Tactic A4.3
Monitor Trail Utilization (mid-term goal)
Monitor trail utilization and implement programs that distribute visitation.
The United States Forest Service (USFS) currently monitors trail utilization, but there are varying levels of confidence as to their accuracy. New or refined approaches are needed to monitor trail usage. With enhanced understanding of usage, promotional efforts can encourage visitors to use trails that can best accommodate additional volume.
Under the guidance of the USFS, programs such as Sedona’s Secret 7 will be enhanced to disperse visitors to lesser-known areas.
IMPACTED PILLARS
TIMEFRAME Mid-term (2-3 years)
LEAD PARTNER USFS
SUPPORTING PARTNERS SCC&TB, Keep Sedona Beautiful, Sustainability Alliance
ALIGNING RESEARCH Resident Survey, Nonprofit Focus Group, Land Managers Focus Group, Public Input, Industry Best Practices
TARGET / STATUS TO DATE
1. Benchmark trail utilization
2. Benchmark erosion on trails
3. Number of social trails
PROGRESS TO DATE
Monitor Trail Utilization (mid-term goal)
Monitor trail utilization and implement programs that distribute visitation.
FY21 & FY20: In this and last fiscal year, US Forest Service initial steps to monitor utilization and disperse visitation took shape, in cooperation with the SCC&TB and other local partners.
The USFS implemented a traffic management plan at Crescent Moon day use area that included electronic signs to inform the public when the rec area was full and advising against parking in the neighborhood.
The plan also includes a “no drop off” policy to keep cars moving around the drive. Off-duty police assisted in traffic management on busy weekends. RRM has been cooperative and helpful with all traffic recommendations.
In March 2021, the SCC&TB issued a Consumer e-News Letter to 155,000+ emails with the Sedona Trail Finder blog and link to help disperse hikers from the most popular hiking trails.
US Forest Service employees, volunteers and the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund are gathering and processing data from trail counters which can be used in formulating future management policies. Additional data collection began in October 2020.
The SCC&TB’s printed their “Sedona’s Secret 7 brochure” in July 2020 and enhanced SedonaSecret7.com. The site is meant to assist in dispersing hikers to less frequented but still spectacular Sedona outdoor experiences, including hiking, biking, picnics, arts and culture, spiritual experiences and vista viewing. The site provides detailed information and assists visitors in planning their excursion.
In this and last fiscal year, US Forest Service initial steps to monitor utilization and disperse visitation took shape, in cooperation with the SCC&TB and other local partners.
The USFS implemented a traffic management plan at Crescent Moon day use area that included electronic signs to inform the public when the rec area was full and advising against parking in the neighborhood.
The plan also includes a “no drop off” policy to keep cars moving around the drive. Off-duty police assisted in traffic management on busy weekends. RRM has been cooperative and helpful with all traffic recommendations.
US Forest Service employees, volunteers and the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund are gathering and processing data from trail counters which can be used in formulating future management policies. Additional data collection began in October 2020.
The Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau’s printed their “Sedona’s Secret 7 brochure” in July 2020 and enhanced SedonaSecret7.com. The site is meant to assist in dispersing hikers to less frequented but still spectacular Sedona outdoor experiences, including hiking, biking, picnics, arts and culture, spiritual experiences and vista viewing. The site provides detailed information and assists visitors in planning their excursion.