Photos: Logging operation on Mt. Graham improves wildlife habitat, reduces fire danger
The logging will assist in restoring habitat for the Mount Graham Red Squirrel along with fuels reduction as a precaution for future wildfires in the area. The current operation is being conducted by Smith Forestry Services Inc. from Oregon. Once cutting is finished logs will be hauled to a sort yard at Graham County Fair Grounds where the National Wild Turkey Federation will determine buyers.
The National Wild Turkey Federation is the main partner for funding the Stewardship Agreement for PERP (Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project), though they apply for grants to help fund the project.
Arizona Game and Fish Department and Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation have supported National Wild Turkey Federation with funds for this project through those grants, according to Jena Trejo of the U.S. Forest Service.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
Bill Mckinney, an independent tree faller from Luna, New Mexico, cuts through the base of a tree while working at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
Bill Mckinney, an independent tree faller from Luna, New Mexico, attaches a new chain to his saw while working at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
A skid carries a tree along a dirt road at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
Jena Trejo, a forester with the Coronado National Forest, confirms boundaries of a logging unit at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
A pile of logs from a logging operation at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
Bill Mckinney, an independent tree faller from Luna, New Mexico, and Jena Trejo, a forester with the Coronado National Forest, talk over exact boundaries of a logging unit at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
Jena Trejo, a forester with the Coronado National Forest, takes notes while visiting a logging operation at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
Bill Mckinney, an independent tree faller from Luna, New Mexico, refuels his chainsaw while working at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
Bill Mckinney, an independent tree faller from Luna, New Mexico, carries his chainsaw down a dirt road while working at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
Bill Mckinney, an independent tree faller from Luna, New Mexico, makes his way down a steep hill while working at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
A loader moves a tree through a pull-through delimber at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020. The pull-through delimber strips branches from trees and cuts them to size.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
A loader moves a tree through a pull-through delimber at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020. The pull-through delimber strips branches from trees and cuts them to size.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
Bill Mckinney, an independent tree faller from Luna, New Mexico, has his helmet knocked off his head but a falling branch snagged by a tree while falling trees at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
Bill Mckinney, an independent tree faller from Luna, New Mexico, walks through a patch of trees at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
A skid moves trees along a dirt road at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
Bill Mckinney, an independent tree faller from Luna, New Mexico, makes his way to the next tree while working at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
Bill Mckinney, an independent tree faller from Luna, New Mexico, leans against a tree while working at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020.
Pinaleño Ecosystem Restoration Project
A skid moves trees along a dirt road at Snow Flat Campground, on June 25, 2020.
Josh Galemore
Photojournalist
Catalina State Park, which lies outside the forest but has also been closed due to the wildfire, is exempt from the federal closure order and can reopen.