The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management announces a nearly $8 million investment into the state with grants that aid in invasive plant eradication and support hazardous fuels reduction work to promote safer communities.

The Department released award notifications for its Invasive Plant Grants that assist with the reduction and removal of invasive species across Arizona’s landscapes. Invasive plants, such as tamarisk and stink net, increase the threat of wildfire, change the natural fire regime, alter watersheds, and choke out native species.

In total, the Department earmarked more than $1 million in IPG grants to nine organizations. Those grantees include, the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance, the city of Scottsdale, Pima County, the city of Apache Junction, the University of Arizona–Santa Rita Experimental Range, the Friends of Catalina State Park, Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, the National Audubon Society, and Wild Arizona.

With these dollars, organizations like the Friends of Catalina State Park can conduct the work of eradicating buffelgrass and fountain grass to promote native plants and protect the saguaros within the park.

In addition, the Department awarded 33 agencies approximately $7 million in grants under the Healthy Forest Initiative program.

HFI focuses on hazardous fuels reduction work to reduce wildfire risk, safeguard communities, and improve forest health. Some of this year’s HFI grantees include the Town of Marana, Pinal County, and the Peeples Valley Fire District. With these awards, agencies like the Peeples Valley Fire District can expand on prior fuels reduction projects by moving forward with the construction of fuel breaks that increase the safety of their residents from wildfire.

“The state of Arizona remains committed to ensuring our residents are safe from wildfires and our beautiful landscapes continue to flourish, free from invasive species,” Governor Katie Hobbs shared in a press release. “This is a significant investment of dollars and I certainly appreciate all of the organizations determined to make a difference for our state.”

The Department provides grant assistance for a variety of programs throughout the year. Grant applications are currently open for its Urban and Community Forestry Program including, Tree Resource Enhancement and Engagement grants, Community Challenge grants, and the Inflation Reduction Act grants. Additionally, the Dpartment opened a second round of supplemental HFI grant funding.

Visit https://dffm.az.gov/grants to submit applications or for additional information on the agency’s grants and grant processes.