APS Transmission Line –
Coconino National Forest (CNF) Final Objection Period is Open –
Learn how you can become involved & make a difference –
Date: 19 February 2025 Time: 7:00-8:00 pm Location: VOC Church of the Nazarene, 55 Rojo Dr, Sedona, AZ 86351 U.S. Forest Service Guests: Mike Dechter, Environmental Coordinator, CNF
Alex Schlueter, District Ranger, Red Rock Ranger District, CNF APS Invited to attend (Attendance to be confirmed) Hosted by the Big Park Council
In December 2021, Coconino National Forest (CNF) released for public comment a 120-page draft Environmental Assessment (EA) detailing APS’s proposed 13.4 mile high-voltage transmission line between McGuireville and the Village of Oak Creek substation and offering several alternatives. Public comments were submitted, and changes were made, but parts of the line are still proposed to be above ground including over 2.5 miles immediately south of the VOC on 65-foot-tall poles.
On January 16, 2025, Coconino National Forest issued its final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Draft Decision Notice for the project. Publication of this final EA triggers a 45-day objection period for parties who provided comments in 2021/22, to file an objection before construction begins. The Big Park Council will file an objection to the proposed overhead route with the regional Forest Service office in Alburquerque before the March 3, 2025 deadline.
The Council’s Objection Letter will focus heavily on two aspects of the Final Environmental Assessment:
The increased fire danger caused from additional above ground, high voltage, transmission lines in proximity to the Village
The significant negative impact on the scenic and recreational value of the areas surrounding the above ground transmission lines
The Council feels these concerns would be eliminated by several reasonable alternatives, including placing the lines underground in the area affected.
Are the CNF Final EA changes enough? Come and learn the facts about this project and share your views directly with Coconino National Forest’s representatives.
APS proposed above-ground transmission line route immediately south of the Village
1 16 25 APS Transmission Line final EA released – Public Comment Period OpenREMINDER: SEDONA, Ariz., Dec. 18, 2024 — The Coconino National Forest and partners will discontinue the sale of the Grand Annual Pass on Dec. 31, 2024, to simplify pass requirements across the forest, but existing Grand Annual Passes sold through the end of 2024 will be honored at all fee sites through 2025. For additional information click HERE.
BIG PARK COUNCIL WILDFIRE RISK MITIGATION SURVEY CLOSES – Monday February 10
172 Residents have responded – Have You?
DRAFT AGENDA
BIG PARK COUNCIL MEETING
via ZOOM BIG PARK REGIONAL COORDINATING COUNCIL, INC. 9:00 A.M. Thursday, January 9, 2024
Representatives, Alternates and Committee members are automatically on the guest list and will receive the meeting links in a separate email message. No need to RSVP.
Guests must RSVP to receive the ZOOM link and to be on the attendees list. If you would like to join the meeting, send an email to bigparkcouncil.inquiry@gmail.com with your name and email address. You will be added to the guest list. We welcome you!
ZOOM Meeting
The ZOOM Waiting Room opens at 8:30am. Each attendee will need to check in prior to the 9:00am start time. Please arrive early so you can be checked in by the host. See meeting protocols for rules pertaining to this meeting.
Public Agency Speakers
– Yavapai County Supervisor, District 3 – Nikki Check
– Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District (To be Confirmed)
Roll Call – Lisa Holly
Approval of Agenda – Susan Barber
President’s Report – Susan Barber
Secretary’s Report – Lisa Holly
Approval of January Minutes
Changes in Reps/Alternates
Treasurer’s Report – Carol Murphy
January Financials
Unfinished Business
Wildfire Risk Mitigation Survey – Results & Next Steps – Lisa Holly
New Business
Consideration and approval of an update of the Council’s Communication to 3rd Parties Policy – Pat Robles
Presentation & Approval of 2025 Standing Committee Members – Susan Barber
Community Plan
Dark Sky
Digital Media
Planning & Zoning
Committee Reports
APS Transmission line subcommittee – Joe Skidmore
Planning & Zoning – Bob Marriott
Digital Media – Pat Robles
Dark Sky – Dave Norton
I-17/SR-179 Task Force meeting w/ADOT – Dave Norton
Verde Valley Transportations Planning (VVTPO) – Jeff Swan
Others TBD
Announcements
Adjourn
Reminders:
Next EB Meeting: Tuesday, March 4, 2pm Next Regular Meeting: Thursday, March 13, 9am (In person & ZOOM)
Identify yourself with first and last name when you set up your zoom profile.
Arrive at least 10-20 minutes early. Guests will be checked against our RSVP list and admitted by the co-host.
We will lock the meeting at 9:15—no late entrance to avoid distraction.
Audio Settings/Options
Zoom will give you audio options – choose computer audio. Other audio options can generate disruptive feedback.
While in the waiting room, test your audio to make sure it is working.
When admitted to the meeting, your audio will be automatically muted. When called on to speak, you will need to Unmute your audio first.
Make sure you are familiar with the Raise Hand command on the toolbar. This is the only means that the Chair and presenters can see that you wish to speak. and helps to maintain an orderly and efficient meeting.
The BPRCC Code of Conduct and Basic Rules of Parliamentary Procedure will be in effect at this meeting. As a reminder, you will find them included with this message. Click here to Download PDF
See the Council website for more information on meetings, activities and more. www.bigparkcouncil.org. You can also follow us on Facebook.
