Resource Management

Caring for the Land

Learn about how the Forest Service is working to manage and maintain the natural beauty of the Southwest.

The Forest Service focuses on a full range of values, from experiencing outdoor wonders to exploring the treasures of our national heritage.  However we use our national forests and grasslands, the key is protecting and restoring the long-term health of the land for future generations. 

  • Forest Health

    wildflowers on a slope in the coronado national forest

    The Forest Health staff of the Southwestern Region provides assistance and expertise to Federal, State, and Tribal land managers in Arizona and New Mexico concerning forest health conditions and issues.

    Forest and Grassland Health

  • Endangered Species

    two mexican spotted owls perch in a tree in the lincoln national forest

    The Threatened, Endangered & Sensitive (TES) Species Program is dedicated to conserve and recover plant and animal species that need special management attention and to restore National Forest and Grassland ecosystems and habitats.

    Endangered Species

  • Invasive Species

    a bullfrog sits in shallow water on the kaibab national forest

    Invasive species threatening Region 3 range from disease pathogens to mammals. The Forest Service has developed a number of documents for invasive species management and pesticide use in the Southwestern Region. 

    Invasive Species

  • Ecosystems and Climates

    In front of a large canyon with red striations sits a rocky trail leading to a dense forest

    Ecosystem resources and climate change. Understanding trends and desired conditions of ecosystems in the Southwest is critical to managing National Forest lands and assisting with partners throughout the Southwest.

    Learn More

  • Restoration

    a ranger inspects a fence on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

    Restoration projects range from large forest vegetation projects like the Southwest Jemez, Four Forest Restoration Initiative, and Zuni Mountain projects to smaller projects targeted to a specific need, such as replacing a culvert in a road to allow small aquatic animals to pass, controlling noxious weeds, and decommissioning roads that are not needed.

    Restoration

  • Grazing Management

    A herd of brown and white cows lounge in the grass on the Kaibab National Forest

    It is the Forest Service's goal to conserve the rich resources of the National Forests and Grasslands while supporting communities greatly dependent upon these very same resources. While grazing is an important use, we will also continue to move forward with improving our management and preventing degradation of soil, water, and vegetation.

    Grazing

  • Wildfire Crisis in the Southwest

    firefighters walk towards smoke

    In 2022, the Forest Service launched a 10-year strategy to address the wildfire crisis across the west. The Wildfire Crisis Strategy aims to dramatically increase fuels and forest health treatments, including on four designated landscapes in Arizona and New Mexico.

  • Field Guide to Insects and Diseases

    two Monarch butterflies on green leaves on a yellow flowering plant

    Review our Southwestern Region Field Guide and learn about flora and fauna in the Southwest. A description for each insect and disease includes hosts, damage, symptoms, biology, and effects or impacts.

  • Geospatial (GIS) Resources

    GIS resources icon

    Download select Geospatial (GIS) datasets for the Southwestern Region. GIS data is maintained at various levels (Forest, State, Region) depending on the subject and type of data. Explore maps, data and other resources related to Arizona and New Mexico National Forests.