In late spring 2022, the Pipeline Fire roared to life just six miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona. It prompted evacuation orders and burned more than 26,500 acres of forestland and accompanying wildlife habitat.
One month later, things got worse when flash flooding shot through the area, taking eroding topsoil with it and heavily damaging the 13-mile Inner Basin water pipeline, which provides about 20 percent of Flagstaff’s water supply.
As part of an overall repair project from 2023 to 2025, RMEF supplied critical funding along with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and other partners to repair three damaged wildlife water drinkers along the pipeline and create two new ones. Crews installed new 1,500-gallon storage tanks, piping and values, and drinkers within spring, summer and fall elk range, including important elk calving areas, at each of the five San Francisco Peaks sites.
The work also benefits mule deer, pronghorn antelope, black bears, wild turkey and other bird and animal life.
At RMEF, we’re not just conserving what’s here today, we’re creating what’s possible for tomorrow. That means more access, healthier habitats and a stronger future for all big game.
One square mile a day. Over 10 million acres by 2030.