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State Foresters Begin Fuel-Thinning Project Near Apache Junction

The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management has begun a thinning project near Apache Junction that should last through the month.

The project will target about 110 acres northeast of Apache Junction that are at high risk for wildfire.

State foresters will collaborate with the Bureau of Land Management to remove invasive species and ladder fuels.

They will also build fire breaks to help protect nearby homes, utility infrastructure, Goldfield Ghost Ranch and Lost Dutchman State Park.

"The amount of fuels in the area, what type of fuels, so, when they designed this project this was one of our higher-risk areas, so that’s why they’re starting work on this project, or they did start work on this project and it will run through this month," said Tiffany Davila of Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

Foresters also hope the project will enhance native vegetation and wildlife.

Ron Dungan was a senior field correspondent at KJZZ from 2020 to 2024.