Arizona Forestry Invests Millions into Communities to Provide for Healthier Landscapes and Safer Communities
Phoenix, AZ (10/25/23) – The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) proudly announces a nearly $8 million dollar investment into the state with two essential grants. The grants aid in invasive plant eradication and support hazardous fuels reduction work to promote safer communities.
Recently, DFFM released award notifications for its Invasive Plant Grants (IPG) that assist with the reduction and removal of invasive species across Arizona’s landscapes. Invasive plants such as, tamarisk and stink net increase the threat of wildfire, change the natural fire regime, alter watersheds, and choke out native species. In total, DFFM earmarked more than $1 million dollars in IPG grants to nine organizations. Those grantees include, the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance, the City of Scottsdale, Pima County, the City of Apache Junction, the University of Arizona – Santa Rita Experimental Range, the Friends of Catalina State Park, Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, the National Audubon Society, and Wild Arizona. With these dollars, organizations like the Friends of Catalina State Park can conduct the important work of eradicating buffelgrass and fountain grass to promote native plants and protect the saguaros within the park.
In addition, DFFM recently awarded 33 agencies approximately $7 million dollars in grants under the Healthy Forest Initiative (HFI) program. HFI focuses on hazardous fuels reduction work to reduce wildfire risk, safeguard communities, and improve forest health. Some of this year’s HFI grantees include the Town of Marana, Pinal County, and the Peeples Valley Fire District. With these HFI awards, agencies like the Peeples Valley Fire District can expand on prior fuels reduction projects by moving forward with the construction of fuel breaks that increase the safety of their residents from wildfire.
“The state of Arizona remains committed to ensuring our residents are safe from wildfires and our beautiful landscapes continue to flourish, free from invasive species. This is a significant investment of dollars and I certainly appreciate all of the organizations determined to make a difference for our state,” says Governor Katie Hobbs.
DFFM provides grant assistance for a variety of programs throughout the year. Grant applications are currently open for DFFM’s Urban and Community Forestry Program including, Tree Resource Enhancement and Engagement (TREE) Grants, Community Challenge Grants, and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Grants. Additionally, DFFM opened a second round of supplemental HFI grant funding. To submit applications or for additional information on the agency’s grants and grant processes visit: https://dffm.az.gov/grants.
For more information, contact Tiffany Davila at 602-540-1036 or by email at [email protected]
