The Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) is currently the nation’s largest collaborative effort designed to restore ecosystems in United States forests. The four National Forests involved with this project, Coconino, Kaibab, Apache-Sitgreaves and Tonto, are poised to see a significant change potentially affecting more than just the environment. It is also anticipated to have a viable economic impact on the communities that are intertwined with them. From the south rim of the Grand Canyon … [Read more...] about Forest Restoration Creating 1,000 Jobs
Forest
Forest Officials Concerned about Off-Roading
With the beginning of hunting season, more hunters and motorists are frequenting Coconino National Forest and scouting for good locations—both for camping and for hunting. Many visitors are still unaware of the Travel Management Rule, which began in May that established a primary network of open roads for traversing the forest, prohibiting motorized cross-country travel in order to protect the natural resource. On Friday, the first day of deer hunting season for … [Read more...] about Forest Officials Concerned about Off-Roading
Hunting in the Aftermath of the State’s Largest Wildfire
When Sonny Tapia first went into the forest after the Wallow Fire, the devastation brought tears to his eyes. The lifelong resident of eastern Arizona feels as comfortable in the surrounding wilderness as he does in his living room. "Seeing the places I grew up camping as a kid, the beauty was just gone," he said. But Tapia is quick to look for the silver lining, predicting a surge in trophy deer and elk in the region. "One thing positive to come out of it is going to be the excellent … [Read more...] about Hunting in the Aftermath of the State’s Largest Wildfire
Fires Prohibited on Forest
Fire restrictions remain in effect on the Coconino National Forest. Under these restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal or wood stoves are allowed in developed campgrounds only. The restrictions also limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles, buildings or in developed campgrounds. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns, and heaters that can be turned off are allowed. Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest land. During daily patrols, forest personnel have … [Read more...] about Fires Prohibited on Forest
Preparing for Wildfire Season
Last year, after experiencing one of the snowiest winters on record, we experienced three serious wildfires in our area. The first, Eagle Rock, burned north of Parks for several days in mid-June, eventually burning over 3,000 acres and requiring the commitment of hundreds of firefighters to suppress. Then, even as this fire continued, the Hardy Fire broke out here in town, consuming nearly 300 acres right at the back door, literally, of Little America. Despite forcing the evacuation of many … [Read more...] about Preparing for Wildfire Season
Plan for Restoring Northern Arizona’s Forests
There is no question that forest fires can leave devastation and great economic loss after they are extinguished. Last year’s fires near Flagstaff cost taxpayers millions of dollars, and the aftermath caused a significant amount of flooding near Doney Park. That is why several community leaders, environmentalists, scientists, and state forest service officials are hammering out a forest restoration initiative that outlines a strategy to protect 2.4 million acres of ponderosa pine forests in … [Read more...] about Plan for Restoring Northern Arizona’s Forests
Proposed Forest Restoration
Applauding Forest Service efforts, the Four Forest Restoration Initiative stakeholders’ groups is calling the latest step toward restoring northern Arizona’s ponderosa pine ecosystem significant and historic. Currently available for public comment, the Forest Service proposal or Proposed Action for the Four Forest Restoration Initiative outlines a restoration strategy within a 750-thousand acre analysis area on the Mogollon Plateau of the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests. Stakeholders … [Read more...] about Proposed Forest Restoration
