Tom Eckler, Flagstaff
Manager, provided information about projects planned during
July 1, 2006 - December 30, 2006.
Vegetation Management
While drought conditions have devastated our forests the
past few years, it has made conditions suitable for
non-native weeds. Diffuse knapweed populations have grown
seven fold the past couple of years in the Flagstaff area.
Five new Russian knapweed populations were identified
recently along I-17 south of Flagstaff and two on I-40 in
Flagstaff.
As our crews are gaining ground with forest
thinning along ADOT rights-of-way, we hope to have more resources
available in the coming year to deal with this population growth.
912 acres of noxious weeds were treated in Northern Arizona from
January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006. This compares to 875 acres
during the same period last year and 481 two years ago.
Several populations of scotch thistle and
diffuse knapweed will be burned along I-40 east of Flagstaff
this coming fall and winter. This will remove the biomass and
reduce the number of seeds in the seed bank. Hand pulling,
biological controls, herbicides, and seeding will also be used
in our integrated weed management program.
Annual roadside feature inventory
Every May we measure our Level of Service along state roads
in northern Arizona. Data measured includes
sight-distance, recovery zone, bare ground, noxious weeds,
vegetation encroachment, and vegetation blocking safety
features. By comparing this data year-by-year we can
see our improvements and the areas we need to improve. This
helps us to prioritize future projects.
Photo monitoring points
Photo monitoring points have been set up in the Flagstaff,
Williams, Jacob Lake, Winslow, Show Low, Springerville, Heber, and
Whiteriver areas. These points are visited four times a year
and will show changes in the appearance of the area.
Global Positioning System (GPS) Data
Base
Global position systems have been used in northern Arizona for the
past seven years to map noxious weed populations. By mapping
these populations annually, we can see where our treatments have
been effective and where they haven't. We can also see
trends and rates of spread of noxious weeds along our
rights-of-way. With our new GPS units we have begun mapping
our project areas, wildlife hits, erosion problem sites,
threatened and endangered species, and test plots.
Prescribed (controlled or RX) burns
Several control burning projects will take place this fall and
winter. Slash piles along I-40 east of Flagstaff will be burned.
Piles will also be burned on US 191 north of St. Johns. RX burns
are planned for I-40 east of Flagstaff, I-40 in the Chambers area,
and US 60 east of Show Low.
Recovery Zones/Thinning
Snag removal projects to be completed over the next six
months include SR 64 south of Tusayan, I-17 south of Flagstaff,
I-40 through the City of Flagstaff, SR 260 west of Show Low, SR
264 east of Ganado, and US 191 south of Ganado. These projects
will create a recovery zone, increase wildlife visibility, reduce
shading on the roadway, reduce fuel loads, and create a defensible
fuel break.
Bluebird Project
In 2002, we built and positioned ten bluebird boxes along highways
I-17, SR 180, and I-40.
In 2005 the bluebirds began utilizing the boxes
and nests were found in three boxes installed along SR 180 with a
total of 12 successful fledglings.
This spring we will continue our monitoring and
possibly install additional boxes along SR 180. See
Bluebird Project for additional information.
Wildlife Deterrents
Wildlife reflectors have been installed along a seven-mile stretch
of SR 260 within the 2002 Rodeo/Chediski Fire area. These
reflectors are designed to deter elk, deer, and other wildlife
away from the roadway when vehicles approach. This project
will be monitored over the next five year to determine their
effectiveness in reducing wildlife/vehicle collisions.
Wildlife Connectivity
Wildlife-Vehicle collisions are a major problem along northern
Arizona highways. One possible solution is the placement of
8 to 12 foot high wildlife fencing along the rights-of-way.
This, however, would segment wildlife populations such as elk,
deer, and pronghorn. Existing highway bridges could be used
as wildlife passages if wildlife fencing were tied into the
bridges, funneling wildlife under the roadway. This would
allow wildlife populations to move freely and improve driver
safety.
Flagstaff Natural Resources Management Section
has wildlife cameras in place to monitor wildlife crossings under
highway bridges. We are finding some wildlife, such as elk
and deer, are following natural drainages and passing under
existing highway bridges. We are currently working on a
research paper, and applying for grants.
Erosion Control
One erosion control project will be completed in Northern
Arizona this Fall. The disturbed site is located on SR 77 just
south of Holbrook and will be re-seeded with native grasses.
Erosion matting, aspen logs, and silt fence will also be used.
This project will stabilize and re-habilitate each site.
Training
Flagstaff employees will be attending several training classes
this summer and fall including: CEU credits for Arizona Structural
Pest Control, Wildland Fire courses, and Arizona Department of
Transportation mandatory training for employees.
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