AZ HB2051

City and town mayors can determine that a "catastrophic public nuisance" exists on state or federal land within their borders based on factors including tree density, insect/disease infestation, fuel loads, slope, watershed protection, and weather conditions.

Upon making such a determination, the mayor must notify the managing federal or state agency by personal service or certified mail with a detailed explanation, demand for an abatement plan, and a deadline of at least 30 days for the agency to respond with an acceptable mitigation plan.

County boards of supervisors and county sheriffs have identical authority to make catastrophic public nuisance determinations on state or federal land within their counties and issue the same notices and demands.

If a federal agency does not respond or refuses to act, the mayor or county official may pursue all remedies allowed by law to address the nuisance, attempting to coordinate with state and federal agencies and obtain professional expertise.

"Catastrophic public nuisance" is defined as conditions threatening catastrophic wildfire (stand density/fuel loads exceeding 150% of health standards or 20% tree mortality from insects/disease) or threatening water supply, public health/safety, air quality, or authorized livestock grazing.