Andrew Bernier/KJZZ

Coconino National Forest.

The Kaibab and Coconino National Forests are reaching a milestone. More than 500,000 acres are seeing accelerated forest recovery, as part of the Four Forest Restoration Initiative.

Brianne Pettit with 4FRI said reviving the forest has nothing to do with planting new trees.

“We’re talking about thinning the forest, removing trees, We’re talking about prescribed burning. We’re talking about restoring water sheds, and road maintenance. All of these different activities fall into the idea of restoring forests, bringing it back to a healthier state,” Pettit said.

Pettit said while the restoration project feel the threat of the wildfire season, the goal is to bring the forests back to a healthier condition.