OUR MISSION

We're dedicated to assisting the Forest Service and other resource management agencies in maintaining, protecting, and restoring the natural and cultural resources and the scenic beauty of our forest lands for the enjoyment and use of present and future generations. We are a solution-oriented volunteer group that works in partnership with these agencies to assist in tasks they do not have the staff or the funds to accomplish.

STATE OF THE ORGANIZATION 2022

It has been another outstanding year for our group on many fronts.  Once again, we efficiently and safely navigated around the Covid pandemic, with most members getting their vaccinations early and maintaining a common-sense approach to interpersonal activities. Unfortunately, several members did contract this virus but all recovered safely with only minor discomfort. We continued our support of the Forest Service with twice weekly outings throughout the work season, often teaming up with Forest Service staff, especially the Recreation and Wildlife folks. We made it through several short Forest closure restrictions due to two significant fires and then worked around a good Monsoon season with only one project date getting cancelled.

Our accomplishments were many and varied, just as we like them, with a major emphasis this year on resource protection through the construction of over several thousand linear feet of new wire fences on the district mainly to minimize inappropriate OHV use. We completed construction on one large new aspen exclosure as well as monitoring and maintenance of over 70 existing exclosures mainly here on the Coconino NF but also over 50 on the Kaibab NF. While many of our efforts occurred on the FRD, we did have several team visits to the MRRD and continued our maintenance on several important exclosures on that District.

Never a group to leave old fencing on the ground, we again cleaned up and recycled over 12 tons of abandoned wire and T-posts, making those areas safer for wildlife, livestock and human visitors with their numerous canines or horses. Speaking about wildlife, partnering with the AZGFD, Mule Deer Foundation and the AZSFWC license plate fund we rebuilt two Forest Service trick tanks, providing a more dependable source of water in these two locations.

In summary, with over 5300 total organization hours this year, a 15% increase over last year’s record-breaking numbers, it was easy to classify our efforts as both efficient and effective. Our organization is alive and well, active on many different tasks and our reputation and accomplishments are recognized not only locally but on a statewide basis as well.

Tom Mackin, President