The city of Scottsdale will begin a proactive vegetation management project next week along a key trail corridor in the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve to reduce wildfire risk and improve emergency access.

Beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, a contracted crew will start mechanical thinning along the Dove Valley Trail, working west to east from the Western Area Power Administration service road to approximately 136th Street. The work is expected to take about one month. Crews will be on site from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

The project focuses on reducing fire fuels alongside one of the primary access and control features on the north end of the Preserve. Work will include removing ladder fuels, trimming vegetation along the roadway, limbing native trees and clearing dead material.

Because the project area borders the Tonto National Forest, the work is especially important as the region approaches fire season.

"This is a proactive and carefully planned project that helps protect the Preserve, nearby neighborhoods and the first responders who may need to access this area during an emergency," said Preserve Director Jenna Kohl. "By reducing hazardous vegetation now, we are lowering the potential intensity of a wildfire and improving safe access along a critical corridor."

Visitors may notice contractor crews, chippers and mechanical thinning equipment along the trail. Small cones and barricades will be placed to alert trail users, and a chipper and other equipment may be staged overnight during the week and removed on Fridays. Increased contractor vehicle access, including side-by-side vehicles, is also expected during work hours.

Temporary A-frame signs will be placed at the Granite Mountain Trailhead, Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, the end of the Dove Valley Trail and the WAPA access point.

City officials encourage trail users to remain alert in active work areas and to follow posted signage. The vegetation management effort is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to protect the Preserve, support emergency response and reduce wildfire risk for the surrounding community.