Save Our Ancient Red Rocks

The glorious red rock formations and green river basins of Sedona and the Verde Valley in Arizona are national treasures, considered by people around the world as among the most beautiful places on earth. While this area appears to be ancient and everlasting, it is actually fragile and vulnerable to natural degradation and overuse by human activities.
It may be hard to believe, but there are currently no permanent protections to preserve this valuable national asset. The Forest Service plan is now limited to aspirational goals for preservation that are neither permanent nor binding. This is why citizens must act now to protect this unique environment from further development and desecration by establishing permanent protections not subject to changing political winds and whims.

The area seeking permanent protection is 80,000 acres of Arizona’s Sedona Verde Valley Red Rock Country between the Colorado Plateau and the Verde Valley. It is an amazing composite of monumental red buttes and towering spires, lush riparian environments, steep winding canyons and sweeping grasslands. This area has been occupied by people for more than 12,000 years. The ancient ones have left their traces in countless archaeological sites, and their descendants maintain a deep spiritual connection to the area. Newcomers have also left their marks and established strong ties to the valley.

The region contains seven distinct biotic communities and is home to one of the largest collections of plants and animals in Arizona, some of which are not found anywhere else in the world.

Since the 1980s, community leaders have been trying to secure permanent protection of the Sedona Verde Valley Red Rock area. Grass roots alliances have explored and continue to explore every resource available. Their research has discovered that this special region meets all the criteria necessary under the Antiquities Act that governs a National Monument designation, the best opportunity to protect and preserve this scenic wonder.

While assuring current municipal and business access, a National Monument designation would provide protections for the archeological, geological, ecological, cultural and historical assets, as well as the open spaces and scenic vistas. Now and for generations to come, this designation will help preserve all that is unique and vital to the economic and social well-being of those who live and work in or visit the Sedona Verde Valley country.

Given the importance of our scenic assets and natural resources to both our economy and our quality of life, the time has come to establish permanent protection that will help keep the Sedona's Red Rocks in the Coconino National Forest alive, thriving, pristine and protected.