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Northern Arizona

The Mogollon Rim, which extends 200 miles across Arizona, clearly defines the southern end of the Colorado Plateau. The escarpment consists of sandstone and limestone, and occasionally some basalt.

This is true, but it also gives birth to new ones. This sign, dated 1993, is part of a huge campaign that has demonized fire in the minds of the American public, who thankfully are starting to realize that periodic wildfire has a natural and essential role in the American West. Chief benefits include: fuel reduction, improved foraging for wildlife, restoration of soil nutrients, and thinning of tree canopies. The problem arises because of the ever-growing urban-wilderness interface -- even as we recognize the need for using fire as a land management tool, the task becomes more difficult because of the amount of public and private property that is being built in fire zones.

The southern end of the Colorado Plateau is the largest ponderosa pine forest in the world. There are several species of Ponderosas throughout the west; the Southwestern version is best suited for mild winters and hot, relatively moist summers.

Another tarantula, which I think makes this the fourth or fifth photo of this amazing creature.

Mormon Lake, a popular summer destination for Phoenix residents looking to escape its broiling temperatures.

Mormon "Lake," the largest natural lake in all of Arizona. Where is the water?, you might be asking. Well, there is none; it's completely dry, as is essentially the entire state of Arizona, both because it's naturally dry and because Arizona is almost 10 years into a drought (in March 2006 Phoenix set a new record for consecutive days without rain, 143).

An old railroad track that was used by Flagstaff- and Williams-based logging companies to transport lumber to their mills.

My first view of the San Francisco Peaks, which was the first landmark that told me, "I'm back."

A thick ponderosa pine forest outside of Flagstaff. Naturally, the forest should not be this thick, but fire suppression has allowed it to be, creating a severe fire hazard, especially in light of how dry this area is in the summertime.

We need more of this! To avoid a catastrophic wildfire -- the likelihood of which has been greatly increased by land managers consistently suppressing natural wildfires for the last 100 years -- work crews came through this area and thinned it out. When the conditions are right -- i.e. cool temps, relatively high humidity, calm/no winds -- the crews will return and burn the slag piles. The whole process essentially duplicates what nature would do on its own, but now it needs to be managed in order to avoid the risk of a catastrophic burn due to the additional fuel loads that man has allowed to build. The long-term health of our forests -- and the bill to taxpayers -- could be greatly improved by wildfire programs that are preemptive, not reactionary.

My film buddies, photographer James Q Martin and videographer Maureen.

A half-decent sunset from below Mt. Humphries, the highest peak in Arizona.

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