The Flagstaff City Council could throw its support behind a new National Conservation Area for northern Arizona during its meeting Tuesday.
Originally there were thoughts of creating a new national park, with the more than 27,000 acres surrounding Walnut Canyon National Monument.
However, a study last year found the monument and surrounding area failed to meet the requirements for a national park.
But the federal government did say it would consider a National Conservation Area.
That would prohibit the federal government from swapping or selling the land inside the conservation area’s boundaries. The conservation area, which has been approved by the Coconino County Board, would have to be approved by Congress.
The Arizona Daily Sun says the Flagstaff City Council could endorse the project Wednesday.