Sedona AZ (September 21, 2017) – In celebration of National Public Lands Day and to encourage a shared sense of land stewardship, the Forest Service announces another “fee free day” Sept. 30(Saturday), along with several volunteer events.
Day use fees will be waived at all standard amenity fee sites operated by the Forest Service including the Red Rock Pass. This includes access to Palatki and Honanki Ruins, V-Bar-V Cultural Site and approximately 300 miles of multiple-use trails.
National Public Lands Day volunteer events are happening in all three Coconino National Forest ranger districts. Some of these events require preregistration.
Participants at working events should wear hiking boots, long pants, long sleeve shirt, work gloves, dress for expected weather and bring a helmet (bike helmets work). Also, don’t forget to bring water and maybe a snack or two to keep your body fueled. The events include:
Deer Hill Trail restoration (Flagstaff Ranger District)
REI Flagstaff and Coconino National Forest want to give you an opportunity to learn how to do some trail work, get to know the trail building community, earn a free lunch and t-shirt, and have a chance to win some awesome raffle prizes. Work will be performed on the Deer Hill Trail, which runs from the base of Mt. Elden to the base of the San Francisco Peaks just northeast of Flagstaff. Meet Saturday, Sept. 30, at 8:30 a.m. on Forest Road (FR) 420, three miles south of FR 395 (West side of U.S. Hwy 89 Sunset Crater Road). For full directions go to https://tinyurl.com/Deer-Hill-Trail. This event will last until about 1 p.m.
Verde River Day (Red Rock Ranger District)
Verde River Day is at Dead Horse Ranch State Park on Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. River Rangers will share their knowledge of the Verde and Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic Rivers. Come learn about these unique public lands and find out how you can enjoy them or help with their protection. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is located in Cottonwood, and park entrance fees will be waived for all visitors attending the event. All of the activities are at no cost, thanks to the many exhibitors and sponsors.
Some of the day’s events include a climbing wall, fishing, organized canoe and kayak rides, sand castle building, pottery crafting and nature-based exhibits. Enjoy food available for purchase as non-profit food vendors will be cooking Indian fry bread, hot dogs and hamburgers. Verde River Day promotes preservation and care of the environment by showcasing informative exhibits on the Verde’s unique riparian habitat. For more information about Verde River Day, call(928) 634-5283.
Long Valley Work Center log worm fencing (Mogollon Rim Ranger District)
Participants will assist Forest Service personnel with constructing log worm fencing at the Long Valley Work Center group campground, but space is limited and registration will end on Sept. 27 (Wednesday) at 4 p.m.Preregistration is required by calling the Mogollon Rim Ranger District Office at (928) 477-2255. Participants will meet on Forest Road 141 at state Route 87, just south of Clint’s Well at 9 a.m. to sign volunteer forms and hear a safety briefing.
Rock Crossing Campground food lockers installation (Mogollon Rim Ranger District)
Participants will help install food storage lockers at Red Crossing Campground that help in keeping bears from frequenting the area. Preregistration is required by calling the Mogollon Rim Ranger District Office at (928) 477-2255. Food storage lockers will be installed at each individual campsite. Participants will meet at the Rock Crossing Campground on Forest Road 751 off state Route 87 at 9 a.m. to sign volunteer forms and hear a safety briefing.
Dispersed campsite cleanup (Mogollon Rim Ranger District)
Participants will help Forest Service personnel keep the forest looking good by cleaning up various dispersed campsites. Preregistration is required by calling the Mogollon Rim Ranger District Office at (928) 477-2255. The locations will be determined based on demand and interest, and more information will be provided after preregistering.
This celebration is being offered in cooperation with other agencies under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act; the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.