Arizona Forestry begins fuels reduction project at Oracle State Park to mitigate wildfire risk

The Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) has started a fuels reduction project within Oracle State Park in an ongoing effort to protect Arizona’s communities and improve the health of the state’s
diverse landscapes.

DFFM foresters designed the 36-acre Cherry Project to reduce the wildfire threat to the park and nearby communities as well as to improve the resiliency of Arizona’s native vegetation.

The strategically designed project consists of reducing the density of the shrubs, including Pointleaf manzanita and Catclaw to decrease the chances of a high intensity fire moving through the area. Plus, reducing the overgrown vegetation provides a healthier space for established oak species to grow. Fuels crews will pile debris as they work which will then be burned off at a later time. In addition, crews will be using herbicide treatment to prevent resprout and reduce any non- native vegetation within the project area.

The Cherry Project is located along the southwest side of Oracle State Park and adjacent to the Coronado National Forest boundary. Project work will not impact visitors to the state park and is expected to be completed by March 2025.

For more information contact Tiffany Davila at 602-540-1036 or by email at [email protected]