Northern Arizona’s rich, dense forests are among the many reasons why people love to live and work in our region. But the beauty and recreational opportunities of these endless acres of green come with a risk in an area that is known for its dry and often windy conditions – the threat of wildfire.
Numerous entities are dedicated to reducing that risk. Northern Arizona University’s School of Forestry specifically offers a BS in Applied Wildland Fire Science; APS has a dedicated Forestry and Wildfire Mitigation team; and the 4FRI project continues to use thinning and prescribed burns to lessen the threat of wildfires – and post-wildfire flooding – to communities throughout northern Arizona.
The work of these entities not only impacts our safety – it also has an economic impact for the region.
APS’s program employs fire mitigation specialists with experience serving on wildland hot shot crews, degreed foresters, certified arborists with tree risk assessment knowledge, and even meteorologists who track extreme weather risks.
Carl Nelson, APS Supervisor of Forestry, notes that the utility company maintains more than 38,000 miles of power lines throughout the state. He said APS takes great care to manage parts of the grid that run through forested terrain and work with customers and communities to develop programs on prevention and emergency preparedness.
“Our team of degreed foresters and fire experts monitor forest health,” he said. “They can identify when trees are stressed by drought, show signs of insect infestation, or when they are in the path of a potential wildfire.”
Meanwhile, The Nature Conservancy recently reported that the Four Forests Restoration Initiative, or 4FRI, supported more than 1,000 full- and part-time jobs in northern Arizona in 2023 and resulted in an economic impact of almost $217 million between labor costs, business to business purchases in the supply chain, and the ripple effect of employees spending their wages in the local economy.
Many of the jobs supported by the 4FRI project include commercial logging, sawmills, truck transportation and wood product manufacturing, according to the report. To view the report summary from The Nature Conservancy, click here.
By investing in wildfire prevention and forest health, these organizations and others help create jobs, support local businesses, and ensure our region remains a safe and thriving place. As we continue to navigate how to reduce the threat of wildfire, the partnerships between public, private and nonprofit entities will be key to preserving both our natural landscapes and our economic well-being for generations to come.
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