Almost one year ago, the Forest Service announced the contractor for the first stewardship contract awarded under the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) in Arizona. The Forest Service anticipates that work issued under the Ranch Task Order will begin in early June.

This initial task order will provide treatment on approximately 1,000 acres on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests near Show Low. The work consists of removal of trees over 1 inch in diameter and the residue (tops and limbs) in order to meet the desired conditions for the area.

Due to current market conditions, the contractor – Pioneer Forest Products – may complete the work with multiple entries over 18 months, rather than completing all the work with one entry into the area. Once operations begin in June, notice will be given regarding safety and specific road locations.

This is the beginning of restoration work that will treat an average of 30,000 acres per year on the Coconino, Kaibab, Apache-Sitgreaves and Tonto National Forests over the next nine years and is an important step for the 4FRI – a 20-year plan to restore 2.4 million acres of ponderosa pine forest in northern Arizona.

From The Verde Independent: https://verdenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=54245