Stewardship in the time of COVID – connecting trails, dirt, and responsible recreation in Oak Creek, Arizona
If you are like most folks, you might be a little stir crazy, and ready to get out of your house, your city, and your daily routine during the COVID pandemic. Many recreationists, both returning and brand new, are flocking to our National Forests for a reprieve from the daily monotony, which is of course, amazing, but high visitation has come with consequences.
In Oak Creek Canyon in northern Arizona, the intensity of increasing use has led to unsafe parking along 89A, rogue and unauthorized trails down to the creek which increases erosion and sedimentation and subsequently poses significant water quality concerns.
To meet these challenges, NFF has partnered with REI Co-op and REI Foundation, Coconino National Forest, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to improve trail management and restoration and increase trash pick-up, all with an eye towards reducing sediment and trash deposition into this precious water way.
Meet our team!
This work was made possible by generous support from REI Co-op and the REI Foundation. Special thank you to photographer Richie Graham for joining us and photographing this important work.
Click here to learn more about Richie and see more of his photography.
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