FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Forest restoration work is moving forward on more than 600 acres west of the San Francisco Peaks as part of a high-priority project aimed at reducing the threat of severe wildfire and post-wildfire flooding.
The Coconino County Flood Control District and Coconino National Forest are partnering on the Leroux Complex Fuels Reduction Project in the Upper Rio de Flag watershed.
The first phase, known as Leroux East, covers just over 600 acres and is expected to be completed this fall.
Officials identified the Upper Rio de Flag watershed as a priority for forest restoration because of the potential threat that a high-severity wildfire could pose to nearby residents, infrastructure and downstream areas.
“The progress we’re seeing on the Leroux Project reflects what strong partnerships and sustained investment can accomplish,” Coconino County District 1 Supervisor and Board Chair Patrice Horstman said. “Every acre treated strengthens our community’s resilience by reducing wildfire risk, protecting our watershed and helping safeguard residents, infrastructure and our forests.”
Horstman said the county is committed to keeping the project moving forward and providing long-term benefits for the region.
Fire modeling completed in 2023 found that the project area would likely experience moderate to high burn severity if a wildfire occurred. Those conditions could significantly increase the potential for damaging post-fire flooding in the Upper Rio de Flag watershed.
An economic impact study conducted by Northern Arizona University’s Economic Policy Institute estimated that a wildfire and subsequent flooding in the watershed could cause as much as $2.8 billion in regional economic impacts.
“The Leroux Project is an important continuation of the work we’ve done in the Upper Rio de Flag watershed, and I’m grateful for Coconino County’s support and partnership throughout,” Coconino National Forest Supervisor Aaron Mayville said. “The work we’ve done together to bolster the safety and welfare of our communities and National Forest lands is timely and making a real positive impact.”
The work is being completed by Perkins Timber Harvesting and Bob Lee & Sons Tree Service.
The local logging contractors are investing in specialized equipment capable of working on the steep and rocky terrain found within the project area. According to county officials, the equipment provides a more cost-effective alternative to helicopter logging and allows the work to be completed at approximately one-third of the cost.
The Leroux East project is part of a broader effort to proactively restore forest conditions, protect the watershed and lessen the potential effects of severe wildfire and post-wildfire flooding across the Flagstaff region.
