Keep Sedona Beautiful

KSB Members Overwhelmingly Support Sedona National Scenic Area (NSA) Designation

Photo by Stephen DeVol

Nearly 100 percent of Keep Sedona Beautiful (KSB) members support a Sedona-Red Rock National Scenic Area (NSA) designation, according to a recent survey conducted by the 600-member organization.

A federal designation is under consideration for the 160,000 acres of forest lands in and surrounding Sedona. U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, who is the only U.S. Congressional representative who may introduce such legislation, has asked constituents for further data as she considers introducing legislation. In response, KSB conducted an online survey of its members.

In the survey, conducted July 17-27, 98.9 percent of respondents said they support an NSA designation. They rated its positive economic impact 6.7 on a 7.0 (highest) scale. Respondents rated the importance of the following aspects of an NSA:

• Scenic/Community Harmony: Preserves scenic beauty, small town character and property values, but allows crucial public infrastructure and land use [schools, roads, fire stations and cell phone towers] (96.9%)
• Forest Management: Allows continued U.S. Forest Service management; no new administrative authority required. (92.8%)
• Local Control: Does not affect “local control.” (92.8%)
• Business Impact: Is good for business and tourism. (91.8%)
• Government Authority: Creates no new layers of government. (86.7%)
• Land Use: Does not affect any private, state or municipal lands. (75.5%)
• Area Affected: Applies only to Coconino National Forest lands in the area. (75.5%)

Comments provided by KSB members to share with Kirkpatrick included:

• “This one act will forever be Congresswoman Kirkpatrick’s signature legislation.”
• “Having a(n) NSA designation would strengthen the Sedona brand and help our tourism business.”
• “The Sedona economy and lifestyle are dependent upon protection of the scenic beauty. We must be stewards of this treasure.”
• “It will help to bolster the region’s economic base as a tourist destination where residents, organizations, and government agencies work as stewards to assure a balance between the human footprint and the fragile grandeur of nature.”

Full results of the KSB survey may be viewed on the Keep Sedona Beautiful website.