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About
GSRC

Background of GSRC

Outdoor recreation challenges in the greater Sedona area 

The prolonged growth in the volume of motorized and non-motorized recreational use in the greater Sedona area (i.e., the City of Sedona and surrounding national forest), as well as population growth in the surrounding areas (e.g., the Phoenix metropolitan area), has prompted active conversations within the community and among partners about outdoor recreation management. 

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Challenges range from cultural and natural resource protection, residential impacts, economic and social impacts, and education and enforcement needs. Recreational use and impacts cross jurisdictional boundaries and change over time, further complicating these challenges and their management.​

 

To collaboratively address these challenges, the City of Sedona, Yavapai County, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona State Parks and Trails, and the Coconino National Forest-Red Rock Ranger District began efforts to co-convene the Greater Sedona Recreation Collaborative (GSRC) in 2022. 

 

GSRC establishment​

The goal of the collaborative is to engage interested partners in shared learning and consensus-driven problem-solving to develop viable input for land management short- and long-term strategies to address impacts and better manage recreation in the greater Sedona area.

 

Partners have identified motorized recreation as the first priority effort for collaborative engagement, and the Motorized Recreation Working Group first convened in January of 2023.  The collaborative could expand it's focus to address additional efforts in the future as interests and capacity evolve. 

What is the purpose of GSRC?

  • Identify and better understand key issues and impacts related to outdoor recreation in the greater Sedona area

  • Provide input on viable strategies for maintaining and managing diverse outdoor recreation opportunities while reducing the negative impacts of outdoor recreation ​

Who is involved in GSRC?

  • State and federal land managers and local jurisdictions, including the City of Sedona, Coconino National Forest, Yavapai County, Arizona State Parks and Trails, and Arizona Game and Fish Department.

  • Community partners including neighborhoods adjacent to the National Forest, local businesses, recreation groups, other interested community members, and more. 

GSRC Structure and Roles 

Co-Convener Group:

  • Includes land management and governmental agencies with decision-making authority 

  • Works with the facilitation team to develop strategies for engaging partners

  • Provides technical assistance and clear sideboards consistent with law, policy, and procedure

  • Identifies and provides potential shared-funding opportunities

  • Considers collaboratively developed strategies for outdoor recreation management for implementations 

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Motorized Recreation Working Group:

  • Is comprised of representatives of environmental organizations, OHV industry representatives, outdoor recreation organizations, residential areas, and Co-Conveners

  • Develops and provides input on short and long-term strategies for addressing motorized recreation challenges in the greater Sedona area, including strategies that better mitigate, manage, and maintain sustainable outdoor recreation. 

  • Includes topical Action Teams that advance GSRC priorities (currently: Monitoring, Route Planning, and Communication and Education)

  • Is supported by additional Forest Service capacity through the Enterprise Program, a team of Forest Service specialists. 

 

​​​Facilitation: 

  • Southwest Decision Resources, a third-party independent facilitation team, supports collaborative process design, facilitation, and communication outreach for GSRC 

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Interested Public:​

  • Attends public presentations and workshops when hosted

  • Can stay informed about the GSRC's efforts and upcoming events by signing up below: 

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Geography of the GSRC

The GSRC is a cross-jurisdictional effort, and it works within the current boundary indicated by the dotted red line in the map below. The current project boundary follows the Red Rock Ranger District boundary on the West, North, and East sides.  The southern boundary utilizes Cornville and Beaverhead Flat roads, east of the Munds Mountain Wilderness boundary.

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 While the focus of GSRC falls within this boundary, the collaborative recognizes and considers  in all their efforts the potential influences and impacts at a broader regional scale. 

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Explore this interactive map to learn more.

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