88 Acres Added to Cococino Ntl. Forest (AZ)

Sedona, Arizona, 5/17/04: – The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit land conservation organization, and the U.S. Forest Service today announced the protection of a critical 88-acre parcel of land in the Red Rock area of the Coconino National Forest.

“We are very excited to transfer this important land into public ownership for the enjoyment of present and future generations,” said Charlie O’Leary, TPL Arizona Project Manager. “The Red Rocks of Sedona are a key natural and economic resource for the State of Arizona, and the addition of this 88-acre parcel to the Coconino National Forest will ensure that the area will forever remain in its natural state. The success of this project is a testament to the cooperation among the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. This cooperative effort, paired with the local support of Keep Sedona Beautiful and very patient landowners, made this project possible.”

This marks TPL’s sixth project with the U.S. Forest Service in the Red Rock area of the Coconino National Forest. Funding for the project came from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund with the strong support of U.S. Senator Jon Kyl and the Representative Bob Stump. As the project progressed, U.S. Representative Rick Renzi (R-1) continued support for this conservation project.

“I truly support the conservation of Hancock Ranch and commend all parties for bringing this archaeologically and culturally historic site into federal ownership, Representative Rick Renzi said. “Bringing this portion of the Hancock Ranch into the federal domain represents the type of acquisition envisioned when the Land and Water Conservation Fund was authorized.”

The U. S. Forest Service’s Red Rock District Ranger Ken Anderson noted “This is our sixth land purchase in this area since 1999. The success of this program is the result of the collaboration and hard work of many groups and individuals. Local support from Keep Sedona Beautiful and others was critical to the process. The Arizona Congressional Delegation has kept this area high on the list of projects receiving Land and Water Conservation funding, and of course we couldn’t have done it without our friends at the Trust for Public Land.”

The property is among some of the most scenic landscapes in the Sedona Red Rock area. Large red sandstone cliffs adjacent to the property provide access to the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness via the Loy Butte Trail. The property is also adjacent to the popular Honanki archeological site. Hopi for “Bear House,” Honanki is one of the most visited cliff dwellings in the Sedona Red Rock area and is estimated to have been occupied from AD 1130-1280. The addition of the 88-acre parcel to the Coconino National Forest will allow for more effective management of important archeological sites and natural resources in the area.

The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit land conservation organization conserving land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, and ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since its founding in 1972, TPL has helped protect more than 1.9 million acres of land in 46 states. TPL depends on the support of individuals, foundations, and businesses. In Arizona, TPL has helped protect more than 188,000 acres. For more information, visit TPL on the web at www.tpl.org.