Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River

[graphic] Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River heading

Coconino and Tonto National Forests

River Management Plan Development

March 29, 2011 - Proposals for managing the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River are available for review and comment [here].

We are actively listening and we value your time and input...[more]

NOTICE

Camping and Campfire restrictions are in place for Fossil Creek. Click HERE for more info..

New Wild and Scenic River Management Plan Development in Progress

The Coconino and Tonto National Forests are home to the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River, known for its beautiful clear waters; magnificent fossil- like rock deposits called travertine formation; and diverse native fish, plants, and animals.

The nearly 17-mile-long river is located in central Arizona, approximately 100 miles from Phoenix.

Wild & Scenic River Designation

Congress designated Fossil Creek as a Wild and Scenic River in spring 2009, to protect this river’s amazing attributes for years to come.

This designation included approximately 16.8 miles from the confluence of Sand Rock and Calf Pen Canyons to the confluence with the Verde River.
Wild: 9.3 miles
Recreational: 7.5 miles

For more information about Wild and Scenic River designations and what this means, visit: National, Wild & Scenic River Background

Comprehensive River Management Plan

The Forest Service has a legislative mandate to develop a Comprehensive River Management Plan for Fossil Creek. The two national forests are working together to determine the best ways to protect and enhance the values for which the river was designated without limiting uses that don’t interfere with those values.

Importance

This plan provides a foundation for future river management guidance and direction by establishing Forest Service policies to protect and improve the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River for future generations.
The Comprehensive River Management Plan will describe management direction, address site-specific issues, and identify actions to help care for the river corridor.

Planning Activities

The forests will analyze existing conditions along Fossil Creek to evaluate special characteristics called Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORV) and prescribe management designed to protect those values, free-flow conditions, and water quality. With help from the public, the forests will develop a proposed action and begin environmental analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Pivotal Public Involvement

The Forest Service needs your help as we plan for the future at Fossil Creek. The agency is beginning work on a comprehensive river plan.
Stewardship of the newly designated wild and scenic river requires balancing needs to protect and enhance the special values and to provide for outdoor recreation opportunities at Fossil Creek.

Mangers will consider input from the public as they look at different opportunities which may include fees, permits or campgrounds to help create a sustainable wild and scenic river experience that meets the needs and expectations of our Forest visitors.

Here are some specific steps where you can be involved:

Summer/Fall 2010 – help define the outstandingly remarkable values
Fall 2010 – Help design a proposed action
2011 – Review the environmental analysis

You can join the mailing list by clicking on:
Get Involved

Next Steps

The Fossil Creek Comprehensive River Management Plan is scheduled to be completed in 2012. Once finalized, the plan may include changes to the Forest Plan(s), which would be amended.

Current Management

Interim Management intended to protect the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River until a final Comprehensive River Management Plan is in place have been enacted at Fossil Creek.

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