National Scenic Area Designation:
Conserving Scenic Sedona’s Red Rock LegacyQuick links:
- KSB RESOLUTION on the Sedona-Red Rock National Scenic Area Designation
- Arizona State Democratic Party Statement of Support
- National Scenic Area Survey Results
- Ann Kirkpatrick Letter (Word document)
- Proposed NSA Legislation
- Download the Press Kit (.zip file)
- Access the Support Statement
Working together, we can create The Sedona-Red Rock National Scenic Area (NSA).
As the U.S. Forest Service continues its revision process for regional existing Forest Management Plans, public awareness and involvement are crucial.One hundred sixty thousand acres of National Forest surrounding Sedona, The Village of Oak Creek, and Big Park are now protected from land exchanges by a provision of amendment 12 to the Forest Service Plan, but not permanently protected. The NSA designation will permanently preserve that land and our irreplaceable scenic beauty, small town character, and property values while enabling the community to provide needed schools, roads and other public necessities in the future.
Sedona-Red Rock National Scenic Area
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Download the Press Kit (.zip file) • Access the Support Statement
Preservation of Sedona's incomparably beautiful Red Rock Country is a high priority to the community's citizens and has been for many years. A dramatic increase in forest use by residents and visitors over past decades, however, threatens to degrade this national treasure and destroy the ambience of our uniquely scenic and inspirational area.
Addressing this threat, in 1998, the Forest Service, with the cooperation of the community, created Amendment 12, an amendment to the Coconino Forest Plan for the management of 160,000 acres of the most spectacular Red Rock lands in the Sedona area. In a campaign lasting over two years, with community-wide input, an amendment to the Coconino National Forest Management Plan dealing specifically with National Forest lands in the Sedona area was produced and implemented.
This plan, known as Amendment 12, delineates conservation and protection of these most spectacularly scenic lands in America. It was recently announced however, by the U.S. Forest Service, that revisions to the current forest plan which protects our area against land trades is now underway, and may be in place as early as 2009. To find out more about the revision process, visit www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/plan-revision.
A significant element of this management plan is conservation of forest lands in the greater Sedona area. The amendment allows exchange of forest land in the area, only for privately owned land within the area. Forest management plans, however, are often amended. The revision process could ultimately change Amendment 12, and a less protective plan could be adopted. A National Scenic Area (NSA) designation by Congress would help to ensure that the provision of Amendment 12 would be more durable. And the time is now to make sure it happens.
The NSA designation would apply only to the Coconino Forest lands in the area. It does not affect any private, state, or municipal lands. The Forest Service would continue to manage this area in accordance with their management plan, and no new administrative authority will be required.
As citizens, we have a special responsibility to protect this uniquely beautiful area. Furthermore, the local economy depends on conservation of the area’s natural beauty. Congress will act on this issue only if there is a clear mandate from the community. Surely this is an initiative to which we can give our unqualified support. In the coming months, public meetings will be held to present and discuss this proposal for NSA designation of these specific National Forest lands. If you love “Red Rock Country,” it is time for you to help insure its preservation. Statements of support have already been signed by the following:
- Big Park Regional Coordinating Council
- Coconino County Board of Supervisors
- Red Rock-Dry Creek Community Plan Committee
- Yavapai County Board of Supervisors
Download the Press Kit (.zip file) • Access the Support Statement
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Keep Sedona Beautiful promotes conservation of the greater Sedona area, and, by all practical means, seeks to preserve the unique natural environment and to enhance the quality of life for future generations. Make a donation to Keep Sedona Beautiful: |
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