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    Home » Local Man Leads Effort to Save 1,144 S.R. 89A Trees
    Sedona

    Local Man Leads Effort to Save 1,144 S.R. 89A Trees

    November 4, 2019Updated:November 8, 201912 Comments6 Mins Read
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    “Poems are made by fools like me. But only God can make a tree.” – Joyce Kilmer

    Scott Law and Brian Meyers in front of saved tree.
    Scott Law and Brian Meyers in front of saved tree.

    Sedona AZ (November 4, 2019) – For Sedona resident Scott Law the love of trees is not just a passion. It’s a mission! Especially when it comes to saving them.

    Law, with the help of the Sedona/Verde Valley Sierra Club and the Coconino National Forest Red Rock Ranger District, lobbied the Arizona Department of Transportation to re-evaluate its 2019 tree removal project that called for the removal of 1,762 trees on State Route 89A, to bring the number down to 618, saving 1,144 trees in the process.

    According to Law, on July 12, 2019, ADOT held a public information meeting in Sedona, AZ outlining their 2019 Oak Creek Canyon Corridor Improvement Project. 

    Scott Law and Brian Meyers in front of saved tree.
    Scott Law and Brian Meyers in front of saved tree.

    Law said that ADOT did not mention the downing of the trees; that it was not mentioned in the information presented at the meeting nor on ADOT’s website or public media outlets at that time.

    When he discovered ADOT intended to remove 1,762 trees lining the 12-mile S.R. 89A Oak Creek Canyon corridor from Sedona to Pine Flats Campground, Law set out on his campaign to preserve as many as he could.

    “My major concern was that the original trees marked for removal would significantly alter the pristine beauty of the Oak Creek Canyon corridor, the first state-designated Scenic Road and National Scenic Highway,” he said. “Many old-growth, healthy living trees were slated for removal as well as trees from a historical site and trees within the boundaries of a state park.” 

    After conducting his own survey of the S.R. 89A sections slated for tree removal, Law identified and mapped out the areas where the old-growth trees were to be cleared.

    Old-growth trees are considered trees that have been part of a forest and are of great age.

    Old growth Ponderosa cut down for being within 3 feet of the guardrail.
    Old growth Ponderosa that was cut down.

    “Since 2002, due to my business, I have traveled up and down Oak Creek Canyon as many as three times a week on a year-round basis, Law said. “ I felt the removal of the old-growth trees would not only have an environmental impact but also a commercially negative impact on the canyon. Trees of this magnitude do not grow back within a generation.”

    According to Law, the forest in the Oak Creek Canyon corridor between Milepost 374 and Milepost 388 is a riparian forest featuring a blend of coniferous and deciduous trees. 

    He said deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves in the fall), protected the forest from the Slide Fire five years ago that devastated the coniferous forest (evergreen trees) on the west canyon wall.

    “There are many trees in Oak Creek Canyon that are well over 100 years old,” he said. “The old growth trees consist of Ponderosa, Oak, Alligator Juniper, and Walnut.  Many of these old-growth trees were scheduled to be cut down under the 2019 ADOT S.R. 89A Improvement Project. To me, the old-growth trees represent our heritage and are the reason that Oak Creek Canyon has designated Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Road by the State of Arizona.”

    A series of communications commenced between Law and ADOT’s 
Community Relations Project Manager on Flagstaff.

    Law expressed his concerns and began lobbying for the preservation of the trees slated for removal.

    Law said during that time he contacted the chairman of the Sedona/Verde Valley Sierra Club, Brian Myers, and enlisted his help. 

    He also contacted the U.S. Forest Service Coconino National Forest Red Rock Ranger District.

    :  Old growth Elm trees at entrance of West Fork trailhead one of which was saved and one of which was cut down.
    Old growth Elm trees at entrance of West Fork trailhead one of which was saved and one of which was cut down.

    Law said that from the outset they made it clear to ADOT that their goal was not to interrupt the repaving project, the rock-fall mitigation, the erosion control projects or the removal of dead and dying trees. 

    Their efforts finally paid off in mid-August when they were informed that the project was being
re-evaluated by ADOT.

    According to ADOT Public Information Officer Ryan Harding, ADOT was aware of the sensitivity regarding the removal of trees and that the agency proceeded with the intention of minimizing the amount of trees needed to be cut down while protecting motorists in danger of being struck from dead, falling trees.

    He said ADOT worked closely with the Forest Service and other entities to mitigate the damage.

    “After further re-evaluation, we were able to save an additional 90 trees from the remaining 708 that were scheduled to be removed,” he said. “Rather than removing them, we were able to trim instead. Our intention was to create a safe corridor while protecting the habitat.”

    Elizabeth Munding, National Environmental Policy Act planner on the Red Rock Ranger District of

    Old growth Ponderosa cut down due to being within three feet of the existing guardrail.
    Old growth Ponderosa cut down due to being within three feet of the existing guardrail.

    the Coconino National Forest, affirmed the Forest Service’s participation in the mitigation of the S.R. 89A tree removals.

    “The Forest Service appreciated input by the public with requests to maintain the scenic integrity of Oak Creek Canyon, while the Arizona Department of Transportation implements its critical pavement project along State Route 89A,” she said. “Through open lines of communication, ADOT responded to public concerns, forwarded by the Forest Service, to minimize tree removal to balance safety with scenic integrity.”

    Law said many old growth, healthy living trees were originally slated for removal as well as tree removal from a historical site and within the boundaries of a state park.

     “We have been monitoring the project since mid-July and communicating our concerns directly to ADOT on an ongoing basis,” Law said. “The Midgley Bridge Monument, constructed in 1939 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places originally had all the trees marked for removal.”

    He said after the ADOT re-evaluation, significant trees were left standing and trimmed and the site was basically enhanced.

    The Slide Rock Walnut tree within Slide Rock State Park, over 100 years old, was also spared, according to Law.

    Walnut tree at Slide Rock that is over 100 years old which was saved.
    Walnut tree at Slide Rock that is over 100 years old which was saved.

    “Many other old-growth trees slated for removal have now been marked for trimming or with the letter “S” which means they are to be saved,” Scott said. “Still, there were other old growth trees cut down despite our efforts to save them.

    Yet, he remains satisfied in his effort and that of the Sierra Club and Forest Service.

    “At the end of the day we feel our overall efforts helped save over 1,144 trees from extinction,” Law said. “It shows that individuals within a community taking action can make a difference. Both Brian Meyers of the Sierra Club and myself want to recognize and thank the members of the U.S. Forest Service Coconino National Forest, Red Rock Ranger District for all their efforts and support.”

    By Tommy Acosta 

     

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    12 Comments

    1. Steve DeVol on November 6, 2019 2:38 pm

      Thank you Tommy Acosta for bringing our attention to the squandering of one of Oak Creek Canyon’s natural treasures. So many times gifts are lost in the name of progress or improvements, while neglecting the natural beauty of these stunning and awe inspiring treasures. Part of what makes Oak Creek Canyon so alluring is the rugged beauty of the landscape and glimpses of the red rock spires through the trees. Many of these trees were here long before any of us arrived and, with help from people like Scott Law and Brian Meyers, they will remain.

    2. Ana Namus on November 8, 2019 8:19 pm

      To all you tree huggers out there, what’s the killing of a thousand trees or so when compared to the millions we still have everywhere? What’s the big deal? I don’t get it. Everyone forgets wood to us is everything. Building our homes, our furniture and of course for our fireplaces. Who the heck is going to miss them anyway? They are just trees, for heaven’s sake. Get over it.

    3. Kenyon Taylor on November 11, 2019 9:10 am

      Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention. My life is so busy, sometimes I miss what’s going on right around me. I would like to join the Sierra Club so I don’t miss anything else in terms of our heritage here or in the US in general, really.

    4. Christine Adams on November 11, 2019 9:28 am

      Hi Ana —

      In answer to your question—– “Who the heck is going to miss them anyway?”
      My answer is: I am ——Sorry you “don’t get it” — We need trees to mitigate carbon dioxide — They help us breath because as they clean the air they release oxygen — besides the natural beauty they provide.
      Thanks for your share but I do not want to “get over it” —

      • Aime Augsburg on November 11, 2019 10:05 am

        Thank you for your response to her. I was horrified! Thanks you Tom. You made a difference in the world.

        • Aime Augsburg on November 11, 2019 10:06 am

          Scott, I mean. Sorry.

    5. Joan Shannon on November 11, 2019 11:20 am

      ANA: The issue had nothing to do with trees in general, yes there are millions of trees but, they are not all in Oak Creek Canyon and the issue was preserving the beauty of the Canyon. it is sad you don’t see that beauty and be able to enjoy it.

    6. Kathy Kinsella on November 11, 2019 3:15 pm

      Huge thanks to Tomy Acosta for advocating on behalf of all of us who appreciate the clean air, fire protection offered by deciduous trees, and of course the beauty of our old growth trees in the canyon.

      Kathy K

    7. CAROL HAZELETT on November 11, 2019 4:54 pm

      THANKS TO ALL WHO REPLIED HERE EXCEPT ANA, OBVIOUSLY.
      I HAVE BEEN COMING TO BEAUTIFUL OAK CREEK CANYON SINCE 1955 WHEN I WAS 4. NEXT TO Muir Woods, CA. & REDWOODS IN New Zealand, ALL 3 PLACES ARE MY FAVORITES. YES, THERE ARE SAFETY HAZARDS EVERY WHERE BUT THE FORESTS SLOW US DOWN & I LIKE THAT. BIG THANKS TO SCOTT LAW, BRIAN MEYERS & THE PEOPLE IN THE AGENCIES WHO LISTENED TO YOU AND TOMMY ACOSTA WHO REPORTED IT HERE. Carol Hazelett FORMER SEDONA TROLLEY DRIVER & NATURE HIKES FOR KIDS.

    8. Groot Shooketh on November 11, 2019 6:40 pm

      Ode to the Guardians of Trees

      Killing trees not funny.
      Makes me sad and mad.
      Saving trees makes me happy.
      Makes me sing and glad.

      Crafty Fox hunts the rabbit.
      Tries to chew on its tail.
      Groot thinks it’s not funny.
      Crafty Fox going to fail.

      Some say they hate forests
      Wan’t all the trees dead
      Live in cement boxes
      Over their heads

      One day there be judgement
      Civilization will fall
      We come home to the forest
      Happy once more.

      –Groot

    9. sudo namus on November 12, 2019 12:02 pm

      Ana is entitled to her opinion…give my mom a break!

    10. Scott Law on November 12, 2019 7:15 pm

      This has been labor-intensive, frustrating and, in the end, a rewarding journey. I want to thank everyone for their support especially Brian Myers of the Sierra Club, Elizabeth Munding and the staff at the Coconino National Forest Red Rock Ranger District, Tommy Acosta and, last but not least, Nancy Maple. In conclusion, although it was not my main goal for this project, in retrospect, I have to wonder how much of the taxpayers’ dollars were saved by a 65% reduction in tree cutting by ADOT.

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     THE MOMENT IS UPON US

    Dear Sedona,

    The moment is upon us. The time for a united effort to shift the focus back to our community is now.

    The ability to thrive in our community, our environment, our workforce, and the tourist industry, is entirely possible because we have all the resources needed for success.

    Still, we need a council that isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions, that makes decisions based on data and facts, and through discussion, rather than moving and voting in group unison as they so regularly do.

    This is my home. I have been a part of the Sedona community for 28 years. I witnessed the road debacle, the lack of planning, the city circumventing the local businesses ability to thrive, while making choices to expand the local government and be in direct competition with private industry.

    I am a unique candidate because unlike the incumbents, I don’t believe the government should expand in size, nor in operations, nor would I attempt to micromanage every aspect of our community.

    City government should stay in its lane and allow the competitive market of local private industry to prosper. And it should defend our community from corporate takeover and infiltration of our town.

    I do not agree that we should sign onto International Building Codes and regulations by signing Sedona up to the ICC. It is imperative that we remain a sweet, rural community.

    Where are the arts? Where is this organic thriving element that we allege to be animated by. Where is our culture? Where is our community?

    The discord between the decision making process and the desires of the community have never been more clear. It has been nearly a decade in the making.

    It is time for a new era of energy to take charge. An energy that is reflective in the ability to succeed rather than be trapped in out of date consciousness.

    It has been a great honor meeting with each of you. I hear your concerns over the insane and out of control spending and I echo them. A budget of $105,000,000 in a town of 9700 residents is completely unacceptable. A parking structure (that looks like a shoe box) originally slated to cost 11 million, now projected to cost 18 million, is incomprehensible. Especially, considering there is no intention of charging for parking.

    For those who are concerned that I lack the political experience within our established system- that is precisely what Sedona needs… Not another politician, but instead a person who understands people, who listens to the voices within the community, and who will act in service on their behalf with accountability, for the highest good of Sedona. What I am not, will prove to be an asset as I navigate the entrenched bureaucracy with a fresh perspective. Business as usual, is over.

    Creative solutions require new energy.

    Every decision that is made by our local government, must contemplate Sedona first.

    • Does this decision benefit the residents?
    • Does this decision benefit the local businesses?
    • Does this decision actually help the environment?
    • Will this decision sustain benefit in the future, or will it bring more problems?

    What we have now is a city government that expands to 165 employees for 9700 residents. Palm Desert has 53,000 residents and 119 city employees. Majority of our city department heads are not even in town. I find this problematic.

    Efforts towards championing in and courting new solutions for our medical needs are imperative. We are losing our doctors. We must encourage competition with other facilities rather than be held hostage by NAH, who clearly have their own set of dysfunctions.

    We must remember that so many move to Sedona for its beauty, hiking, and small town charm. Bigger, faster, and more concrete does not, in broad strokes, fit the ethos of Sedona.

    The old world must remain strong here in balance, as that is what visitors want to experience. Too many have noted that Sedona has lost its edge and charm.

    As Mayor I will preserve the rural charm of our community, and push back against the urbanization that is planned for Sedona.

    As mayor I will make it a priority to create opportunities to support our youth.  After school healthy, enriching programs should be created for our kids, and available to the Sedona workforce regardless of residency and regardless of school they belong to.

    As Mayor, I will create an agenda to deliberately embody the consciousness of our collective needs here, allowing private industry to meet the needs of our community rather than bigger government.

    I hope to have your vote on Aug 2nd. I am excited and have the energy to take on this leadership role with new eyes, community perspective, and the thoughtful consciousness that reflects all ages of the human spectrum.

    Thank you deeply for your consideration.

    Sincerely,

    Samaire Armstrong

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