A New Approach to Forest Restoration in the American Southwest
The Kaibab National Forest (KNF) comprises 2,432 square miles over three Ranger Districts, Williams, Tusayan and North Kaibab, and borders large portions of Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona. The Kaibab National Forest desgined the Kaibab Forest Health Focus process to identify aras across the three Ranger Districts where the objectives of ecological restoration and fire threat reduction might be pursued in a socially viable and ecologically sound manner. The KNF adn the Forest Ecosystem Restoration Analysis (ForestERA) Project at Northern Arizona University convened stakeholders and forest service staff in a series of 4 large group meetings and 3 break out groups January through June, 2009 to:
- Identify high priority areas for mechanical and prescribed fire treatments;
- produce data and outcomes that inform the work of forest managers; and
- deliver project outcomes that have a high degree of public support
Importantly, results from the Kaibab Forest Health Focus will advance planning and management efforts in a manner that links the U.S. Forest Services's national and regional objectives, while responding to the specific needs of the Kaibab National Forest and the public.
