We go to our national forests to hike, camp, fish, and cut firewood. But they are more than recreation grounds and stores of resources. Forests provide homes for wild creatures, keep our air clean, and filter our water.
From pinyon and juniper scrubland, to ponderosa forests, to high-elevation aspen and fir, our forests are vital to the Colorado Plateau. We work to protect them for plants, animals, and people alike.
We are helping restore the world’s largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest. The long-term project involves thinning of small trees, prescribed burns, and restoring springs and streams on 2.4 million acres across four national forests in northern Arizona. More on the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) ›
Aspen stands are shady respites in the summer and confetti storms of gold leaves in the fall, but they are losing ground in Utah’s high country. We’re working with the Forest Service, ranchers, and other groups to make sure aspen have a chance to take root. More on our aspen restoration work ›
When agencies propose clear-cutting projects, we work to protect old growth stands of pinyon and juniper trees. We're also collecting data on pinyon jays to inform sound management of forests in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and beyond. You can help ›
Forests play a key role in capturing, filtering, and supplying clean water for plant, animal, and human communities. We're restoring springs and streams to help make our forests more resilient.
It's easy to take our forests for granted. But the reality is that unnaturally severe wildfires, drought, and overuse pose serious threats to the ponderosa and aspen forests we love.
Scientists agree. The Southwest is heating up. For forests, this means increased drought, pest outbreaks, the spread of invasive species, and more severe wildfires.
The vast majority of our forests are open to grazing. Livestock leave big impacts on the land, including trampled native plants and increased spread of invasive species.
Raging blazes not only threaten homes and infrastructure, but also send loads of ash and debris into our waterways, killing aquatic life and impacting water quality.
We flock to our forests to hike, camp, fish, hunt, and ride off-road vehicles. But increased use is stressing the natural resources and creating problems for land managers.
Why should you care about protecting our forests? For starters, it could save millions of tax payer dollars. Read 7 reasons for forest restoration ›
Grab your binoculars and help us spot pinyon jays. We need volunteers to help gather information about pinyon jays. Knowing where the birds are helps us advocate against clear-cutting of the forests they depend on.
You have the opportunity to comment on how you think some of the most beautiful landscapes in Utah should be managed for the next generation to come.
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Tree ring data helps scientists and land managers protect old-growth pinyon and juniper trees.
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Pack your camera and head for the trees! The Colorado Plateau has some of the best displays of fall foliage all season long.
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