditions throughout Arizona during the fire season from April to June. This combination elevates the risk of wildfires. However, there is an anticipation that a warmer and drier spring could lead to an earlier or more intense monsoon season from July to September, with projections favoring above-normal precipitation alongside warmer-than-average temperatures.

Want more information on weather and fire projections for 2025? The National Weather Service-Flagstaff Office recently compiled this outlook in the attached powerpoint here.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on April 3 to share your story

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 3. Our meetings provide our Coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.

Scheduled guest presentations include the United Way of Northern Arizona on FUSD’s KinderCamp and Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona’s “My Career Advisor” program.

The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org​​​​​​​ to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

City of Flagstaff to celebrate Water Awareness Month in April

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will celebrate Water Awareness Month in April with events hosted at various locations around town. Events will be focused on helping residents and community members conserve water.

The Flagstaff Water Conservation team will provide free water efficiency consultations and supplies at events throughout the month. They will also host a raffle for a free high efficiency toilet. The full schedule of events and tabling is below:

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition Partners, supporters participating in Arizona Gives Day on April 1, 2025

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — A variety of CCC&Y member partners and supporters that support children, youth and facilities throughout Northern Arizona are taking part in the annual Arizona Gives Day on April 1, 2025.

“Every year 1000+ nonprofits come together across the state to build a better Arizona and tens of thousands of donors come together to support the amazing work nonprofits are doing in our community,” Arizona Gives reported. “Arizona Gives is an initiative of AZ Impact for Good that began in 2013. This partnership has helped raise nearly $47 million for Arizona’s nonprofit sector, directly benefiting thousands of nonprofits across Arizona.”

Some taking part on Arizona Gives Day include:

The NAU Review — Humans of NAU with Katy Montoya, An easy way to save a life + meet CHHS students and alumni for Health Careers Week

The social work professor received the National Association of Social Workers’ Transformational Educator of the Year. Find out what inspired her to become an educator and what this award means to her.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 17-21, 2025

U.S. District Court and Grand Canyon National Park Implement New Fine Structure to Enhance Public Safety 

The U.S. District Court of Arizona and Grand Canyon National Park are taking proactive steps to improve public safety for residents and visitors alike. As part of this initiative, the U.S. District Court and the park are implementing a new fine structure for certain violations, including fire safety and speeding in school zones. 

To reduce the risk of wildfires, fines for having fires in undesignated areas have been significantly increased. During Stage 1 restrictions, individuals will face a $300 fine, while Stage 2 restrictions will result in a $500 fine. These increased penalties aim to deter unsafe fire practices and protect our park and community. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — 2025 Summer Camps registration continuing. See our listing

Register soon before camps fill up!

The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of upcoming summer camps in Coconino County. Contact individual programs for more information on their 2025 summer camps.

Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information. Registration deadlines may have already passed for some programs.

If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

(INFORMATION UPDATED March 18, 2025)

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition Partners — Are you participating in Arizona Gives Day on April 1, 2025?

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — CCC&Y member partners have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and programs throughout Northern Arizona by taking part in the annual Arizona Gives Day on April 1, 2025.

Some of the Coalition partners currently taking part on Arizona Gives Day include:

****​​​​​​​

Flagstaff Family Food Center — 

… FFFC believes that communities can truly thrive only when the essential needs of all members are met. The Food Center is a reliable food source for thousands of people in our communities, improving physical and mental health and resilience by reducing food insecurity.

Donate here

City of Flagstaff water reclamation facility certified in ADEQ’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program

FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has awarded Bronze Level to the City of Flagstaff Rio de Flag Water Reclamation Facility in their Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program.

Bronze Level recognizes organizations that demonstrate strong environmental compliance and go beyond legal requirements to protect human and environmental health. To qualify, regulated facilities must have zero violations on record with any environmental regulatory agency for the past three years. 

Flagstaff Family Food Center announces 2024 Northern Arizona Food Equity Report is now available

FLAGSTAFF — Discover how the Flagstaff Family Food Center is working to ensure that EVERYONE in our community has access to nutritious, affordable food. This report highlights key insights, challenges, and the steps we’re taking to fight food insecurity across northern Arizona.

Let’s build a more equitable future—one meal at a time. 

Updates from Coconino County District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler — San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe Spring into Health’ on March 7

San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe to hold Spring into Health’ — health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 7 at the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, 67 NW Mable St., Tuba City, AZ.

Coconino National Forest — Pile burns expected to be conducted this week

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest fire managers with the Flagstaff Ranger District were expected to conduct pile burns in several areas around the forest to take advantage of favorable weather conditions.

The piles are leftover slash from previous thinning projects and are ignited using drip torches and carefully monitored. Burning these piles help remove forest fuels and reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 3-7, 2025

Stay Informed with NPS Everbridge Alerts

Grand Canyon NPS Everbridge alerts are a great way to receive real-time updates about power outages, road closures, weather-related events, and other emergency situations. This free service ensures that you will stay informed when it matters most.

You can decide how you would like to receive notifications, whether this is through text, email, or by phone call. Sign up by following this link.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on March 6 to share your story

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 6. Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.

The meeting will include information on a Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead Early Childhood Fair in Flagstaff this Spring.

The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org​​​​​​​ to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

Coconino County District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler — Virtual Navajo Nation Broadband Deployment & Implementation Meeting to be held on March 12

We are pleased to share the latest information from the Navajo Nation Broadband Office about the upcoming Navajo Nation Broadband Deployment and Implementation Meeting. This meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2025, in Tse Bonito, NM. In-person and virtual attendance options will be available to ensure full accessibility for all participants.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) to present Coffee with F3’s Executive Director on March 5

Come join the lively ‘Coffee with the Executive Director’ gatherings on the first Wednesday of every month. Tell me about your concerns, ask me questions, and I’ll update you on the issues on which I’m working.

Join me tomorrow, March 5, from 9:00-10:00 am at Mayan Winds Coffee Emporium, 2144 N. 4th Street located in the Greenlaw Village Shopping Center behind Fratelli’s Pizza.

This month I have updates on the next steps for Regional Land Use Plan among other issues.

Areas of Coconino County within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Friday

FLAGSTAFF — After consultation with Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM), Forest Lakes Fire District, and the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.

Coconino County planning countywide test of Emergency Notification System on March 12

The purpose of the test is to ensure that the systems continue to be an effective means of warning the public about emergencies. All messaging received by the public during this test will clearly state that the message is a TEST and that no action is needed.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Families receive youth reading support, summer camp registration and more information at Literacy Fair in Flagstaff

Children received free books and played fun literacy games, while parents attended a number of youth reading workshops and received resources from a variety of organizations including summer camp registration information at a Literacy Fair presented on Feb. 22 by the United Way of Northern Arizona and Read On Flagstaff.

The event, held at Killip Elementary School in Flagstaff, was moderated by Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Archuleta, president and CEO of the United Way of Northern Arizona, with a guest appearance by Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez. It also included several story time programs featureing Coco the Comet, the mascot for Coconino Community College and a visit from the Tooth Fairy.

​​​​​​​Organizations sharing information at the event included Arizona State University’s PBS, Bookmans Entertainment Exchange in Flagstaff, Culture Connection AZ, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, First Things First, the Flagstaff Unified School District, Northern Arizona University, North County HealthCare and the University of Arizona Cooperative Exchange.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Variety of upcoming education opportunities (Literacy Fair, Summer Camps, Summer Reading) available for youth in region

From participation in a Literacy Fair this coming weekend in Flagstaff, to registration for upcoming summer camps and reading programs, a variety of educational opportunities are available for youth in Coconino County.
The United Way of Northern Arizona and Read On Flagstaff will present a Literacy Fair from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 22 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff.
The event will feature literacy activities for children up to age 8, resources for parents and workshops. Free books for everyone.
The fair is supported by The Literacy Center, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Northern Arizona University, Culture Connection AZ and the Flagstaff Unified School District

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration

LATEST ANALYSIS Sending Migrants to Guantánamo Bay Is a Costly, Optics-Driven Shift in Immigration DetentionPresident Trump ordered the Secretary of Homeland Security to expand immigration detention at Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, Cuba to house up to 30,000 people. Since then, U.S. Immigration & and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has transferred at least two flights of migrants from the United States to its detention facility there.  Breaking Down Trump’s Attempt to End Birthright CitizenshipOn his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for babies of undocumented immigrants and for people with temporary status in the U.S. Executive Order 14156: Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship departs from over 125 years of precedent as it sought to abolish the United States’ longstanding policy of unrestricted birthplace-based citizenship.  FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW Last week, people in states across the country held protests in support of immigrants. From California to Georgia and Illinois to Texas, thousands rallied to fight back against mass deportation, ICE arrests, and the use of Guantanamo Bay as a detention center. 

Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) to hold next meeting on March 5. Seeking new members

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) will hold its next meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March. 5 at the Coconino County Health and Human Services Building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff, Ponderosa Conference Room.

The meeting can be attended in person or via Zoom Link Below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85359174121

Meeting ID: 853 5917 4121 Phone: + 1(408) 638-0968

… CHAC, which is current seeking new members, serves as an official liaison and communications link between the Hispanic community and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, so please bring any concerns you may have about equal education opportunities, fair employment, juvenile justice, political representation and other issues.

City of Flagstaff — Uranium ore hauling

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Council continues to advocate against the mining of uranium and its transport in and through our region, including passing multiple resolutions and supporting federal legislation that would restrict uranium mining and transport.

While the Flagstaff City Council opposes the transport of uranium ore through our community, the City Council does not have jurisdiction over federal or state highways.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Impact of Forestry on Our Safety – and Our Economy

Northern Arizona’s rich, dense forests are among the many reasons why people love to live and work in our region. But the beauty and recreational opportunities of these endless acres of green come with a risk in an area that is known for its dry and often windy conditions – the threat of wildfire.

Numerous entities are dedicated to reducing that risk. Northern Arizona University’s School of Forestry specifically offers a BS in Applied Wildland Fire Science; APS has a dedicated Forestry and Wildfire Mitigation team; and the 4FRI project continues to use thinning and prescribed burns to lessen the threat of wildfires – and post-wildfire flooding – to communities throughout northern Arizona.

The work of these entities not only impacts our safety – it also has an economic impact for the region.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Parents gain information on upcoming summer camps

View this email in a browser Feb. 12, 2025 Update ​​​​​​​CCC&Y Spotlight Parents gain information on upcoming summer camps By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth Parents had the opportunity to learn about programs for their children at the Summer 2025 Family Engagement…

The NAU Review — Make some V-Day plans, Humans of NAU: Lenin Salcedo

Honors College student Lenin Salcedo has an unusual capstone project planned. Inspired by his childhood in the Caribbean and his love of physics, the project will take the form of a performance that explores how sounds tether us to each other and to the universe. Salcedo promises you won’t need to know anything about physics or music theory to understand and enjoy it. Read on to find out more about the project, Salcedo’s upbringing and his dreams for the future.

What brought you to NAU?
I was initially attracted to NAU’s strong physics department, but I fell in love with the intimate learning environment and vibrant community. Especially in Honors, the classroom has felt like a dynamic place where I can creatively think and connect with diverse people. Flagstaff has also become a second home, bringing me out of my comfort zone and forcing me to explore.

Save the Date — Community Assistance Teams of Flagstaff (CATs) to hold its Spring Pop Up Care Village for the region’s unsheltered community on April 27

FLAGSTAFF — Community Assistance Teams of Flagstaff (CATs) will hold its Spring Pop Up Care Village for the region’s unsheltered community on April 27.

Service providers and agencies that would like to connect and engage with unsheltered community members are invited to table at the event. At our PUCV event in October we had 160 people in need who attended the event, over 30 volunteers working the event and almost 20 other agencies/NGOs/businesses providing services.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Family and children service providers share local, state impact of any potential freeze on federal grants, loans

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb.. 6. Our meetings provide our Coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.

A representative from the Coconino County Health and Human Services will present information on a grant the agency received to prevent housing insecurity, with flexible funding preventing eviction and foreclosures.

The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org​​​​​​​ to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

The NAU Review — NAU receives $150K grant from Direct Relief

Northern Arizona University has received a grant from Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity to confront the critical nursing shortage in rural, underserved areas of Arizona by supporting Native American nursing students in their academic journeys.

The Fund for Health Equity mobilizes financial resources for organizations focused on non-clinical interventions that affect a person’s health. Commonly known as the social determinants of health, these factors include an individual’s physical, social, political, cultural and economic environment.

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group Meeting on Feb. 6

The Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) is meeting monthly.  This temporary group, invited by the Board of Supervisors, represents the diversity of the County.  The role of the CPAG is to provide recommendations on the updated goals, policies, maps, and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Envision 2045 to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 27-31, 2025

Winter Arrives to the Canyon (Finally!)

This week, Northern Arizona finally got the memo that it’s winter—bringing much-needed precipitation across the region, including several inches of snow on the South Rim and a hearty 8 inches on the North Rim.

As of this writing, Desert View Drive and Hermit Road on the South Rim have REOPENED following several days of closure. Road closure information is always available by calling the park’s Roads Line at 928-638-7496.

For those who like to be ahead of the curve, Everbridge alerts are a great way to stay informed in real-time about road closures, power outages, weather events, and any other emergency situations that might pop up. This free service helps ensure you’re never caught off guard when the weather gets unpredictable.
Sign up today by following this link.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — After Day One: Trump Wants to Redefine America

On the first day of his second term, President Trump issued a series of immigration-related executive orders and proclamations that will quickly re-shape the U.S. immigration system. These executive orders affect nearly every facet of a complex and demanding system. Most of the policy changes introduced through these actions are framed as directives to federal departments and agencies. However, their language also aims to stoke fear as a means of testing the boundaries of executive authority.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Family and children service providers reviewing local, state impact of federal freeze on federal grants, loans

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

State and local organizations that provide services to families and youth are reviewing the ramifications of the Trump administration’s order on Jan. 27 to pause all federal grants and loans. Meanwhile, nearly two dozen attorneys general have announced they will sue to stop the federal funding freeze.

A federal judge issued a stay on the federal freeze until Monday, Feb. 3.

Nationwide, officials say the freeze halts loans and grants to local governments, nonprofit organizations and schools — impacting such programs as Head Start, the Dept. of Agriculture’s tribal food sovereignty program and other federally funded economic assistance programs.

An easy way to take action by contacting your member of Congress is available HERE

Coconino National Forest fire managers pivot to pile burns following Monday snow

FLAGSTAFF  — Coconino National Forest fire managers plan to continue pile burning this week following Monday’s snowstorm.

Firefighters will ignite piles located in three different areas of the Flagstaff Ranger District this week, and smoke is expected to be widely visible during burning.

The Coconino National Forest uses the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn ProjectsInciWeb page to relay last-minute project changes with the public should planned projects not proceed due to wind, weather, or other reasons.

Annual Willard Springs Green Waste Burn in Progress

COCONINO COUNTY — The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has ignited the annual green waste burn at the Willard Springs Green Waste Site, which is located about 15 miles south of Flagstaff at Exit 326 on the west side of I-17.

The burn is necessary to reduce the existing stockpile of pine needles, tree trimmings, and other green waste at Willard Springs before the start of the 2025 fire season.

The Willard Springs green waste burn is expected to produce smoke during its ignition period. Based on wind and weather conditions, this smoke may be heavy at times and visible to motorists on I-17. The Coconino National Forest plans to post signage on I-17 as necessary to notify motorists about smoke from the burn and to drive with caution.

Prescribed burns planned around Flagstaff (week of Jan. 27)

FLAGSTAFF — Area fire managers plan to continue work on local prescribed fire projects – including broadcast burning and pile burning – (week of Jan. 27) while northern Arizona’s wind and weather conditions remain favorable to do so.

Arizona State Department of Forestry and Fire Management and Coconino National Forest fire managers aspire to continue work on this week’s Crater Sinks prescribed burn project located roughly 12 miles southwest of Flagstaff.

Additionally, Coconino National Forest fire managers hope to begin work on pile burns located in various locations around the Flagstaff Ranger District.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Trump’s First Immigration Executive Actions

President Trump wasted no time trying to radically change the U.S. immigration system. On his first day in office, he issued 10 executive orders that seek to redefine America—excluding everyone from asylum seekers to countless children of immigrants.

In the American Immigration Council’s new fact sheet, After Day One: A High-Level Analysis of Trump’s First Executive Actions, we break down what these policy changes seek to accomplish immediately and what they will mean for immigrants and all Americans in the future.

Read the Analysis

Flagstaff Mayor Daggett selected for MICD Just City Mayoral Fellowship

In the face of a nationwide housing crisis, the 2025 MICD Just City Mayoral Fellowship will explore what it means to house our communities, introducing mayors and their staff to planning and design frameworks – beyond housing supply and demand – that maximize all city resources to support the broad range of housing needs faced by a broad range of city populations.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 20-24, 2025

Smallmouth Bass: Not a Small Threat to the Grand Canyon

A recent article in Intermountain Park Science magazine highlights the growing concern over smallmouth bass and their potential impact on the Colorado River ecosystem in Grand Canyon National Park. Researchers from the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have collaborated to address this emerging threat to the park’s delicate ecological balance.

City of Flagstaff announces excavation to begin for the Wedge Detention Basin Project

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, are set to begin excavation operations for The Wedge Detention Basin Project. These excavation operations will take place within the area of the construction yard, which will shrink as excavation continues. These excavation operations are the first part of detention basin construction, with the majority of construction taking place in the spring when temperatures are favorable. The Wedge Detention Basin is being constructed to hold excess stormwater run-off that would otherwise overwhelm the box culvert being installed along Linda Vista Drive. The basin is designed to fill with water, and then slowly release it back into the City’s stormwater management system when it is safe to do so.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y’s free webinars offers opportunities to meet the challenges of a new year

COCONINO COUNTY — The start of a new year always brings along a time of new challenges and opportunities — be it personal or professional.
To help parents and families get off to the right start in 2025, the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website.

Maybe you are looking for an escape from all the negative news of the day? If so, take a moment to take care of yourself with our free Mindfulness (for adults) one-hour webinar

Maybe your child is having a challenging time getting back into the swing of school life (homework, social media) after the holidays? Then they may also benefit from our free Mindfulness for Youth 45-minute webinar or our free Bullying and Cyberbullying one-hour webinar

Our growing library of on-demand webinars are also designed to help you gain the tools you need to learn about trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

Click on the image above to get a quick look at the various free programs we offer, or get more details below.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2025.

Flagstaff Sustainability Office announces 2024 Sustainability Grant recipients

The Neighborhood Sustainability Grant is a competitive grant program that funds up to $7,500 for community projects related to food, waste, climate action, resilience, building energy, public health, and transportation.

“We can’t wait to see these community-led projects come to life each year! We want to applaud these awardees for their vision for a more sustainable Flagstaff,” said Mayor Becky Daggett.

Prescribed burn planned southwest of Flagstaff this week

FLAGSTAFF — Arizona State Department of Forestry and Fire Management and Coconino National Forest fire managers plan to take advantage of current weather conditions and begin work on a highly visible prescribed burn project southwest of Flagstaff starting (Jan. 22).

Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. Prescribed burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.

For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available.

The NAU Review — It’s time to brag about your coworkers! Plus, relive MLK Day + Diné musician Ravon Chacon comes to campus

Building bridges, celebrating community

Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of a United States strengthened by unity, collaboration and inclusivity. On Monday, NAU honored King’s legacy with a campus event focused on all three of those themes. Lumberjacks and Flagstaff residents came together to march in King’s honor, make posters celebrating his inspiring leadership and hear from keynote speaker Tony Ross, a Lumberjack doctoral grad and higher education consultant based in Phoenix. Unity and collaboration was the day’s secret sauce: Multiple NAU offices, student clubs and community organizations came together to make it happen.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Who runs the U.S. immigration system?

The Laken Riley Act Would Give States Sweeping Power Over Immigration Policy

Who runs the U.S. immigration system? If the Senate passes the Laken Riley Act this week, the answer might not be Congress?or?the president. The bill, already passed in the House, would hand state attorneys general, like Ken Paxton in Texas, veto power over large swaths of federal immigration policy.

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group Meeting

The Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) is meeting monthly. This temporary group, invited by the Board of Supervisors, represents the diversity of the County. The role of the CPAG is to provide recommendations on the updated goals, policies, maps, and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Envision 2045 to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff.

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.

One of those individuals is Heather Marcy, deputy director at Northland Family Help Center in Flagstaff.

Northland, which provides safe haven, advocacy, counseling and education services to promote and restore healthy relationships, recently took part in the Flagstaff City Council Proclamation ceremony declaring the month of January as Human Trafficking Awareness month. The organization also held its second annual breakfast fundraiser at Little America late last year.

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The NAU Review — The extinction risk facing freshwater animals + NAU’s days are back!

The results of a new study, published this week and coauthored by an NAU conservation biologist, are sobering: One-quarter of freshwater animals are at risk of extinction, including fish, shrimps and insects. Learn what this means for these ecosystems, including the unique risks in the Southwest, and what governments and industry leaders can do with these data to protect critical species and ecosystems. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 6-10, 2025

Phantom Ranch Closure and Upcoming TCWL Shutoff

All Phantom Ranch operations are closed from January 2 to March 30, 2025, for the installation of new water and electric lines for the Transcanyon Waterline Project. Hikers can still access the North Kaibab Trail, however, the bypass route around Phantom Ranch may change. Please follow all closure signs and be aware that water will only be available at Boat Beach (near the Black Bridge) during this closure period.

Additionally, from 8 a.m. on January 15 to 5 p.m. on January 19, the Transcanyon Waterline will be shut off for necessary construction work on a temporary water bypass along the River Trail. During this period, water will not be available at Boat Beach or Manzanita Rest Area. More information on water availability in the inner canyon can be found on park’s Critical Backcountry Updates page.

Water for the South Rim will be supplied from the existing storage tanks, and park management will closely monitor tank levels. Water conservation measures may be implemented until pumping is resumed to the South Rim.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Mass deportations will make us less safe

President-elect Trump’s mass deportation plan will target thousands of people who richly contribute to their families, communities, and our local economies often for decades. While Trump and his advisors claim they will start with “criminal immigrants,” their plans will include millions of people who pose no public safety risk at all—just as we saw during his first administration.

H-1B Modernization Rule Provides Some Comfort But Also Raises Concerns 

By issuing a final rule, the Biden administration has made it more difficult for the Trump administration to reverse some agency practices with which it disagrees.