Because of the devastating wildfires experienced in the last decade, more emphasis has been placed on restoring the forests to a healthy balance. The White Mountain Stewardship project was the first large-scale attempt and five years into the 10-year process, it has proven to be successful.
     The Four Forest Restoration Initiative is taking that success and expanding it on a much broader scale. It is a cooperative effort between the US Forest Service and other natural resource agencies, communities, environmentalists, scientists, ranchers and private industry to accelerate the restoration of 2.4 million acres of ponderosa pine forests in northern Arizona. Those forests include the Kaibab, Apache-Sitgreaves, Tonto and Coconino.
     This initiative has created an historical turning point, ending decades of fighting among environmentalists and timber interests, and building on years of collaboration contained in the Governor's Forest Health Council and the Statewide Strategy for Restoring Arizona's Forests.
     After working together for over a year, the group has reached an agreement on a proposed course of action which has been detailed in the Path Forward document, which will be submitted to the Forest Service.
     "What this means is we are all focused on the same goal, ultimately to return health and sustainability to Arizona's forests," said stakeholder group member Ethan Aumack. "We are promoting the use of the best science available to restore ecological and economic health by reducing fire danger and protecting communities, returning our forests and rangelands to a healthier condition that can function with low-density fire and providing opportunities to create jobs and stimulate local economies."
     This 20-year plan will use commercial cutting and create a wood-products industry that will provide many new jobs and pump up to $170 million a year into rural Arizona. This type of approach could eventually become self-sustaining.
     The public will save money on fire-fighting costs and a lessening property damage.
     The iniative seeks to treat approximately 50,000 acres per year over 20 years. Historically, only about 15,000 acres a year have been treated. The first large project planned is expected to begin this fall. It will be designed to treat 750,000 acres on the Mogollon Rim.
     Businesses that harvest, process and sell wood products from the thinning efforts will play a critical role and help offset the cost to the public.