| Fossil Creek river management plan released following Backbone Fire documentation |
| CAMP VERDE, Ariz., Oct. 4, 2021 — A long-awaited plan as to how Fossil Creek will be managed and protected has been released despite the current Fossil Creek closure and June Backbone Fire damage. The signatures of both Laura Jo West, Coconino National Forest Supervisor, and Neil Bosworth, Tonto National Forest Supervisor, allow for the implementation of the Fossil Creek Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP). In addition to the CRMP, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Record of Decision (ROD) and Supplemental Information Report – detailing the documented effects of the Backbone Fire in the Fossil Creek area – have been released. This plan will allow for several projects in the Fossil Creek area, including road repair, visitor-use management and streambank stabilization. “An extraordinary amount of work, effort, collaboration and public input has gone in to developing this river management plan,” West said. “The process to get to this point has been lengthy, but that does not overshadow the importance of having included stakeholders and people who have a vested interest in how Fossil Creek is enjoyed, protected and managed. This plan focuses on providing continued recreational opportunities while protecting the Wild and Scenic River for many years to come.” Fossil Creek, named after travertine deposits that resemble fossil beds, is a homeland and originating place to nearby tribal communities. As European settlers began mining operations in nearby mountains, the water from the springs was harnessed and used as a power source at the turn of the century. Fossil Creek’s flow was diverted for roughly a century and was only recently restored to its full capacity in 2005. This restoration – in addition to Fossil Creek’s famed turquoise-blue water – made the desert destination a recreational and wildlife mecca. Congress designated Fossil Creek as a Wild and Scenic River in 2009 and directed the establishment of an official management plan. Because the creek creates the border between the Coconino and Tonto national forests, both forests have been working together to develop the CRMP. After 12 years of collaboration, the CRMP was finalized and ready for signature in June 2021. However, the Backbone Fire – which burned through the entire Wild and Scenic River corridor – delayed the process. Due to low amounts of high-severity burn effects and a mosaic of no, low and moderately-burned areas, the Fossil Creek area is expected to recover from the Backbone Fire in only a few years. The complete Fossil Creek management plan provides flexibility to respond to changing management needs and patterns of use in the area. It includes plans for: Public safetyForest Road 708 repairProtection and enhancement of natural and cultural valuesSite improvements for quality recreation experiencesEffective visitor-use management through continuance of the current permit systemMonitoring and adaptive management The finalized plan authorizes expanded opportunities for visitors to experience Fossil Creek by increasing user capacity and designating improvements to various recreation sites over time. While much of the Fossil Creek corridor will remain closed into 2022 due to the Backbone Fire, eventual implementation of the CRMP could allow for increased visitor numbers if certain criteria outlined in the plan are met. Adaptive management framework and ongoing involvement and monitoring by both the Coconino and Tonto national forests – as well as partner agencies – is at the heart of both the decision and full management plan. For more information on the Fossil Creek CRMP and Record of Decision, please visit the Coconino National Forest’s website. |
