Community information: Coconino Forest seeks input on guide proposals in Mount Elden areas

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Coconino National Forest is seeking public input on outfitter and guide proposals that would operate both in the Mount Elden/ Dry Lake Hills (MEDL) area and in the Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD).

The FRD is considering issuing a total of seven special use permits to various outfitters through the FRD District Prospectus for Outfitter and Guiding Services.

Should the permits be approved, these outfitters would allow for guided hiking, biking, motorized tours and rock climbing in the MEDL area. These activities would also occur on forest roads, trails and trailheads throughout the FRD – all of which are open to the public.

“Outfitter and guided experiences can play an important role in providing safe and educational outdoor experience for forest visitors,” said Pat McGervey, District Recreation Staff. “We are excited for the opportunity to provide these experiences to connect visitors with their public lands.”

This process began with the Recreation Special Use Management Plan, which was developed in 2015 and finalized in 2018. This plan is used to identify the process and threshold for recreation activities across the FRD and is the basis for this analysis process.

Outfitter proposals were accepted during the winter of 2020. These proposals are being brought forward to meet public need for outfitter/ guide services on the FRD, as indicated in the Coconino NF Land and Resource Management Plan.

For more information regarding the FRD Prospectus for the Outfitter and Guide Services project scoping process please visit the Coconino NF’s website.