The White Sage Fire: A Rapidly Growing Threat

## Overview Kaibab National Forest is a vast, ecologically diverse public land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, encompassing approximately 1.6 million acres in northern Arizona[8]. It uniquely surrounds both the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon, offering a dramatic landscape of prairies, plateaus, canyonlands, and the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the United States[2][6]. The forest’s elevation ranges from 3,000 to over 10,000 feet, creating a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, black bears, mountain lions, and numerous bird species[2][3]. ## What the Organization Does Kaibab National Forest is managed for multiple uses, including recreation, conservation, timber, grazing, and cultural resource protection. It provides extensive opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling[1][6]. The forest also protects significant archaeological sites, including ancient petroglyphs and pictographs from the Cohonina and Kayenta Anasazi cultures, dating back over 1,000 years[2][3]. The Forest Service works to balance recreational access with habitat preservation, wildfire management, and sustainable resource use. ## History The area’s human history stretches back millennia, with evidence of Indigenous habitation and use by tribes such as the Havasupai, Hualapai, Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni[7]. European-American settlement brought changes, and by the late 19th century, overgrazing and drought led to ecological challenges[4]. In 1893, part of the forest was designated as the Grand Canyon Forest Reserve, evolving into Kaibab National Forest in 1906[1]. The forest’s boundaries and management have shifted over time, notably losing land to Grand Canyon National Park in 1927 to accommodate tourism[1

The term **"U.S. Midwest"** refers broadly to the Midwestern United States, a central region encompassing 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin[1][2]. It is not a single organization but rather a geographic and economic region often called the "Heartland" or "America's Smartland," notable for its rich natural resources, fertile land, and a diverse economy spanning agriculture, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and emerging technology sectors[2][5]. Historically, the Midwest was the cradle of major 20th-century American industries—cars, steel, electronics, and machinery—fueling the nation's economic growth[3]. Over time, it has evolved into a center of innovation and global engagement, leveraging its unique assets like abundant water resources (Great Lakes, major rivers) and a skilled workforce. The region is politically and culturally significant, influencing national elections and embodying values such as hard work and community[3][5]. Key achievements of the Midwest include its transformation from a primarily agro-industrial economy to a hub of emerging industries and innovation. It remains a critical contributor to the U.S. economy, accounting for about 17% of the national GDP and housing nearly 69 million people[5]. The Midwest also faces ongoing challenges, including economic recovery efforts, labor policies, and social equity initiatives, with some states implementing worker-friendly reforms like minimum wage increases and Medicaid expansion[7]. Current initiatives in the region include fostering social movement work and grassroots organizing to build sustainable community power, especially for marginalized groups, through programs like the Midwest Organizing Infrastructure Funders[4]. Nonpartisan organizations such as CSG Midwest serve policymakers across states and Canadian provinces to facilitate regional cooperation[9]. In summary, the "U.S. Midwest" is a dynamic, historically rich region pivotal in American business, technology, and politics, distinguished b