The Forest Service is proposing to protect 10,000 acres of the Coconino National Forest from new mining claims for the next 20 years.
If it is approved, the withdrawal would protect lands around Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona from future mining claims. The Forest Service points out that the area is biologically highly diverse with year-round water, many types of trees and plant life, animal habitats, and the brilliant rock formations that draw an estimated 1.5 million visitors every year.
The comment period started with a notice in the Federal Register this week and runs through Oct. 22. Chris Wonderly is a spokesman for the Bureau of Land Management which called for input from the public.
"There will also be a virtual public meeting later in October before that closure date so people can learn more about the project that way as well," he said.
Some of the proposed area had been protected by a public order that expired in 2019.
