Helicopter logging has emerged as a viable and effective solution for timber harvesting in challenging terrains. A prime example of this is the Bill Williams Mountain Restoration Project, where this innovative method has been successfully employed to thin hundreds of acres of dense forest on steep slopes.
The Bill Williams Mountain Restoration Project
The Bill Williams Mountain Restoration Project is a collaborative effort between the Coconino County Flood Control District, the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (ADFFM), and the Kaibab National Forest. The project aims to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire and subsequent post-fire flooding in the town of Williams by treating more than 15,000 acres of forest in the area of Bill Williams Mountain.
A Federal Emergency Management Agency study reported that even a moderate monsoon rain following a wildfire could inundate the City of Williams with 6 feet of floodwater and debris, potentially destroying the city’s water system. The economic impact from a catastrophic wildfire and flooding in the Bill Williams Mountain watershed is estimated between $379 million and $694 million. By comparison, the estimated cost to complete forest restoration on Bill Williams Mountain is just $31 million.
The Role of Helicopter Logging
Helicopter logging plays a crucial role in the treatment of steep-slope areas, which are generally inaccessible to traditional logging operations. This method involves having hand-crews hike into the treatment area and fell trees, while a helicopter lifts and transports the downed wood to a nearby landing where trucks and processing equipment await. Helicopter logging can cost $14,000 to $18,000 per acre, compared to about $500 an acre for forest treatment on flat areas.
Despite the high cost, the benefits of helicopter logging are clear. As Jay Smith, forest restoration director for the Flood Control District, puts it, “The total cost of thinning 1,600 acres may ultimately exceed $26 million; however, when compared to the cost of a $300 million to $700 million disaster, the wisdom of preventative action is clear.”
Success and Future Plans
As of this fall, roughly 500 steep-slope acres of the project have been treated by helicopter logging, with progress being made on another 285 acres during the current work season, leaving just over 800 acres of steep slope remaining. The harvested wood is used in a variety of ways, including being sent to Novo Biopower in Snowflake, a NewLife sawmill in Bellemont, and the award-winning Wood for Life program, which distributes wood to heat homes in Navajo and Hopi communities.
The success of the Bill Williams Mountain Restoration Project has paved the way for similar initiatives in other areas. The next priority is the steep slopes of the Upper Rio de Flag watershed above Flagstaff. The estimated cost for treating the area is $20 to $40 million, but the potential damage from post-fire flooding in this watershed ranges from $1.5 to $2 billion.
Get a Reliable Partner
At Fair Lifts, we are proud to be part of the solution to the challenges of timber harvesting in steep and inaccessible terrains. Our network of helicopters and our commitment to sustainable practices make us a reliable partner in projects like the Bill Williams Mountain Restoration Project. We invite you to reach out to us for a free quote on our services and to learn more about how we can assist with your helicopter logging needs.
(Photo by Sean Golightly, Arizona Daily Sun)