FLAGSTAFF — Both the Coconino National Forest and Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management are beginning a project aimed at restoring forest lands in the Pumphouse Wash area near Flagstaff’s Kachina Village community this week.
Crews are preparing for timber sales on a 2,500-acre parcel of land located near Kachina Village and Forest Highlands as part of the Pumphouse Community Protection Project.
Timber crews have started delineating project boundaries and designating trees to be removed as part of the thinning project.
By cutting and removing trees from overgrown, community-adjacent areas, forest managers can reduce overcrowding and restore local landscapes to healthy, resilient conditions.
This is a land treatment process called mechanical thinning, and works in conjunction with other land treatments, such as prescribed fire, to reduce the risk of future unwanted wildfire.
“Projects like these offer a level of risk reduction for property owners in areas located close to forest land,” said Flagstaff District Ranger Matt McGrath. “These projects are an important part of the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy.”
Once timber sale preparation has concluded, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management will advertise timber contracts to local loggers. The contract is expected to be rewarded mid-to-late 2025, with thinning activities beginning shortly afterward.
The project area will remain open to the public during all sale preparations and thinning operations, but recreational users and adjacent landowners should expect to see an increase in activity in the area and are asked to remain cognizant of any vehicles or heavy machinery in the area.
The Pumphouse Community Protection Project was authorized by the Record of Decision for the Four-Forest Restoration Initiative Environment Impact Statement, which was signed in 2015.