Technology giant Apple has partnered with the Salt River Project to thin 30,000 acres of forest in the next decade, including most of the watershed of the C.C. Cragin Reservoir. Reducing the tree densities on that crucial watershed will not only save the 15,000 acre-foot reservoir – it will save about 1.8 billion gallons of water over the next 20 years, according to the SRP. “Apple’s leadership… will help protect Central Arizona communities and the water supply for the Phoenix metropolitan area,” said Elvy Barton, SRP Water and Forest Sustainability senior manager. “In terms of acreage, this is the largest corporate investment in Arizona watershed restoration efforts. This investment is critical because it addresses the wildfire risks of an entire watershed.” The 64,000-acre watershed of the C.C. Cragin Reservoir is among the most critical projects. A fire on the watershed could cause massive post-fire flooding that would fill the reservoir with mud and debris.