sedona news – After input from the public, community leaders, and user groups, the Red Rock Ranger District will release the Red Rock Trail Access Plan Phase II for additional public comment from October 16th to November 14th. Masu.

The plan proposes trail enhancements within the Turkey Creek area of ​​the Coconino National Forest, including the addition of approximately 50 miles of new non-motorized trails and the rerouting and naturalization of other trails. This area is located in the Village of Oak Creek in Yavapai County.

Members of the public can view the latest scope letter and associated maps on the project webpage at: https://tinyurl.com/RedRockAccessPhaseII.

Public commenters may provide written comments to the following address: https://tinyurl.com/RedRockAccessPhaseII Comments;By mail to Red Rock Ranger District, Attention: Red Rock Trails Enhancement, 8375 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86351; or in person at the Red Rock Ranger District office.

Trail enhancements in the Turkey Creek area were originally included as part of the Red Rock Trails Access Plan, which was open for public comment from Nov. 21 to Dec. 20, 2023. Most of the public comments focused on the Turkey Creek area. These are addressed in the latest Phase II proposal. Projects included in the original proposal outside the Turkey Creek area were included in the Phase I decision signed on August 1, 2024.

Comments received during the 2023 and upcoming 2024 comment periods are considered official and you do not need to resubmit previous comments. There are currently no public meetings scheduled for this project.

Concerns specific to the Turkey Creek area include banning horseback riding in some areas, and traffic and parking issues. In response to these concerns, the Forest Service revised its proposal. “I am proud of the work our staff did in directly reaching out to the many individuals and organizations who raised concerns during the initial comment period,” said District Ranger Alex Schlueter. “We appreciate those who have raised these concerns. We believe they will lead to a much improved proposal and a better product in the field.”

High-level changes are bulleted here for easy identification and incorporated into the full project description at: https://tinyurl.com/RedRockAccessPhaseII.

• Horse Access: This proposal does not prohibit horse access to the proposed trail.
• Equestrian Trailer Parking: In addition to constructing the main parking lot at the Turkey Creek Trailhead, this proposal includes a separate equestrian-only parking lot.
• Trailhead Changes: The proposed primary Turkey Creek trailhead and equestrian parking area would be located on Verde Valley School Road. The current “Turkey Creek East” trailhead at the corner of Verde Valley School Road and Turkey Creek Trail Road (also known as Forest Road 216B) will be closed and restored to its natural environment. It is proposed.
• Verde Valley School: The Forest Service has worked directly with Verde Valley School to maintain sustainable trail connectivity and avoid sensitive school infrastructure.
• Impact on cultural resources: Some of the proposed trail routes have been changed to avoid impacts on archaeological resources.