U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

U.S. Forest Service                                                            

Coconino National Forest

www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino                                           

www.twitter.com/CoconinoNF

www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest

For Immediate Release

October 11, 2012

Public Affairs Contacts:

Brady Smith, Coconino National Forest, 928-527-3490

Brienne Magee, Flagstaff Ranger District, 928-527-8290

Connie Birkland, Red Rock Ranger District, 928-203-7505

A call for community collaboration on future trails

Sedona, AZ – The Red Rock Ranger District, in partnership with the City of Sedona and the Big Park Council, are seeking to create a non-motorized trail plan that reflects local values and recreation needs and promotes tourism for regional economic benefit while protecting the resources that draw people to this special area. Your help is needed!

Local citizens are encouraged to join this collaborative effort by attending a kick-off meeting October 25, from 6 to 8 p.m.  This event will be held at the Synagogue of the Jewish Community of Sedona, located on Meadowlark Drive and State Route 179.

This is the first in a series of monthly meetings to update the local trail plan for our forest lands near Sedona and Big Park.  All members of the public are welcome. Your ideas are vital for this community planning effort.  

Agenda items for the October 25 meeting will include: an overview of the process, discussion of desired outcomes, sharing of ideas/values and trail interests, brainstorm of concerns, monthly schedule, and developing a core working group.

Annually, over 600,000 trail users enjoy National Forest trails in the Red Rock area. Popularity and use continues to increase, particularly for hiking and mountain biking. What will the future of our trails be and what new trail opportunities are appropriate? How can trails better connect with the community? These are some of the challenges that will be addressed.

For more information concerning this planning effort, please contact Jennifer Burns at 928-203-2900. Additional forest recreation information is available on our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/coconino.