Starting November 3, Flagstaff's Cinder Lake OHV Recreation Area will undergo significant flood mitigation work, as officially announced by the Coconino County Flood Control District and the U.S. Forest Service. This intervention is crucial following the damage caused by recent wildfires. Tiffany Construction, which secured the contract for the job, is tasked with the removal of sediment buildup in Cinder Lake and will utilize the material to mend an erosion-affected stretch, while also implementing erosion control systems to curb future issues.
The operation underlines the importance of Cinder Lake's flood absorption capacities, instrumental in safeguarding areas like the Cinder Lake Regional Landfill and Doney Park from flooding risks. A statement issued by the county highlighted that unaddressed, the eroded zone could impose greater flood risks to the Fernwood neighborhood. Apart from the risk mitigation benefits, the project is also geared towards enhancing public safety for visitors to the recreation area.
During construction, which is set to conclude by December 24th, access to Forest Service Road 776, stretching from Highway 89 to Cinder Lake, will not be available. The county urges campers and other members of the public to vacate the area before work commences and to stay clear of the location for the duration of the project. This closure is a necessary safety measure to ensure unhindered progress of the critical flood prevention efforts.
Furthermore, the overarching Pipeline Fire Flood Area Mitigation Project, which includes the Cinder Lake effort, aims to restore burned watersheds and construct flood mitigation structures through residential areas and along Highway 89. Funding for these initiatives, amounting to over $42 million, comes via a Disaster Relief grant from the U.S. Forest Service. A detailed description of the project's scope and timeline can be found on Coconino County's official website.
