Stewardship

Forest Stewardship Program

Arizona’s Forest Stewardship Program was developed by the State Forester in consultation with the Arizona Forest Stewardship Committee. Guidance for the program is provided through the statewide strategy, the State Priority Plan, and the Spatial Analysis Project. Six of the 16 recommendations in the Statewide Strategy For Restoring Arizona’s Forests pertain to the Governor and Executive Branch agencies. The State Forester and other state agencies are encouraged to develop forest restoration and fire management strategies for critical watersheds, and to enhance the utilization of small-diameter wood and biomass.
 
The State Priority Plan is a strategic plan developed by the State Forester with input from the Arizona Forest Stewardship Committee. This plan identifies the top priorities for delivery of the Forest Stewardship Program.
 
The Spatial Analysis Project or SAP evaluated the impact of our landowner assistance efforts across the landscape and identified areas of stewardship suitability to provide for strategic delivery of the Forest Stewardship Program. The SAP has two main components: a historic spatial database of stewardship plan tracts and a layer-based suitability analysis. Both components are used together in a Geographic Information Systems or GIS analysis to categorize areas within a state according to their stewardship potential and evaluate the effectiveness of program delivery efforts in those priority areas.
 
Division of Forestry personnel also provide technical assistance with reforestation and tree nurseries. Landowners are assisted with species selection and tree seedling procurement, as well as, site preparation, planting, care and maintenance. To request assistance or further information on forestry assistance programs, contact the office nearest you.