Sedona AZ (February 19, 2014) – Coconino National Forest is seeking public comments on a project proposal that would stabilize a section of Oak Creek and restore the creek to a more natural configuration.
The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino NF proposes to stabilize the bank of Oak Creek immediately adjacent to the Cave Springs Campground road, which includes a bank section that is being undercut and is now susceptible to collapse.
The section of bank was stabilized in 1996 using a combination of rip-rap and grout, but if action is not taken to re-stabilize the bank and realign Oak Creek, the bank will eventually fail, which will then threaten the Cave Springs Campground road.
In the project area, Oak Creek has two distinct channels, separated by an island of cobbles and boulders. The channel which contains the main flow of Oak Creek is being directed around the island and into the bank, which is causing the undercutting.
The proposal involves stabilizing this section of stream bank towards a more stable form while protecting the special riverine habitat. This would protect the road, the campground infrastructure and also allow the banks of Oak Creek to be in a more stable state.
A map of the project area is available online at http://tinyurl.com/lvr3yxp.
Please provide comments regarding this proposal by May 1, 2014:
- Email: comments-southwestern-coconino-redrock@fs.fed.us
- Fax: Attn: District Ranger Nicole Branton, Re: Cave Springs bank stabilization proposal, 928-203-7539
- Mail: District Ranger Nicole Branton, Red Rock Ranger District, P.O. Box 20429, Sedona, Ariz., 86341.
Public comments help develop a proposed action and focus the analysis on relevant issues. Individuals who submit comments will be notified when the proposed action is available for review. Questions can be directed to Hydrologist Amina Sena at 928-203-2907.