Navajo County Parks
Navajo County was formed on March 21, 1895, as the act of the
Territorial Assembly before it adjourned at midnight. What is now Navajo County
was first included in Yavapai County. In 1879, the area was made part of the
newly formed Apache County. Holbrook, the county seat, had been founded in
1871.
 The county is divided
into two distinct parts by the Mogollon Rim. The high country in the northern
part of the county is arid and desert-like with mesas and plateaus. The
southern part is rugged mountain area, heavily wooded with pinon juniper and
ponderosa pine.
Economic diversity also characterizes Navajo county. The Indian
reservations in the northern half of the county comprise one segment. Kayenta,
founded in 1909 as a trading post, is now the gateway to the Navajo Tribal Park
at Monument Valley and a thriving Navajo community. Members of the Hopi Indian
Reservation, which is completely surrounded by the Navajo Reservation, depend
upon cattle and sheep production and tourism. The Hopi pueblo of Oraibi is one
of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the United States.
The Interstate 40 corridor communities of Holbrook and Winslow
in the county's center are areas of growth tied to the cross-country
transportation route. The county's southern half is characterized by dynamic
growth related to tourism and an increased demand for housing.
Major communities in the south are Pinetop-Lakeside, Show Low,
Snowflake, and Taylor.
Both central and southern portions of the county enjoy relatively low
unemployment. Fifty-five percent of Navajo County's 9,955 square miles is
Indian Reservation. Individual and corporate ownership accounts for 30 percent;
the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Bureau of Land Management together control 9
percent; the State of Arizona owns the remaining 6 percent.
Principal industries are tourism, coal mining, manufacturing,
timbering and ranching. All of Navajo County is an Enterprise Zone.
PRINCIPAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
Arizona's only pulp and paper mill is Snowflake and Taylor's
largest industry. Located on a 640-acre site 15 miles west of Snowflake and
Taylor, Stone Container is one of the most modern and efficient facilities of
its type in America. It's daily production of newsprint and kraft linerboard
supplies the fast growing Southwest region. The plant's permanent employees are
supplemented by another large group who work as wood cutters, truckers, and
other plant-affiliated jobs. The present annual payroll and substantial
contribution to local taxes has contributed immensely to the economy and growth
of the Snowflake/Taylor area.
Precision Pine and Timber, located in the former Evergreen Lumber
plant in Snowflake, maintains a sawmill in the Heber area that converts logs
into rough boards. Precision Pine and Timber Planer Mill surfaces the rough
lumber that is wholesaled to retailers and dealers needing finished and rough
lumber for railroad ties and other uses.
Rhodes Lifters, an international manufacturer of a new concept in
valve lifters, has built new office and manufacturing quarters. They are
currently expanding and diversifying products in the automotive line.
Smith Moulding and Snowflake Lumber & Moulding are two other
major employers in the area. Farming and ranching continue to be major
activities.
 Pinetop-Lakeside is a part of the dynamic
economic development of Arizona. It offers many resources such as pollution
free air, plentiful clean water, forest products, abundant recreational
activities, access to major metropolitan areas, a refreshing four-season
climate, and a well-planned rural business atmosphere to serve the needs of the
people in its region.
The economy of Pinetop-Lakeside is heavily oriented toward trade
and services for tourists and recreation-seekers, as well as residents. A
winter sports complex, Sunrise Ski Resort, located 30 miles east of
Pinetop-Lakeside on the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation, attracts
skiers from around the southwest and is internationally known for its' well
developed slopes and facilities.
Pinetop-Lakeside provides much of the available lodging and local
companies have taken advantage of this new market. Manufacturing in Navajo
County is based largely on forest products. Raw materials for this industry are
provided by the world's largest stand of Ponderosa Pine.
SCENIC ATTRACTIONS
Snowflake/Taylor lies in an area of
great contrasts - barren desert to the north and mountain ranges to the south.
The Petrified Forest National Park is one of the nation's most unique parks.
Within the Petrified Forest is the Painted Desert, Navajo Indian Reservation
and attractions such as Monument Valley and Oraibi - the oldest continually
occupied village in the U.S.
To the south and the west of Snowflake/Taylor are high mountains
and forests, including the White Mountains,
Sitgreaves National Forest,
and the Mogollon Rim. Many small lakes, perfect for trout fishing and swimming,
are scattered throughout these mountains.
The Sunrise Park Ski Resort is located 65 miles south of
Snowflake/Taylor on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Pinetop-Lakeside is surrounded by the natural beauty of
the White Mountains.
Hunting and
fishing are popular recreational activities, and picnic and camping
facilities are provided throughout the area. The White Mountain Apache Indian
reservation alone has more than 300 miles of
streams and 26 major
lakes. (A special use permit
is needed on the reservation.) Rainbow, brown and brook trout are the primary
fish caught in the numerous public and private fishing lakes.
Pinetop-Lakeside is noted for its golf courses and
Woodland Lake Park with its
excellent recreational facilities. Cross-country skiing, sledding,
snowmobiling, and ice fishing can be enjoyed during the winter months.
Immediately south of Pinetop-Lakeside is the Mogollon Rim. The Mogollon Rim is
a steep escarpment ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 feet in height which separates
Arizona's northern plateau region from the lower deserts of central and
southern Arizona.
Show Low, the commercial and tourism
hub of the White Mountains, offers many year round recreational opportunities
and points of scenic interest. The
Apache-Sitgreaves National
Forest with 58 campgrounds, trails, and pristine lakes surround the city.
The scenic White Mountain and Mogollon Rim areas are nearby for campers and
fishermen. Arizona's only covered bridge is located in Pinedale, 15 miles west
of Show Low. Apache, Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni Indian Reservations are also
nearby.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Community facilities offered in Navajo County include: Health
Centers, Libraries, Bowling Alleys,
Golf Courses, Theaters, Museums, Roping Arenas, Rodeo Arenas,
Handball/Basketball Courts, Indoor Aquatic Centers, Racquet/Tennis Courts,
Softball/Baseball Fields, Picnic Areas, and an Amphitheater.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Pioneer Days, one of the two largest events in Snowflake, is held
as near to Founders Day (July 24th) as possible. Pioneer homes are open for
tours with the residents adding to the charm of the pioneer spirit by wearing
costumes. An art & crafts street fair, barbecues, dances, rodeos and
fireworks are among the many community sponsored activities planned for this
celebration.
 The second largest
event is the Annual Sweet Corn Festival, held over the Labor Day Weekend in
nearby Taylor. Youths are urged to plant plots of sweet corn and compete for
prizes. In addition, there are parades, barbecues, kid's rodeos, dances, and
exhibits of arts and crafts plus tours of pioneer homes. A distance run and
bike-a-thon are held for charitable purposes. Softball and golf tournaments are
two of the featured attractions. Snowflake also hosts an Annual Groundhog
Breakfast on the first of February.
An annual Fall Festival is held in the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside
during the month of September to celebrate the bountiful harvest. Included is
the "Run to the Pines Car Show", and the largest arts & craft show in the
area.
COMMUNICATION
Snowflake has local area newspapers, twenty television channels
via cable or antenna, and receives radio stations from Holbrook and Show Low.
These services are in addition to communication resources from the rest of the
state.
Taylor also receives radio stations from Holbrook and Show Low
along with television channels from Phoenix and Tucson (via
cable/antenna).
Pinetop-Lakeside has bi-weekly and weekly area newspapers, radio
stations from Show Low, 24 television channels via cable from Phoenix, and four
channels via antenna from Tucson.
Show Low has bi-weekly area newspapers and receives several radio
stations from Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff. Television channels received
include Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff via cable, translator, and antenna.
EDUCATIONAL
There are four public elementary schools, one junior high school,
one high school, and one private school (grades 1-12) in the Snowflake/Taylor
area. School enrollment is more than 2,700 students.
In Show Low, there are five public elementary schools, one
junior high school, and one high school. Show Low High School has a vocational
education program offering courses in Auto Mechanics, General Business and
Graphic Arts. Show Low also has an accredited Cosmetology School in alternating
years.
In Pinetop-Lakeside, public schools include: an elementary
school, middle school, junior high school, and high school. School enrollment
is more than 2,000 students. Private elementary schools are available in
Pinetop-Lakeside.
Northland Pioneer
College, a nationally-accredited, state-supported community college, began
serving Navajo County during the 1974-75 academic year. The College is
decentralized and now offers classes in over 250 locations. Full-service
degree-granting campuses are located in Winslow, Holbrook, Snowflake/Taylor and
Show Low. Degree course work may also be completed at centers in Heber,
Whiteriver and Keams Canyon. The district office is located in Holbrook. Areas
of study include adult basic education, vocational, academic transfer and
personal interest. For information call (928) 524-7600 or 1-800-266-7845.
Northern Arizona University, in cooperation with NPC, offers upper division and
graduate courses at several Navajo County locations. Contact Edward Grzywinski
(928-208-5803) at .
MEDICAL
There are two medical clinics, three physicians, three
chiropractors, four dentists, one part-time optometrist, and two ambulances
serving Snowflake and Taylor. Complete medical facilities are available in Show
Low, nineteen miles south.
Pinetop-Lakeside includes the Navapache Regional Medical Center
with 57 beds, physicians (22 active staff, 18 consulting), six dentists, two
optometrists, two orthodontists and two podiatrists provide care, as well as
three chiropractic and dental clinics.
Major Hospitals: Winslow Memorial Hospital, Winslow (928)
289-4691 Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center, Show Low (928)
537-4375
FINANCIAL
 There
are two financial institutions with local branch offices in Snowflake/Taylor.
Further, Navajo County businesses are eligible for assistance in financing
fixed assets through the Strategic Finance Division and Arizona Department of
Commerce. Information on Industrial Development Bonds within the County may be
obtained from the Industrial Development Authority of Navajo County; Stewart
Szink, President; 819 W. Florida; Holbrook, AZ. 86025
There are four financial institutions with seven branches in the
area. There are six financial institutions with local offices in Show Low.
Several company-sponsored credit unions are also available. In addition, Navajo
County businesses are eligible for assistance in financing fixed assets through
the Strategic Finance Division of the Arizona Department of Commerce.
Information on Private Activity Bonds within the city may be obtained from the
same source or from the White Mountain Regional Development Corporation.
Employment by Sector:
Mining & Construction 2,875; Manufacturing 750;
Transportation, Trade, Communication & Utilities 5,450; Finance, Insurance,
& Real Estate 575; Services & Miscellaneous 5,500; Government 10,100
Major Employers:
Arizona Public Service-Joseph City, Employment Type - Electric
Services
Holiday Inn-Kayenta, Employment Type - Hotels and Motels
Kayenta Boarding B.I.A. School-Kayenta, Employment Type - Administration of
Educational Programs
Keams Canyon Indian Hospital-Keams Canyon, Employment
Type - Medical Doctor's Office
Navajo Tribal Utility Authority-Navajo
Nation, Employment Type - Utility
Navapache Regional Medical Center-Show
Low, Employment Type - Medical Doctors Office
Northland Pioneer
College-Holbrook, Show Low, & Snowflake, Employment Type - Colleges and
Universities
Peabody Coal Co.-Kayenta, Employment Type - Bituminous Coal
and Lignite Surface Mining
Stone Container Corp.-Snowflake, Employment
Type - Paper Mills
Western Moulding Co. Inc.-Snowflake, Employment Type -
Millwork.
Employment by Occupation:
Managers & Administrative 1,420
Professional &
Technical N/A
Sales & Related Occupations N/A
Clerical &
Admin. Support N/A
Service Occupations N/A
Agriculture, Forestry
& Fishing N/A
Production, Maintenance & Material Handling 1,860
GOVERNMENTAL
The community of Snowflake/Taylor is governed by a mayor, six
council members and a town manager. There is local police protection and the
fire department has twenty volunteers and six reserves.
Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside are also governed by the same as
Snowflake/Taylor; except Show Low is a full service city with Police, Parks
& Recreation, Water & Waste Management, and Planning & Zoning
Departments. Fire and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) are also available.
Pinetop-Lakeside's fire departments have both full-time and volunteer
personnel.
TRANSPORTATION
Highways: Interstate 40, U.S. 60, U.S. 160, U.S. 163,
state Highway 73, state Highway 77, state Highway 87, state Highway 99, state
Highway 260, state Highway 264, state Highway 277, state Highway 564
Bus Lines: Greyhound Bus Lines, Navajo Transit System, White Mountain
Passenger Lines
Rail Service: AMTRAK (928) 289-3630 Apache
Railway (928) 536-4697 Burlington-Santa Fe Railway (928) 536-4697
Trucking Service: Alpine Trucking Inc., Hall J.R. & Sons Trucking
Inc., Hurley Trucking Co., Con-Way Western Express, Transcon Lines, West-Ex
 Air
Service: Major Airports by name are Holbrook Municipal, Kayenta, Polacca,
Show Low Municipal, Taylor Municipal, White River, Winslow Municipal The
residents of Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside have access to the local airport
which has two paved runways (one 4,000-foot unlighted and one 6,500-foot
lighted runway) UNICOM radio equipped. Repairs, gas and Charter Service
available. There is a commuter airline service to Phoenix three times daily.
The residents of Snowflake/Taylor have access to the Taylor Airport which has a
7,200 ft. runway.
INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES
Fort Apache Indian Reservation: Fort Apache has two parks
(1,600 acres), with utilities available. Contact the EDA planning office, White
Mountain Apache Tribe, for further information.
Holbrook: There are two industrial parks with a
total of 940 acres (640 heavy, 300 light). Utilities are available in addition
to rail, air, and highway access. For additional information, contact the
Holbrook Development Department, (928) 524-2413.
Hopi Indian
Reservation: There is one industrial park in Winslow. The 150-acre park has
full utilities, rail, freight and air access. Contact the Hopi Tribe, Office of
Research & Planning.
Pinetop-Lakeside: Pinetop-Lakeside has one
industrial park with 40+ acres. Utilities and highway access are available.
Current information can be obtained from the Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber of
Commerce.
Show Low: Show Low's
industrial property consists of lots from one to 35 acres, utilities, road, and
airport access. Contact the White Mountain Development Cooperation for more
information.
Taylor: There are two
parks (25 acres) with utilities. Contact the Town of Taylor for information.
Winslow: Sites of various sizes for light or heavy industry
are available by lease or purchase. For additional information, contact the
Winslow Chamber of Commerce or I.D.E.A., Inc.
LODGING AND MEETING FACILITIES
In Show Low there are 11 motels with 515 rooms, six RV
parks, nine campgrounds (six public, three private) and 12 meeting facilities
with the largest one seating 500 people.
Pinetop-Lakeside has
approximately 42 lodging facilities which include motels, hotels, condos,
cabins and bed/breakfast properties. There are approximately 14 RV and mobile
home parks.
In Snowflake/Taylor there are two motels with 66
units in the area and several meeting facilities with the largest seating up to
1,000 people. There are also eight trailer parks.
For further information contact:
Heber/Overgaard Chamber of
Commerce
Pinetop-Lakeside Chamber of Commerce
Show Low Chamber of
Commerce
Snowflake-Taylor Chamber of Commerce
Winslow Chamber of
Commerce
County profiles are produced by the Communications Division of
the Arizona Department of Commerce. Published by permission of Show Low Chamber
of Commerce.
|
