Key Player in Agreement to Restore Forests

          Richard Lunt was a key player in the historic Four Forest Restoration Initiative.  After catastrophic forest fires in Arizona, including Greenlee County, conservationist, scientists, industry representatives, community leaders and the U.S. Forest Service all agreed that the policies of the last 50 years of managing the forest were not working.  This agreement restored logging in the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Kaibab and Tonto National Forests.  As wildfires became more of a problem, the need for large scale action was necessary.  This agreement looked to sustain biodiversity, re-establish natural fire deterrents, reduce fire threats to communities, create a logging industry that strengthens local economics while conserving natural resources and to educate the public on the importance of these goals.
          This was a huge undertaking that involved many individuals.  Richard worked at the heart of this movement.  He met with National Chief Forester, Tom Titwell, and Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack.  He helped convince them of the value of such an undertaking. 
          One of Richard's favorite saying is, "You will let the forest burn, but you won't let it earn." He  believes in multiple use of the forest including ranching, hunting, fishing and recreation.   Another favorite quote, "The land is best served, when the land is serving."