lucky2hunt Report post Posted February 21, 2010 Things have slowed down a little in the forums so I thought I would add this. This past Fall my husband and I were finally able to join the AZG&F Adopt a Catchment program. We have been trying to do this for over a year, but it was hard to find the right person to talk to. Since being from Flagstaff, Unit 8 is close and it is also a place where we spend a lot of time camping and hunting so we wanted to work in that area. Finally, we were put in contact with Mike Rice the game manager of unit 8. He was thrilled to have any help possible, in fact when I said we would do anything he needed done, he cautioned me saying he had a giant list. Mid September we met Officer Rice and he took us into our newly adopted catchment, Hitt Springs. Oh boy, it was in major disrepair, there were trees down across fences, fencing down, gates broken, we were in the middle of it now. It is a big area, with two separate fenced off areas, one around the Spring and one around the catchment. Neither my husband or I have ever built fencing but we figured we could handle it, plus we had the help of a good friend that had some experience. I sent Officer Rice a list of things we would need and we set about clearing and cleaning the area. Because of the time of year, we had to deal with hunters so to be fair to them we would try to limit our work days to midweek, although several times we had to back out after realizing there were hunters. Between working around our own hunting seasons and the snow we didn't get finished, we still have some jumps to put up, a gate to fix and a little more clearing, but that just gives us another reason to get out in the woods this Spring! Spring Catchment COWS!!!!!!! BEFORE AFTER Hard at work Yuk A meeting of the 'brain trust' I am the 'Chief Stay Fixer-upper' Looking better - Marley our dog inspecting the work making headway! Finally, the reason why we are doing this!!! Can't wait to get back out there!!!!!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gotcoues Report post Posted February 21, 2010 That's fantastic, great to see that kind of passion for wildlife. Is it true that the G and F will supply materials if you volunteer the labor? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TLH Report post Posted February 21, 2010 This program has been out there for a while and i like to see it taking off. It was pushed hard about 4 years ago when the department was having issues with the drought and manpower but for some reason the department didn't advertise it hard enough to get it off the ground. When it was first thought of it was like the Adopt a Highway program and the thought was that a person--any person could adopt a water catchment and you don't even have to belong to any group! This is the neat part--this is something you can do and you don't need approval from any board but your own to take on the task. The thought was since most hunters have their favorite spots to scout that they could check the tanks once a month or so to make sure things were good. Good job on the tank!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScottAdams Report post Posted February 21, 2010 Great job!!! I love seeing sportsmen out doing their part for wildlife. What a neat idea, to help keep these waterers up and running! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted February 22, 2010 Awesome, thanks for sharing about the program and your particular water hole. That's great! Wouldn't it be nice if more sportsmen/women worked on habitat improvement projects? if for some reason you don't want to join a group to do it, then this is a very nice alternative! Amanda Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonecollector Report post Posted February 22, 2010 Nice job very impressive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
youngbuck Report post Posted February 22, 2010 I tried doin this but couldnt get the WM to call me back I got a hold of, i believe his name was Jeff H, and he told me to call the WM. It was hunting season but maybe ill try again this summer when i have a little more time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mrs125coues Report post Posted February 22, 2010 That is awsome. My husband and I hunt unit 8 also, maybe we will be able to do the same...did not know that this program was out there. Thanks for sharing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lucky2hunt Report post Posted February 23, 2010 That's fantastic, great to see that kind of passion for wildlife. Is it true that the G and F will supply materials if you volunteer the labor? Yes, G&F will supply material, BUT it has to go through all the 'red tape' so sometimes it takes a little bit. We went ahead and bought some of our own tools since we don't like borrowing tools (even from G&F ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lucky2hunt Report post Posted February 23, 2010 I tried doin this but couldnt get the WM to call me back I got a hold of, i believe his name was Jeff H, and he told me to call the WM. It was hunting season but maybe ill try again this summer when i have a little more time. Keep trying!!! Like I said, it took us a long time and a lot of different calls to finally get someone who had knowledge of the program... Well worth it though, there is so much that needs to be done, with the current budget cutbacks and lack of manpower, G&F can't do it by themselves. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tjhunt2 Report post Posted February 23, 2010 Thanks for sharing with us and informing us we can adopt a water hole. Looks like you, your husband, and Marley are having a great time and we need more volunteers like youself helping G&f. With the budget, we could all stand to step it up to pitch in and help out. TJ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TLH Report post Posted February 23, 2010 When we set it up the guy i worked with was named Weiss--you may try to contact him if he is still in the department. He is a great guy and will help you get it going. I believe his name was Mark Weiss. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skeeter Report post Posted March 22, 2010 This is a great idea that I wish more people would get involved with, the development crews that normally handle this sort of thing are under staffed & are under a hiring freeze like the rest of the state employees. If you are interested, your best place to start is with the Habitat Implementation Program Manager for the Dept., Ed Jharke his phone number is 623-236-7482, or Joe Currie @ 623 236 7867. If they can't help you they will point you to the right person. >>>--> Jed Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thegunsmith2506 Report post Posted March 23, 2010 Thanks for all your hard work! That is one of our favorite spots in unit 8! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lucky2hunt Report post Posted March 23, 2010 This is a great idea that I wish more people would get involved with, the development crews that normally handle this sort of thing are under staffed & are under a hiring freeze like the rest of the state employees. If you are interested, your best place to start is with the Habitat Implementation Program Manager for the Dept., Ed Jharke his phone number is 623-236-7482, or Joe Currie @ 623 236 7867. If they can't help you they will point you to the right person. >>>--> Jed Thanks for all the info Jed!!! I hope more people can get out and participate in any of the projects for our wildlife, not only do you get the satisfaction of knowing you are being a positive influence in habitat restoration, you also get the gratification of knowing you are helping the animals survive and flourish. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
