SRP and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) have extended their partnership to continue forest restoration efforts through 2030. The new Memorandum of Understanding allows the utility and state agency to plan, fund, and execute forest thinning projects.
The Good Neighbor Authority enables DFFM to work with the U.S. Forest Service on national forest lands, enhancing restoration by pooling resources for beneficial projects. In the first five years, SRP and DFFM funded 25 projects restoring 35,000 acres, removing significant amounts of timber and biomass in Tonto and Coconino National Forests.
These efforts target areas within the Salt and Verde River watersheds, aiming to protect infrastructure, reduce wildfire risk, and enhance wildlife habitats. They also help safeguard water sources for Phoenix residents.
Looking ahead, SRP and DFFM aim to expand their partnership into Prescott National Forest while continuing work in existing forests. Their goal is to restore an additional 52,000 acres by 2030.
“The state of Arizona is excited to continue this unique partnership with SRP,” said Tom Torres, DFFM State Forester. “We look forward to maintaining our momentum in implementing critical forest restoration projects.”
Leslie Meyers from SRP added, “We are proud to continue working closely with DFFM to ensure healthy forests.”
SRP serves as a major electricity provider in Phoenix and manages extensive water resources for millions of residents.
For more information:
– Patty Garcia-Likens at SRP: (602) 245-0047
– Matthew Wilcox at AZ Department of Forestry and Fire Management: (602) 556-6502
