Sedona AZ (August 4, 2015) – The Coconino National Forest is seeking comments from the public regarding proposed changes to the Red Rock Pass (RRP) fee program that will enable continued improvements to two new stand-alone fee sites, and reduce public confusion about fee sites versus fee areas.
It is proposed that the two current fee areas along State Routes 89A and 179 be eliminated, while recreation sites within the two current fee areas are retained as stand-alone fee sites. The proposal also seeks to add two new stand-alone fee sites to the RRP, to include Dry Creek Vista/Picnic Site and Fay Canyon Vista/Trailhead. This would result in a total of 20 stand-alone fee sites.
The addition of the two new stand-alone fee sites will enable the Forest to make continued investments in these highly-visited sites, such as more frequent servicing of the toilets and trash cans and improved maintenance of the other on-site facilities.
The Forest is not proposing any change to the amount of the current RRP fee. There are currently 18 fee sites in the RRP program, which will remain as stand-alone fee sites and include (listed in alphabetical order):
- Baldwin Trailhead
- Banjo Bill Picnic Site
- Bell Rock Vista and Picnic Site
- Bootlegger Picnic Site
- Boynton Trailhead
- Cathedral Rock Vista and Trailhead
- Courthouse Vista and Picnic Site
- Doe/Bear Mountain Trailhead
- Encinoso Picnic Site
- Halfway Picnic Site
- Honanki Heritage Site
- Huckaby Trailhead and Picnic Site
- Jim Thompson Trailhead
- Little Horse Trailhead and Picnic Site
- Midgley Bridge Vista and Picnic Site
- Palatki Heritage Site
- V bar V Heritage Site
- Yavapai Trailhead and Vista
All Red Rock Pass Fee Program sites will have the required amenities prior to a decision on this proposal.
“Currently, visitors are required to pay no matter where they may be parking along Oak Creek Canyon (State Route 89A) or Red Rock Scenic Road (State Route 179),” said Jennifer Burns, Red Rock Ranger District recreation staff officer. “Restricting the fees to just stand-alone sites brings the Red Rock Pass Program into alignment with the rest of the Red Rock facilities where fees are charged only within sites. This will help visitors better plan their stay and make determinations on whether or not they would like to purchase a Red Rock Pass.”
Approximately 90 percent of the revenue generated by fees is used for the care, upkeep and enhancement of the fee sites, to improve visitor service and protect the environment. The Sedona/Red Rock area receives more than 2 million visitors annually, many of whom visit the Coconino National Forest. The RRP fee program is designed to provide high quality forest vistas, trailheads and picnic areas to meet the expectations of the area’s visitors.
The proposal will also be presented before a citizens group known as the Resource Advisory Council (RAC) and then receives a final decision from the Forest Service Southwest Regional Forester.
The public can submit comments by emailing Jennifer Burns at jmburns@fs.fed.us or by submitting normal mail to Red Rock District, P.O.20429, Sedona, AZ 86341. Comments are most useful if submitted by Sept. 30, 2015. For more information please contact Jennifer Burns at 928-203-7529 or view the full proposal online at http://tinyurl.com/nq67pwa.
1 Comment
Am I missing something? I know the RR pass has been challenged in the past and I’ll be damned if I have to pay to park to hike a trail in my own neighborhood!
It was my understanding that a RR pass is only REQUIRED where there are services – water and bathroom – and you can park anywhere else without the pass. Otherwise, the pass is only a request for payment.
We pay enough taxes around here – if the RR Ranger District wants/needs more money, they shouldn’t have allowed concessionaires at Slide Rock and Crescent Moon – the two biggest money makers in the area.