Sedona AZ (December 31, 2009) – Keep Sedona Beautiful, Sierra Club-Verde Valley, Democrats of the Red Rocks, Big Park Regional Coordinating Council, and Sedona Village Business Association have announced their alliance as a coalition to advance legislation to designate 160,000 acres of the Coconino National Forest a National Scenic Area (NSA). The Coalition represents over 7,000 citizens in the Greater Sedona Area. Almost 5,000 people have signed petitions supporting the NSA designation.
The purpose of the proposed legislation is to restrict land trades in this area of great scenic beauty that attracts over four million visitors a year, a mainstay of the Sedona area economy. Land trades resulting in private development would detract from the recreational opportunities, scenic beauty, and wildlife preservation the area provides. A Congressional designation would provide stronger, more permanent protection than the current administrative procedures in the Forest Service Resource Plan.
The NSA designation would apply only to the Coconino Forest lands in the area. It would 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.
U.S. District 1 Representative Ann Kirkpatrick, consistent with her campaign promise to introduce NSA legislation, has drafted legislation for the designation and has sent it to stakeholders for input. The Coalition has sent Rep. Kirkpatrick language that it believes would complete that draft in preparation for its introduction.
“We hope to work with her in order to advance this proposed legislation into law and look forward to other organizations joining the Coalition,” said Steve DeVol, President of Keep Sedona Beautiful.
For more information on how to become involved with the NSA Coalition, call Keep Sedona Beautiful at 928-282-4938. KSB is the oldest conservation organization in the Verde Valley. In the course of its history, it has been instrumental in preserving the wonder of Sedona and has been recognized by the Governor’s Office three times with the Governor’s Pride Award.
KSB programs include recognizing excellence in building designs, landscaping, and community service through its Annual Awards Program, hosting and educating over 2000 homeowners through its Annual Native Plant Workshop and managing the KSB Litter Lifters.
For more information, go to www.keepsedonabeautiful.org.
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