Flagstaff, Ariz. — July 25, 2025 — A large-scale forest restoration effort is underway just north of Flagstaff, targeting the Upper Rio de Flag Watershed—an area facing a nearly $3 billion potential economic impact from catastrophic wildfire and post-fire flooding.
To tackle this looming threat, the Coconino County Flood Control District and the Coconino National Forest have joined forces through the Upper Rio de Flag Forest Restoration Project. Their goal: reduce the growing risk of natural disaster and protect local communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
“Wildfire and post-wildfire flooding are the top two public safety threats in Coconino County,” said Patrice Horstman, Chair of the Flood Control District Board. “Forest restoration, like what we’re doing in the Upper Rio de Flag Watershed, is the best way to proactively address these threats.”
One of the most critical components of the initiative is the Hoch Project, a 2,045-acre forest treatment zone. Work in the area is being fast-tracked by three selected contractors—Perkins Timber Harvesting, Suarez Forestry, and Bob Lee and Sons Tree Service—under the guidance of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), which is managing operations, logistics, and monitoring.
“Every season without adequate forest treatment leaves us exposed to catastrophic wildfire,” said Joel Jurgens, Forest Program Director for TNC in Arizona. “Time is of the essence.”
Modeling by JE Fuller Hydrology shows that a wildfire followed by flooding in the watershed would cause widespread damage stretching from Fort Valley to downtown Flagstaff. A companion study by NAU’s Economic Policy Institute put the economic impact of such an event at up to $3 billion.
In response, the Flood Control District Board has made the Upper Rio de Flag Watershed a top priority. So far, Coconino County has committed more than $2 million to the Hoch Project, with a $2.5 million match from the Coconino National Forest.
“We’ve learned that partnerships deliver the greatest impact,” said Jay Smith, Forest Restoration Director for Coconino County. “And in this case, the cost of doing nothing far outweighs the cost of prevention.”
The Hoch Project is just one piece of the larger puzzle. Other forest treatment areas within the Upper Rio include:
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Wing East (2,600 acres) – Awarded to Perkins Timber Harvesting and already 75% complete
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Wing West (4,865 acres) – Being treated by Restoration Forest Products, completion expected by summer 2026
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Derffer Project (2,033 acres) – Managed by the National Forest Foundation, with work starting by the end of July 2025
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Leroux Project (1,100 acres) – Currently in the evaluation stage, with contractor selection expected in early 2026
District Ranger Matt McGrath of the Coconino National Forest praised the pace and coordination of the effort. “We’re on track and continuing to meet milestones,” McGrath said.
He also reminded the public to stay alert in active restoration zones, particularly along the Highway 180 corridor and adjacent forest roads. “Logging trucks and heavy equipment will be moving through the area. Please stay back at least 300 feet and yield to logging traffic on narrow roads,” he said.
For ongoing updates and information about the Upper Rio de Flag Forest Restoration Project, visit:
👉 www.coconino.az.gov/UpperRioRestoration
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