Sedona AZ (January 29, 2010) – A very special evening is planned for all current and future National Scenic Area (NSA) designation supporters from throughout the Greater Sedona and the Verde Valley area. Award-winning TV journalist, articulate reporter of the west, photographer, filmmaker and author, Larry Warren, will speak at a special NSA event being held at the Sedona Hilton Resort & Spa on Wednesday, February 17, 2010, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.
Warren is a firm believer in preserving the west for economic as well as environmental reasons. He believes that it is both possible and essential, though often difficult, to preserve and protect our special places. In an article last fall (Wandering the West, Park City Record 10/09), he wrote about strong local opposition prior to the designation of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah, and how very different the opinions are today, twenty years later with solid economic benefits realized.
If you watched the recent PBS series “National Parks” it pointed out the same initial local opposition to the special designations of the Grand Canyon, Grand Teton and Capitol Reef National Parks, and how that all changed with the development of the present vital economies that have grown up around those areas after their special designations.
Our primary business in the Greater Sedona area is tourism and our product is our environment. Residents in this area purchased homes here for these same reasons. Tourism and the economies of nearby communities also depend on us. We all have a stake in maintaining our beautiful wide open spaces, clean air and dark skies.
There is no political bias in the NSA effort – this is entirely a bipartisan effort among conservatives, liberals, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians and others.
Sedona Cathedral Rock
Preservation of the 160,000 acres currently protected by USFS Amendment 12 which surround us is vital to the long range economic well-being of the entire area and is not limited to one city or area. The Amendment 12 protection is fine as far as it goes, but that protection can be lost merely through amendment of the Coconino National Forest Plan. The only way to permanently prohibit land trades is the NSA designation.
Land trades may benefit a few Realtor’s and developers, but only in the short term and once even a small piece of it goes, precedent is set. Thereafter, as experience will show in many other attractive areas of the west, the character will change forever while the economy languishes, as what is unique and special is but a memory.
Larry Warren’s visit is being sponsored by the National Scenic Area (NSA) Coalition consisting of many community grass-roots organizations including Keep Sedona Beautiful, DORR (Democrats of the Red Rocks), Sierra Club (local and state), Big Park Regional Coordinating Council, Arizona Wilderness Coalition, Red Rock Rural Community Association, and the Verde Valley Land Preservation Institute.
The NSA Coalition is united in believing that a National Scenic Area designation for the National Forests surrounding us is the only way to protect these Red Rock lands permanently.
Our Congressional Representative, Ann Kirkpatrick, has publicly committed to preparing and introducing legislation for creation of the NSA, though opposition forces are at work to derail it.
Ann Kirkpatrick must have no doubt that support for the scenic designation is overwhelming! Come hear Larry Warren speak about why preservation is essential and how it is possible in the western landscape…and invite other organizations, friends and neighbors from the Greater Sedona and the Verde Valley too. This is an opportunity to learn, be inspired and join together to make a difference.
Let’s have a great turnout from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 17, 2010. All are invited, admission is free, soft drinks and light snacks will be served, a cash bar is available and surprise musical entertainment will set the tone. A RSVP is appreciated, but not required to Jan or Wendy at 928-282-4938.
Many thanks to the Sedona Hilton Resort & Spa for co-sponsoring this important event. The Hilton is located at 90 Ridge Trail Drive, just off SR 179 in the Village of Oak Creek, Sedona, Arizona.
Together, we can be heard in Washington that the NSA is the only way to insure that this land, unique in all of America, will be our legacy to future generations.
This article submitted by Keep Sedona Beautiful, a nonprofit organization supporting the National Scenic Area Designation.
Read www.SedonaEye.com for daily news and interactive views!
