Another forest thinning project is about to start in the Prescott National Forest. Crews will begin hand-thinning and piling vegetation as part of a wildfire prevention project on December 1st. The work is part of the Evacuation Route Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project, covering about 410 acres in the Bradshaw Ranger District.
Contractors will use chainsaws to cut and pile brush along roads and trails that could serve as evacuation routes in a fire emergency. Areas where work will take place include Thumb Butte Road, Ponderosa Park Road, and several popular trails around Prescott. Some dispersed camping sites may be affected, but no closures are expected.
Forest officials urge the public to be alert while crews are working. The project aims to reduce fire risk while supporting healthier forest conditions near the wildland-urban interface.