Forestry in Arizona
Supporting healthy forests, resilient communities, sustainable forest economies, and informed natural resource policy across Arizona and the Southwest.
Arizona’s forests provide clean water, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, forest products, cultural resources, and economic benefits for rural communities. They also face significant challenges, including severe wildfire, drought, insects and disease, limited forest-product markets, and the complex legal and regulatory systems governing public lands. The forest industry, including loggers, sawmill operators, etc., makes Arizona’s communities safer from wildfire and post-fire flooding.
Contact Evan Nye for information on forest policy or legal issues, to request presentations or educational programs, explore partnerships with the NRULPC and more.
19.4 million acres of forest land
According to AZ Department of Forestry and Fire Management, forests cover roughly 27% of the state and occupy 19.4 million acres.
$216 Million in Economic Activity
Restoration activities associated with the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) generated an estimated $216 million in regional economic impact in northern Arizona in 2023.
90% of streamflow originates on forested lands
According to the 2020 Forest Action Plan, forested lands in Arizona contribute nearly 90% of the total streamflow in the state, much of which comes during spring snowmelt.
Investigating Barriers to Forest Restoration
Finding practical uses for small-diameter trees and forest residues is an important challenge for Arizona's forestry community. Our biomass utilization work examines the markets, infrastructure, science, and policy conditions that shape whether this material can be put to productive use, drawing on research and conversations with producers, land managers, and other stakeholders.
Making Forest Policy and Regulation Accessible
Federal policy changes can have direct consequences for forest management, businesses, and rural communities. We help forestry stakeholders understand federal and state developments through clear explanations, timely updates, and conversations about their practical implications
The NRULPC produces resources and helps forestry stakeholders understand the ongoing USDA and U.S. Forest Service reorganization, pending legislation before Congress, and new regulations affecting forestry.
We help Arizona communities explore how local tree codes can support urban forest management, shade, and tree canopy goals. Our work includes reviewing tree-related ordinances and comparing municipal approaches to inform code updates.
The NRULPC travels across the state to directly connect with loggers, sawmill owners, and other producers to hear questions, answer questions, and identify information needs.
Have a question or want to learn more about our work on forestry?
Contact Evan Nye with questions about navigating regulatory and policy hurdles, request resources and presentations, or opportunities to partner and engage with us.
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Connecting People Across Arizona's Forests
We connect with forest managers, researchers, conservation organizations, loggers, and sawmill owners to understand shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration. Field visits with groups such as the Greater Flagstaff Forest Partnership, alongside direct conversations with producers, help ground our work in the realities of forest management and wood utilization.