WRRC and Partners Engage Rural Leaders About Post-Fire Watershed Recovery

On October 29 and 30, 2021, the WRRC, Gila County Cooperative Extension, and Cobre Valley Watershed Partnership co-convened the After the Fire public meeting to unpack the status and outlook for local watersheds affected by the Telegraph and Mescal Fires. In June 2021, these fires burned over 250,000 acres across Pinal and Gila Counties and San Carlos Apache Reservation. Following containment, the record monsoon season triggered floods and debris flows that threatened property and lives. Hosted at the Bullion Plaza Cultural Center & Museum in Miami, AZ, community leaders and natural resource managers provided outstanding presentations and panel discussions to aid the public in understanding the short and long-term impacts of these fires and floods, as well as recovery efforts. The event was sponsored by the Town of Superior, Town of Miami, City of Globe, Gila County, US Forest Service, Arizona Water Company, Capstone, Freeport-McMoRan, Resolution Copper, National Forest Foundation, and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.