National Forest Foundation Wins Top Honors From Arizona Forward for Northern Arizona Forest Fund

PHOENIX, Oct. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, October 6^th, the National Forest Foundation received the top honor at Arizona Forward's 38^th Annual Environmental Excellence Awards presented by SRP. The organization's Northern Arizona Forest Fund received a Crescordia award as a "Sustainability Champion" and the President's Award, beating out dozens of other organizations for the highest honor of the evening.

"We are so proud to be honored by Arizona Forward and to share the stage with so many other great environmental initiatives," said Rebecca Davidson, the NFF's Southern Rockies Program Manager. "This award highlights how partnerships and a long-term commitment can make a real difference."

The Northern Arizona Forest Fund leverages private and public funding to improve forest conditions of National Forests in Northern Arizona. These public lands provide much of the water to the Salt and Verde Rivers, which supply water to Phoenix and other southern Arizona cities, but have been impacted by declining federal budgets, wildfire and climate change.

"We are thrilled to be recognized for the Northern Arizona Forest Fund," said Mary Mitsos, NFF President. "This approach is one example of how we work to improve these incredible landscapes. Across the country, the NFF is creating innovative conservation partnerships like the Northern Arizona Forest Fund that leverage funding to make lasting improvements to America's 193 million acres of National Forests."

In addition to receiving this high-profile award, the NFF recently received $13 million from CALFIRE for cross-boundary work in California and Nevada's Tahoe/Truckee region ? the largest single grant given out by CALFIRE this year.

The NFF launched the Northern Arizona Forest Fund in 2015 and has invested more than $2 million into projects that reduce the risk of severe fire, reduce sediment in streams and reservoirs, and improve wetland and spring function across the Coconino, Apache-Sitgreaves, Kaibab, Prescott and Tonto National Forests. Project examples include reducing fire risk on Bill Williams Mountain, helping to protect private property and reducing sediment from Schnebly Hill Road, which helped reduce transmission of E. Coli into Oak Creek. Other projects include meadow and spring restoration and trail erosion control projects. All of the projects improve water quality and quantity or reduce the risk of severe fire, which can negatively affect water supplies.

"The declining health of Northern Arizona forests puts the state one catastrophic wildfire away from an impact on its water supply," said Lori Singleton, president and CEO of Arizona Forward. "The Northern Arizona Forest Fund has made substantial progress in improving forest health, and also provides a model for other regions across the nation facing similar challenges."

"We are grateful for all of the partners who have supported the Northern Arizona Forest Fund since we first launched it," said Davidson. "Our focus on high-priority projects has delivered real benefits to watershed health and water supplies."

SOURCE National Forest Foundation