Purpose of award (summary of the goals and objectives of the project):the goal of this project is for saguaro national park and northern arizona university researchers and students to work…

Purpose of award (summary of the goals and objectives of the project):the goal of this project is for saguaro national park and northern arizona university researchers and students to work collaboratively to better understand the forest health of the rincon mountains in the park by studying two species: aspens, a rare species associated with cool, northerly climates, and chihuahua pine, a rare species with a warm southerly distribution. We will examine how fire and climate affect the survival and growth of these species, and make recommendations for future fire management in the park. Summary of project specific activities:this project will assemble existing information on fire regimes and climate sensitivity, and collect additional data from tree-ring sampling. We will apply climate-sensitive models of wildfire and forest growth to evaluate practical scenarios to support fire management decision-making.performance goals including milestones and expected outcomes: 1) compile existing information on fire regimes and climate sensitivity; 2) conduct field work at high elevations of rincons during 2022-2023; 3) meet with park staff to determine management needs; 4) develop models and create management recommendations.beneficiaries: benefits will be to northern arizona university students and saguaro national park interns, who will gain career skills in conservation biology and natural resour