Coconino National Forest Installing Designated Campsites West Of Sedona

The Coconino National Forest has partnered with the National Forest Foundation designate areas in west Sedona, specifically for camping and day-use. The action will aims to keep campers in the eight designated areas, reduce violations of the 14-day stay limit, protect the fragile desert landscape by prohibiting visitors from creating their own dispersed campsites and campfires, while also keeping them from trespassing on private land. The first step will be installing information kiosks, signs, and boulders to block user-made roads. When the first step is completed, a Forest Order will be set to not allow dispersed camping or campfires within west Sedona. After the Forest Order is in place, campers and recreationists will be able to use these sites, at a first-come, first-serve basis. Within the 36 acre area will include nearly 200 campsites that will be accessible from State Route 89A. The goal is for the campsites to be opened by the end of August. The Coconino National Forest reminds visitors that breaking violations including Forest Orders, campfire restrictions, and closures is punishable of a fine up to five-thousand-dollars and/or six months in jail.