Renzi Introduces Walnut Canyon Study Act of 2007

Legislation would authorize study to evaluate future management options of area around Walnut Canyon National Monument WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi (AZ-01) late last week re-introduced the Walnut Canyon Study Act of 2007, legislation to authorize a study evaluating the future management options of the area surrounding the Walnut Canyon National Monument in Coconino County. "I am pleased to once again introduce this important legislation to study the future management options of the area surrounding Walnut Canyon National Monument," said Congressman Renzi. "This study will allow the various stakeholders to evaluate the best approach to protect and honor the many natural and cultural resources around Walnut Canyon. I appreciate the continued cooperation of the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County Board of Supervisors in introducing this bill, and look forward to continuing to work with them as this legislation makes its way through Congress." The Walnut Canyon Study Act of 2007 would direct the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to evaluate the opportunities for protecting Sinaguan Indian ruins while maintaining existing public uses on surrounding lands, such as grazing, hunting, and recreation. Since the Walnut Canyon National Monument was originally designated in 1915, the original boundaries have been expanded to include 3,580 acres to protect additional Sinaguan Indian ruins adjacent to the Monument. Further review and study of the management options is necessary to help resolve the question of future management of Walnut Canyon and surrounding areas. Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff have both passed resolutions supporting further study of the management of the Walnut Canyon National Monument and surrounding areas. In both resolutions, support for maintaining certain public uses in the Monument was relayed, as well as the need for the protection of the resources in the Monument. Congressman Renzi introduced similar legislation in the 109th Congress, however the measure was not considered by the full House of Representatives.