Program Highlight

The Spatial Invasive Infestation Priority Analysis (SIIPA) tool was developed through a partnership between the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management to help protect Arizona's natural landscapes from invasive plants.



Whether you're managing a local weed infestation, restoring native habitat, or coordinating large-scale conservation efforts, SIIPA provides the data and insights needed to turn information into action. The tool continuously integrates data from the Early Detection Distribution and Mapping System (EDDMapS) and applies a standardized prioritization framework to support the development of effective invasive plant treatment plans. Projects are ranked based on infestation size, species impact, habitat value, and the feasibility of control efforts, helping ensure that limited resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact.

In addition to prioritizing existing infestations, SIIPA supports proactive management by identifying areas at risk of future invasion, allowing land managers to protect vulnerable habitats before infestations become established. Standardized workflows promote consistency across projects and simplify coordination among partners statewide, while customizable maps and downloadable geodatabases make it easy to integrate SIIPA data into ArcGIS.

By improving collaboration and helping land managers focus resources where they're needed most, SIIPA supports healthier habitats, stronger ecosystems, and a more resilient Arizona for generations to come.

To use the tool, you'll need to create a free EDDMapS account. Please contact the Invasive Plant Program team at invasiveplants@dffm.az.gov with any questions!  

Meet our 2026 Summer Interns!

AZ DFFM has had the absolute honor to work with SIX incredible interns this summer! Our internship offers the opportunity to visit our five districts across the state, learn about program management and operations, and walk away with the skills necessary to excel in a forestry or natural resource career.

Iliana Mejia

Arboriculture and Urban Forestry, Arizona Arboriculture Pre-employment Program (AAPP)

“One of my favorite things is to go sit down at a park with my friends and do artsy crafts. In my internship, I’ve really enjoyed getting the opportunity to meet new people and the support they give me to learn more!”

Breena Hassenbusch

Climate Science and Solutions (MS), Environmental Science (BS), Northern Arizona University 

"I have a 9 month old kitten named Figaro and I enjoy competing in CrossFit competitions throughout the southwest. I am loving my internship with the DFFM because of the opportunities to contribute to various meaningful projects, participate in forestry fieldwork, and connect with fellow interns and staff!"

Leslie Balbuena

Environmental and Sustainability Studies Major, Japanese Minor, Northern Arizona University



"I love exploring the relationships between people and the environment, especially my own!

This internship has provided me with so many opportunities to travel around the state that I’d

never even heard of before."

Jillian Kerrigan

Anthropology Major, Biology Minor, Northern Arizona University 

"I love spending time outdoors, learning about other people/cultures, and reading! What drew me towards this internship was the variety that it offered in terms of project opportunities, fieldwork experience, and professional development."

Elsie Chase

Applied Biological Sciences (Natural Resource Ecology) B.S, Environmental and Resource Management Minor, Cross- Sector Leadership Certificate, Arizona State University.

"I love being creative and finding the way that topics often connect, during my free time I enjoy watercolor and nature inspired coloring books. Becoming a forestry intern at DFFM is exciting because I have been able to see how government agencies function and how project and programs operate at a state level."

Nathaniel McKinley

Environmental Science, Grand Canyon University

"I love everything about the outdoors, especially hiking and camping, and as a proud Arizonan, I think there's no better place to explore. This internship has been an amazing experience to gain hands-on field experience across the state while being supported by mentors who truly go above and beyond to help us succeed."

America 250 Trail Grant Program - fund for trail improvement projects across all 154 National Forests with a long-term goal of improving at least 250 trails - rolling submissions began June 6th

Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Program - funds to acquire land and water for parks and other outdoor recreation purposes in qualifying areas, and/or to develop or renovate existing outdoor recreation facilities. - applications due November 1st

Learning Opportunity on Grant Management: The Arizona Economic Resource Center from Local First Arizona is hosting a Grant Basics Workshop Series, designed to help rural, Tribal and community-based organizations strengthen their grant readiness through practical, accessible training led by experienced subject-matter experts. Check out the many topics; recordings are available if you can't attend live!

Keep an eye out for our Urban and Community Forestry grant opportunities which will be announced in the early fall.

You can find more information on our website at https://dffm.az.gov/grants/community

Webinars & Professional Courses

July 30 - Building Restoration Capacity Through Seed - gain insights from a multi-year global study of native seeds systems, informed by seed producers, seed banks, and restoration practitioners. - Virtual

August 1-2 - Wilderness First Aid Certification Course (NOLS) - learn how to assess and care for people who become ill or injured far from definitive medical care through practical demonstrations and realistic rescue scenarios. - Phoenix, AZ

August 7 - Current and Relevant Research on Arizona Trees - stay informed with the latest findings on Arizona trees - Virtual

August 14 - Incorporating Native Plants into your Landscape - learn how to lower your water bill and conserve the desert by incorporating Sonoran Desert native plants into your yard or spaces. - Virtual

August 19 - Planning for the Unknown: Tools for Urban Forest Pest Preparedness - explore two practical tools that help communities assess risk, strengthen preparedness, and respond strategically to emerging forest pests. - Virtual

August 19 -20 - Invasive Plant Short Course - free to participants, this 2-day course offers information on relevant invasive plant management, from herbicides, wildlife, policy, and more - Tucson, AZ

Professional Conferences

Conference season is right around the corner. Save the Dates!

August 5-7 - Arizona Rural Policy Forum- Kingman, AZ

August 17 - 20 - Native American Fish & Wildlife Society Southwest Regional Conference - Tucson, AZ

August 21 - 2026 Southwest Horticulture Annual Day of Education (SHADE) Conference - Glendale, AZ

September 11-13 - Arizona Association for Environmental Education (AAEE) Annual Conference: Sustaining the Stewards - Flagstaff, AZ

September 15-17 - 2026 State of the Verde Watershed Conference: One Watershed, Many Voices: Science, Policy, and People - Camp Verde, AZ

October 1-2 - Arizona Community Tree Council Annual Conference: Native Trees in Education, Function, and Design - Prescott, AZ

October 19-22 - North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) Annual Conference - Alexandria, VA

November 18-19 - Partners in Community Forestry Conference - St. Louis, MO

December 1-3 - Arizona Tribal Wildland Fire Summit - Phoenix, AZ

December 7 - 11 - Beneficial Fire Summit - San Diego, CA

Community Events

July 24-26 - Sedona Hummingbird Festival - Sedona, AZ

Saturdays in August & September - Monsoon Magic at Catalina State Park - Tucson, AZ

August 8 - Infinity Day: Math in Bloom at the Desert Botanical Garden - Phoenix, AZ

August 9 - Rainwater Harvesting Workshop - Flagstaff, AZ

August 27 - Lunar Eclipse Night at Oracle State Park - Oracle, AZ

Keep an eye out for our August edition as we continue to share seasonally relevant information from our Specialized Forestry Programs.