Fossil Creek: Comment period extended until January 27, 2017 for Fossil Creek CRMP Notice of Intent

Release Date: Jan 12, 2017

Contact(s): District Ranger: Nicole Branton 928-203-7501, Media Contact: Brady Smith 928-527-3490, Media Contact: George Jozens 928-527-3412

Update January 19, 2017: Revised Notice of Intent (NOI) released January 19, 2017 [gov]

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Sedona, Arizona — The comment period for the Fossil Creek Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP) is being extended by 14 days. This extension is being provided to ensure that those interested in commenting on the preliminary alternatives developed for the Fossil Creek Plan have ample opportunity to do so being extended by 14 days, with a new deadline of January 27, 2017.

“Fossil Creek is a special place to many in Arizona and around the country,” said Nicole Branton, Red Rock District Ranger. “We have gotten a lot of really thoughtful feedback on the plan alternatives over the last couple months. We have also heard concerns that the holidays have made it difficult for some to send us their feedback by the original deadline. We want to be sure everybody who wants to comment is able to do so.”

Comments on the preliminary alternatives are now being accepted through January 27, 2017. A revised Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement formally extending the comment period is expected to be published in the Federal Register next week.

Fossil Creek was designated as a wild and scenic river in 2009. With this designation, the Forest Service is required to prepare a Comprehensive River Management Plan that provides for the protection or enhancement of Fossil Creek’s river values while managing visitor use and infrastructure.

Information about this project can be found at Fossil Creek CRMP. After the current comment period, the Forest Service will finalize the alternatives for the Plan and develop a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Another comment period, anticipated later this year, will be offered on the DEIS.

Comments on the preliminary alternatives should be in writing and can be submitted one of the following ways:

• E-mail to comments-southwestern-coconino-redrock@fs.fed.us (include “Fossil Creek CRMP” in the subject line).
• Mail to Coconino National Forest, Attention: Fossil Creek CRMP, P.O. Box 20429, Sedona, AZ 86341.
• Fax to (928) 203-7539.
• In person at the Red Rock Ranger District Office, 8375 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86351.

Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record for this project.

For more information, please contact Nicole Branton, Red Rock District Ranger, at nbranton@fs.fed.us or 928-203-7501.