Check Red Rock Pass Area Proposals Online

Sedona, AZ (June 2, 2011) – The Forest Service would like to receive comment on two area proposals that would change which sites require the Red Rock Pass.

Proposal A is a combination of smaller areas with multiple sites, and single sites along the main travel corridors near Sedona.

Proposal B consists only of single sites along the same corridors.

Details of both proposals, along with maps and comment forms are available on the Red Rock Area website at www.redrockcountry.org. The proposals will also be on display at the Red Rock Visitor Center located at 8375 State Route 179 in Sedona from June 7 to July 15. Video next page

A Forest Service representative will be available on the following days/times to answer questions about the proposals and to hear comments at the Red Rock Visitor Center beginning June 7, 2011:

• Tuesdays: 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Thursdays: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

• Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Comments are most helpful by June 27. The Red Rock Ranger District will present both proposals, along with a summary of the feedback received, to a working group of the Arizona BLM Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) on June 29. That group will also review these proposals and make suggestions to present to the full RAC on August 10.

After receiving a recommendation from the RAC, the Southwestern Regional Forester, Corbin Newman, will make a final decision in the fall concerning the Red Rock Pass Program.

The June 29th meeting of the RAC working group will take place immediately following a tour of the Red Rock area. The afternoon meeting is open to the public from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the Red Rock Visitor Center.

The two proposals are an outcome of the public involvement effort that occurred between February-March 2011. During that time, the Red Rock Ranger District sought comment on six possible scenarios and received over 500 comments about the program.

In general, comments showed support for the Red Rock Pass Program with about 65% stating support for a user fee to maintain the area. Comments were less clear on which fee scenario was best. Most who supported a fee also supported an area concept rather than “stand alone” fee sites. There was very little support for concessionaire operation of fee sites.

For further information or to comment, please visit the Red Rock Country website or call the district at 928-203-7500. You may also e-mail questions or comments to: comments-southwestern-coconino-redrock@fs.fed.us.