February 25, 2005
A Note From The Nature Conservancy
I did want to let you know how valuable the Master Naturalists are to the nature walk program at our Hart Prairie Preserve. Michelle Corning, Scott Harger, Lee Lansing, and others have been true stars--their knowledge and enthusiasm were key to the success of the walks. Our preserve assistant Ron Bauman is also a Master Naturalist, and his expertise and love of the outdoors shines through in everything he does.
We are very excited about working with your team again this year, hopefully in an expanded capacity. We also plan to have more school groups and visitors from partner organizations out to the preserve for walks, and the Master Naturalists will be key in providing that service.
Thanks again, and all the best. Rebecca Garrett
February 22, 2005
Hospice Volunteer Orientation
A volunteer orientation will be held at Northland Hospice (452 Switzer Canyon Drive) on Thursday March 17th at 11:30 and Saturday March 19th at 10am for folks interested in bringing a little joy into the lives of those affected by illness. Garden plans will be discussed and food provided. While this is primarily a garden project, invasive weeds and habitat restoration are critical components and will be part of the plan.
Please RSVP Loni Shapiro at maxmaddy@infomagic.net or Laua Davis at lsd4dana.ucc.nau.edu if you plan on attending either session.
February 13, 2005
Mormon Lake is a Lake Again!
Choose the location where these photos were taken:
A: Normandy at high tide?
B: Big Sur?
See more choices, and the answer, below.
C: Oregon Coast?
D: Torrey Pines?
Answer is E: Mormon Lake on 11 February, 2005.
I don't know just when the lake was last full, but I have found one photo that shows Mormon lake at a comparable level from 20 or 30 years ago.
Upper Lake Mary Goes Over the Top
What is this? Boundary waters entering Lake Superior in Minnesota?
Naah. Here are some photographs of the overflow from Upper Lake Mary, only a few miles south of Flagstaff, as it appeared on Saturday, 12 February.
Water filled the entire width of the spillway dam, and in sufficient volume that all the flow did not enter the spillway channel directly, creating a new, broader channel.
This view shows only the southern half of the spillway, but the fact that Upper Lake Mary is 100%+ full is evident. Lower Lake Mary is still somewhat less than total capacity, but it's waters have reached to the dam on Upper Lake Mary.
February 12, 2005
Coconino NRCD Meeting at Willow Bend
The Coconino Natural Resources Conservation District (NRCD) is meeting at 6 pm Monday, 14 February, at Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, 703 E Sawmill Rd, just off Lone Tree Ave.
The public is invited to attend and may offer comments or speak to the board.
The agenda is not on-line, but topics include reports on Technical Services, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and Greater Flagstaff Forest Partnership.
Call Willow Bend at 779-1745 for more information.
San Francisco Peaks Weed Management Area Meeting
The next SFP WMA meeting is 10am Thursday,17 February, at the County Extension Officesto discuss accomplishments and cooperative strategies for the impending weed season. We hope to have more information on the possible reintroduction of biological controls into plant communities in and around Flagstaff. .
Mountain Ecosystems, Mountain Cultures, and How to Protect Them
The San Francisco Peaks, seen from all over Flagstaff, are a large part of Flagstaff's culture. Dr. Hamilton will discuss the value of protecting mountain ecosystems and cultures and what it means to our local community.
Wednesday, March 2, 2005
7:00 p.m., Cline Library Auditorium
Dr. Lawrence Hamilton
A panel discussion about the implications for the San Francisco Peaks will follow Dr. Hamilton's talk.
Dr. Hamilton partners with wife Linda Hamilton, in Islands and Highlands, an Environmental Consultancy based in rural Vermont. He is Emeritus Professor of Natural Resources of Cornell University, having taught and researched there for 29 years. In 1993 he completed a 13-year tenure as Senior Fellow at the East West Center's Program on Environment where he worked in the arena of watershed land use, protected areas, tropical rainforest conservation and sustainable land use in small islands in the Asia-Pacific region. He is an active member of the World Commission on Protected Areas, and in that Commission was appointed Vice-Chair for Mountains.
Come and hear why you should be concerned about the future of the San Francisco Peaks!
This event announcement comes from the web pages of the Center for Sustainable Environments.
February 9, 2005
Snow Photo for 9 Feb 05
There is no particular message to go along with this photograph, except perhaps to remind Master Naturalists that we invite you to submit your photos of the natural landscape, weather, flora, and fauna.
February 6, 2005
Arboretum Winterfest: A Full Agenda on a Beautiful Day
If you didn't go to The Arboretum Saturday, February 5th, you missed one of the best events of Winterfest, and the only day the Arboretum is open during the winter.
The folks that run "The Arb" put together a delightful and very complete program of events. This entry will only cover some of those activities most directly related to our Master Naturalist pursuits.
Even if there had been NO special programs or activities, it would have been a great day to visit and walk along in the deep snows and observe the plants and animals in their winter mode of operations around the pond, along the paths, or under the trees. Winds were calm, the sun bright, the pines fragrant.
The Arb staff and volunteers had warm drinks and refreshments in the Visitor Center and the Horticulture Building. In both places, juvenile humans could be observed collecting chocolate-covered pretzels in large quantities, some to be eaten right away, and some hoarded in paper cups or pockets, to be eaten later. Obviously a behavioral adaption to those times when chocolate-covered pretzels are scarce.
Filling in on short notice for Tony Nester, out with "The Flagstaff Crud", Dr Nancy Muleady-Mecham provided snowy tours of pond, meadow, and forest in winter, using the opportunities to talk about plant and animal lifestyles in winter.
Dr Gwen Waring also was on hand and led walks that focused on the ways that trees and shrubs cope with the altered availability of water and energy in winter.
Susan Ruble from High Country Raptors, a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator in Flagstaff, brought some of her rehab patients to show and discuss. The Harris' Hawk in the photo, Parabuteo unicinctus, was absolutely beautiful.
The Arboretum put together this one-day program at the behest of the Winterfest organizers. Attendance was light, much lighter than last year, with fewer visitors from the valley, based on recollections by staff. After having spent funds for staffing and plowing roads, etc., this was both a surprise and concern to Arb staff. Of course, the beautiful day probably worked against attendance, sending skiers to the Snowbowl, not to mention coinciding with Superbowl weekend. Advertising and scheduling will deserve an extra hard look next year. Having The Arb open for a day or so at the peak of winter is such a good thing, it would be sad to see it left out of the calendar.
100 Years of Forestry in America
Forest Service historian Dr Char Phillips gave a lively presentation Friday, February 4th, on the forces of nature and politics that led to the creation of the US Forest Service 100 years ago. Dr Phillips paced back and forth before a full house at the Cline Library Assembly Hall on NAU Campus, providing plenty of interesting and amusing insights into the circumstances leading to creation of the Forest Service. This was his only stop in Arizona on his nationwide tour to promote his book, The Greatest Good: 100 Years of Forestry in America, the release of which coincides with the celebration of the Forest Service Centennial. A little more information is available in our previous entry on this subject.
A Conversation With Water
Author Craig Childs gave an interesting combination of reading, storytelling, and discussion of his writing about dry places of the Southwest that may be wetter than they appear. Sponsored by the NAU Liberal Studies Program and the Authors in Schools Foundation ("Open a Book-Open a Mind"), Mr Childs spoke and played the flute to a nearly full house at the Cline Library Assembly hall on NAU campus Wednesday, February 2nd. Mr Childs is on book tour for his latest publication, The Way Out:A True Story of Ruin and Survival.
February 4, 2005
January Status of the Mexican Grey Wolves
February 4, 2005 Mexican Gray Wolf Reintroduction Project
January 2005 Status Report Direct via e-mail.
This is a summary of Mexican wolf reintroduction project activities in Arizona and New Mexico. Additional information can be obtained by calling (928) 339-4329, or toll free at 1-888-459-WOLF, or by visiting the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s website at http://mexicanwolf.fws.gov.
Click to hear what the wolves have to say.
Past updates may also be viewed on this website or interested parties may sign up to receive the update electronically by visiting http://azgfd.gov. This update is public property and can be used for any purpose. The reintroduction project is a multi-agency, cooperative effort among the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF), USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services (USDA-WS), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the White Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT) on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation (FAIR), the San Carlos Apache Tribe (SCAT) on the San Carlos Apache Reservation (SCAR), and other supporting organizations including the Turner Endangered Species Fund (TESF) and Defenders of Wildlife (DOW).
Please report any wolf sightings or suspected livestock depredations to: (928) 339-4329 or toll free at 1-888-459-WOLF (9653). To report incidents of take or harassment of wolves, please call the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 24-hour dispatch (Operation Game Thief) at 1-800-352-0700.
Numbering System: Mexican wolves are given an identification number recorded in an official studbook that tracks the history of all known Mexican wolves. Capital letters (M = Male, F = Female) preceding the number indicate adult animals 18 months or older. Lower case letters (m = male, f = female) indicate sub-adults, younger than 18 months, or pups. The capital letter “A” preceding the letter and number indicate alpha wolves.
Definitions: For the purpose of this update, a “wolf pack” is defined as two or more wolves, at least one having a radio collar, which maintain an established territory and are proven breeders. In the event that one of the two alpha wolves dies, the remaining wolf, regardless of pack size, retains the pack name. A “group” of wolves is defined as two or more wolves that travel together on a consistent basis, but are not proven breeders. The Interagency Field Team (IFT) recognizes that uncollared wolves may form a group or a pack. If they are confirmed through trapping, sightings, or other field methods, they will be included in the appropriate category.
CURRENT POPULATION STATUS
As of the end of January, the collared population consisted of 22 wolves in 10 packs, one group and three lone wolves. Based on other field data, including sightings, tracks and howling, there could be at least 25-30 additional wolves, including pups and uncollared wolves, distributed among the packs and groups. The current population estimate is 51-56 wolves in the wild.
In Arizona: Aspen Pack (AF667 and AM512), Bluestem Pack (AF521 and AM507), Cienega Pack (AF487), Hawks Nest Pack (AF486), Iris Pack (AM798), Rim Pack (AF858) and lone wolf M795. Hon-Dah Pack (AM578) and lone wolf F613 are located on the FAIR.
In New Mexico: Francisco Pack (AF511), Luna Pack (AF562 and AM583), Saddle Pack (AF797, and collared pups m860, f861, f862, m863 and m864) and San Mateo Group (AF903). M859 is a lone wolf.
Three wolves, Saddle Pack AM732, San Mateo Group AM796 and Francisco AM904, were previously fitted with GPS collars that were inadvertently programmed to self-release prematurely by the manufacturer. These wolves have been removed from the collared population, as they have not been observed since October 22, December 7 and December 22 respectively.
All wolf-sighting reports are recorded and evaluated. Sightings should be reported immediately, so the IFT can can be most responsive in follow-up.
MONITORING
Personnel have ceased trapping to capture uncollared wolves for the winter, but field efforts continue to focus on monitoring wolf activity, as well as on confirming other uncollared wolves that may exist in the wild.
In Arizona: IFT personnel discontinued efforts to capture the Aspen Pack alpha pair in the Blue River corridor eight days after the capture of f872, due to heavy snowfall, flooding and subsequent inability to access traps. Also, at about this time, the Aspen pair changed their behavior and movement patterns, and appears to have relocated outside the Blue River corridor for the time being. Their two movements into the corridor, on January 5 when the pair was seen on a road near a residence and on January 22 when the pair passed through the corridor, have not resulted in a resumption of nuisance behaviors. The few locations by the pair in the Blue River corridor have not established any discernible patterns of use that would allow for an effective resumption of trapping in this area. If the Aspen pair return to the Blue River corridor and resume a pattern of nuisance behavior, trapping will be immediately reinitiated.
On January 19, IFT personnel assisted WMAT personnel in soft-releasing F613 near Hon-Dah Pack AM578. AM578’s mate was found dead last year, apparently from a gunshot wound. The intent is to facilitate a pair bond between these two wolves prior to this year’s breeding season.
On January 25, WS personnel captured m871 on a grazing allotment in Greenlee County. This wolf was released as a pup in July with the Aspen Pack, and slipped its radio collar soon after release. On January 26, Aspen Pack f873 was also captured on the same allotment. The two wolves were involved in three depredations this month. (See “Incidents” below for more information.) Both wolves are being held at the Sevilleta Wolf Management Facility in New Mexico, and will be evaluated for future translocation.
Recent tracks in snow, found on January 4, indicate five members traveling together in the Cienega Pack.
A telemetry flight on January 7 observed M795 traveling alone east of the Black River.
During a telemetry flight January 31, project personnel again observed Rim Pack AF858 traveling with three uncollared wolves, and observed one uncollared wolf traveling with Iris Pack AM798.
Hawks Nest AM619 has not been located since October 4, despite follow-up aerial and ground efforts to determine its whereabouts. It is now classified as “Fate Unknown.”
The Bluestem Pack, Cienega Pack alpha female, Hawks Nest Pack, Iris Pack male, Rim Pack female and M795 remained in their traditional home ranges in the Apache National Forest, as did the Hon-Dah Pack alpha male on the FAIR.
In New Mexico: Project personnel located lone wolf M859 in the northeast portion of the Gila National Forest (GNF) for part of the month, but it was recently located approximately 30 miles south of its last location, near the Ladder Ranch Wolf Management Facility in NM.
Pup f862 has rejoined the Saddle Pack, and remains within the GNF. However, m860 was not located during the January 14 or 28 aerial telemetry flights, and f861 was not located on the January 28 flight.
The Francisco Pack and Luna Pack remained in their traditional home ranges in the GNF, and the San Mateo group remained in the Cibola National Forest.
Observation reports of wolves from the public are important as many of the wolves are currently dispersing. Please call the toll free number listed above to report wolf sighting as soon as possible after the sightings. Thank you for your help.
INCIDENTS
On January 14, WS personnel investigated a dead cow that M859 was observed feeding on, along side a coyote. WS determined that the cow died while calving about two weeks prior to M859 feeding on it, when M859 was not in the area. The ranch owner and manager were notified.
On January 17, WS received a report from a rancher in Greenlee County that two cows were found severely injured near the location of f873. One cow is being treated for its injuries and may survive, but the other, due to extensive injuries, was destroyed. Two days later, the rancher found the remains of a calf. WS personnel determined that wolves were involved, and began trapping efforts. Hazing activities were not an option as the allotment is too large. WS captured both wolves, Aspen Pack f873 and m871. Project personnel transported them to the Sevilleta Wolf Management Facility, where they will be evaluated for future translocation.
CAPTIVE MANAGEMENT
On January 19, five wolves at the Sevilleta Wolf Management Facility were given annual exams. All pairs were separated for the breeding season, except pair M729 and F799. One wolf was taken to the Ladder Ranch facility to be housed for the breeding season.
F613, removed from the wild in August 2003 for nuisance behavior, was captured January 18 at the Sevilleta facility. It was given a physical exam, fitted with a radio collar and placed into a mesh pen on the FAIR.
On January 20, two wolves were captured at the Ladder Ranch facility and given annual exams.
The IFT planned on hard-releasing f872, captured near the Blue River on December 22, to an area near M795 in late January. The intent was to form a pair bond between these two wolves, and to minimize the chance of f872 moving back to the Blue River area. However, when administering a physical exam on January 19, project personnel discovered that it had a puncture-type injury under its collar. The IFT decided to delay the translocation a few weeks until the injury heals.
COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION
The Mexican Wolf Adaptive Management Oversight Committee conducted four open houses for the public to discuss the Five-Year Review and the draft Standard Operating Procedures of the Blue Range Wolf Reintroduction Project. The open houses were held January 26 in Truth or Consequences, NM; January 27 in Glenwood, NM; January 28 in Alpine, AZ; and January 29 in Phoenix, AZ. The meetings provided an opportunity for the public to discuss the Project’s Five-Year Review, history, current status, future goals, and the draft standard operating procedures with program biologists and subject matter experts. The Five-Year Review presents an opportunity for the public to comment on the project, and how it is being managed. This document, comprised of a Technical Component, an Administrative Component and a Socioeconomic Component, is available for public review and input at the USFWS website http://mexicanwolf.fws.gov or at the AGFD website at http://azgfd.gov. Comments from the public must be submitted by U.S. Postal mail to the USFWS by March 15, 2005.
PROJECT PERSONNEL
Shawn Farry, hired this past fall as an AGFD Technician, accepted the AGFD Field Team Leader position.
REWARDS OFFERED
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward of up to $10,000 and the Arizona Game and Fish Department Operation Game Thief is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the shooting deaths of Mexican gray wolves. An additional $35,000 is being offered by a variety of public interest groups for a total amount of up to $46,000, depending on the information provided.
Individuals with information they believe may be helpful are urged to call one of the following agencies: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents in Mesa, AZ, at (480) 967-7900, Springerville, AZ, at (928) 333-5245, or Albuquerque, NM, at (505) 346-7828; the White Mountain Apache Tribe at (928) 338-1023 or (928) 338-4385; Arizona Game and Fish Department Operation Game Thief at 1-800-352-0700; or New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Operation Game Thief at 1-800-432-4263.
Killing a Mexican gray wolf is a violation of the federal Endangered Species Act, and can invoke criminal penalties of up to $50,000 and not more than one year in jail and/or a civil penalty of up to $25,000.
February 3, 2005
Ernst Mayr, Giant of Evolutionary Study
Ernst Mayr, sometimes refered to as the Darwin of the 20th Century, died today at the age of 100. Mayr helped define that portion of evolutionary theory dealing with how species arise through reproductive isolation. For more about Ernst Mayr, visit this short biography, or this biography and page of notable quotations.
February 2, 2005
Arizona Botanists Meeting
Dear Colleague:
The registration deadline for the "Second Meeting of Arizona Botanists" has been extended until Friday February 4 because there have been some reports about trouble accessing the website.
As a reminder the meeting will be held on Saturday, 12 February, 2005 at the Desert Botanical Garden (DBG) in Phoenix, Arizona.
The meeting will begin at 8:45 am and end at approximately 5:00. The registration fee for the meeting is $35 and will include an entrance pass to the Desert Botanical Garden, catered lunch, refreshments (coffee & tea), and a 10% discount on books at the Garden’s Gift Shop. A social hour following the afternoon sessions will follow and include a cash bar and a “lite” meal. A reduced fee of $20 is offered to undergraduate and graduate students. Please visit our website at http://lsweb.la.asu.edu/mwojciechowski/azbotany2005.html for the meeting schedule, registration form, map, agenda, and names and topics of the many speakers.
If you plan on attending the meeting and have not yet sent in your registration or if your are having trouble accessing the meeting's website and registration form please email me at asalywon@uswcl.ars.ag.gov and let me help expedite.
Sincerely,
Andrew Salywon
For AZ Botany 2005 Organizing Committee:
Charlie Butterworth (DBG)
Dixie Damrel (DBG)
Shannon Doan (ASU)
Wendy Hodgson (DBG)
Les Landrum (ASU)
Andrew Salywon (USDA-ARS)
Marty Wojciechowski (ASU)
February Astronomy Note
Saturn is the bright planet high in the sky almost all night. Green-glowing Comet Macholz is still visible, but has moved to be near the constellation Cassiopeia (The big W). Otherwise, unless you have a relatively toasty observatory to stand in, it is just too cold to observe outside. Hey! Maybe this would be a good time to visit the Lowell Observatory. Get a good look at Saturn to compare with the new photos soon to arrive from spacecraft Cassini. Lowell can use volunteers year-round, indoors and out.
Winterfest at the Arboretum
Don't forget the nifty Winterfest program at The Arb on Saturday, 5 February, 9-5. The Arb is normally closed to the public for winter, but Winterfest is the exception. Check out the program of walks, talks, and sitting by the fire by clicking on this Arb Winterfest web page.