Sedona News – Information stations have been installed at the three Sedona Shuttle Park & Ride lots that feature trail maps, safety guidance and responsible practices, courtesy of the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund. The stations support the USFS’s objective of providing trail users with information that encourages safe and responsible trail use.
The Park & Ride lots are operated by the City of Sedona to help mitigate the traffic and parking snarls in the Back O’ Beyond, Soldiers Pass and other neighborhoods by providing recreationists a free, easy and safe way to access popular trailheads. In operation since spring break 2022, as of April 2023 more than a quarter million passengers have been served.
The information stations feature the same USFS approved maps and messaging that are displayed at the trailheads throughout the Red Rock Ranger District. The cost for the three stations was $6,100, not including installation which was provided by city staff.
“The idea came to us that while waiting for the bus, recreationists could use the time to get oriented, consider the many options at the trailhead and learn about safety, courtesy and forest stewardship”, explains Sandi Heysinger, vice president of the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund. “It turned out the City already had a similar approach in mind, so our collaboration went very smoothly. In addition to raising funds for the maintenance and enhancement of the non-motorized trails in the Red Rock District surrounding Sedona, we also support select user education projects, and this collaboration with the City’s shuttle program was a perfect fit.”
“We were delighted to embark on this collaboration with the Red Rock Trail Fund (RRTF)”, says Robert Weber, transit administrator for the City of Sedona. He added, “With over 300,000 passenger boardings on the trailhead shuttle system each year, it is our hope that this effort will help to educate our visitors on environmental stewardship and hiker safety while providing them with the opportunity to give back to our trails with their donations to the RRTF.”
About Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund (SRRTF)
The organization’s mission is to gather donations to maintain and enhance the non-motorized National Forest trails in the greater Sedona area, and to educate the public regarding their use and management.
In 2013, the SRRTF was established by local citizens to address the critical need for ongoing maintenance to protect the renowned trails in the Sedona area. With the support of residents, businesses, government entities and non-profits, the SRRTF has raised in excess of $3.0 million to date. The Cooperative Funds Act of 1914 authorizes the USFS to accept money from organizations such as the SRRTF. SRRTF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and an Official Partner of the US Forest Service Red Rock Ranger District.