On August 15, 1988 the Board of Supervisors appointed an eleven-member citizens' committee to develop policies designed to guide future growth and development in the Fort Valley area. The committee selected the issues of concern which included water, fire protection, solid waste disposal, utilities, environmental quality, roads, and land use. The study area decided upon was that depicted on the Department of Community Development's Fort Valley Zoning Map. This includes all lands outside of the incorporated City Limits of Flagstaff on both sides of Fort Valley Road/Highway 180 out to and including the Fort Valley and Baderville areas. The Committee decided to exclude Hart Prairie and Kendrick Park. Throughout the process, the Committee thought of the study area as being in tow distinct parts. South Fort Valley included the Lockett property, Colton Ranch area, Mount Elden Lookout Road, Schultz Pass Road, the Magdalena/Van Sickle area, Forest Hills and Hidden Hollow. North Fort Valley included Fort Valley Ranch, both sides of Highway 180 in the main valley, and Baderville.

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the existing land use and ownership patterns, identify the major environmental characteristics and propose policies for adoption by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Supervisors that will serve as a guide for future development within Oak Creek Canyon from Pumphouse Wash to Midgely Bridge. Formal planning for the area originated in 1976. The "Sedona Community Plan" was subsequently adopted by Coconino County in late 1979 and has since served as the guide to future land use determinations for that portion of the Sedona community located within Coconino County.