Air Quality Commenters are concerned that there would be increased particulate matter and introduction of chemical pollutants during the construction of the project that could affect the air quality and increase air pollution. They feel that the project would increase traffic volume, speed, vibration, dust, and noise in a rural community; however, other commenters note that paving Chavez Ranch Road could cut down on the dust that they have been noticing for years. Biology and Wildlife Erosion, Drainage, and Storm water Commenters noted that the subdivision and road could adversely affect the general ecology and natural quality of the project area because a higher volume of and faster traffic could endanger wildlife (such as tarantulas, snakes, rabbits, quail, coyote, deer, and javelina) that frequent the areas of Crescent Moon Ranch, Oak Creek Canyon, and Carroll Canyon. Specifically, one commenter noted, that coyote, deer, and javelina, go to and from the creek by crossing Chavez Ranch Rd. at the precise area that paving is proposed to begin. Most commenters on this topic are concerned that widening Chavez Ranch Road and/or creating a new drainage channel will have unexpected consequences, could decrease the water quality of Oak Creek, and could make erosion and flooding more of a problem than it already is on Sunset Lane and other roads in the Cathedral Vista subdivision which already have drainage problems. Specifically, one commenter noted that mud and debris currently floods the low water crossing at the intersection of Cathedral Vista Drive and Pyramid View Drive, and residents have to shovel this to keep it Chavez Ranch Road Project Comment Response Table - Page 1 The proposal is expected to meet all ADEQ air quality standards. To address construction related air emissions (e.g. vehicle exhaust, fugitive dust, etc.), the Applicant will implement construction Best Management Practices (BMP) to avoid or minimize impacts associated with potential air pollution. Please refer to the mitigation measures table for specific BMPs. As other commenters pointed out, the project is expected to reduce the dust associated with the road over the long-term, since the road will be paved instead of the current native material. While there are likely to be increased emissions and dust in the short-term associated with the construction, this increase in dust and emissions is expected to be below the threshold that would affect human health and BMPs would be implemented to minimize these effects to the extent possible. It is possible for the project to result in impacts to general wildlife in the area. Wildlife effects were addressed in a Wildlife Specialist Report and Biological Assessment prepared to analyze and disclose potential impacts of the project activities to wildlife. The Wildlife Specialist Report identifies specific avoidance and minimization measures that will be implemented in the project to avoid, minimize, and mitigate for impacts to wildlife resources. Please refer to the mitigation measures table for specific measures. The USFWS concurred with the project s Biological Assessment finding of may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect listed or proposed Endangered Species Act (ESA) species and critical habitat in the project area. Please refer to the Wildlife Specialist Report, Biological Assessment, and USFWS concurrence letter for further details. The proposed project includes drainage improvements for Chavez Ranch Road in conjunction with the Yavapai County Flood Control District. All proposed improvements have been designed to meet current Yavapai County engineering standards and specifications. BMPs, including a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), will be implemented during project construction to address potential runoff during construction activities. Please refer to the mitigation measures table for specific measures that were included to address this issue.
clear. They do not want additional erosion or more water diverted into their subdivision. Another commenter in the Cathedral Vista subdivision claims that previous changes to water flow north of Chavez Ranch Road negatively impacted Cathedral Vista Drive by increasing the flow of water (and flooding) during monsoon season. In addition, the property owners paid for paving the upper portion of Cathedral Vista Drive and do not want additional flooding to impact this paved portion which was a large investment of the subdivision. Another commenter claimed that this project would likely increase the amount and speed of runoff entering Carroll Canyon Wash which could endanger a Cathedral Vista Water Company main line that crosses the wash and another water main line that runs under Chavez Ranch Road. Health and Human Safety One commenter noted that increased traffic could result in more vehicular accidents, other commenters were hopeful that the hairpin turn in Segment 2 could be improved through the widening and paving of Chavez Ranch Road and installation of a guardrail, therefore improving the safety of the road. With a higher volume and speed of traffic on a paved Chavez Ranch Road, one commenter is afraid that it would no longer provide a route of travel for horse owners, hikers, bikers, children walking to the bus stop, families walking to neighbors homes and friends walking to the creek. The potential impacts of the project on the water quality of Oak Creek were addressed through inclusion of the aforementioned mitigation measures and a detailed analysis of the potential downstream water quality impacts. In its current condition, Chavez Ranch Road does not meet Yavapai County road standards for the anticipated traffic on this road and there have been serious injuries from vehicle accidents along the switchback section of the road. The proposed project includes road surfacing and associated safety features to improve the conditions of the road. Specific safety measures proposed include road width widening and road shoulders to accommodate two-way traffic, improved drainage features, street signs for vehicle safety at major turns (including the hairpin curve) with recommended speed limits, designated roadside parking, and a defined parking area at the junction of Chavez Ranch Road and the back road to Crescent Moon Ranch. During construction, conflicts between operational and recreational traffic may pose short-term public health and safety issues along more heavily travelled roads. The project will include mitigation measures to reduce these conflicts during construction as described in the mitigation measures table. The completed project will likely result in a slight increase in traffic. Marked pedestrian/bicycle/equestrian crossings will assist with public safety of those accessing trails and continue to accommodate the existing non-motorized uses along the road. Chavez Ranch Road Project Comment Response Table - Page 2
NEPA Process Alternatives NEPA Process Connected Action NEPA Process Public Notification One commenter inquired as to whether there would be a bridge built over Oak Creek for access to their subdivision. Another preferred the proposed alternative versus construction of a new road coming down from Airport Mesa which has been considered in the past. A few commenters noted that the proposed Mystic Heights housing development was not mentioned in the scoping letter. They feel it should be considered in some way as part of the Chavez Ranch Road projects. Some commenters questioned the sufficiency of public notification; one felt a front page story in the Red Rock News was appropriate to reach community members. Many commenters want additional public notification, an extended comment period, and/or a public meeting to discuss this project and any adverse consequences. One commenter was unable to open the link to the detailed project description, and Judy Adams directed them to the correct location and where to submit comments, concerns, and suggestions. Another commenter attached information related to this project found in the Verde Independent newspaper. Most commenters also want to be notified of any changes, new environmental studies, project updates, and meetings. The proposed project is eligible for review under NEPA as a Categorical Exclusion. Review under the Categorical Exclusion process for the Special Use Permit does not include the evaluation of alternative proposals and is therefore outside the Forest Service s scope of analysis for the this proposal. This project is not connected to the Tobias Flynn private road project which includes bridge alternatives. Issues raised on the Chavez Road project did not result in the development of alternative access locations but were addressed by design features and mitigation measures. Impacts associated with the Mystic Heights Subdivision are outside of the scope of the analysis for the Chavez Ranch Road Improvements project as some development can occur on the private property without roadway improvements; however, some cumulative and connected impacts from the development have been analyzed in the specialist reports and in consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Arizona State Historic Preservation Office. The Forest Service does not have authority to control development on the private property as that is a Yavapai County authority. Other agency permits will likely be obtained from the US Army Corps of Engineers and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality for the whole project, including development on the private property, as required by local ordinances and regulations. The project included a public scoping process, which followed all standards set forth in the Forest Service National Environmental Policy Handbook (FSH 1909.15) for public involvement and public participation given a project of this scope. A full description of the proposed action and supporting information was made available in November 2014, and public comments were requested within 30 days. Adjacent landowners and interested parties were notified of the proposed action and the scoping comment period in a letter mailing. This public comment opportunity was shared more broadly by local media during the scoping process. Given the limited scope of the project and the localized nature of the anticipated effects, the Forest has met the public notification and public involvement requirements identified in law, regulation, and policy. Comments may be considered and submitted at any time during the process. Chavez Ranch Road Project Comment Response Table - Page 3
Noise Some commenters stated that the project s increased traffic volume could increase noise in the rural community. Chavez Ranch Road is considered a local, low-traffic-volume road. Paving of the three segments of road in and of itself is not anticipated to result in a substantial influx of traffic or visitors to recreate in the area. The proposed project will likely result in a slight increase in traffic. This small change in traffic is not expected to result in a change in the character of the surrounding community. Please see the Recreation Specialist Report for more detailed Recreation One commenter stated that Chavez Ranch Road (in its current state) provides a recreation opportunity for Horse owners, hikers, bikers, children walking to the bus stop, families walking to neighbors homes and friends walking to the creek; once paved, this commenter is afraid that the road would no longer provide these qualities. Another commenter did not want several informal pullouts along the road removed as they provide places to photograph the red rock scenery and questioned if recreational access for those with disabilities is being considered. This same commenter has had poor experiences with Forest Service staff and mentioned wider recreational access issues in the Sedona area where fees are becoming more commonplace. There were also many comments made concerning an in informal recreation site with creek access at the end of Chavez Ranch Road. One property owner (of 25 years) who lives adjacent to the recreation site feels that the parking area does not need to be paved because cars only park on the road (instead of the parking area) only once or twice per year and people seem to limit themselves if the area is full. Two other commenters hope that the parking area will not be removed as there are very few areas where the creek can be accessed currently, and Chavez Ranch Road provides a natural walkway to a beautiful, rural part of Oak Creek. Most other commenters believe that paving Chavez Ranch Road with parking improved and/or increased could make the area more inviting and crowded at the end of Chavez Ranch Road, cause traffic issues for the locals who live in the neighborhood, increase the quantity of trash along the creek, and decrease Oak Creek s water quality. With a paved road would come more people who could potentially cause additional vehicular accidents and create unapproved trails (causing more maintenance issues for the Forest Service). Another comment Chavez Ranch Road Project Comment Response Table - Page 4 analysis. A Recreation Specialist Report was completed to analyze the proposed projects impacts to recreation resources. Project design, including improvements to vehicle and pedestrian safety, parking areas, and signage at trail crossings, and proposed mitigation measures will avoid and minimize impacts to recreation resources. This project is not addressing changes in use and facilities at the informal recreation site at the end of Chavez Ranch Road. Those issues would be addressed in a separate analysis at another time and are not directly connected to the road improvements.
was made in favor of moving the gate to limit parking for trail access or eliminate parking altogether. One commenter would like to see the creek access site paved and improved. Socioeconomics Traffic Control Several commenters believe that this project would have no benefit to the public, use Yavapai County taxpayer money, and open the door to new developments. One commenter was concerned that the action of moving the gate further up the road would unnecessarily restrict a popular viewing area frequented by Sedona's local jeep tours, depriving them of income. Several commenters were concerned that the market value of the surrounding properties in the small, rural, residential area could decrease due to pollution, noise, and crowding associated with increased visitor use in the area. One commenter noted that they were concerned that Red Rock Loop Road could not handle all the new traffic from the new subdivision and from visitor traffic. Most commenters were worried that the project could encourage an increase in traffic quantity, speed, vibration, dust, and noise in a rural community. Some commenters feel that improved signage on Chavez Ranch Road would help to keep more people off the road, especially since many visitors get confused and think Chavez Ranch Road is the way to Crescent Moon Ranch. Specifically, one commenter felt that if the recreation spot is to be closed at the end of Chavez Ranch Road, there should be a sign placed at a suitable location that says, "NO PARKING AT ROAD END. One commenter would like to see a stop sign on Red Rock Crossing Rd at the Chavez Ranch Rd/RR Chavez Ranch Road Project Comment Response Table - Page 5 Yavapai County has cooperated in the review and approval of the private property development and road standards as part of the normal planning and zoning process. The county currently maintains the forest section of Chavez Ranch Road under a maintenance agreements. The county would not be paying for construction of the road but would continue to perform maintenance of the improved road after construction. Maintenance costs should be reduced with improvements and would typically improve safety and reduce dust. Existing approved outfitter and guide use will continue to be allowed at the new gate location that better protects National Forest resources. It is unlikely that the change in the gate location would result in tour customers not taking a tour or impacting tour company revenues. The viewpoint will still be accessible. None of the existing land ownerships and zoned land uses in this area have changed. While the development in these areas may have a marginal effect on the character of the area, the existing properties are not expected to substantially change because the property values are generally based on the potential for development of nearby surrounding lands zoned for development. The project is unlikely to result in a substantial influx of traffic and effects such as noise and crowding are discussed in the analysis. Chavez Ranch Road is considered a local, low-traffic-volume road. Paving of the three segments of road in and of itself is not anticipated to result in a substantial influx of traffic or visitors to recreate in the area. The proposed project will likely result in a slight increase in traffic based on private land development and improved road standards. The road standards are intended to meet the traffic needs of the proposed development and were subject to Yavapai County subdivision review and requirements. Please see the Recreation Specialist Report, which addresses issues including noise, dust, and traffic impacts by analyzing and disclosing these potential effects.
Crossing Rd junction, trail crossing signage on Chavez Ranch Rd where the Ramshead trail crosses the road and possibly a parking area for hikers, a Vista Point turn-around at the Chavez Crossing Rd just before it reaches the Crescent Moon Ranch property gate, and other additional roadside signage. The proposed project includes road surfacing and associated design features to improve the conditions of the road. Design features include street signs for vehicle safety at major turns with recommended speed limits, STOP/CAUTION signs at all road/trail crossings, roadside parking at the junction of Ramshead Trail with Chavez Ranch Road, and defined parking capacity at the junction of Chavez Ranch Road and the back road to Crescent Moon Ranch. Please see the mitigation measures table for further details on proposed design features. Utilities Visual Resources Water Supply UniSource believes that they may have a conflict with the drainage improvements proposed in Segment #1. Others feel that erosion from the project area might negatively impact a nearby water main line. Commenters noted that this project could have an adverse impact on the natural beauty of the area. Specifically, commenters stated that they moved to the immediate area to avoid the city feel, pavement, and noise, and that they do not want to see black top and do not want the development to alter the beauty and balance of the area. One commenter noted that Chavez Ranch Road provides users with a vantage point for viewing Cathedral Rock. If improvements are to occur, one commenter would like to see preservation of the red rock cliffs. Some commenters expressed concern that the proposed Mystic Heights development, which Chavez Ranch Road would access, could create an added burden on the already limited groundwater Chavez Ranch Road Project Comment Response Table - Page 6 Impacts associated with the Mystic Heights Subdivision are outside of the scope of the analysis for the Chavez Ranch Road Improvements project; however, some cumulative and connected impacts from the development have been analyzed in the specialist reports. UniSource has been contacted regarding their comment on drainage improvements in Segment 1. Their concerns have been addressed through project design. The proposed project will have no erosion impact on the nearby water line. A Scenery Resources Specialist Report was prepared to analyze the projects impacts to visual resources. The Scenic Integrity Objectives for all segments of the proposed project is designated High meaning management activities are not visually evident to the casual observer. The proposed project could be considered as a deviation evident to the casual observer and therefore inconsistent with Forest Plan direction for scenery. Considerable effort has been made in the design of the roadway improvements to minimize the project s overall visual effects. Multiple design features are incorporated into the proposed action to minimize impacts to scenery resources and attempt to preserve the desired naturally appearing landscape (refer to mitigation measures table). After implementation of the project, the road corridor is more consistent with Moderate Scenic Integrity the valued landscape character appears slightly altered and noticeable deviation should be visually subordinate to the landscape character being viewed. Please refer to the Scenery Resources Specialist Report for further details. Impacts associated with the Mystic Heights Subdivision are outside of the scope of the analysis for the Chavez Ranch Road Improvements project; however, some cumulative and connected
supply of the immediate area (Cathedral Vista subdivision) especially if the 38 new homes are to be built. impacts from the development have been analyzed in the specialist reports. Development of the private land was subject to Yavapai County review, public meetings/hearings and oversight/approval, including groundwater issues. Chavez Ranch Road Project Comment Response Table - Page 7