A 1,017-acre forest thinning project associated with the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) began Monday on the Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest. The project, known as the Weatherford 4FRI Task Order, is part of the 4FRI Phase One Stewardship Contract held by Good Earth Power AZ.
According to a U.S. Forest Service press release, the thinning project is occurring north of Flagstaff and west of Highway 89 adjacent to the burn area of the 2010 Schultz fire. It is the first 4FRI task order to be implemented on the Coconino National Forest.
Work will be ongoing throughout the season as weather and conditions allow. The Elden Springs Horse Camp, Deer Hill Trail and Little Elden Trail are within the thinning area and may be closed at times for public safety. The Forest Service is asking visitors to abide by all on-the-ground closures.
Logs will be hauled out of the area via Schultz Pass Road, Little Elden Springs Road and Forest Road 865. Drivers on those roads are urged to stay to the right and give logging trucks the right of way. Vehicles following a logging truck may be affected by bark, mud and gravel falling from the truck. No road closures are planned, but delays are possible.
The goal of 4FRI is to accelerate the restoration of 2.4 million acres of ponderosa pine forest in northern Arizona to increase its resilience and ensure proper functioning. It is expected to include a host of restoration activities from watershed maintenance and habitat improvements to prescribed burning and thinning.
From the Arizona Daily Sun: https://azdailysun.com/news/local/fri-thinning-project-begins-on-coconino-national-forest-near-flagstaff/article_fe2e81eb-8aa7-59d4-b06b-ae4c91cc4709.html