Oak Creek Canyon Task Force
Biography
As a PDF file
The Oak Creek Canyon Task Force was started by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) circa 1992 as an informal group, and evolved into a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization on September 11, 2003. Its membership includes private citizens, businesses, federal, state, city and county staff and elected officials, and is a virtual who’s who of those interested in protecting the environment of Oak Creek Canyon as well as the integrity of its unique watercourse, Oak Creek.
The Task Force is founded on the principle that a voluntary association of members of the watershed communities, working together to understand both the watershed and each other, best accomplishes wise and sustainable use of water resources. Such understanding will be the basis for resolving conflicts and promoting cooperative use of the water resources.
Goals:
1. Conserve natural resources and enhance the environment for all users.
2. Sustain, improve and diversify recreational opportunities.
3. Improve water quality and water quantity.
4. Sustain, enhance and improve the environment for wildlife.
5. Reduce damage from storms, floods, man-made activities and/or natural disasters.
6. Engage and maintain public and governmental involvement including Local, State, Federal,
and Tribal governments, through public outreach and education. A few of the specific
outreach goals include:
a. Development and enhancement of a Web site
b. Development of a multi- media, water quality/ water quantity campaign.
c. Development of a Speakers Bureau to address local groups on the existence of the Oak Creek Canyon Task Force and its programs.
Objectives:
1. Gain and share a better understanding of the characteristics and dynamics of the watershed and how it impacts the quality of life of those who live within the watershed.
2. Prepare comprehensive lists of issues and concerns of the populace and of local, state. and federal governments relating to point and non-point source pollution in the watershed.
3. Identify and quantify the origins of point and non-point source pollution in the watershed.
4. Establish or aid in the development of monitoring programs for point and non-point source pollution.
5. Encourage action agencies, individuals and other governmental and non-governmental entities to use locally appropriate management practices (LAMPs) to reduce or eliminate point and non-point source pollution.
6. Encourage fair and equitable actions through public involvement.
7. Coordinate environmental planning and implementation with agencies, governments, environmental advocacy groups, and other private sector interests.
8. Provide a forum to foster ongoing evaluation and improvement of environmental programs and regulations.
9. Promote and sponsor public educational and outreach seminars and workshops for participants interested in learning about the watershed, water quality and quantity issues, and develop possible solutions for improvement.
10. Assist local communities and groups in priority setting for environmental problems and provide a sound technical basis to support environmental decisions.
11. Organize, store, and distribute information to the public on the watershed in general, upland areas, reaches of the river, urban areas, and valley areas.
12. Obtain grants and contracts related to watershed resource issues and concerns.
Accomplishments:
1. 2002 Watershed Based Plan. More...
2. 2003 Formation of KEEP OAK CREEK CANYON BEAUTIFUL anti-litter program. More...
3. 2004 Awarded ADEQ/EPA grant to build first roadside public bathrooms in Canyon as well as new shower disposal system at Cave Springs Campground; sediment traps at two recreation areas; trailhead signs at 12 locations; construction of a web site. More...
4. 2008 Awarded Education Grant by ADEQ including development of a Trailhead Ambassador program involving high school students; expansion of the Keep Oak Creek Beautiful program; redesign of web site. More...
Organizational Structure:
A) Board of Directors (9 members)
Current Co-Chairmen: Barry Allan (Administrative), Morgan Stine (Technical)
B) Active Members/Representatives
1) Local Stakeholder Groups
a) Homeowner Associations
b) Recreation Resource Management
c) Local businesses
d) Service organizations
2) City/County Government
a) City of Sedona
b) Coconino County
3) State/Federal Agencies
a) U.S. Forest Service
a) Arizona State Parks Department
b) Arizona Game and Fish Department
c) Arizona Department of Transportation
d) Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
e) Arizona Department of Water Resource
4) Sedona Fire District
5) Large corporations
a) Salt River Project
b) APS
6) University of Arizona Master Watershed Steward Program
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