Forests - header
Blake McCord

Springs - What we do (header)

What we do

Forests - what we do (content)

Four Forest Restoration Initiative

Forest restoration in Arizona

We are helping restore the world’s largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest. The long-term project involves thinning of small trees, prescribed burns, and restoring springs and streams on 2.4 million acres across four national forests in northern Arizona. More on the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) ›

Pando Aspen Clone, Utah

Protect aspen forests

Aspen stands are shady respites in the summer and confetti storms of gold leaves in the fall, but they are losing ground in Utah’s high country. We’re working with the Forest Service, ranchers, and other groups to make sure aspen have a chance to take root. More on our aspen restoration work ›

Three volunteers identify a pinyon tree in Utah.

Advocate for old growth

When agencies propose clear-cutting projects, we work to protect old growth stands of pinyon and juniper trees. We're also collecting data on pinyon jays to inform sound management of forests in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and beyond. You can help ›

 

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Blake McCord

Forests - water

Healthy forests = healthy waters

Forests play a key role in capturing, filtering, and supplying clean water for plant, animal, and human communities. We're restoring springs and streams to help make our forests more resilient.

Forests - threats (intro)

Threats to our national forests

It's easy to take our forests for granted. But the reality is that unnaturally severe wildfires, drought, and overuse pose serious threats to the ponderosa and aspen forests we love.

Forests - threats (icons)

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Climate change

Scientists agree. The Southwest is heating up. For forests, this means increased drought, pest outbreaks, the spread of invasive species, and more severe wildfires.

 

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Overgrazing

The vast majority of our forests are open to grazing. Livestock leave big impacts on the land, including trampled native plants and increased spread of invasive species.

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Wildfire

Raging blazes not only threaten homes and infrastructure, but also send loads of ash and debris into our waterways, killing aquatic life and impacting water quality.

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Recreation

We flock to our forests to hike, camp, fish, hunt, and ride off-road vehicles. But increased use is stressing the natural resources and creating problems for land managers.

Forests - seven reasons for restoration

Forests - seven reasons for restoration

7 reasons for forest restoration ›

Why should you care about protecting our forests? For starters, it could save millions of tax payer dollars. Read 7 reasons for forest restoration ›

 

PJ - Pinyon Jay project

PJ - Pinyon Jay project
Blake McCord

Birdwatchers needed

Grab your binoculars and help us spot pinyon jays. We need volunteers to help gather information about pinyon jays. Knowing where the birds are helps us advocate against clear-cutting of the forests they depend on. 

Sign me up

Forests - Wildfire

Forests - Wildfire
Mary Lata, U.S. Forest Service

Wildfire in the Southwest

As the climate warms, the need for fire management and forest restoration has never been greater. Find out how we're addressing catastrophic wildfire in Arizona ›

Forest Restoration Blog

10/30/23

You have the opportunity to comment on how you think some of the most beautiful landscapes in Utah should be managed for the next generation to come.

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06/27/23

Tree ring data helps scientists and land managers protect old-growth pinyon and juniper trees.

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10/5/21

Pack your camera and head for the trees! The Colorado Plateau has some of the best displays of fall foliage all season long.

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