Economic impacts of southwestern national forest fuels reductions

Fuels reduction programs aimed at reducing wildfire risk are increasing on national forests of the American Southwest. Incorporating both mechanical thinning and prescribed burning, fuels reduction projects can decrease the intensity and frequency of wildfires but also provide economic benefits to regional economies, businesses, and individuals. This article analyzes the economic impacts of national forest fuels reduction programs in the Southwest. Impacts, multipliers, and wood utilization rates were calculated for regions containing the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Gila, Kaibab, and San Juan National Forests. In total, fiscal year 2005 fuels reduction programs for these five national forests accounted for over $40 million of output and helped generate some 500 jobs, providing an economic stimulus to rural communities.