Flagstaff Council Supports Monument Land Protection
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors and now Flagstaff’s City Council support a buffer around Walnut Canyon National Monument that protects that land from potential exchanges and development. But the council has some conditions.
Four of the council members are concerned about the size of the protected area — more than 27,000 acres. Flagstaff’s mayor and a few others would like to protect private property rights, be able to access the city’s pipeline and keep the area open for recreational use.
According to a study prepared by federal and local agencies the land contains thousands of archaeological sites, Mexican Spotted Owl habitat and several popular trails.
The Forest Service currently manages most of the land surrounding the monument. The majority of residents surveyed would like to see Congressional approval before any exchange of federal lands or development takes place.
