The U.S. Forest Service is considering a Temporary Forest Order that could restrict mountain bikes to forest system-approved trails and roads. If implemented, the restriction would apply to the most sensitive lands around Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek.
“Our area has very sensitive soils and archaeology,” Red Rock Ranger District Ranger Heather Provencio said. “It doesn’t take much to cause damage. Unauthorized trail construction, and ‘riding in’ unofficial tracks has damaged the forest in areas near Oak Creek, which has special water quality standards to maintain.”
The district has over 170 miles of official trail open to mountain biking, hiking and equestrian use in the Sedona area. These trails are distinguished from “user created” routes by their official signs and markings.
For the full story, see the Wednesday, Feb. 6, edition of The Camp Verde Journal or the Cottonwood Journal Extra.
