The Coconino County Flood Control District and the Coconino National Forest announced plans to allocate $13 million to forest restoration and flood prevention strategies in the upper Rio de Flag watershed. The high priority area is southwest of San Francisco Peaks and northeast of Wing Mountain. Matt McGrath, district ranger for the Coconino National Forest, said his goal for the Upper Rio de Flag area is to be much different within three years and, in his opinion, much better. “The reason we are focusing on the Upper Rio region on the west side of the Peaks is because it is a common priority for the city, county and Forest Service,” he says. McGrath added: “The strategy includes six projects each targeting different forested areas ranging from approximately 2,000 acres to 4,800 acres, totaling 12,000 acres to burn.” The project, which could begin as early as April and run until late next year, will utilize a variety of fire mitigation methods to prevent potentially catastrophic wildfires and post-fire flooding risks. The Coconino County Flood District earmarked his $2 million for the project, with the remaining $11 million donated by the Coconino National Forest. On March 20, the Coconino County Flood Control District Commission plans to approve district funding that will leverage federal funds from the U.S. Forest Service. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will hear more detailed plans at a meeting Tuesday morning.