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Coconino National Forest
U.S. Forest Service www.twitter.com/CoconinoNF www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest
November 8, 2013
Coconino NF proposes major trail changes – Public Meeting Nov 18
Flagstaff, Ariz. – The Coconino National Forest plans to revamp the Dry Lake Hills and Mount Elden trail systems, and needs the public to provide information about what they value most. The goal for this project is to accommodate the needs of all users – from bicyclists to climbers to equestrians and hikers – while establishing a sustainable system of trails.
“This is one of the most popular and heavily used recreation areas near Flagstaff, and is considered Flagstaff’s ‘back yard’ by many,” says Mike Elson, District Ranger for the Flagstaff Ranger District. “The public’s input is a crucial piece of our planning process.”
Members of the public are encouraged to provide written feedback as well as attend a public meeting Nov 18 to gain more information and provide comments. Details are below. Comments are due by November 30.
Planning The Coconino NF is in one of the first phases of the Mount Elden/Dry Lake Hills (MEDL) Recreation Planning Project. A Proposed Action, listing the various types of changes the Forest could make, is available to the public for consideration. “Nothing is set in stone. These are just proposals at this time,” says Elson. “The next phase will be utilizing the feedback to narrow down several alternatives.”
The process began in 2012, identifying the current condition of the area and initial concerns. The planning team – comprised of multiple scientists from various fields – has already been working with several local user groups to begin identifying specific needs. Planners anticipate completing the entire process at the end of 2014, and hope to begin implementation as conditions allow thereafter. (There will likely be volunteer opportunities to help make these changes happen! Stay tuned to our volunteer calendars here).
Why change is needed The MEDL trail system was dedicated in 1987. Within the project area, there are six trailheads providing access to 14 designated FS trails, including portions of the Arizona National Scenic Trail, Flagstaff Loop Trail, and the historic Beale Wagon Trail. The Little Elden Spring Horse Camp is located adjacent to FR 556 and provides access to the trail system for equestrians staying at the campground. There are also several special events and races in the area throughout the summer.
In recent years there has been a steady increase in recreational use in this area, which is taxing the current trail system and associated facilities. Issues include deteriorating condition of system and non-system trails, as well as increased concerns for impacts to forest resources such as wildlife, archaeology sites, watershed and soil conditions, recreational experience and vegetation. User conflicts and user satisfaction are also important considerations. What the Coconino NF is proposing · Up to 23 miles of new official trails, some of which specifically support equestrians, downhill mountain bikers and climbers · Relocation or alteration to more than 10 miles of existing trails to improve trail sustainability and safety · Modification of 6 trailheads to improve capacity, access and efficient management · Guidelines for consistent management of recreation trail events · Improvements to signs and trails in the Mt. Elden Environmental Study Area · Improvements to the hang glider site at the top of Mt. Elden, managed by permit holder. · Decommisioning unauthorized roads and trails for resource protection.
If these proposals go forward, the end result will include a more sustainable trails system and better recreation experiences, better signage, more tailored approach to specific needs of various user types (climbing, equestrian, downhill mountain biking, etc.), more parking at Forest Service trailheads, better trail access to scenic vistas on Mt. Elden and in the Dry Lake Hills, better educational experience in the Mt. Elden Study area, designated routes for recreation trail events as well as limitations on when events occur to reduce impacts for day-to-day visitors, reduced noise disturbance from recreation in sensitive wildlife habitat, and reduced impacts to archeological sites. How to be involved View the Proposed Action and maps on the website at go.usa.gov/WYbA. Comments that are most helpful will include feedback about your own needs and answer the following questions: · Will the changes proposed meet your needs? · If yes, what benefits do you foresee? · If something is missing, what is it, and why is it important to you?
Submit comments to Brian Poturalski, Project Leader. 5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ, 86005
The public is encouraged to attend a meeting at the Flagstaff Aquaplex Monday November 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
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Members of the community provided the following statements about the MEDL Recreation Planning Project:
"We are very excited about this planning! We believe that the best strategy is to channel recreation into the appropriate places. It is our hope that this effort will serve to engage most of the folks using the Mount Elden/Dry Lake Hills area and provide some much needed improvements and additions to trail system." - Jack Welch, Flagstaff Biking Organization
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“As an avid trail runner in Flagstaff for the past 28 years, and director of Flagstaff's wildly popular Solstice Mountain Trail Run that the Forest Service has permitted in the study area since 1997, I have seen the town's population more than double. As the study area is one of the most popular in Flagstaff, the proliferation of poorly located social trails has resulted in increasing erosion making it difficult for Forest users to even follow some of the well-designed system trails. For out of town visitors not familiar with the study area, its myriad of undesignated trails can lead to a poor recreational visit with some users becoming lost. I wholeheartedly support the Mount Elden Dry Lake Hills proposed action as it will protect and enhance the recreational experience for all Forest users by having a well-established trail system that is more accessible, better signed, and easier to follow.” - Neil Weintraub, Northern Arizona Trail Runners (NATRA)
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"Members of the Coconino Horsemen's Alliance were pleased to consult with the Forest Service to provide our input for planning of future equestrian oriented trails within the scope of the MEDL. Many horse owners live within easy riding distance of the planning area, or trailer in to this locale, to make use of the facilities at the Horse Camp and/or enjoy access to the equestrian friendly trails that provide access to beautiful terrain & scenery for horseback riding." - Sally Stults, Coconino Horsemen’s Alliance
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