Don’t Let California’s Fires Ignite Arizona’s Future

Scenes of devastation in California’s foothills highlight the urgent need for proactive wildfire management in neighboring Arizona. Homes, businesses, and vehicles lie in ruins, serving as a stark reminder of nature’s ferocity and the consequences of ineffective policies.

This grim reality is a call to action for Arizona’s policymakers.

David Tenney, a former state forester and elected county supervisor, understands the dire implications of unchecked wildfires. His experience in northern Arizona emphasizes the necessity of preparing for potential disasters.

Tenney recalls his role in launching the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI), a comprehensive plan aimed at restoring Arizona’s forests through heightened thinning efforts. Initially proposing that the Forest Service increase thinning from 10,000-15,000 acres annually to 40,000-50,000, the initiative sought to protect extensive landscapes and communities.

While 4FRI showed promise on paper, execution faltered due to poor contracting choices and economic limitations, resulting in significantly less acreage being managed than expected. Still, Tenney acknowledges that, thanks to 4FRI and measures taken under former Governor Doug Ducey’s administration, Arizona’s forests are healthier than a decade ago.

However, Tenney warns that without immediate and aggressive action from both state and federal leaders, Arizona risks witnessing similar destruction as seen in California.

To avoid this fate, Tenney proposes several key actions to prioritize forest health:

1. Fully fund the State Forester’s Good Neighbor and Shared Stewardship programs.

Collaborative efforts between Arizona, the Forest Service, and other agencies have proven effective. Legislators and Governor Katie Hobbs must unite across party lines to prioritize forest management.

2. Support utility companies in managing vegetation and mitigating fire risks.

Legislation spearheaded by Rep. Gail Griffin aims to mandate utilities to create Wildfire Mitigation Plans. These plans will outline vegetation management strategies to protect communities, while also shielding utility customers from frivolous legal actions related to wildfires.

3. Urge Congress to allocate sufficient resources to the Forest Service for executing 4FRI effectively.

With insurance companies withdrawing from various communities, it’s crucial that Arizona avoids similar trends. A fully funded Forest Service effort is essential to protect rural, forested areas.

Reflecting on the Rodeo-Chediski Fire in 2002, Tenney recalls the anxiety his family faced during evacuation. The uncertainty of their home’s fate was overwhelming, a scenario he insists no Arizona family should endure.

Tenney calls for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that Arizona learns from California’s tragedies, preventing future catastrophes.

David Tenney, who directed the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management from 2018 to 2023, urges immediate action to fortify community safety and environmental health.