SVVT: Explain NSA, assuming the reader knows nothing about it. Give some history.

BL: 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. The U.S. Forest Service management plan, including Amendment 12, is currently under revision. Forest Service management plans are not permanent and neither is Amendment 12.

A significant element of this management plan is conservation of forest lands in the greater Sedona area -- that is, the restriction of land trades for private development. 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.

SVVT: Why is the designation important to Sedona/Verde Valley?

BL: There is enormous pressure on our public lands to come into production as the private lands in the Verde Valley, and Sedona in particular, reach build out stages over the next few years.

The designation is important to preserve the wonder - the beauty- of this area. Beauty is the economy of Sedona. We don't have a Disney theme park to attract visitors. It's all about nature -- and if we mess it up, there is no turning back.

We must preserve the views, the vistas, and the natural environment that is inspiring to hikers, artists, and tourists in general.

SVVT: What is the present status of NSA?

BL: We need to find a sponsor in Congress to introduce the bill.

SVVT: Are there elected officials or organizations that support NSA?

BL: Statements of support have already been signed by the following: the Big Park Regional Coordinating Council which governs Big Park ; the Coconino County Board of Supervisors including Matt Ryan of our District; the Mayor and Council of the City of Sedona (previous to this council); the Red Rock-Dry Creek Community Plan Committee; the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors including Chip Davis; and the Sierra Club.

Please know that Senators McCain and Kyl’s offices have both said they would support it if it were introduced and if the Arizona delegation can come together on this.

SVVT: Who is against NSA?

BL: A letter against it has been written by Citizens for an Alternate Route who fear that it will make it more difficult to get an alternate route. (With or without the NSA, an alternate route proposal will have to go thru the Forest Service and a NEPA process)

Another letter opposing it has been written by the Sedona 30 but the reasons stated are not valid - it does not add another layer of government or sacrifice local control as they state in the letter. And they write about Amendment 12 as though it is permanent and it is not.

The third group to oppose it is the Sedona Verde Valley Board of Realtors, that writes letters on behalf of all their members -- but they have not taken a vote of all of their members. Therefore, it really represents a handful of people who are on the Board.

SVVT: What are the arguments from the opponents?

BL: In a guest perspective I wrote that was published in the Red Rock News, I covered the “fears” promulgated by opponents of NSA.

Opponents claim we are turning over our local area National Forest lands to Federal control; it will make winning approval of an alternate route harder; private property rights would be diminished; cities and towns will lose their rights to negotiate for Forest Service land for fire stations, schools, etc.; we will be tying the hands of future generations to meet their needs; and a National Scenic Area designation will attract too many visitors and further damage our forests.

SVVT: What is KSB’s position?

BL: National Forest land is Federal land. The US Forest Service is a Federal agency taking their orders from Washington, not from local government. Achieving National Scenic Area designation based on a grass roots effort would be the best example of the “voice of the people.” The drafted legislation guarantees that the Forest Service will still manage the land, but prevents the Federal government from selecting or permitting parcels in the Sedona area to be sold. Winning NSA designation protection would be our best way of exerting local control.

Further, if and when the alternate route process moves to the next step, proponents will still need to negotiate the project with the Forest Service, no different than the process would be today.

Also, the National Scenic Area designation applies only to the 160,000 acres of National Forest land in the designated area. Private property is not at all affected. The only private property rights affected would be the developers’ rights to future land trades. And yes, that’s what the legislation is intended to restrict.

The legislation explicitly protects the rights of the cities, towns and counties to negotiate with the Forest Service for such land. Nothing changes from the way it is currently administered.

In addition, as the new theme song for Keep Sedona Beautiful states, “We are the Guardians.” Being the guardians means taking bold steps to ensure that the beauty of Sedona today will be protected for your children and your grandchildren.

The Sedona City Council supports the Chamber's efforts as well as efforts by the resorts and other businesses in Sedona to attract visitors. A National Scenic Area designation just might attract visitors willing to spend several days exploring and appreciating the natural beauty of the area.

Another fear being circulated by NSA opponents is that the Forest Service will not have enough funds to handle the damage done by more visitors to the area.

The fact is a special designation would make the area eligible for more grants. The best example is the “All American Road” designation of Hwy. 179 which has resulted in grants exceeding $500,000 in its first year. With Forest Service budgets slashed on the recreation side, private grants to organizations supporting the Forest Service are essential to helping the Service manage the lands for the recreational benefit of all.

SVVT: Is there a balanced solution?

BL: NSA seems like the balanced solution because it only affects National Forest lands. It does not affect private land or municipal or state lands.

SVVT: What are the chances for a NSA designation for Sedona?

BL:  Its chances are excellent if it gets introduced by one of our congressmen --- chances are excellent because there is no appropriations associated with the bill -- no funding required from the feds.

SVVT: Where do our town officials stand on it?

BL:  Two previous city councils approved resolutions supporting an NSA. The current city council has not had it on the agenda for action.

My understanding is they originally supported the designation and now they don't. Council members changed. The last election brought in several council members who do not support NSA.

SVVT: What can Sedona residents who support the NSA designation do to help?

BL: Sedona residents must make their voices heard to the city council members and to the elected officials in Congress.

We need to encourage all of our county and city officials who make decisions on our behalf, to work with us to move the bill to the floor of Congress. Write, phone, fax. Say NSA now! Do something.

Approximately 3,000 individuals who have signed support statements asking our Congressional delegation to introduce the legislation in Congress. Let’s make it happen. For more information, contact Keep Sedona Beautiful, 928-282-4938, www.keepsedonabeautiful.org.

SVVT:  What happens if NSA falls through the cracks?

BL:  This won’t happen as long as KSB is spearheading the effort. However, if it became impossible to pursue, we would seek alternate ways to protect the land permanently. My personal interest in the NSA is to see the beauty of Sedona protected for future generations. This awesome place deserves our stewardship. This is essential to our lifestyles and our economy in the area.

For more information or to advertise in the Sedona Verde Valley Times print publication, please email Rita Livingston, Publisher at publishersedonaverdevalleytimes@webtv.net

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