On July 2, 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt created the Coconino National Forest by combining all or part of three previously established Reserves: Grand Canyon, San Francisco Mountains, and the Black Mesa. Thus, 2008 became a commemorative year for the Coconino National Forest and the Fort Valley Experimental Forest Station as we celebrated their Centennials.

This 100-year mark also brought many more celebrations with it, as we met numerous goals in forest thinning, fire management, wildlife programs, restoration projects, and also partnered with hundreds of outstanding organizations to manage and improve the forest. These partnernships evolved because surrounding community members and organizations have a broad and deep interest in the management of the Coconino National Forest, and we welcome these partnerships.

As one example, in 2008 forest personnel participated in discussions with community members about how, as a community, we can meet the challenges and opportunities of managing forested landscapes. This conversation led to the development of the Community Conversation on Sustainability: Healthy Forests, Healthy Community, a forum hosted by the Flagstaff Leadership Program on February 21, 2009 at the NAU deBois Center.

The Community Conversation on Sustainability is designed to bring together a broad array of stakeholders with the purpose of developing a shared vision of forest sustainability. This vision will help define the role of public forested lands in meeting community objectives for economic, social, and ecological sustainability, and integrating that vision into existing planning, decision-making, and resource management processes. As we revise the forest plan for the Coconino, this effort by the community will be invaluable in helping define our role in meeting community needs.

The Coconino is also partnering with other three other National Forests in northern Arizona to develop and implement a strategy to accelerate forest restoration across the four forests. This new partnership includes the Kaibab, Apache-Sitgreaves, and the Tonto. It is imperative to accelerate forest restoration to restore Arizona’s forests and protect our communities. This belief is a result from discussions and a shared sense of importance and urgency amongst the Forest Service and other stakeholders, including the Arizona Forest Health Council.

We will continue to work collaboratively with forest stakeholders, utilize the best available science and approach the work at a broad landscape to improve the health of our National Forests as well as provide economic opportunities to local communities by utilizing excess biomass.

As you read the rest of our Stakeholders Report we think you will find a deep connection between the management of the Coconino National Forest and the communities and stakeholders associated with it. It is a long and important connection, one that we look forward to continuing in new and meaningful ways into the next 100 years.

Forest Wide

The Coconino National Forest welcomes approximately 3.3 million visitors each year, warranting ongoing projects to sustain the health of the Forest........................... Pg.2-3

Peaks & Mormon Lake

From restoration projects, to programs involving students, the Peaks and Mormon Lake Districts report on their accomplishments and future plans .................. Pg.4-5

Red Rock

One of the most visited districts in the Coconino National Forest, our Red Rock District boasts of some incredible accomplishments year after year .................... Pg.6-7

Mogollon Rim

With strong partnerships and community collaboration, the Mogollon Rim District is dedicated to finding creative ways to manage
natural resources ........... Pg.8-9

By the Numbers

Take a look at the latest figures on the Coconino’s budget, expenditures, visitor data, volunteer information and more. We also would like to thank each of our volunteers and organizations for partnering with us throughout 2008 ................................. Pg.10-11

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