Planning

2021 Biennial Monitoring Evaluation Report for FYs 2018-2020

The first Biennial Monitoring Evaluation Report for the Revised Coconino Forest Plan is now complete and available for review. This report covers the first three years of plan implementation, fiscal years 2018 through 2020, and presents the results of the monitoring required by the forest plan monitoring strategy during this period. Required by the 2012 Planning Rule (36 C.F.R. §219.12), biennial monitoring evaluation reports document whether a change to the plan or change to the monitoring program is warranted based on new information, whether a new assessment may be needed, or whether there is no need for change at that time. This first monitoring report is being published two years after the Forest Plan's monitoring strategy was transitioned to focal species, an administrative change made in 2019. The report and its cover letter are available for review here.

Fossil Creek Comprehensive River Management Plan

Fossil Creek was designated by Congress as a Wild and Scenic River in 2009, which includes approximately 17 miles of river located in central Arizona. Coconino and Tonto National Forests are developing the Fossil Creek Comprehensive River Management Plan to manage the area since its popularity has increased and the area has suffered from the impact of trash and overuse.  The public plays a pivotal part in developing the plan and is encouraged to participate in developing the plan for future management.

SF Peaks/Mt Elden Mineral Withdrawal

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved a two-decade extension of the ongoing San Francisco Peaks mineral withdraw. More information about Public Land Order 7898, which defines the terms of the extension, is available here.

2018 Forest Plan

The Coconino National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, generally known as the Forest Plan, gives the strategic direction for managing the Coconino National Forest. The Forest Plan provides for integrated multiple-use and sustained-yield of goods and services from the forest in a way that maximizes long-term net public benefits in an environmentally sound manner. The current Forest Plan for the Coconino National Forest is the Revised Forest Plan that was completed and published in May 2018.

We appreciate the public's participation throughout the plan revision process and believe that stakeholder involvement and input helped to develop effective and sustainable forest guidance for the next decade and beyond.

Administrative Change #2 to the Forest Plan

This administrative change carries forward modifications and clarifications to the Coconino Forest Plan, and an errata to the Record of Decision (ROD), to address the decision made on appeals of the plan, follow the instructions given in that decision, and provide the resolutions agreed to and offered in appeal resolution meetings with the appellants. The alterations made as part of this administrative change, as well as the errata to the ROD, are listed in the attached document, “Coconino Forest Plan, Administrative Change per Appeal Resolutions, Administrative Change #2.” In this document, additions are indicated by bold, italicized text; deletions are indicated by strike-through text. The pages of the Forest Plan that have been modified by this administrative change and the errata for the ROD are published on the 2018 Forest Plan & Final EIS webpage.

Forest Plan Monitoring and Evaluation

The Coconino National Forest has conducted regular monitoring and evaluation of forest resources. Annual reports are available on the Forest Plan Monitoring and Evaluationwebpage. The first biennial monitoring and evaluation report will be published in 2021.

Red Rock Pass Fee Program Proposal (2015)

The Coconino National Forest is seeking comments from the public regarding proposed changes to the Red Rock Pass (RRP) fee program that will enable continued improvements to two new stand-alone fee sites, and reduce public confusion about fee sites versus fee areas.

Red Rock Ranger District Trails Planning (2013-Present)

The Red Rock Ranger District held monthly meetings in 2013 to discuss new trails and trailheads for potential addition to the District’s official trail system. A report summarizing the results of the meetings is now available (Red Rock Trails Planning Results 2013 and Appendices).

Red Rock District Ranger Nicole Branton is now asking for broader public feedback about some of the specific trail ideas. Please see:

SOPA (Schedule of Proposed Actions)