NFF x Historic Brewing Company

Celebrate the release of Feller Buncher Hazy IPA and learn about forest restoration at a Tap Talks event with Historic Brewing Company, National Forest Foundation, and partners on May 22, from 6-8:30 p.m., at the Historic Barrell House, 110 S San Francisco Street, Flagstaff, Arizona.

The National Forest Foundation and Historic Brewing Company are teaming up on a collaborative beer to benefit the Coconino National Forest and nearby Flagstaff communities.

With each can or glass, you support forest restoration on the Coconino National Forest, protecting the Upper Rio de Flag Watershed and the Flagstaff community by reducing the risk of severe wildfire, keeping water supplies clean, and improving the health of the forest.

We’re launching this beer during National Wildfire Awareness month to highlight the importance of forest restoration work in reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

Read on to learn more about our brew and why forest restoration is so important.

Healthy Forests & Protecting Communities: The Derffer Project

The Derffer project aims to restore up to 3,030 acres of forest near the San Francisco Peaks, just north of Arizona Snowbowl and the Nordic Ski Center. The project area, strategically located at the base of the Peaks, faces a high risk of severe wildfire, where strong winds could carry fire into the Peaks and Kachina Wilderness!

The risk extends beyond the forest – it also threatens water supplies and nearby communities. High-severity fire burns vegetation that holds soil in place and can create a layer that repels water instead of letting it sink into the ground. The next time the burned area gets heavy rainfall (like monsoon season in the southwest), water rushes off the landscape, carrying ash, mud, boulders, trees, and debris toward communities and vital water sources! Post-fire flooding can continue to threaten life, property, and safety for many years after a fire. Learn more about post-fire flooding here.

By reducing the risk of severe wildfire, we’re improving the health of the forest, keeping water supplies clean, and protecting the community.

Why do Forests Need to be Restored?

Is it possible to have too many trees in a forest? Yes!

For a forest to be healthy and resilient, each tree needs enough nutrients, water, and sunlight to thrive. When ponderosa pine trees grow too close together, they have to compete for these resources. This results in overcrowded forests with weaker trees that are more susceptible to disease, insect infestations, and drought, causing wildfires to become more destructive and difficult to control.

Many seasonally dry forests in the western U.S. have adapted to and need low-intensity fire to be healthy. However, past fire suppression policies have caused many of these forests to become overgrown and at risk for severe wildfires that can have devastating effects on both the forest and surrounding communities.

Forest thinning is one of the most important tools for restoring forest health and mitigating the risk of severe wildfires. Forest thinning is NOT clear cutting. The practice of forest thinning re-establishes a more natural forest structure and stocking levels. It involves removing brush and trees that could fuel a growing fire and reduces the risk of fire reaching the treetops, which can transform a low-risk fire into a dangerous and unmanageable one. Forest thinning also supports diverse ecosystems that provide important habitat for wildlife, benefits local economies, and creates more recreation areas to enjoy!

When working to restore forests, the National Forest Foundation and their partners are always mindful of the unique physical and ecological characteristics of each treatment area. They collaborate with skilled professionals to minimize the impact of thinning treatments on surrounding soil, water, and sensitive habitats. Additionally, they consider tree species distribution, age, and ecological contribution (such as wildlife habitat and fire-resiliency) to determine which trees should be removed. Thinning treatments should always be a part of a larger effort to restore, sustain, and protect forest ecosystems.

Learn more about forest thinning here, and overstocked forests here.

Learn More About Historic Brewing and the Northern Arizona Forest Fund

Historic Brewing Company

Meet Historic Brewing Company, the makers of craft beer and awesomeness! The company’s owners, John and Tami Kennelly, and head brewer Zack Stoll like to create beers and partnerships that connect with local communities and align with their values. As their company name suggests, the group is passionate about preserving and giving new life to historic places that deserve to be in the spotlight.

Historic Brewing Company began in 2013 in Flagstaff, AZ with a strong purpose and drive to bring an unparalleled experience to the market. Historic Brewing Company built its brand by expanding production and distribution capabilities, elevating its taproom, and establishing the company’s Barrel + Bottle House concept in both Flagstaff and Williams. Throughout their locations, you will experience mainstay brews such as their beloved Piehole Porter, seasonal favorites like Undercover Cucumber and unique limited-release brews like the Feller Buncher Hazy IPA. As Historic Brewing Company continues to write its own history, its team strives to stay true to their core values that will drive the company forward.

Learn more about Historic Brewing Company at HistoricBrewingCompany.com

The Northern Arizona Forest Fund

The Northern Arizona Forest Fund (NAFF) is a locally focused initiative developed by the National Forest Foundation (NFF). The NAFF works to protect watersheds and forests through fostering innovative partnerships and collaborations that engage funders in a shared responsibility for water resources. By providing opportunities for businesses, local governments, and residents of Arizona to invest in the lands they depend on, the NAFF provides a direct link between communities and the health of their forests. From improving the quality and sustainability of our water supply and reducing wildfire risk, to restoring crucial wildlife habitats and enhancing outdoor recreation experiences, NAFF continues to reach new watershed investment goals, build committed partnerships, and support healthy communities.

Learn more about the NAFF at nationalforests.org/who-we-are/azforestfund

Donate to Northern Arizona Forests