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U.S. Dept. of Agriculture U.S. Forest Service Coconino National Forest www.twitter.com/CoconinoNF www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest
For Immediate Release July 23, 2012
Contact: Brienne Magee 928-527-8290 Brady Smith 928-527-3490
Flagstaff District Ranger Signs Decision Notice, Prepares for Implementation of Schultz Sediment Reduction Project
Flagstaff, AZ – Coconino National Forest Flagstaff District Ranger Mike Elson has signed the Decision Notice for the Schultz Sediment Reduction Project. In his decision he authorized Alternative 2, the proposed action, which includes channel work on up to 462 acres within nearly 21 miles of channels in the Shultz Fire area. The project proponent is Coconino County, which proposed to complete the work on the National Forest as part of a broader, integrated response to post-fire flooding in residential areas.
Activities in this project will help reduce the amount of sediment transported by floodwaters on the Coconino National Forest in order to support Coconino County’s efforts to channel water runoff through private land. Currently, the amount of sediment produced during precipitation events could fill channels on the private land, rendering them useless and unsustainable.
Work on the National Forest cannot occur without prior or current efforts occurring on private lands. Without an adequate flood conveyance system downstream, work on the forest would not be sustainable and could cause further damage. Floodwater and debris would not stop at the boundary, but rather would continue to impact private land, potentially in areas that had not previously experienced flooding due to the changed hydrology upstream. “We’ll continue to work closely with Coconino County and other partners as we move forward,” says Flagstaff District Ranger Mike Elson. “Coordinated efforts on the National Forest and private land are critical to ensuring floodwaters are delivered safely through residential areas.”
Efforts will take place between Forest Road 420 (Schultz Pass Road) and the National Forest boundary behind the Timberline area and will include enhancing sediment storage areas and stabilizing eroding streambanks, which are currently the main source of sediment. Streambank stabilization and grade control structures will be constructed from logs and rock available on site to reduce sediment loss, protect heritage sites, and decrease water energy. No treatments would take place in designated wilderness areas as a part of this project. “Watershed recovery following mulching and seeding treatments after the fire has been very encouraging, and this will be another step towards reducing impacts to residents” says Elson. “It is important to recognize, however, that the risk of flooding with heavy rainfall cannot be completely removed.”
Project information is posted on the Coconino National Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/coconino/landmanagement/projects.
For additional information contact the Flagstaff Ranger Station at 928-526-0866.
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Brienne Magee Public Affairs Specialist Flagstaff Ranger District 5075 N Hwy 89 Flagstaff AZ 86004 Desk: 928.527.8290 Cell: 928.310.6035 bmagee@xxxxxxxxx
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