An example of forest restoration thinning treatments: This photo shows an area in NAU's Ecological Restoration Institute Fort Tuthill Demonstration Forest, pre-treatment.
The initial phase of the Upper Rio de Flag Watershed Restoration Project will focus on six treatment areas, illustrated here.
Courtesy
An example of forest restoration thinning treatments: This photo shows an area in NAU's Ecological Restoration Institute Fort Tuthill Demonstration Forest, pre-treatment.
Courtesy
The same area pictured above, immediately after forest restoration thinning treatment.
Courtesy
The same area pictured above, 1 year after forest restoration thinning treatment.
Courtesy
Mechanical thinning operations in the Wing East Project Area.
Last year, the Coconino County Forest Restoration Initiative kicked off the Upper Rio de Flag Watershed Restoration Project in partnership with the Coconino National Forest. This project aims to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and post-wildfire flooding in the 21,500 acre Upper Rio de Flag Watershed. According to such catastrophes in this area could result in a regional economic impact ranging up to nearly $3 billion.
This year will see increases in the scale and scope of the forest restoration operations in the project’s priority treatment areas, and as this activity ramps up, it is critical that Flagstaff area recreationists, motorists, and visitors know what to expect.
