A forest restoration effort, that includes thinning small- to medium-sized ponderosa pine trees, has officially begun on Observatory Mesa – on the Lowell Observatory owned Section 17. The main objective of the project is to restore the forest and reduce wildfire risk for both the historic and valued Lowell Observatory and the greater Flagstaff community. Given Lowell Observatory lies on the northwest side of the City of Flagstaff and is only one mile from City Hall and downtown, forest restoration work will contribute to creating resilient forests in the face of increasing wildfire risk. GFFP is leading the project in conjunction with many partners like Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff, Campbell Global, and SRP. Please check this webpage for frequent updates, and see below for more information.
To learn more about the project’s background, partners, and Q&A section, see: “Public Communication Plan Lowell Observatory/Observatory Mesa Fuels Reduction Project.”
Trail Closure maps/updates:
As forest thinning operations move through Section 17 on the Lowell Observatory property, see this section for trail closure maps. These maps will be updated as the logger moves through the property. For your safety, please be sure to stay out of the active logging operation’s site. It is very dangerous to go anywhere near logging equipment that is operating.
Public Safety Announcements and Other Posts
See this section for important announcements to ensure public safety and to address other concerns as logging g operations are implemented on Section 17 – Lowell Observatory’s property.
Public Safety Announcement for the Flagstaff Community – 9/9/2026
You’re Invited: Community Meeting for the Lowell Observatory/Section 17 Fuels Reduction Project
Wed., October 14, 2026 5:00 – 6:00 PM
For details, see the meeting flyer here