District 2 Supervisor Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Archuleta update for April 19 — Commission on Trial Court Appointment

Coconino National Forest personnel will be opening forest roads across the national forest, beginning this weekend, as warmer weather hardens surfaces and roads become suitable for motorized travel.

Even thought the majority of forest roads across each district will be opening ther are still a few few that will be closed due to wet and muddy conditions that can be the cause of people getting stuck and also cause damage to the roads.

Drivers can expect to encounter snow and lingering moisture in some areas, so passenger vehicles are not recommended on most forest roads at this time.

In the Flagstaff Ranger District, most forest roads will be open by Saturday, but the public should remember to stay on open and authorized roads, as well as keep from damaging soft areas of open forest roads. Roads at higher elevations around the San Francisco Peaks will remain closed, including Forest Road 151, 418, and Lockett Meadow.

For more information in other Districts around the county, please see the news release at this link.

Springtime invasive weed management operations within County right-of-way boundaries in Timberline are scheduled to get underway during the week of April 22, 2019. These operations will target diffuse knapweed, Scotch thistle and other invasive weeds in areas that include sections of Campbell Avenue, Copeland Lane and on- and off-forest Schultz Flood mitigation infrastructure. Operations are expected to last approximately one week; however, this schedule is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen factors.

The County’s contractor, under the supervision of Natural Channel Design (NCD), is using broadleaf herbicides – Milestone® plus Clean Amine – for these spot treatment operations. These herbicides, which does not target native grasses and dry quickly, are being applied with a blue indicator dye so that treated areas can be clearly identified. Residents are asked to stay off treated areas until the herbicide has dried.

Removal of invasive weeds supports native plant revegetation. The timing of treatments is critical to prevent seed set. Spring is the optimal season for herbicide treatment as invasive weeds are small and actively growing. The County also is planning to conduct mechanical weed removal operations on County roads later this summer.

IMPORTANT: It is critical to note that these treatments will only help to reduce the populations of invasive weeds within County right of way. As weed infestations on adjacent private property can quickly undermine these efforts, we are asking for your help to continue the County’s efforts to reduce the impacts of these invasive species. Please regularly monitor your property and remove any new invasive weeds either manually or with herbicide treatments. Professional services range in cost from about $150 to $250 per acre for an herbicide treatment. A healthy, dense cover of native grasses is one of the best ways to help control invasive plants by providing competition for resources.

For further information on control strategies for these weeds, please see the very informative website on Northern Arizona’s Invasive Plants from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension at https://www.nazinvasiveplants.org/.

The County greatly appreciates your assistance in helping us to control weeds in your community. If you have any questions about continuing weed management operations in your neighborhood, then please contact Natural Channel Design at 928-774-2336 or email or info@naturalchanneldesign.com. More weed management information is available at www.coconino.az.gov/WeedManagementPractices.

What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps offers a variety of service opportunities, from the classroom to the outdoors, and everything in between. No matter what you’re passionate about, where you’re from, or why you choose to serve, AmeriCorps is your chance to be the greater good. AmeriCorps matches dedicated service members with Arizona-based organizations to tackle some of our state’s toughest challenges with local solutions. For more information, please visit americorps.gov

Who are ideal candidates to serve in Arizona AmeriCorps programs?

Ideal candidates are at least 17 years of age, high school graduates (or equivalent), pass a national service criminal history check, and be a US citizens or Lawful Permanent Resident. Ideal candidates are dedicated to strengthening communities, seek to refine their professional skills and develop their leadership skills.

What are the Benefits of Serving in AmeriCorps?

·    Modest living allowance (in most cases)

·    Education award to help pay for college/vocational training

·    Student loan deferment

·    Specialized training

·    Professional development

·    A new network of professional connections

·    New Career opportunities

How to I apply to be an AmeriCorps member?

Joining AmeriCorps is an opportunity of a lifetime. Completing the official application will be your first step in becoming part of the National Service family. The application process takes commitment and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Visit the site to walk through the steps you’ll need to follow to complete and submit your application.