Management Plan Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Arizona

WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT PLAN ARAVAIPA CANYON WILDERNESS ARIZONA

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

P4 REPLY REFER TO:

United States Department of the Interior 8560 (044) BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT SAFFORD DISTRICT OFFICE 425 E. 4th Street Safford, Arizona 85546 (602) 428-4040

This draft Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Management Plan is being distributed for your review and comment. Bureau of Land Management policy requires that a management plan be prepared for all designated wilderness areas on public land. The plan describes the proposed management direction for Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Information used in preparing the plan has been obtained from BLM and other federal, state and local agency sources and from interested individuals and organizations.

Written comments on the plan will be accepted through April 3, 1987. Your comments should be sent to:

Bureau of Land Management 425 East 4th Street Safford, Arizona 85546

Comments received will be used in preparing the final management plan. A copy of the final plan will be provided to those who submit comments on the draft or request a copy. I appreciate your interest in Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness.

Sincerely,

Lester K. Rosenkrance District Manager

Enclosure

WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT PLAN

FOR THE

ARAVAIPA CANYON WILDERNESS

ARIZONA

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

Recommended by: Cc. (9f7 Kenneth L. Mahoney Date Outdoor Recreation Planner,Gi R.A.

Recommended by: / )7 Keith L. Cook Date Area Manager, Gila Resource Area

Recommended by: /9r7 Lester K. Rosenkrance Date District Manager, Safford District

Approved by: D. Dean Bibles Date State Director, Arizona ,, TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION ...... 1

Plan Purpose ...... 1 Plan Organization ...... 1 Area Overview ...... 1 1. Location 1 2. Description ...... 1 3. General Management Situation and History . • • 5

WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT GOALS ...... 7

WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT STRATEGY ...... 8

WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ...... 10

Environmental Elements ...... 10 Soil ...... 10 Water ...... 10 Vegetation ...... 13 Insects, Diseases and Noxious Plants ...... 15 Fish and Wildlife ...... 16 Cultural Resources ...... 20

Social Element ...... 23 Recreation ...... 23

Managerial Elements ...... 26 Administration ...... 26 Information and Education ...... 30 Scientific Study ...... 31 Search and Rescue ...... 32 Range Management ...... 33 Lands Management ...... 35 Minerals Management ...... 36 Aircraft Overflights ...... 36 Fire Management ...... 38

IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE ...... 39

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ...... 47

COST ESTIMATES ...... 53

APPENDICES ...... 55

1. Arizona Wilderness Act ...... 55 2. Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Boundary Description . . . 61 3. Visitor Use Rules ...... 65 4. Plan Participants ...... 66 5. Bibliography ...... 67

The plan continues with a time- INTRODUCTION table for implementing the management actions from the program section. An Plan Purpose environmental assessment (EA) of the management alternatives developed This wilderness management plan during the planning process follows. establishes the objectives, policies The final section of the plan shows and actions by which Aravaipa Canyon cost estimates for implementing the Wilderness (ACW) will be managed for wilderness management program for the the 10-year period through 1997. 10-year period ending with fiscal year Those resources or elements that are (FY) 1997. important aspects of ACW and its use are identified. The plan also out- Area Overview lines a sequence for implementing management actions and provides for 1. Location monitoring the accomplishment of wilderness management objectives. ACW is north of the Galiuro Through these steps, ACW will be man- Mountains in eastern Pinal County aged according to the intent of the and western Graham County, establishing legislation. Arizona. The canyon lies 90 miles southeast of Phoenix and 55 miles Plan Organization northeast of Tucson (the two larg- est metropolitan areas in Arizona) The plan presents information from and 40 miles west of Safford, the general concepts of wilderness Arizona. The designated area is management to the specific actions within Township 6 South, Ranges involving ACW management. After a 17, 18, and 19 East, Gila and Salt brief description of the area's loca- River Meridian. tion, attributes, history and general management situation, the four wilder- Access to the wilderness is ness management goals that currently available primarily by two county- guide BLM's wilderness management pro- maintained roads, the Aravaipa gram are listed. A section on wilder- Road from the west and the ness management strategy addresses the Klondyke Road from the east. The use of limits of acceptable change and Aravaipa Road is reached by trav- carrying capacity as methods of asses- eling State Highway 77, 11 miles sing changing conditions and recog- south of Winkelman, Arizona. The nizing situations needing correction. west trailhead is 12 miles up the Aravaipa Road. The substance of the plan is in the Wilderness Management Program sec- The Klondyke Road branches tion. This part outlines the elements off U.S. Highway 70, 15 miles or components critical to managing northwest of Safford. The east ACW, the management objectives rela- trailhead is reached by traveling ting to each of these elements and a another 45 miles. The map in Fig- description of the current situation ure 1 shows ACW's location and the and management assumptions for each routes for approaching the element. Management direction, by trailheads. element, follows with management policies and actions that will guide ACW 2. Description management. ACW totals 6,699 acres administered by BLM. The acreage dis- crepancy from the approximately 6,670 acres referred to in the Aravaipa Canyon within the wilder- Arizona Wilderness Act (Appen- ness. Most have water flowing dix 1) results from accurate com- during portions of the year, pro- putations made during preparation viding pools and small waterfalls of the boundary description. No as attractions for recreation and state or private inholdings are scenic enjoyment and important within the wilderness boundaries habitat for wildlife. though two private parcels are surrounded on three sides by the Turkey Creek flows from wilderness. The majority of the another major side canyon just ACW boundary follows legal t ubdi- outside of the wilderness to the vision lines. Exceptions are east. The lower portion of the along the southeast boundary and a canyon is in public ownership and small portion of the boundary on contains one of the best developed the north side. The southeast riparian vegetation communities in boundary is defined as the west the Southwest. Hiking and camping rim of Turkey Creek Canyon. A occur in the canyon, often as a one-half mile section of unim- compliment to visiting ACW. A low proved road forms a portion of the maintenance dirt road goes up the north side boundary. Both of canyon. these boundary sections are described by a metes and bounds sur- Above the canyon rims on both vey. The complete boundary des- the north and south lie the table- cription is in Appendix 2. The lands, an area of hills and flats official boundary map, as outwit- covered with desert shrub and ted to the Committee on Energy and grassland vegetation. The table- Natural Resources, United States lands within ACW are deceivingly Senate, and the Committee on rugged as many of the flats are Interior and Insular Affairs, large bedrock areas crisscrossed House of Representatives, is with fissures and fractures of reproduced in Figure 2. various depths and widths. Small drainages are lined with vertical Aravaipa Canyon has long been walls and other erosional features recognized for its natural quali- are found throughout the area. ties and significant ecological Steep slopes prevail on the hills attributes. Beneath scenic tow- and ridges in the eastern portion ering cliffs, Aravaipa Creek flows of ACW. perennially supporting lush riparian vegetation in stark contrast Aravaipa Canyon's geology is to the cactus and shrubs of the largely of volcanic origin. In Sonoran Desert growing on the can- the central and western portions yon slopes. ACW is home for a of the canyon, Tertiary Galiuro variety of wildlife, including 46 Volcanics consisting of lava flows mammal, 46 reptile, 7 native fish and ash-flow tuffs are exposed. and 8 amphibian species. In addi- On the east end of the canyon, the tion, over 200 bird species Hell Hole Conglomerate overlies ranging from permanent residents the Galiuro Volcanics, while in to rare or migrant species may be the extreme western end of the found in ACW (BLM 1983). canyon Precambrian bedrock under- lies the volcanics and is exposed Nine major side canyons enter on the canyon floor. The canyon the 11-mile long stretch of was formed as the stream's down- cutting was able to keep pace with ARAVAIPA CANYON WILDERNESS LOCATION MAP

SAFFORD DISTRICT

...‘0 HIGHWAYS AIR WILDERNESS

SCALE 10 0 10 101 30 40 k I 1 1 MILES Figure 1 It IS

.1"1. ■0 4

RITE II ISE. _ _ o

Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness

SAFFORD DISTRICT BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT ARIZONA 1985

nu Cowie* assedary ist /swaps Carryon Wilderness, Safford UNA "Fk Olsbiet, brims, Abyss, 5.1985, as inciudsd mlii. *Mona' /A Willsteen Pleassvotien System by PL. 911-406 doled August 11 • E IS 1. Couly Use 2111, 1964. the uplift of the Galiuro Moun- BLM initiated work on a man- tains fault block (Krieger 1979). agement plan for the area in October 1969 and finalized manage- A well-established herd of ment plan decisions in 1970 with desert bighorn sheep populate the considerable public participa- wilderness north of Aravaipa tion. The most recent revision of Creek. Black hawks are an uncom- the plan was completed in 1979. mon species whose range extends southward into Mexico. They nest With the passage of the Fed- during the spring and summer in eral Land Policy and Management the tall cottonwoods and sycamores Act (FLPMA) in 1976, Aravaipa Can- along the stream to take advantage yon Primitive Area came under the of frogs and fish for food. Seven mandate to be studied for inclu- species of native fish, including sion in the National Wilderness the threatened spikedace and loach Preservation System. The review minnow, are found in Aravaipa was initiated in 1978 and wilder- Creek. No other Arizona stream is ness designation of the primitive known to support as large a number area and contiguous public lands of native fishes in the absence of was recommended in the Wilderness substantial numbers of introduced Suitability Report in October species. 1979. The President concurred with that recommendation, passing 3. General Management Situation it along to Congress on September and History 13, 1982. The Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness bill was incorporated Interest . in protecting in the Arizona Wilderness Act, Aravaipa Canyon as a wilderness passed by Congress on August 28, preserve and scientific study area 1984. was expressed by several organizations and individuals in the early Recreation, wildlife habitat 1950s. In August 1968 the canyon management and livestock grazing was proposed for retention in pub- are the primary resource uses in lic ownership and for primitive ACW. No mining claims or mineral area status. Following a public leases exist inside the wilder- hearing that showed strong local, ness. Over the years, several state and national support, scientific studies and research Aravaipa Canyon Primitive Area was projects have focused on the established by order of the Secre- resource elements of ACW. tary of the Interior on January 10, 1969. Recreation visitors to Aravaipa Canyon enjoy outstanding The primitive area originally opportunities to experience soli- contained 3,957 acres. Through tude, primitive types of recrea- adjustments that added land on the tion, the scenery and perennial north and south rims and excluded water of Aravaipa Creek, espe- land in Turkey Creek, the primi- cially in contrast to the sur- tive area was expanded to 4,044 rounding desert. Many come to acres in April 1971. An addi- view bighorn sheep or catch a tional 1,480 acres of state land glimpse of a black hawk or for the adjacent to the primitive area renowned birdwatching opportuni- were acquired in December 1978 to ties. Visitor use is controlled improve management and protection by a permit system limited to 50 of Aravaipa Canyon. people per day. Rangers stationed near each end of the canyon moni- Canyon. Flooding has long been a tor visitor use„ provide informa- part of natural processes in tion and assist in emergency situ- Aravaipa Canyon, at times rejuven- ations. Visitor use occurs ating the riparian ecosystem while year-round but peaks during the at other times having devastating spring and fall months. effects.

The significant wildlife hab- Livestock grazing is permit- itat in ACW is also an important ted within ACW on the tablelands management consideration. Wild- above the canyon. Grazing has life living in ACW, including rare been excluded from the canyon bot- and potentially threatened spe- tom sin,:e 1974 to protect riparian cies, may be affected by visitor vegetation and eliminate conflicts use to varying degrees depending with visitor use. The rancher is on such factors as visitor num- allowed to herd cattle through the bers, visitor awareness and behav- canyon between the east trailhead ior, time of year and climatic and trails downstream from Hell conditions. Aravaipa Creek is Hole Canyon to the tablelands. currently under consideration by This use occurs infrequently and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for is completed in a matter of two to identification as critical habitat four hours. for spikedace and loach minnow, two species of native fish inhab- Access on the county roads to iting the creek. the east and west ends of Aravaipa Canyon is mostly through private The water resources of ACW lands. Tle George Whitten_ Wild- are particularly crucial to the life Preserve at Aravaipa Canyon future well-being of the Aravaipa is adjacent to the wilderness on Canyon ecosystem. Most of the the east and west. The preserve water flowing through the main is administered in trust by the canyon and side canyons originates Defenders of Wildlife. on state, private, national forest and public lands outside of the In an exchange completed with wilderness. Irrigated crop and the State of Arizona in April pasture lands in the Aravaipa 1986, BLM acquired 51,023 acres to Valley upstream from ACW use the north and south of ACW. Man- groundwater from the Aravaipa agement of these lands will not be watershed. Continuous streamf low addressed in this wilderness man- monitoring is done with stream- agement plan. The acquired lands gages at either end of ACW. The and ACW are in the Winkelman Plan- streamgages measure changes in ning Unit. The Winkelman Manage- streamflow and record data to pro- ment Framework Plan addresses the vide information on minimum flow multiple resource uses and manage- levels necessary to maintain the ment decisions for lands in the riparian ecosystem. BLM has filed planning unit (BLM 1981). Further with the Arizona Department of multiple resource planning will Water Resources for minimum in- begin in the near future to deter- stream flow water rights on mine how the acquired lands will Aravaipa Creek. Periodically, be managed. Management objectives storms falling throughout Aravaipa and actions for Turkey Creek will Creek's 541 square mile drainage also be identified in that effort. area result in flash floods that are funneled through Aravaipa o To manage the area using the WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT GOALS minimum tool, equipment or structure necessary to suc- The management objectives and man- cessfully, safely and eco- agement actions presented in the Wil- nomically accomplish the derness Management Program section of objective. The chosen tool, this plan have been developed to equipment or structure should attain the following four goals that be the one that least guide the management of BLM-adminis- degrades wilderness values tered wilderness. temporarily or permanently. Management will seek to pre- • To provide for the long term serve spontaneity of use and protection and preservation as much freedom from regula- of the area's wilderness tion as possible. character under a principle of non-degradation. The o To manage non-conforming but area's natural condition, accepted uses permitted by opportunities for solitude, the Wilderness Act and sub- opportunities for primitive sequent laws in a manner that and unconfined types of rec- will prevent unnecessary or reation and any ecological, undue degradation of the geological or other features area's wilderness character. of scientific, educational, Non-conforming uses are the scenic or historical value exception rather than the present will be managed so ru:a; therefore, emphasis is that they will remain placed on maintaining wilder- unimpaired. ness character.

o To manage the wilderness for the use and enjoyment of visitors in a manner that will leave the area unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness. The wilderness resource will be dominant in all management decisions where a choice must be made between preservation of wilderness character and visitor use. objective has been modified to prevent WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT STRATEGY biological, physical and social impacts by controlling the amount, In managing ACW, the limits of type, timing and location of recrea- acceptable change (LAC) system will be tion use. employed to assure that desired wilderness conditions are maintained. The goals and objectives of the The LAC approach to wilderness manage- ACW carrying capacity study are to ment consists of nine interrelated develop a research design that will steps. Summarized, the LAC process provide information to establish car- requires acceptable and achievable rying capacity guidelines and to resource and social conditions with determine strategies and a management measurable characteristics to be iden- framework implementing those guide- tified. The relationship between lines. The information obtained from existing conditions and those judged the study will establish a database acceptable is analyzed and management containing a description of the socio- actions necessary to achieve the logical characteristics of ACW visi- desired conditions are formulated. tors, their perceptions of the Management actions are then monitored wilderness and their attitudes toward for effectiveness. Once established, resource conditions and current man- LAC indicators signal unwanted changes agement practices. Database analysis in the environment or visitors' per- will lead to development of management ceptions of the wilderness. LAC plan- strategies and standards for main- ning for ACW will begin in 1987. taining or improving the quality of wilderness recreation experiences. A social carrying capacity study The recommendations of the study, to of ACW was initiated in 1985 by the be completed in 1988, will be consid- University of Arizona, School of ered in LAC planning. Renewable Natural Resources. The study is the outgrowth of several fac- The terrain has much to do with tors, including continued demand for dictating the patterns of use in ACW. recreation use of the wilderness, to Four distinct topographic areas within determine if readjusting use limits, the wilderness influence the type and rules or management practices is amount of use. The canyon corridor needed and to achieve the Wilderness essentially includes the bottom of Act mandate of preserving an enduring Aravaipa Canyon from one end of the resource of wilderness composed of wilderness to the other. In addition natural conditions and outstanding to being the main travel zone, the opportunities for solitude. Limits canyon corridor is the site of camping and other rules now governing recrea- and many other recreational activi- tion use of ACW were established in ties. The side canyons comprise a the mid-1970s in response to growing second area that also attracts a sig- use of the primitive area and to pro- nificant amount of use though of a tect resources. Over the years, the different nature than the canyon cor- use levels have appeared to be appro- ridor. Side canyons are most fre- priate for resource protection and quently day-use destinations for visitor satisfaction though at times hiking, climbing and swimming when certain areas within the canyon may water is present. Use of the table- experience overuse. lands above the canyon rims is primarily seasonal in connection with Originally, the objective of rec- hunting. Very little use occurs on reational carrying capacity was to the tablelands from spring through maintain quality resources and experi- early fall. Few trails or routes con- ences by setting use limits. The nect the tablelands within ACW to the canyon corridor and are mostly in the The different topographic char- eastern portion of the wilderness. - acteristics of these areas within ACW The canyon slopes receive little rec- will be considered in the LAC planning reation use but form a backdrop to process. Standards that apply to one activities in the canyon corridor and area may not apply to another. The are important habitat for bighorn LAC system will be implemented in ACW sheep and other wildlife in the as the management tool to attain the wilderness. objectives and goals of this plan and to monitor the resource and social conditions in the wilderness. The alluvial soils in the canyon WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM .bottom generally exceed 60 inches in depth and have a gravelly fine sandy Specific objectives and management loam surface and gravelly sandy loam, direction for the wilderness elements loamy sand, or gravelly sand subsur- of ACW are detailed in this section. face. These soils are highly suscep- These elements have been identified as tible to water erosion and have a the significant factors that comprise rapid permeability. Human waste dis- and affect the wilderness values of posal in these soils near Aravaipa ACW. A description of the current Creek has the potential to contaminate situation and management assumptions stream waters (ELM 1978). for each element lays the groundwork for establishing management policies Management Assumptions and actions that will work to achieve the objectives. The elements have The alluvial soils of the canyon been categorized as being bottom will continue to be affected by environmental, social or managerial the majority of visitor use occurring corn- ponents of the wilderness. in ACW. Visitor use in the canyon corridor has the potential to degrade While objectives and management soils and increase erosion, although direction in this section are intended soil compaction is generally not a to establish a comprehensive manage- problem in the gravelly sandy loam. ment program for ACW, unforeseen situations that may arise in the future Periodic flooding will remain the will be governed by BLM Manual 8560, most significant factor affecting Management of Designated Wilderness soils. in Aravaipa Canyon. Areas, and by plan revisions. Management Direction ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS 1. Management Policy SOIL Visitor use adversely Management Objective affecting soils in ACW, particularly in the canyon corridor will To limit soil degradation and ero- be identified and managed to main- sion resulting from visitor use. tain the overall natural condition of the wilderness. Current Situation 2. Management Actions The soils of ACW fall into two major groups, shallow soils of the Establish LAC standards for uplands and deep alluvial soils of the erosion and soil contamination canyon bottom. resulting from visitor use and human waste in and near campsites The shallow soils of the uplands and along trails. are formed primarily of volcanic par- ent material and show a dark gravelly clay loam or gravelly loam surface WATER over a gravelly clay subsurface hori- zon. The 20 inches or less of grav- Management Objectives elly clay subsurface overlies weathered bedrock. To maintain or enhance the water quality of Aravaipa Creek and its tributaries in ACW to allow continued safe recreation use and protect aqua- Flash flooding due to often tic, wildlife ancr!riparian resources.; intense storms is a historic occurrence in Aravaipa Canyon. A large To prevent human-caused contamina- flood in October 1983 swept away vege- tion of water in the wilderness. tation and many trees in the canyon and caused substantial private prop- To obtain the necessary water erty damage outside ACW. The peak rights required to perpetuate the discharge of that flood has been esti- riparian ecosystem, aquatic life, mated at 17,600 cubic feet per second wildlife and recreation in ACW. (Fuller 1986).

Current Situation Aravaipa Creek is also fed by springs in the canyon bottom and steep The Aravaipa Creek watershed side canyons. Records indicate at begins at a low divide in the north- least ten springs and numerous seeps west end of the Sulphur Springs contribute to the creek's flow. BLM Valley. The direction of flow is established permanent streamgaging northwest through the Aravaipa Valley stations on each end of the wilderness between the Galiuro Mountains and the in 1980 for the purpose of determining Pinaleno and Santa Teresa ranges. The minimum flow requirements for the channel then turns west through riparian vegetation and native aquatic Aravaipa Canyon, deeply dissecting the life in the creek. Based upon the foothills of the Galiuros and entering flow data obtained from these stations the San Pedro River south of and the quantified uses of the stream, Dudleyville. BLM has made a request for instream flow rights of 15 cubic feet per sec- The watershed comprises about 541 ond (cfs) with the State of Arizona. square miles. About.69% of the water- The water right is expected to be shed is upstream from the eastern granted in the early 1990s following boundary of ACW. The creek is inter- adjudication of the San Pedro River mittent from its beginning through watershed. Aravaipa Valley but rises as a perennial stream about four miles northwest There are several additional fac- of Klondyke. From that point, the tors potentially affecting the quality creek flows year around the remaining and quantity of water flowing through six miles to the wilderness boundary ACW. Agricultural interests in and is perennial through ACW. Aravaipa Valley have developed water using both wells and diversion dams Historic climatic records indicate with up to six such diversions between an annual rainfall average of 15 Klondyke and the wilderness at times. inches for the general area. However, Fertilizer and pesticide use on crops official weather service stations in and extensive livestock grazing up- Winkelman and Klondyke are no longer stream from ACW may have a potential in operation. BLM has established and detrimental effect on water quality. maintained two weather stations in the In addition, numerous mineral deposits area for eight years. From 1978 dot the Klondyke area. Mining acti- through 1985 the average annual pre- vity in the mountains surrounding the cipitation was 19.45 inches at area existed sporadically from the Klondyke and 19.95 inches at the West late 1870s to 1957. Since that time Aravaipa administrative site. Thirty- activity has been limited to explora- three percent of the rainfall occurs tion and sporadic prospecting. The during the summer rain period. potential for the presence of heavy metals in the water carried down by runoff from mined areas is a concern. protecting watershed condition and The impacts of theseactivities on the maintaining the existing natural quality of water in ACW are not pre- water quality of Aravaipa Creek sently known. and its tributaries in ACW.

Research conducted by Arizona BLM will protect Aravaipa State University and the University of Creek from degradation. The Arizona has provided extensive back- Arizona Water Quality Control ground information on the chemical Council's Unique Waters Policy properties of the creek (Minckley 1972 provides a means for increased and 1981, Sommerfeld 1977, Ellingson protection of naturally pristine 1980). Legal descriptions of known surface waters. Water quality mines in the area have also been data needed to supplement previous detailed (Minckley 1981). Bacterio- studies will be established to logical conditions have not been determine if Aravaipa Creek can be assessed in the studies to date. BLM protected under these regulations. has recently written a water quality monitoring plan establishing proced- The source of water quality ures to measure the physical, chemical parameters that exceed established and biological parameters of flowing standards will be investigated and water in ACW. control measures will be initiated when feasible.

Management Assumptions Water quality measurements of physical, chemical and biological The demand for additional, avail- parameters will be made by port- able 'water in Aravaipa Creek will able or nonpermanent equipment. increase with time. Transportation of this equipment will be by non-motorized means. The water rights for instream flow will be granted for 15 cfs. This BLM will continue to comply amount is satisfactory to sustain the with state requirements regarding riparian ecosystem, aquatic and wild- water use to protect its instream life populations and recreation needs, flow water rights (beneficial use including aesthetic values. requirements).

Flooding is a natural event in BLM will educate wilderness ACW. Control of soil and riparian visitors to use proper and safe vegetation loss from flooding in ACW methods of human waste and deter- is administratively unfeasible. gent disposal and correct methods of fire ash and garbage management. Existing land uses and practices and factors controlling the timing and Watershed restoration may amount of water yield in the watershed take place in ACW when deterior- above ACW will not change. ated soil and vegetative conditions caused by human influences create a serious threat or loss of Management Direction wilderness values or present a definite hazard to life or prop- 1. Management Policy erty. Where such dangers are not imminent or where natural vegeta- Wilderness management activi- tion may be expected to return in ties will include measures for a reasonable time, restoration work will not be done. All res- vegetation conditions caused prior to toration work will utilize native wilderness designation. species and nonmotorized equipment when feasible. Approval by the To improve livestock management Director is required for all systems on the tablelands so fine watershed restoration proposals. fuels increase to the point that natural fires can return vegetation to New activities with the grassland conditions. potential to adversely affect the Aravaipa Creek watershed will be To limit the interruption of natu- evaluated when feasible. If ral plant succession and the adverse needed, modification of activities effects on vegetation caused by visi- will be encouraged to protect the tor use along trails and at campsites. watershed. To prevent invasion of exotic 2. Management Actions plants that would substantially alter wilderness character. Implement the water quality monitoring plan in 1987. Pre- Current Situation vious research will be studied and springs, mines and other potential Vegetation within much of ACW has influences on the quality of been greatly modified by human actions Aravaipa Creek will be assessed to prior to wilderness designation. A provide a comprehensive picture of written account by one of the first watershed issues. American explorers to the area indi- cates that the canyon's riparian area Establish LAC indicators for was densely wooded (Bell 1867). Today quality and quantity , of flowing this area has only scattered trees water in ACW. with small groves in some protected locations. The description of vegeta- Maintain the quality of tion on the tablelands implies it was Aravaipa Creek according to state a grassland (Bell 1867) and relict water quality standards. areas still are desert grasslands. However, most of the tablelands are Apply for Unique Waters now dominated by native shrubs. The Designation, if it is determined steep canyon slopes appear to be that surface water within ACW is unmodified and still support healthy suitable for such protection. closed chaparral, jojoba-mixed shrub and Sonoran desert vegetation Include information with all communities. ACW visitor use permits about disposing waste (human, detergent, Visitor impacts are concentrated fire residue, etc.) to minimize in riparian vegetation of the canyon water pollution. corridor and side canyons. Trails develop in the canyon bottom along easily traveled routes between stream VEGETATION crossings. Some trails persist from year to year while others change loca- Management Objectives tion as vegetation in the riparian areas grows up and another route To manage the canyon corridor and becomes more easily traveled. In both side canyons so that natural ecologi- cases young plants are trampled and cal processes continue to repair poor vegetation growth is hindered. Popu- grass has become naturalized and A.ar camping areas are trampled clear appears to cause little problem. of vegetation and soil chemistry is Watercress increases during stable modified by ashes from campfires. flow periods until it impedes flow Firewood is being depleted around along the creek. Most of it is these same areas. Some of these removed during floods. Salt cedar has effects are lasting while others are the potential to compete with native transitory and unnoticeable following trees. To date, periodic flooding and a growing season or flooding. control by pulling up young plants has prevented this species from becoming Livestock grazing has had a major dominant in the canyon. Impact on vegetation in the canyon bottom and on the tablelands above. Management Assumptions Although livestock have been excluded from the riparian area since 1974, Visitor activity will remain con- there are the lingering effects of centrated in the riparian areas of the lost years of tree regeneration. Few canyon corridor and side canyons. seedling trees survived livestock use Visitor use of trails and campsites or flooding and the last pregrazing will result in adverse effects to trees are dying of old age or being vegetation in those places. toppled by floods. Livestock grazing on the tablelands reduced grass cover Livestock grazing will continue to and decreased fire frequency. Fire is be excluded from the canyon bottom. a natural process that maintains the grassland community. BrIsh has been FlooP.ng will remain at the same encroaching into the grassland, intensity and frequency or increase changing the plant community and the due to human activities upstream out wildlife populations that depend upon of the the wilderness. Flooding will It. continue to affect establishment of riparian vegetation. Human activities upstream from the wilderness have had an impact on vege- Wildfire on the tablelands will tation within the wilderness. Mining, increase in frequency and intensity as livestock, agriculture and stream fine fuels are increased through live- channelization have altered water flow stock management. patterns and chemistry within Aravaipa Canyon. These outside influences have Management Direction caused changes in aquatic and riparian vegetation. 1. Management Policy

Flooding can also have profound Management of vegetation in effect on the canyon's riparian vege- ACW will be directed toward tation. However, experience since the allowing natural ecological pro- 1983 flood is showing that natural cesses to operate freely and to vegetation can reestablish along return plant communities to condi- Aravaipa in a reasonable time. tions similar to those described in the 1860s, except when pre- Few perennial exotic plant species vented by flooding. have become established in Aravaipa Canyon. Bermuda grass, salt cedar and Natural revegetation and the watercress were not native to the can- natural processes of ecological yon but have become established in the succession are the preferred meth- riparian and aquatic zones. Bermuda ods of ecosystem restoration in ACW. Reseeding or replanting in INSECTS, DISEASES AND NOXIOUS PLANTS rare cases may be authorized by the Director when there is no rea- Management Objectives sonable expectation of natural revegetation. Only native species To allow insects, disease and nox- and primitive methods would be ious plants to play a natural role in allowed. the ACW ecosystem.

Exotic plant control will Current Situation focus on those species, particularly salt cedar, that would jeop- Insects and other arthropods are ardize the continued existence of natural components of the ecosystem. native plants in ACW. Control by While most are totally benign, a few hand methods is preferred. Spot such as mosquitoes, horseflies, bees, treatment of individual plants by wasps, ants, centipedes, wood ticks, herbicides may be allowed when scorpions, conenose kissing bugs, hand eradication methods are not blister beetles and some spiders can effective and it is certain that affect humans. At times, some become chemicals will not enter the so numerous as to make being in ACW ecosystem. unpleasant. Other insects, including grasshoppers and tent caterpillars, Visitor use will be managed occasionally become so numerous they to limit damage to vegetation in defoliate trees, shrubs and other ACW (see ADMINISTRATION). vegetation. Insect populations are cyclic and weather, natural predators, 2. Management Actions disease or food limitations eventually restore a balance. Establish LAC standards for vegetation affected by visitor use Diseases known to exist in ACW at campsites and along trails. include rabies, blue tongue, EHD (epi- zootic hemorrhagic disease) and sore- Manage visitor use in the mouth. Skunks believed rabid have riparian area to prevent permanent bitten visitors in recent years and damage to vegetation (see apparently rabid gray foxes have been ADMINISTRATION). observed. Rabies outbreaks usually appear when wildlife populations are Manage livestock intensively high and end when the diseases kill to increase grass cover on the off the carrier population. Control tablelands. Exclude all livestock Is economically and administratively from the canyon bottom except for unfeasible and visitor education and day use of pack and saddle stock warnings should prevent most incidents. and trailing of livestock during round-up. Blue tongue, EHD and soremouth are viral diseases known to exist in the Control salt cedar and other bighorn sheep population (Dodd 1980). exotic perennial plants that jeop- These diseases will cause no problems ardize wilderness characteristics as long as range conditions are satis- by hand methods. Monitor the can- factory, but a sheep die-off is to be yon bottom periodically to locate expected during any prolonged drought exotics brought in by floods or or other stress period. pack and saddle stock. Malaria was present in the Management Direction Aravaipa area in the late 1800s. The disease caused the original Fort Grant 1. Management Policy to be moved from the junction of Aravaipa Creek and the San Pedro River Insects, disease outbreaks (War Department 1870). Running water and noxious plants will not be is poor habitat for the mosquito vec- artificially controlled in ACW tor and the absence of the disease in except in special instances when the human population makes the return loss to a resource is undesirable of the disease unlikely. or threat to human health or safety is imminent within or out- Noxious plants include poison ivy, side the wilderness. In the event desert cotton (Gossypium thurberi) and of such emergency situations the salt cedar (see VEGETATION). Poison BLM Director could approve sup- ivy, a native vine that causes derma- pression projects. titis in susceptible individuals, grows in riparian areas. Desert cot- 2. Management Actions ton was controlled during the 1930s as it was believed to be a reservoir for Inform visitors of the poten- diseases of domestic cotton (Kearny tial hazard of rabid animals, 1951). Both species are uncommon particularly skunks, and other native plants and control is not harmful insects and plants in ACW warranted. and advise visitors of practices that could minimize encounters or Mistletoe and dodder are common discomfort. parasitic plants in ACW. They do kill individual trees and shrubs but pose Monitor conditions, if infes- no threat to the health of the commu- tations occur, to determine nity.' As natural components of the effects on resources and visitor ecosystem, they provide food and cover health and safety. for wildlife and speed the nutrient flow. Control is not desirable in ACW. FISH AND WILDLIFE Management Assumptions Management Oblectives Various insects, disease and noxious plants are a natural component of To maintain fish and wildlife spe- the ACW ecosystem. cies indigenous to ACW.

The use of chemicals and other To allow natural processes to artificial methods to control out- occur so that fish and wildlife spe- breaks of insects, disease and noxious cies may arrive at a natural balance plants can adversely affect the total with their habitat and each other. biological community. To limit habitat alteration and Public awareness that insects, adverse effects on fish and wildlife disease and noxious plants are a natu- species resulting from visitor use and ral part of the wilderness ecosystem authorized human activity. will encourage precautions that will minimize the risk and discomfort that To protect sensitive, rare, could be encountered in visiting ACW. threatened and endangered species and the habitat conditions they depend upon in ACW. To permit hunting, subject to identifies Aravaipa Canyon as a par- applicable state and federal laws and ticularly important area with respect regulations. to desert bighorn sheep, native fish, riparian and aquatic habitats and Current Situation black hawks.

The Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Desert bighorn sheep, wiped out in provides high quality habitat for a the 1930s and reintroduced in the late variety of fish and wildlife species. 1950s and 1973, have increased drama- The perennial water of Aravaipa Creek, tically and are expanding their besides furnishing habitat, allows for range. The number of bighorn sheep in the growth of the canyon's riparian the Aravaipa area is estimated at vegetation. The high cliffs and dis- 160. Arizona Game and Fish Department sected uplands provide habitat for (AGFD) monitors the herd with annual additional wildlife. aerial and ground surveys. An inten- sive on-the-ground study indicated The riparian community in the can- that the sheep were coexisting with yon bottom has been excluded from livestock without problem, each using livestock grazing since 1974 and has different parts of the habitat (Dodd seen significant regeneration in spite 1980). A small group of bighorn is of a catastrophic flood in 1983. commonly seen by visitors from the Livestock grazing had curtailed the canyon bottom and appears to be toler- natural development of the riparian ant of people hiking or backpacking. zone from the early 1900s until exclu- The remainder of the sheep use the -sion. Riparian habitat extends up north side of the canyon and have tra- -many of the side canyons and is in ditionally used the old release exclo- good condition where natural barriers sure for lambing. The sheep may be have kept cattle out. In the main establishing new lambing areas as they canyon riparian vegetation is in fair expand. A small masonry dam was built to poor condition. Though young trees near Painted Cave Canyon prior to wil- are establishing after exclusion of derness designation to provide water cattle from the canyon bottom and fol- for sheep. lowing large floods, old trees are scarce and middle-age trees are Federally listed and candidate non-existent. threatened and endangered species may be found within the wilderness bound- The uplands provide wildlife habi- aries. Peregrine falcons nest near or tat of varying quality. Many isolated in ACW and forage within the wilder- benches, hillsides and canyons have ness. The desert tortoise lives in excellent wildlife habitat. Other the western part of the wilderness in areas have been heavily grazed for Sonoran desert habitat. No informa- many years and are in poor condition. tion is available on population numbers of either species. The black ACW is in the planning area cov- hawk, though having no federal status, ered by the Mescal-Dripping Springs is listed as a State of Arizona Habitat Management Plan (HMP). The threatened species. This raptor is plan calls for generally improving the uncommon in Arizona and the continua- habitat of sensitive wildlife and tion of the species could be in jeop- plant species and reducing the influ- ardy in the future. Black hawks are ence of limiting factors, such as the sensitive to disturbance from visitor availability of water and forage, on use when nesting. big game wildlife through habitat manipulation (BLM 1982). The HMP Aravaipa Creek contains seven cuckoos, buffcollared nightjars, native fish including the loach minnow ' beardless flycatchers, black hawks and (Tiaroga cobitis) and the spikedace zone-tailed hawks are some of the (Meda fulgida). Those two species uncommon species doing well in ACW. have been listed as threatened under Ringtail cats, coati mundis, bobcats, the Endangered Species Act. The other gray foxes and raccoons are among the native fish found in Aravaipa Creek 46 mammals known living in the canyon. are roundtail chub, longfin dace, speckled dace, Sonoran sucker and des- The steep, rocky canyons, peren- ert mountain sucker. The variety of nial water flow, riparian vegetation, aquatic habitats - shallow riffles, abrupt elevation changes and numerous deep pools, sandy bottoms and gravel microhabitats have produced a large bottoms - allows for the variety of assemblage of reptiles and amphib- fish species. Frequent and often ians. The canyon is the eastern edge heavy flooding maintains the native of the range of the desert tortoise assemblage of fish. Exotic species and tiger rattlesnake. In all, 23 tend to be flushed out of the system species of snakes, 20 lizards and 8 by flooding, but some (like the green amphibians are known to inhabit the sunfish) persist in the side drainages. area (Johnson 1980).

Runoff from mined areas in the Management Assumptions Aravaipa Creek watershed may contain traces of heavy metals such as mercury BLM will ensure, through improved or eadmium. Heavy metals have been management of watershed and a reserved shown to concentrate in living tissues instream flow, sufficient water in and become toxic at increasing lev- Aravaipa Canyon for fish and riparian els. « If picked up by the aquatic vegetation. Additionally, grazing life:- heavy metals enter the food will not be allowed in the riparian chain and can have an adverse effect zone of ACW in the future. Flooding on wildlife. can be expected to remove trees and other vegetation periodically, but Hunting, fishing and trapping are overall the riparian zone should con- activities generally allowed in wil- tinue to develop naturally. Much of derness subject to state and federal the upland habitat near the wilderness laws and regulations. It is prohibi- is now under management by BLM and ted to take in any manner a threatened Defenders of Wildlife and watershed or endangered species. None of the values should improve. fish species found in Aravaipa Creek are considered to be game species. The revised and updated HMF will Commercial trapping is not permitted continue to recognize the importance in wilderness. Big game animals, of habitat in the Aravaipa area. including mule deer, white-tailed deer, javelina, mountain lion and big- Arizona Game and Fish Department horn sheep, attract many hunters to will continue annual aerial monitoring the area, primarily on the tablelands of the bighorn sheep population. The north of the canyon. Big game popula- current trend in the population is tions are stable despite pressure from expansion in all directions. AGFD may recreation and grazing. desire to gather bighorn sheep from the Aravaipa herd for transplant to The canyon area is rich in non- other areas in the future. game species, particularly riparian bird species, but also mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Yellow-billed Listed and .candidate threatened methods will be used to retrieve and endangered species will be moni- collars and dead sheep in the wil- tored and will receive special consid- derness. Population increases of eration. Additional information sheep (as with any species) will should be obtained concerning visitor not be artificially encouraged to use effects on black hawks and other the disadvantage of another spe- wildlife. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife cies. HMP objectives stress Service will designate Aravaipa Creek proper management of the bighorn as critical habitat for spikedace and sheep habitat. Gathering opera- loach minnow. tions for the purpose of tran- splanting bighorn sheep to other The fish, reptile, amphibian, bird areas will be coordinated uith and small mammal populations are BLM. To the extent possible, expected to remain stable in the long facilities and motorized opera- term. Big game numbers will fluctuate tions for gathering will occur with weather conditions and other outside ACW. Recreation activi- environmental factors. Arizona Game ties will be limited or controlled and Fish Department will monitor those in areas crucial to bighorn sheep populations. when conflicts arise.

Management Direction Habitat manipulation and installation of permanent facili- 1. Management Policy ties will not be allowed unless necessary to protect threatened The major emphasis of wild- and endangered species, correct life management in ACW will be on unnatural conditions resulting allowing natural processes to con- from human influence or enhance trol the evolution of the riparian wilderness values. The potential habitat. Natural revegetation to obtain the desired situation by will eventually result in a well- conducting such activities outside developed riparian zone in spite the wilderness will be evaluated of flooding. This will facilitate as an alternative to habitat the permanent establishment of manipulation and facility instal- native species populations. Man- lation in ACW. The masonry dam agement on the tablelands will near Painted Cave Canyon will be also be geared to the free opera- maintained as needed using non- tion of natural processes. motorized and non-mechanical methods compatible with maintaining Arizona Game and Fish Depart- wilderness character. ment will continue to monitor the desert bighorn sheep as part of Visitor use will be discour- their wildlife management respon- aged in the vicinity of peregrine sibilities. BLM will be notified falcon and black hawk nest sites in advance of helicopter use to during critical nesting periods. ensure wilderness resource values are maintained. Continued radio- Exotic fish in the side can- collaring of sheep and monitoring yons will be eliminated in a man- of collared animals will be coor- ner compatible with the wilderness dinated with BLM. BLM will be resource. Reintroduction of notified in advance of the native fish into these areas will retrieval of a collar sending a follow eradication of exotic mortality signal. Nonmotorized species. Under unusual conditions, Plan with AGFD and the U.S. such as very severe drought or Fish and Wildlife Service to elim- following severe floods, closing inate exotic fish in the side can- the canyon to visitor use may be yons and reintroduce native fish considered to benefit wildlife. in a manner consistent with wilderness values and visitor use. Management of game animals in ACW will consider visitor safety Continue current hunting res- and wilderness values. An area trictions in the canyon bottom. open to hunting with bow and arrow Advise visitors of hunting sea- only (no discharge of firearms) sons. Predators will not be con- has been established (see trolled in ACW as they are a part RECREATION). Non-game animals of the natural system. will be managed by maintaining their natural habitat. Trapping Discourage visitors from des- must comply with AGFD regulations troying non-game species habitat, and BLM visitor use rules, such as flood debris piles criti- including obtaining a permit to cal to some reptiles, amphibians enter the wilderness. Trapping and small mammals (see will be discouraged in the canyon ADMINISTRATION). bottom for public safety purposes. Commercial trapping is not Encourage visitors to avoid allowed. Predator control will camping and concentrated activi- not be allowed in ACW as it is ties near raptor nest sites from inconsistent with wilderness. March to June. Should black hawk numbers drop significantly, con- . Management Actions sider closing campsites near nests or the entire canyon during the Establish LAC standards for critical nesting cycle. fish and wildlife habitat.

Review and amend the Mescal- CULTURAL RESOURCES Dripping Springs HMP where necessary to be consistent with this Management Objectives plan. To recognize cultural resources as Continue to exclude cattle a fragile, nonrenewable and signifi- from the canyon bottom except for cant supplemental value to ACW. trailing to maintain the riparian habitat. To manage cultural resources using inventory, evaluation, physical and Schedule annual AGFD heli- administrative protective measures, copter use to monitor bighorn data preservation, enhancement and sheep in ACW on weekdays and times public use in compliance with federal of low visitor use. and state laws and BLM policy.

Coordinate with biologists to ensure that visitor use and trails Current Situation avoid bighorn sheep lambing grounds. The University of Arizona has conducted a cultural resource survey of about 5.5% of the wilderness (Gillman 1975). Incidental inventories by BLM personnel have identified a total of Some of these rock shelters and 22 sites in ACW.-ts No more than 10% of others known to the public also con- the area has been inventoried. tain evidence of Apache use (about 1500 AD - 1871). Apache baskets and Aravaipa - Canyon was inhabited as bows and arrows, for instance, were long as 10,000 years ago. The Cochise reported by vandals to have come from culture (10,000-2,000 years before rock shelters in the canyon. Histori- present) probably used the canyon for cally, the Aravaipa Apache homeland hunting, fishing, gathering wild edi- centered around the canyon and it was ble plants, as shelter and as a corri- part of a raiding route into Sonora, dor from the Aravaipa Valley on the Mexico. east to the San Pedro River Valley on the west. While sites specifically During historic times, Aravaipa attributable to the Cochise are not Canyon was not only inhabited by known within the wilderness itself, it Apache but also provided a pass is likely that this reflects a data through the mountains for Hispanics gap. Cochise sites are known along and Anglo-Americans. In 1789, Spanish the San Pedro River less than ten troops left Tucson to scout north- miles west of the wilderness bound- east. While traveling through the ary. The San Pedro has been inten- area, Aravaipa Apaches were spotted sively inventoried over the years and fleeing into the Santa Teresa Moun- it is expected that if the area tains. In 1863, American troops between the river channel and Aravaipa attacked a rancheria in Aravaipa Canyon, as well as the canyon itself Canyon and killed more than 50 Apaches were similarly inventoried, Cochise in an effort to stop Apact,e raids on sites would be located. One extremely Anglo settlers. The wilderness is ten significant National Register Quality miles northeast of the infamous Camp rock art site of suspected Cochise Grant massacre site where more than origin is known less than one-half 100 unarmed Apache were slaughtered by mile from the wilderness boundary. a vigilante force of Anglos from Tucson with Papago allies bent on Most of the 22 known sites within revenge for raiding on Anglo settle- the wilderness boundary are from later ments in 1871. prehistoric cultures, the agricultural Hohokam, Mogollon and Salado people There are two known historic sites (about 1 AD - 1450 AD). Cultural in the wilderness including the site remains from these people are found in of the original Salazar ranch house. overhangs in the canyon walls and in Abandoned just prior to WWII, this the rim country above the canyon. A site is of no great antiquity, but the few surface artifact scatters are also Salazars figure prominently in the known. Most of the overhangs were recent history of the canyon and still probably occupied on a seasonal basis own property near ACW. The other site and several contain rock art. is in Aravaipa Canyon near the mouth of Horse Camp Canyon. Construction of A small cliff dwelling is located a rock building began about 1924-25 in Turkey Creek Canyon just outside but was not completed. the wilderness boundary. This single room structure has a uniquely con- Most of the known cultural sites structed roof and was probably occu- have been heavily impacted by casual pied by Salado people (about 1350-1450 collectors and professional pot hunt- AD). It is well known and frequently ers. There are no known cases of visited by people using the intentional vandalism to rock art wilderness. sites and deterioration of this cultu- Management Direction ral resource appears to be from environmental causes. 1. Management Policy

Interpretation of the cultural Cultural resources are sub- history for the visitor is limited to ject to the forces of nature in a brief overview in the visitor bro- the same manner as other wilder- chure. Both historic home sites are ness resources. Excavation, sta- listed in the "points of interest" bilization or restoration of section without further explanation. cultural sites may only be permit- There are standard cautionary antiqui- ted where it will not degrade the ties signs on site at the Salazar home wilderness character of the area site and the small cliff dwelling site and following State Director in Turkey Creek Canyon. All three approval. sites are visible or are easily accessible and are therefore especially Specific cultural sites will vulnerable to degradation from visitor not be identified for the public use. in ACW.

Management Assumptions Eligible sites will be recommended for nomination to the Aravaipa has long been a focus of National Register of Historic human activity and only a portion of Places. the cultural resource base is known by BLM. Significant sites and data about All sites will be evaluated sites known to certain people are according to the Cultural Resource unknown to BLM management personnel. Use Allocation System.

Proper management including pro- Prehistoric and historic tection, enhancement, or wise use is sites will be protected from van- difficult without a current assessment dalism and inadvertent destruc- of the known cultural resources and tion. ACW rangers will be trained without an inventory in areas where in site protection and monitoring. potential for site presence is high. Efforts to expand the data Wilderness visitors will cause base of known cultural resources negative impacts to some cultural will include field inventories and resources within and adjacent to the interviews of people knowledgeable wilderness through inadvertent effects about site locations or about ori- of visitation and some vandalism. ginal locations of artifacts Protection of other sites will be allegedly removed from sites in enhanced since vandals will find it ACW. harder to dig in a relatively high profile area. Wilderness brochure revisions will contain a positive, informa- At least some human induced degra- tional approach in discussing cul- dation to sites is casual, uninten- tural resources to foster respect tional or based on ignorance of the for the resource and to enhance value of cultural resources. other protection measures.

2. Management Actions

Establish LAC standards for cultural resources. Include a more detailed cul- Apache to acquire data on specific tural history of ACW in wilderness site locations used by the Apache brochure revisions without refer- in Aravaipa Canyon. This study ring to specific site locations. and follow-up field inventories Include a cautionary statement will identify sites for evaluation about disturbing, damaging or and protection and also provide collecting cultural material. educational material for the pub- Interpret the Salazar historic lic at large. homesite, the Horse Camp historic site and the Turkey Creek cliff dweLling in a manner consistent SOCIAL ELEMENT with wilderness management policy. These sites are visible, RECREATION easily accessible and known to the general public. Management Objectives

Train ACW rangers to identify To allow recreation activities and locate sites during the course that are dependent on and consistent of other duties and to assist in with a wilderness setting, character- future inventories. Train them in ized by natural conditions and out- site protection, including patrol- standing opportunities for solitude. ling and vandalism reporting. To permit commercial recreation Develop a site patrol plan to use that will meet public needs while monitor site condition and visitor maintainIng wilderiess resources. impact and to be implemented by the ACW rangers. To manage the use of pack and saddle livestock to limit resource damage Assess known sites for con- such use may cause within the dition and significance and wilderness. nominate eligible sites to the National Register of Historic Current Situation Places. ACW is a popular destination for Inventory areas in ACW as day hiking, backpacking, birdwatching, site potential is identified. photography, wildlife observation and sightseeing. Hunting occurs in por- Evaluate all sites according tions of the wilderness during the to the Cultural Resource Use Allo- fall and winter. Horseback riding in cation System. ACW also takes place but less frequently. Most visits happen during Identify residents near the the spring and fall when temperatures wilderness for an oral history are moderate and storms are uncommon. project to acquire information However, the climate allows year-round about sites and other people know- use. ledgeable of the area's cultural sites. The emphasis will be on The majority of visitors to ACW data collection rather than vandal come from Tucson and Phoenix, although investigation. people from throughout the United States and the world visit Aravaipa Begin oral history interviews. Canyon. The scenery, the desert stream and its tributaries and the Contract an ethnographic and opportunities for birding and historic study on the Western

observing bighorn sheep are the most was modified in 1981 under a joint famed attractions of ACW. agreement between BLM and Arizona Game and Fish Department to read "The Visitor use statistics for floodplain of Aravaipa Creek and the Aravaipa Canyon have been kept since first 50 vertical feet above the the mid-1970s. Over that period, streambed are open to hunting with bow visitor use has remained rather stable and arrow only." with the exception of the years 1980-82 when use increased dramati- Several other rules have been cally. The increase was probably implemented to govern visitor use in because of publicity about the pending Aravaipa Canyon since the development wilderness designation. After the of the first primitive area management flood of October 1983, visitor use plan in 1970: limited to 50 visitors lessened for a year but has since per day, up to 20 people from the east returned to that of the 1970s. Visi- and up to 30 from the west; maximum tor use statistics are displayed in length of stay three days and two the following table. nights; no pets allowed. A complete list of visitor use rules is in Appendix 3. Table 1 Aravaipa Canyon Visitor Use A reservation and permit system was initiated in 1973 to allow visi- Visitor tors to plan their trips to ACW and to Year Days Visitors help in monitoring use. Currently, reservations may be made at the 1074 6,232 3,116 Safford District Office up to six 1975 5,240 2,620 months in advance of the desired entry 1976 7,456 3,737 date. To receive a permit, reserva- 1977 9,620 4,061 tions made over one month in advance must be confirmed within the month 1078 8,053 3,238 prior to the reserved date. Reserva- 1979 7,861 3,301 tions not confirmed up to two weeks 1980 10,089 3,597 prior to the entry date are made 1981 12,189 4,215 available for others on a first-come, first-served basis. Though the number 1982 14,072 4,940 of no-shows has been reduced since 1983 8,300 2,890 implementing this policy, some con- 1984 5,865 2,091 firmed reservations still go unused. 1985 7,980 2,854 Reservations for hiking and backpacking are limited to 10 people per Source: BLM, Safford District Arizona permit.

Two rangers work in ACW providing Most recreation use within ACW visitor assistance and use super- occurs in the canyon corridor and to a vision. They are stationed near the lesser degree in the side canyons. two ends of the wilderness. The east Hunting is the most common recreation end ranger lives in Klondyke and the activity taking place on the table- west end ranger lives near the Wood lands. To protect visitors, the con- Ranch, at the west end trailhead about fines of Aravaipa Canyon and its side one mile downstream from the wilder- canyons were closed to the discharge ness boundary. Depending on the sea- of firearms in 1973. To allow for son and the intensity of use, two or hunting of bighorn sheep, that order three days a week are spent by the rangers on patrol duties in ACW. Another 1% of the visitors to ACW During other times they are working on prefer to use pack and saddle live- public lands outside the wilderness. stock in connection with their visit. Horses have been used almost exclu- A use fee was instituted in April sively, though recently llamas were 1984 for ACW as a result of the used to pack in visitors' equipment President's initiative that the rec- and supplies. Overnight use of pack reating public share a larger portion and saddle livestock in the canyon is of the cost of providing recreation not allowed due to the environmental opportunities. Fees of $1.50 per per- effects of trampling on the alluvial son per day are paid by the visitor at soils and vegetation of the canyon a self-service station at each trail- bottom. Pack and saddle stock groups head. This system was chosen as being are, limited to a maximum of five ani- most effective in keeping down admin- mals and riders. istrative costs. Visitor compliance with fee requirements is generally Management Assumptions good. Paying fees does not negate requirements for obtaining a permit to Public demand to visit ACW will enter ACW. continue to rise steadily at a moderate rate over the ten-year planning The University of Arizona is doing period. Actual visitor use is expec- a study of social carrying capacity in ted to increase slightly. ACW. Information from the study will improve BLM's understanding of visi- Patterns of ACW visitor use will tors' perceptions rEgarding wilderness not change substantially. Peak use character, use and management of ACW. periods will remain during the spring This information will help BLM attain and fall and on weekends. Most use the goal of preserving the wilderness will continue to occur within the can- resource while allowing for the use yon corridor. and enjoyment of Aravaipa Canyon as wilderness. Data gathering will take Increased use of the wilderness place during 1987 and final recom- can cause resource deterioration and mendations will be made in 1988. Rec- diminish opportunities for solitude. ommendations from the study will be considered in the limits of acceptable The demand for commercial use per- change (LAC) planning process. mits and the use of pack and saddle stock to visit ACW will remain One special recreation permit for stable. commercial use of ACW is in effect at the present. The permittee generally Management Direction conducts overnight backpacking trips into the wilderness. Former commer- 1. Management Policy cial use permittees have taken in groups for day hiking, photography and ACW will be managed to pro- nature study. In the past, commercial vide for visitor use and enjoyment use has not made up a significant that is consistent with the pre- amount of visitor use in the canyon. servation of wilderness character During 1985, only about 1% of the and that will leave it unimpaired visitor days in ACW were contributed for future use and enjoyment as by commercial use. wilderness. Resource conditions and process and carrying capacity unique values 4within ACW may study recommendations will deter- require that recreation and visi- mine the need for modifying visitor use activities be restricted tor use rules. at times or in certain locations to preserve an enduring resource Monitor commercial use to of wilderness. determine compliance with regulations. The social carrying capacity of ACW and indicators of limits of Study the effects of pack and acceptable change (LAC) will be saddle stock use on the ACW envi- determined to anticipate and avert ronment and establish LAC degradation of wilderness char- standards. acter and to mitigate impacts caused by various uses. MANAGERIAL ELEMENTS

Direct and indirect methods ADMINISTRATION of visitor management will be used when necessary to preserve the Management Oblectives wilderness resource and the visitor's wilderness experience and To conduct necessary administra- opportunities. tive activities in a manner consistent with preserving wilderness values and Commercial use of ACW will be according to wilderness management allowed so long as it is planned objectives, policy, regulations and ind administered to meet public law. needs while maintaining the wilderness resource. Commercial use Current Situation permittees are subject to the regulations contained in 43 CFR Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is man- 8372 as well as the reservation aged by the staff of the Gila Resource and permit system and other rules Area through the authority of the Area pertaining to use of ACW. Commer- Manager. The resource area's Outdoor cial use levels will not be allo- Recreation Planner is responsible to cated among total visitor use. the Area Manager for providing direction on wilderness management and The use of saddle and pack coordinating day-to-day management stock will be allowed in ACW sub- activities in ACW. ject to rules that prevent unac- ceptable impacts to wilderness Two rangers are stationed near ACW resources. on a full time basis to carry out on-the-ground wilderness administra- 2. Management Actions tive activities - one is one mile west of ACW at the West Aravaipa Adminis- Establish LAC standards for trative Site, the other at the the physical, biological and Klondyke Administrative Site, about 8 social effects of recreation use miles southeast of ACW. The adminis- in ACW. trative sites consist of an office and residence building (double-wide mobile Retain the reservation and home), storage sheds and fences or permit system and existing rules corrals. governing visitor use in ACW (Appendix 3). The LAC planning The two rangers regularly patrol Access to ACW from the west the wilderness to monitor resource parking area crosses one mile of pri- conditions and supervise visitor use, vate land. Authorization for this use provide visitors with information, is also covered in the previously men- monitor the permit and fee systems, tioned lease agreement. Visitors are encourage compliance with management asked to remain along Aravaipa Creek rules, investigate unauthorized use in traveling to ACW from the west and render assistance when needed. trailhead to confine their use while They also maintain administrative crossing private land. facilities associated with the wilderness and other public lanes in the Few administrative facilities are area. located in ACW. A fence (water gap) crossing Aravaipa Creek is near the Both administrative sites are on west ACW boundary. It was installed land leased from private owners. The to prevent livestock from moving up- West Aravaipa Administrative Site stream from private land into the wil- residence building is also leased, derness. A small wood rail fence was while the residence at Klondyke is constructed around the Salazar Home- owned by BLM. stead Site near Hell Hole Canyon in the late 1970s to provide some protec- Parking and trailhead facilities tion and recognition of the area. for the west entrance to ACW are near the West Aravaipa residence on leased No toilets are located in the wil- land. On the east, the parking area derness. Water quality monitoring, as and trailhead are adjacent to the wil- discussed in the WATER section, and derness on private land, almost ten the LAC process will be used to deter- miles from the Klondyke Administrative mine the need for future management Site. The east parking area, trail- actions regarding human waste in ACW. head and about mile of road from the ;end of the county road are covered by Signs are limited mainly to the 'a perpetual exclusive easement granted trailhead and boundary areas of the to the U.S. government. Trailhead wilderness and along access routes. facilities at both entrances include Signs have been posted at most vehic- signs giving information and rules, a ular access points along the bound- registration box, a self-service fee aries and at places demonstrating the payment station and toilet and trash need for directional signs. facilities. Little exists in the way of main- County roads provide access from tained or established trails in ACW. highways to both parking areas. The narrow character of the canyon Access to the north and south sides of corridor confines travel along the ACW on the tablelands is restricted to creek or across benches with frequent unmaintained, four-wheel drive roads, stream crossings. Routes along the some crossing private lands with canyon bottom come into use during locked gates. Some of these vehicle peak visitation periods and then often trails go out to the canyon rim. Two become overgrown with vegetation of the tablelands roads cross short during growing seasons or obliterated stretches of the wilderness. At times by flooding at other times. There are motorized vehicles have driven into a few trails leading out of the canyon areas on the tablelands now included that have been established over the in ACW. years by livestock operations. Campsites in ACW are found pri- Management attention to trail- marily in the canyon'corridor near the , heads, facilities, signs, trails and mouths of side canyons. Some camp- campsites is important to the health sites are also used in the larger side and safety of visitors and the pub- canyons, such as Virgus Canyon. The lic's appreciation and care for wil- most heavily used camp areas are on derness resources. the bench between Virgus and Horse Camp Canyons and at the mouth of Hell The West Aravaipa residence will Hole Canyon. need replacing during the period of this plan due to its age and condition. Campsites are not designated. Campsite selection appears to be Management Direction affected by the proximity of attractions such as opportunities for swim- 1. Management Policy ming or exploring side canyons. The narrow and confining nature of Personnel needed to assure Aravaipa Canyon also determines the achievement of wilderness manage- location of suitable campsites. ment objectives will be assigned to ACW. The sandy soils of the canyon bottom are not particularly susceptible Administrative sites will be to compaction or hardening. Continued located near ACW to provide effi- campsite use of an area does lead to cient wilderness resource manage- trampling and elimination of vegeta- ment and visitor use supervision. tion, however. Campfires are allowed Alternative sites that would pro- but use of cook stoves is encouraged. vide better visitor services, A number of fire rings will often be improve administrative and resi- built over time in an area. These are dential situations and could be broken apart and scattered periodi- acquired for public ownership will cally to discourage overuse and be investigated as opportunities improve aesthetics of an area. arise. Administrative sites will not be located in ACW. Management Assumptions Trailheads will have suffi- Increased attention to ACW admin- cient parking and facilities for istration will be needed as visitor ACW visitors and will be regularly demand rises and wilderness resources maintained. Trailhead signs will are regarded more highly. give necessary information about visiting the wilderness. The continued presence of rangers stationed at ACW will be required to Facilities or improvements administer the permit system, monitor such as signs, designated camp- resource conditions and encourage com- sites and toilets will be provided pliance with rules. in ACW only where necessary to protect the wilderness resource An administrative site and resi- and visitor health and safety. dence near the wilderness for both the Visitor education will be employed - west and east entrance points is to minimize the need for facili essential to proper administration of ties or improvements. Trails will ACW. not be improved in the canyon corridor and side canyons unless con- The county roads and the lease struction of small segments or agreement and easement provide ade- maintenance of existing routes quate and legal access to ACW through would reduce visitor impact on the west and east trailheads. vegetation and soils or eliminate aircraft and motorized vehicles or multiple trails. Existing trails equipment in ACW may be authorized and routes to the 'tablelands will by the District Manager. Use of be evaluated for visitor use. motorized vehicles or equipment by other agencies, groups, or indi- Campsites will be closed when viduals not addressed elsewhere in visitor use impacts on vegetation, this plan (see FISH AND WILDLIFE, soils, water or wildlife are unac- RANGE MANAGEMENT) is prohibited. ceptable. Visitor group size will be limited to minimize the area Law enforcement assistance in affected at campsites. Fire rings matters involving ACW will be will be broken up three times a obtained from BLM special agents, year (March, June, and December) BLM's San Pedro law enforcement to discourage the long-term estab- ranger or requested of the Pinal lishment of campsites in one place. or Graham County Sheriff or the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Campfires using only dead and down wood will be allowed. Visi- 2. Management Actions tors will be encouraged to use cooking stoves to minimize the Station full-time rangers at depletion of organic material. ACW west and east entrances to Campfires will be prohibited at supervise visitor use, monitor times of high fire danger or when wilderness resource conditions and wildlife habitat would be conduct assigned duties in ACW and adversely affected by further on other public lands in the area. depletion of driftwood piles. Visitor education will address Maintain present administra- minimizing the effects of tive sites and residences. Con- campfires. tinue and periodically review lease agreements. Monitor the The LAC process will be used condition of the West Aravaipa to determine the need for facili- residence and plan for its ties or improvements, campsite replacement when needed. closures and prohibiting campfires. LAC will be the method for Prepare a maintenance plan monitoring wilderness conditions. for the west and east trailhead and parking areas. ACW boundaries must be signed at possible motorized vehicle Prepare an ACW sign plan that access points. Vehicle trails includes information to be con- leading to the canyon rim will be veyed, sign locations and inspec- closed. tion and maintenance schedules.

Environmental assessments Identify and map existing will be prepared for proposed trails and routes in ACW. Evalu- actions not considered in this ate visitor use of trails outside wilderness management plan. the canyon corridor considering maintenance requirements, effects BLM administrative use of on wildlife and other wilderness aircraft and motorized vehicles or resources and livestock use by the equipment in ACW for non-emergency allotment operator. Prepare a purposes must be approved by the trail maintenance plan. State Director. Emergency use of Monitor condition of camp- An ACW brochure, map and list of sites and surrounding areas using rules and general information are cur- LAC indicators. Periodically rently sent from the district office rehabilitate or close sites as when a permit is obtained or when needed. information is requested. Other printed materials include correspond- Post closure signs at the ence to explain and administer the wilderness boundary on vehicle reservation and permit system. trails leading to the canyon rim. Evaluate the need for constructing The rangers stationed at West physical barriers to motorized Aravaipa and Klondyke play an import- travel along these trails. ant role in informing visitors of ACW rules and encouraging practices that Coordinate law enforcement protect wilderness resources. They and emergency activities with fed- maintain a current knowledge of wea- eral, county and state authorities. ther forecasts to apprise visitors of potential flash flooding or other weather hazards. Their familiarity with INFORMATION AND EDUCATION the area and its natural history greatly contributes to visitor appre- Management Objectives ciation and enjoyment of ACW.

To make available information that Elementary and high school groups educates the public about ACW manage- periodically visit ACW for nature ment, interprets ACW resources, study and educational purposes. These promotes resource protection and iden- groups are subject to the reservation tifies responsibilities and risks and permit system and established involved in visiting the wilderness. visitor management rules. Use fees are waived upon documentation of edu- To allow environmental education cational use as defined in 43 CFR 8372. use within the limits of established ACW visitor management rules. Management Assumptions

Current Situation Interest in visiting ACW will increase in years to come. Aravaipa Canyon's resources and unique qualities have long brought People wishing to visit ACW recognition to the area. Over the require information that helps them years, information concerning ACW has plan their visit, enhances their been presented in several ways. appreciation of the area and assists Printed materials developed by BLM or BLM in effectively managing the others, such as hiking guides or arti- wilderness. cles, verbal information from ACW rangers or district office personnel, Information and education can be signs and information at wilderness used to direct visitor behavior, mini- trailheads and special programs, mize adverse effects on resources and including slide shows or video tapes encourage compliance with management presented by BLM employees or over the rules. broadcast media are methods used now and in the past to disseminate infor- ACW has a value as an outdoor mation on ACW. classroom to awaken and stimulate life-long appreciation and care for the natural world. Management Direction SCIENTIFIC STUDY

1. Management Policy Management Objectives

Information and education To permit and encourage research will be used when feasible before and study within ACW for scientific relying on regulations or facili- and educational purposes in a manner ties and improvements to achieve that preserves the wilderness management objectives. character.

Information on wilderness Current Situation management and ACW will be made available without promoting or The biological and physical advertising the area. resources of Aravaipa Canyon have been an important focus of scientific Printed information will be research and study. Projects have concise, easily understood and included a comprehensive ecological kept up to date. study of Aravaipa Creek, a report on the hydrology of the Aravaipa water- Details included in infor- shed, studies and on-going observa- mation from various sources will tions of native fishes, bighorn sheep be reviewed and coordinated to and black hawks, a study of the cultu- insure consistency. ral resources of Aravaipa Canyon and, more recently, research concerning Environmental education and flood hydrology. The ecological study nature study are appropriate acti- included investigations of the physi- vities in ACW when conducted in a cal, chemical and biological elements manner that preserves wilderness of the creek as well as the streamside character. vascular plants.

2. Management Actions A social carrying capacity study of ACW is in progress and is also dis- Prepare an ACW Information cussed in the WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT and Education Plan that will com- STRATEGY and RECREATION sections of prehensively address how to pre- this plan. The study will provide sent ACW and its management to the recommendations to improve ACW visitor public. Topics to be discussed management. An equally important include: information subjects and objective of the study is to develop presentation methods, information methods that can be applied to assess sources, consistency and accuracy, social carrying capacity and better interpretation and education understand visitor perceptions in opportunities and methods, presen- other canyon areas or where visitor tation of management rules and use occurs in a confined corridor sit- regulations, revision procedures uation. and personnel training. Management Assumptions Prepare a new brochure. The value of ACW as a setting for Permit environmental educa- scientific study and environmental tion use in ACW that meets visitor research will be increasingly recog- management rules. nized. Proposals to conduct research and studies within the wilderness will continue to be submitted to BLM. Sound wilderness management deci- the responsibility for search and res- sions require social and natural cue falls on the Pinal and Graham resource information that can be County Sheriffs' offices. Cooperation acquired through scientific study and and support is provided by BLM. research. BLM also recognizes an obligation Management Direction to the public and acts accordingly in cases where immediate action is neces- 1. Management Policy sary for visitors who are lost, seri- ously ill or injured. Flash flooding Research projects that fur- situations have been a problem in the ther the management and scienti- past and continue to present a concern fic, educational, historical and for visitor safety. A Safford Dis- conservation purposes of ACW while trict Search and Rescue Plan has been preserving wilderness character prepared containing a section will be permitted and encouraged. addressing actions to take for events occurring in ACW. Motorized equipment or construction of temporary or perman- Management Assumptions ent structures will not be allowed in conducting research or other Both the Pinal and Graham County studies in ACW. Sheriffs' offices will continue to have lead responsibility for search 2. Management Actions and rescue operations within the ACW.

Evaluate proposals submitted As visitation increases, so will to conduct scientific study in ACW the need for search and rescue pre- and permit those that meet manage- paredness, capability and coordination ment policy by improving wilder- between the involved sheriff's office ness management and furthdring and the BLM. resource knowledge. Monitoring of weather conditions Maintain contact with the for flash flooding or other severe project leader through study com- weather will help avert some emergency pletion to coordinate use of ACW situations. and to obtain research information. Above all, the visitor assumes the risks of entering wilderness as a con- SEARCH AND RESCUE sequence of isolation from conveni- ences of the modern world. Management Objective

To provide emergency assistance to Management Direction visitors and initiate search and rescue operations when needed to enhance 1. Management Policy public safety. BLM will coordinate with the Current Situation Pinal and Graham County Sheriffs' offices on search and rescue As in other areas within the matters. Safford District, the respective County Sheriff has primary responsi- The rangers assigned to ACW bility for search and rescue opera- will be first aid qualified. tions. In Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness The ACW section of the RANGE MANAGEMENT Safford District Search and Rescue Plan will' continue to' be reviewed Management Objectives regularly and revised as needed. To manage the range and grazing The rangers will be familiar allotments in ACW to maintain or with search and rescue procedures improve existing range conditions. contained in the Safford District Search and Rescue Plan and will be To provide for necessary mainten- prepared to initiate or assist in ance of existing range improvements search and rescue operations. without compromising wilderness values.

The rangers will maintain Current Situation current weather forecast information. They will contact the There are presently four grazing National Weather Service when spe- allotments that are partially within cific information on possible the boundaries of Aravaipa Canyon Wil- flash flooding and severe weather derness. Approximately 588 Animal is needed and will attempt to keep Unit Months (AUMs) of active use occur visitors informed. within the wilderness. The South Rim Allotment, covering the southern por- 2. Management Actions tion of the wilderness, accounts for about 408 AUMs in ACW. The Hell Hole Meet with the Pinal and Allotment has about 36 AUMs in the Graham County Sheriffs' offices northeastern part of ACW. The Dry annually to discuss problems and Camp Allotment also has about 36 AUMs updating search and rescue plans. in north central ACW. The Painted Cave Allotment is in the northwestern Update and make needed revi- portion of ACW and has about 108 AUMs sions to the search and rescue of use in the wilderness. plan annually. The Hell Hole and Painted Cave Provide first aid and CPR Allotments are operating under allot- training to the rangers assigned ment management plans (AMP). The to work within ACW. They will be South Rim and Dry Camp Allotments are familiar with current search and in the AMP development process. Range rescue procedures. improvements that exist within the wilderness include a few segments of Initiate immediate search and fence, two short stretches of four- rescue operations when action is wheel drive road, livestock trails and essential to saving lives or all or part of three dirt reservoirs. expediting rescue. Helicopter and There are presently three range study vehicular use will be allowed plots within the wilderness. under emergency conditions within ACW when visitor health and safety The vegetation is primarily of is determined to be in jeopardy. mountain shrub and desert scrub communities dissected by extensive riparian Maintain current weather drainages. The Aravaipa Canyon bottom information for ACW visitors. has been excluded from livestock grazing since 1974 and portions of the tablelands have been rested for up to three years through a non-use license. Grazing non-use has substan- Any changes in grazing pre- tially helped impro;le the vegetative ference will be based on standard conditions in these areas. The south- BLM range monitoring studies, eastern portion of the wilderness has allotment evaluations and the been heavily grazed at times but effect on resources, resource val- recently has undergone a change in ues or uses and wilderness charac- management that will provide rest for teristics. this portion as well. New range improvements will The operators of the South Rim and be located outside the wilderness Hell Hole Allotments may use Aravaipa area whenever possible. Canyon as a travel lane for livestock operations but may not use it as a Proposed new range improve- holding pasture. Use of the canyon ments and modifications to for moving cattle is of short dura- existing improvements will be tion, usually lasting two to four evaluated in the allotment manage- hours. ment plan and an environmental assessment. The construction of Management Assumptions new improvements must prove to be for the protection and effective Range condition will remain static management of rangeland and wil- or continue to improve under current derness resources rather than and proposed grazing systems in solely to accommodate increased Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. numbers of livestock.

Utilization levels will remain Motorized vehicle or equip- about' the same on two allotments in ment use by the allotment operator ACW and substantially decrease on the will be authorized when it is other. determined that it is the only practical alternative and such use Range trend will generally improve conforms with criteria in BLM Man- under existing and proposed management ual 8560.37A.3.d. The two short practices. stretches of road will be closed and rerouted as necessary to avoid Existing range improvements in ACW crossing the wilderness. will need to be maintained periodically. When needed, the existing dirt 2. Management Actions reservoirs will be cleaned out by mechanized equipment. Conduct monitoring studies, including utilization, trend, Management Direction actual use and climate data gathering as projected and necessary. 1. Management Policy Additional monitoring studies will be established as existing studies Existing livestock grazing indicate the need. can continue at levels established at the time of wilderness designa- Revise AMPs to incorporate a tion pursuant to Section 4(d)(4) range improvement inspection and of the Wilderness Act and House maintenance schedule and to be Reports 96-1126 and 98-643. consistent with the management objectives and policy of this plan. Grazing non-use will continue on the canyon portion of the wilderness. Coordinate use of the canyon Development of the private land for moving - livestock with the parcels (described above) in a manner allotment operator to reduce visi- incompatible with wilderness resources tor conflicts and problems. and management is not expected due to remote locations and poor access. Continue grazing non-use of the canyon portion of ACW. Administrative sites on properly located publicly-owned land will provide more effective long-term manage- LANDS MANAGEMENT ment and administration of ACW.

Management Objective Management Direction

To permit only those lands and 1. Management Policy realty authorizations that will not diminish the wilderness character of Lands and realty authoriza- ACW. tions in ACW will only be issued on applications determined to be To acquire land for public owner- compatible with ACW Management ship at administrative sites. Plan goals and objectives.

Current Situation Acquisition of the two privately-owned parcels on the bound- No private or state inholdings and aries of ACW may be pursued if the no rights-of-way or other realty private owners concur nith terms authorizations are within ACW. Two of the acquisition. Such acquisi- private land parcels, one in the north tions will be based on the multi- (T. 6 S. R. 18 E., ANEk Sec. 14) and ple resource values of the lands the other on the south side (T. 6 S., rather than for potential wilder- R. 18 E., SWkSEk, SEkSWk, Sec. 17) of ness additions. ACW, are surrounded on three sides by the wilderness. Each parcel is about Acquisition of land for 80 acres in size. Paisano Canyon, an administrative sites in public Aravaipa Creek tributary, passes ownership will be investigated as through the north parcel. opportunities arise. Administra- tive sites will be established in The wilderness administrative locations near ACW that provide sites at West Aravaipa and Klondyke the most effective wilderness man- are presently on privately-owned land agement and visitor use (see ADMINISTRATION). Acquisition of administration. land for public ownership at these sites or sites that would improve wil- Acquisition of land by derness management and increase the exchange is preferred. effectiveness of visitor use administration is desirable. Location of the 2. Management Actions administrative sites on publicly-owned land would allow for the construction Work with private land owners of more permanent quarters and office to acquire the two parcels sur- facilities than now exist. rounded on three sides by ACW.

Management Assumptions Investigate acquiring land for public ownership that would Requests for rights-of-way or improve ACW administration. other realty actions within ACW are not anticipated. MINERALS MANAGEMENT Management Assumptions

Management Objective Interest in mineral resources in and surrounding ACW will remain low. To prohibit mining activity or mineral leasing within ACW. Management Direction

Current Situation 1. Management Policy

As of the date of designation of Prospecting and exploration the wilderness, August 28, 1984, no work under the mining laws will mining claims or mineral leases were not be allowed in ACW. Also, nc. in existence within ACW. Therefore, leasing under the mineral leasing no valid existing mineral rights are laws will be allowed. In the held in the wilderness. absence of valid existing rights, the right to continue those kinds A mineral survey of the Aravaipa of operations terminated on the Canyon study area was made in 1978 by date of wilderness designation the U.S. Geological Survey and the (Wilderness Act of 1964). U.S. Bureau of Mines. The report concluded that no minable ore deposits 2. Management Actions are known in the Aravaipa Canyon study area. The study area was essentially Insure that no mining acti- identical to the wilderness as desig- vity or mineral leasing takes nated by Congress. place in ACW.

The only historical mining activity to take place in Aravaipa Canyon AIRCRAFT OVERFLIGHTS resulted in two adits being driven between Horse Camp and Booger Canyons Management Objective to remove potassium nitrate. A federal sodium prospecting permit was To minimize the intrusion of noise issued in 1927 for the activity. Work and technology on the wilderness and was abandoned when it was determined the visitor's experience caused by that the potassium nitrate was only aircraft passing over ACW. contained in a coating of bat guano on the surface of the rock. The sodium Current Situation permit was terminated in 1929. In today's world, people often Exploratory drilling was conducted seek wilderness to escape, for a time, by Bear Creek Mining Company in 1970 technological intrusions such as air- and 1971 west of Turkey Creek. Most craft noise. Though BLM has no admin- of the activity took place outside of istrative control of airspace, actions the mineral study area. The mining can be taken to reduce the impacts of claims were subsequently relinquished aircraft overflights. and the exploration abandoned. The BLM and Federal Aviation A deposit of a zeolite mineral Administration (FAA) have entered into appears to exist in the extreme west- a cooperative agreement that has ern portion of ACW. However, this resulted in an air advisory to pilots deposit does not appear to constitute to maintain a minimum altitude of a significant resource due to prohibi- 2,000 feet above BLM wilderness. This tive mining costs. air advisory and the boundaries of ACW is being identified on FAA sectional charts. There are Air Force training unknown aircraft will be investi- flights in the vicinity and a desig- gated. When necessary, contact nated military aircraft training route with proper military authorities, about two miles north of the wilder- other government agencies, private ness. Other operations areas are some organizations, the FAA and pilots distance to the southeast and west of involved will be made to reduce ACW. Occasionally, visitors and BLM low wilderness overflights and to personnel report low-flying military improve cooperation. aircraft directly over Aravaipa Can- yon. The Air Force has expressed con- BLM administrative use of cern over the effect designated aircraft in wilderness for nonwilderness will have on the continued emergency situations is not use of training routes. allowed unless approved by the State Director. In the past, BLM and other government agencies have used aircraft over 2. Management Actions and around Aravaipa Canyon for administrative purposes. In the course of Maintain the BLM and FAA monthly flights to monitor activities cooperative agreement providing in wilderness study areas, BLM Safford for the air advisory of 2,000 feet District personnel have checked the minimum altitude above wilderness. tablelands in ACW for unauthorized activities. Arizona Game and Fish Request the Air Force to per- Department has conducted surveys of iodically advise pilots to remain big game, including bighorn sheep, in within established training routes and around ACW using aircraft. Other in the vicinity of ACW. agencies have used aircraft for search and rescue operations in Aravaipa Establish schedules and noti- Canyon. fication procedures with Arizona Game and Fish Department and other Management Assumptions organizations requiring non- emergency use of aircraft over ACW While often of short duration, the to have the least effect on the presence of aircraft and the accompa- visitor's wilderness experience. nying noise is annoying to wilderness visitors. Notify visitors when non- emergency aircraft use over ACW is BLM does not control airspace but scheduled. can take actions that will minimize the number and impact of aircraft Follow-up on reported inci- overflights. dents of low wilderness overflights. Management Direction Avoid overflight of ACW or 1. Management Policy maintain the minimum 2,000 feet above ground level over the wil- Low flight over wilderness derness during BLM administrative will be discouraged except in flights. emergencies or investigations of unauthorized activities.

Reported incidents of low overflights by unscheduled or FIRE MANAGEMENT Fire is a natural part of the ecosystem. Management Objective Increased human use of the wilder- To control fire when the loss of ness will not significantly affect human life or property within the wil- fire occurrence within the wilderness derness is threatened or when the due to the isolated pockets of fuels. spread of fire to areas outside of the wilderness threatens life, property or Management Direction resources. 1. Minagement Policy To allow fire to play its natural role when in conformity with an Wildfires in ACW, regardless approved fire management plan and any of ignition source (natural versus overriding fire guidance. human- caused), will be treated under Current Situation limited suppression guidelines unless life, property or resources Aravaipa Canyon and its tributar- are threatened. ies are narrow and steep. Surrounding terrain is rolling tableland dissected When suppression is needed, by canyons leading into the main can- techniques will be used that yon area. Vegetation varies from result in the least possible dense stands or pockets of riparian impact to the wilderness vegetation growth in the canyon bottom resource. All surface disturb- with annual and perennial grasses and ances caused by suppression stand's of oak chaparral in the hills actions will be rehabilitated to and tablelands. as natural a state as possible.

The fire history of the wilderness All fire suppression deci- shows few fires, the majority occur- sions will be made on a case-by- ring on the grassy tablelands above case basis by a team consisting of the canyon walls. Riparian vegetation the District Fire Management within the confines of the canyon is Officer, the Area Manager and a generally found in separated pockets. resource advisor. The District Therefore, the potential for large Manager may also be involved in fires within the canyon is low. How- the decision process. ever, depending upon location of a fire, resource damage to wildlife hab- A wilderness resource advisor itat may be significant. will be assigned to all fires when uppression action has been deter- The wilderness lies within an area mined necessary. that has previously been designated for limited suppression. 2. Management Actions

Management Assumptions Write a fire management plan for Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Fire occurrence will be infrequent This plan will address all aspects and the number of acres burned will of fire management, as well as generally be small due to the numerous required conditions for any pre- canyons, gullies and gorges that dis- scribed burning. sect the area. IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE

This section outlines the management actions that will be implemented to achieve the objectives of the plan. Timeframes and responsibilities are established for each action subject to personnel and funding availability. Implementation dates reflect priorities in managing ACW to preserve wilderness character and resources. In some cases those dates indicate the beginning of actions that are continuing processes to be worked on over a period of time. Interrelated actions are cross-referenced to other wilderness elements in parentheses.

Implementation Wilderness Element/Management Action Responsibility Date

SOIL

Establish limits of acceptable change Area Staff 09/30/87 (LAC) standards for erosion and and continuing soil contamination resulting from visitor use and human waste in and near campsites and along trails.

WATER

Implement the water quality monitoring Area Hydrologic 12/31/87 plan. Previous research will be studied. Technician and Springs, mines and other potential influ- Area Staff ences on the quality of Aravaipa Creek will be assessed to provide a comprehensive picture of watershed issues.

Establish LAC indicators for quality and Area Staff 09/30/87 quantity of flowing water in ACW. and continuing

Maintain the quality of Aravaipa Creek Area Staff On-going according to state water quality standards.

Apply for Unique Waters Designation, if District 09/30/88 it is determined that surface water Hydrologist within ACW is suitable for such protection.

Include information with all ACW visitor Area Recreation 09/30/88 use permits about disposing waste (human, Planner detergent, fire residue, etc.) to minimize water pollution. (Re: Information and Education) VEGETATION

Establish LAC standards for vegetation Area Staff 09/30/87 affected by visitor use at campsites and continuing and along trails.

Manage visitor use in the riparian area Area Recreation On-going to prevent permanent damage to vegeta- Planner tion. (Re: Administration, Informa- tion and Education)

Manage livestock intensively to Area Range On-going increase grass cover on the table- Conservationist lands. Exclude all livestock from the canyon bottom except for day use of pack and saddle stock and trailing of livestock during round-up. (Re: Fish and Wildlife, Recreation, Range)

Control salt cedar and other exotic Area Recreation On-going perennial plants that jeopardize wilder- Planner, Wildlife ness characteristics by hand methods. Biologist and Monitor the canyon bottom periodically ACW Rangers to locate exotics brought in by floods or pack and saddle stock.

INSECTS, DISEASES AND NOXIOUS PLANTS

Inform visitors of the potential hazard Area Recreation On-going of rabid animals, particularly skunks, Planner and other harmful insects and plants in ACW and advise visitors of practices that could minimize encounters or discomfort. (Re: Information and Education)

Monitor conditions, if infestations occur, ACW Rangers Continuously to determine effects on resources and visitor health and safety.

FISH AND WILDLIFE

Establish LAC standards for fish and Area Staff 09/30/87 wildlife habitat. and continuing

Review and amend the Mescal-Dripping Area Wildlife 12/31/87 Springs HMF where necessary to be con- Biologist sistent with this plan.

Continue to exclude cattle from the can- Area Range On-going yon bottom except for trailing to main- Conservationist tain the riparian habitat. (Re: Vegetation, Range) Schedule annual AGFD helicopter use to Area Manager Annually monitor bighorn sheep in ACW on weekdays and times of low visitor use. (Re: Aircraft Overflights)

Coordinate with biologists to ensure Area Recreation On-going that visitor use and trails avoid big- Planner horn sheep lambing grounds. (Re: Administration, Range)

Plan with AGFD and the U.S. Fish and Area Wildlife 09/30/87 Wildlife Service to eliminate exotic Biologist fish in the side canyons and reintroduce native fish in a manner consistent with wilderness values and visitor use. (Re: Water)

Continue current hunting restrictions Area Recreation On-going in the canyon bottom. Advise visitors Planner of hunting seasons. Predators will not be controlled in ACW as they are a part of the natural system. (Re: Rec- reation, Information and Education)

Discourage visitors from destroying Area Recreation On-going non-game species habitat, such as flood Planner debris piles critical to some reptiles, amphibians and small mammals. (Re: Vegetation, Administration, Infor- mation and Education)

Encourage visitors to avoid camping and Area Recreation On-going concentrated activities near raptor nest Planner sites from March to June. Should black hawk numbers drop significantly, consider closing campsites near nests or the entire canyon during the critical nesting cycle. (Re: Administration, Information and Education)

CULTURAL RESOURCES

Establish LAC standards for cultural Area Staff 09/30/87 resources. and continuing

Include a more detailed cultural his- Area Recreation 09/30/89 tory of ACW in wilderness brochure Planner and revisions without referring to speci- Archaeologist fic site locations. Include a cautionary statement about disturbing, damaging or collecting cultural material. Inter- pret the Salazar historic homesite, the Horse Camp historic site and the Turkey Creek cliff dwelling in a manner consistent with wilderness management policy. These sites are visible, easily accessible and known to the general public. (Re: Administration, Information and Education)

Train ACW rangers to identify and Area Archaeologist 10/30/88 locate sites during the course of other duties and to assist in future inventories. Train them in site protection, including patrolling and vandalism reporting.

Develop a site patrol plan to monitor Area Archaeologist 10/30/88 site condition and visitor impact and to be implemented by ACW rangers.

Assess known sites for condition and sig- Area Archaeologist On-going nificance and nominate eligible sites to the National Register of Historic Places.

Inventory areas in ACW as site potential Area Archaeologist 06/30/89 is ideAtified. and on-going

Evaluate all sites according to the Cul- Area Archaeologist On-going tural Resource Use Allocation System.

Identify residents near the wilder- Area Archaeologist 09/30/88 ness for an oral history project to and ACW Rangers acquire information about sites and other people knowledgeable of the area's cultural sites. The emphasis will be on data collection rather than vandal investigation.

Begin oral history interviews. Area Archaeology 11/30/88 Temporaries and continuing

Contract an ethnographic and historic Area Archaeologist 09/30/90 study on the Western Apache to acquire data on specific site locations used by the Apache in Aravaipa Canyon. This study and follow-up field inventories will identify sites for evaluation and protection and also provide educational material for the public at large.

RECREATION

Establish LAC standards for the physi- Area Staff 09/30/87 cal, biological and social effects of and continuing recreation use in ACW. Post closure signs at the wilderness Area Recreation 09/30/87 boundary on vehicle trails leading to Planner and ACW the canyon rim. Evaluate the need for Rangers constructing physical barriers to motorized travel along these trails.

Coordinate law enforcement and emergency Fire/Aviation As needed activities with federal, county and state Management Officer authorities. (Re: Search and Rescue)

INFORMATION AND EDUCATION

Prepare an ACW Information and Education Area Recreation 09/30/88 Plan that will comprehensively address Planner how to present ACW and its management to the public. Topics to be discussed include: information subjects and presentation methods, information sources, consistency and accuracy, interpretation and education opportunities and methods, presentation of management rules and regulations, revision procedures and personnel training.

Prepare a new brochure. Area Recreation 09/30/89 Planner

Permit environmental education use that Area Recreation On-going meets visitor management rules. Planner

SCIENTIFIC STUDY

Evaluate proposals submitted to conduct Area Recreation As received scientific study in ACW and permit those Planner and that meet management policy by improving Area Staff wilderness management and furthering resource knowledge.

Maintain contact with the project leader Area Recreation Monthly when through study completion to coordinate Planner occurring use of ACW and to obtain research information.

SEARCH AND RESCUE

Meet with the Pinal and Graham County Fire/Aviation Annually Sheriffs' offices to discuss problems Management Officer and updating search and rescue plans. (Re: Administration)

Update and make needed revisions to Fire/Aviation 09/30/87 the search and rescue plan. Management Officer and annually Retain the reservation and permit sys- Area Recreation On-going tem and existing rules governing visitor Planner use in ACW (Appendix 3). The LAC planning process and carrying capacity study recommendations will determine the need for modifying visitor use rules.

Monitor commercial use to determine Area Recreation On-going compliance with regulations. Planner

Study the effects of pack and saddle Area Staff 09/30/87 stock use on the ACW environment and and continuing establish LAC standards.

ADMINISTRATION

Station full-time rangers at ACW west Area Manager On-going and east entrances to supervise use, monitor wilderness resource conditions and conduct assigned duties in ACW and on other public lands in the area.

Maintain present administrative sites Area Recreation On-going and residences. Continue and periodi- Planner and ACW cally review lease a;reements. Monitor Rangers the condition of the West Aravaipa residence and plan for its replacement when needed.

Prepare a maintenance plan for the Area Recreation 12/31/87 west and east trailhead and parking Planner and ACW areas. Rangers

Prepare an ACW sign plan that includes Area Recreation 09/30/87 information to be conveyed, sign loca- Planner tions and inspection and maintenance schedules. (Re: Information and Educa- tion)

Identify and map existing trails and Area Recreation 09/30/87 routes in ACW. Evaluate visitor use Planner and ACW of trails outside the canyon corridor Rangers considering maintenance requirements, effects on wildlife and other wilderness resources and livestock use by the allotment operator. Prepare a trail maintenance plan. (Re: Vegetation, Fish and Wildlife, Range)

Monitor condition of campsites and sur- Area Recreation 09/30/87 rounding areas using LAC indicators. Planner and and continuing Periodically rehabilitate or close ACW Rangers sites as needed. (Re: Vegetation) Provide first aid and CPR training to Area Recreation Biannually the rangers assigned to Work within Planner ACW. They will be familiar with cur-0 rent search and rescue procedures.

Initiate immediate search and rescue ACW Rangers As needed operations when action is essential to saving lives or expediting rescue. Helicopter and vehicular use will be allowed under emergency conditions within ACW when visitor health and safety is determined to be in jeopardy.

Maintain current weather information ACW Rangers Daily for ACW visitors.

RANGE MANAGEMENT

Conduct monitoring studies, including Area Range On-going utilization, trend, actual use and Conservationist climate data gathering as projected and necessary. Additional monitoring studies will be established as existing studies indicate the need.

Revise AMPs to incorporate a range Area Range 09/30/87 improvement inspection and maintenance Conservationist schedule and to be consistent with the management objectives and policy of this plan.

Coordinate use of the canyon for moving Area Range On-going livestock with the allotment operator Conservationist to reduce visitor conflicts and problems.

Continue grazing non-use of the canyon Area Range On-going portion of ACW. (Re: Vegetation, Fish Conservationist and Wildlife)

LANDS MANAGEMENT

Work with private land owners to acquire Area Manager 09/30/88 the two parcels surrounded on three sides by ACW.

Investigate acquiring land for public Area Manager 09/30/88 ownership that would improve ACW administration. (Re: Administration)

MINERALS MANAGEMENT

Insure that no mining activity or min- Area Recreation On-going eral leasing takes place in ACW. Planner AIRCRAFT OVERFLIGHTS

Maintain the BLM and FAA cooperative Fire/Aviation On-going agreement providing for the air advisory Management Officer of 2,000 feet minimum altitude above wilderness.

Request the Air Force to periodically Area Manager Annually or advise pilots to remain within estab- as needed lished training routes in the vicinity of ACW.

Establish schedules and notification Area Manager Twice a year procedures with Arizona Game and Fish Department and other organizations requiring non-emergency use of aircraft over ACW to have the least effect on the visitor's wilderness experience. (Re: Fish and Wildlife)

Notify visitors when non-emergency air- Area Recreation Two weeks craft use over ACW is scheduled. Planner prior to date

of use

Follow-up on reported incidents of low Area Recreation When reported wilderness overflights. Planner

Avoid overflight of ACW or maintain All District When occurring the minimum 2,000 feet above ground personnel level over the wilderness during BLM administrative flights.

FIRE MANAGEMENT

Write a fire management plan for Aravaipa Fire/Aviation 09/30/88 Canyon Wilderness. This plan will address Management Officer all aspects of fire management, as well as required conditions for any prescribed burning. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (AZ-040-6-38)

for the Implementation of the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Management Plan

INTRODUCTION

In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and BLM Manual 8561, Wilderness Management Plans, this environmental assessment evalu- ates the environmental consequences of implementing the Aravaipa Canyon Wil- derness Management Plan. The assessment analyzes the effects of the proposed action and three alternatives for managing Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness (ACW) on the wilderness resource and human environment.

Background

The 1979 Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Environmental Statement evaluated the environmental consequences of designating the proposed Aravaipa Canyon Wilder- ness. It concluded that no significant impact upon the environment would occur should the area be designated wilderness. Congress passed the Arizona Wilderness Act on August 28, 1984, incorporating Aravaipa Canyon in the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Purpose and Need

This action complies with BLM policy and manual requirements to prepare a wilderness management plan for BLM-administered wilderness. The purpose of the proposed action is to insure the proper management of ACW as intended by Congress and BLM policy.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES

In addition to the proposed action, the following three alternatives are considered in conducting the management of ACW: No Action, Resource Protec- tion and Recreation Enhancement. The proposed action and alternatives result from issues and concerns expressed by BLM staff, government agencies, organ- ized groups, local interests and the public during the planning process.

Proposed Action

The proposed action emphasizes preserving the wilderness character and resources of ACW while managing recreation and other use in a manner that will leave ACW unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness. It consists of the management actions described in the WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM section of the wilderness management plan. These management actions would be implemented as outlined in the IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE section of the plan. Under the proposed action, recreation use of ACW would be subject to limits of acceptable change (LAC) standards and indicators that will be established for critical resource elements of the wilderness. LAC standards would be set to assure that recreation and other uses would not degrade wilderness resource values of ACW. Other management actions of the plan would also maintain or enhance the resources and wilderness character of ACW while allowing continued use. No Action Alternative

No change from the present level or methods of management would occur under this alternative. ACW management would continue to be guided by the Winkelman Management Framework Plan (1981), the Aravaipa Canyon Management Plan (1979) and BLM wilderness management policy. The Aravaipa Canyon Wilder- ness Management Plan and management actions important to maintaining and enhancing wilderness resources would not be implemented.

Resource Protection Alternative

An emphasis on protecting resources from the effects of human use would be the overriding goal of this alternative. Visitor use would be restricted or excluded to allow natural processes to operate with minimal or no human influence. Management actions under this alternative would favor the environmental elements of the wilderness in cases where human use would have impact.

Recreation Enhancement Alternative

' This alternative would emphasize the recreation use of ACW. The wilderness would be managed according to ELM wilderness policy with management actions favoring few visitor use rules or restrictions in order to enhance recreation opportunities. New trails would be constructed and use would be eacouraged throughout all areas of the wilderness. Visitor use rules would be modified to allow for longer visits and overnight use of recreational livestock in the canyon bottom. Other changes in visitor use rules would be con- siAred, including increasing the number of people allowed to enter ACW or eliminating the permit system.

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

A description of the affected environment is found on page 1 of the wilderness management plan in the Area Overview. Further description of the affected environmental, social and managerial elements of the wilderness is found under the Current Situation heading for each element in the WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM section of the plan (pages 10 - 38). The 1979 Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Environmental Statement also contains a description of the Aravaipa Canyon study area environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

Implementation of the wilderness management plan will begin in 1987. For purposes of assessment, it is assumed that each alternative would be fully funded and staffed. The anticipated impacts of managing Aravaipa Canyon Wil- derness are described by alternative.

Proposed Action

Implementation of the management actions in the proposed action alternative would maintain and enhance the environment of the wilderness while allowing for recteation use to continue. Wilderness-dependent recreation experiences would also be positively affected as the plan is implemented. Administration of ACW would follow the management policies of the plan as well as BLM wilderness policy, regulations and law. However, the effect of implementing the plan on current administrative practices would not be significant.

The primary management action to occur under the proposed action would be the establishment of limits of acceptable change (LAC) standards. In the long term this action would result in stabilizing soils and reducing vegetation damage along trails, in campsites and at other visitor use areas. The implementation of water quality monitoring would provide data to signal any changes that would require corrective action. Water qualit7 would not be impacted but maintained to support fish and wildlife resources.

Several actions would coordinate management of the various uses and resources of the wilderness. A comprehensive information and education plan would be written to identify ways of providing visitors with information to minimize impacts of visitor use on soil, vegetation, water and wildlife. Such information put into practice would positively affect the environment and would reduce the need for regulation. Additional attention to cultural resource site patrols, existing trails and campsite condition would have a positive impact on the wilderness by protecting and preserving resources.

Administration would also be directed toward establishing management that benefits the wilderness resource while minimizing the impacts of recreation and other uses. Some of the actions that would positively impact the wilder- I ness environment include controlling exotic plants, increasing grass cover and :riparian habitat through livestock management, eliminating exotic fish, dis- couraging predator control and destruction of non-game habitat and retaining current visitor use rules. HMF and AMP revision to comply with wilderness policy and to establish improvement inspection and maintenance schedules and procedures would insure that wilderness values are not compromised. Accepted uses, such as grazing, would be allowed to continue operation with a minimum of impact on the wilderness. Given the nature of the improvements and projected practices, range and wildlife management operations would have little or no effect on the wilderness and the individuals or agencies involved.

The fire and search and rescue plans would guide emergency actions in ACW. The use of motorized vehicles and equipment in emergency situations so as to carry out resource and life-saving operations would have a varying degree of adverse, though temporary, impact on the environment depending on the situation. Scheduling necessary non-emergency aircraft use and notifying visitors to eliminate conflicts would reduce adverse impacts.

No Action Alternative

Continuing current management practices would not resolve some management conflicts or problems that have the potential to adversely effect the environment. LAC standards would not be developed for desired resource conditions. Under certain situations, such as rapidly increasing visitor use, resource conditions would decline and be adversely affected. The quality of the wilderness recreation experience would also be diminished. Additional cultural resource sites in the wilderness would not be identified and their significance would remain unknown. Acquisition of private land parcels bordering the wilderness on the north and south would not be pursued, leaving open the potential for conflicting development to occur. Other actions connected with the current management of Aravaipa Canyon would not adversely impact the environment.

Wilderness Protection Alternative

Most of the management actions that comprise the proposed action would be implemented under this alternative. Anticipated impacts would be similar to those described in the proposed action, largely benefitting the wilderness resource. Placing greater emphasis on protecting and enhancing the operation of natural processes in the wilderness would positively affect the environment. More restrictions on visitor use, such as designating campsites, eliminating overnight use or allowing no visitor use over certain periods of time would have a beneficial impact on wilderness resources.

Management actions dealing with eliminating exotic fish or necessary use of non-emergency aircraft would be conducted with less attention to disturbing visitors to insure that the action is done under optimal conditions for wilderness protection. In general, wilderness recreation opportunities in ACW would be reduced under this management approach. The resources that comprise the environmental elements of the wilderness would be able to reach a more natural balance with less human influence.

Recreation Enhancement Alturnatives

The resulting impacts are similar to the proposed action as many of those management actions would be implemented under this alternative. LAC standards would be established to limit adverse impacts to wilderness resources. With increased emphasis on allowing recreation use to occur more freely, the environmental elements and natural processes of the wilderness would be at greater risk to deteriorate or be adversely affected.

MITIGATION

The proposed action includes mitigation and enhancement measures to assure that the wilderness character of ACW is maintained or improved.

RELATIONSHIP OF LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY TO SHORT-TERM USE

The long-term productivity of the wilderness would not be affected by any short-term uses resulting from the proposed action.

IRREVERSIBLE OR IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES

Implementation of the proposed action would make no irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION

The following agencies, organizations and individuals have been sent a copy of this document for comment. In addition, many other individuals who have expressed an interest in Aravaipa Canyon and wilderness have received a copy of the plan.

U.S. Congress State of Arizona

Senator Dennis DeConcini Arizona Agriculture and Horticul- Senator John McCain ture Commission Representative John J. Rhodes Arizona Bureau of Geology and Representative Jon Kyl Mineral Technology Representative Jim Kolbe Representative Bob Stump Arizona Department of Public Safety Representative Morris Udall Arizona Game and Fish Commission Arizona Game and Fish Department Arizona Mineral Resources Depart- State Representatives ment Arizona Office of Tourism Senator Carol MacDonald Senator Peter Rios Arizona Outdoor Recreation Coordi- Representative Gus Arzberger nating Committee Representative Roy Hudson Arizona State Historic Preserva- Representative Joe Lane tion Officer ;Representative Richard "Dick" Pacheco Arizona State Land Department Arizona State Parks Arizona State Senate Library Federal Agencies Cooperative Extension Service Governor's Committee on Arizona # - National Park Service Environment :SaffordI District Advisory Council Governor of Arizona Safford District Grazing Board Indian Affairs Commission Soil Conservation Service Office of Economic Planning and U.S. Air Force Development U.S. Bureau of Mines U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Forest Service U.S. General Accounting Office U.S. Geological Survey Local Government Business

City of Safford Aravaipa Outfitters City of Willcox ASARCO Inc. Graham County Supervisors Clayton Construction Company Pinal County Supervisors E. Grover Heinrichs and Associates San Carlos Apache Tribe National Outdoor Leadership School Town of Winkelman Page Land and Cattle Company Phelps Dodge Corporation Resource Network Internationale Organizations Southwest Environmental Services SWCA Inc. American Wilderness Alliance Arizona Cattlegrowers Association Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society Educational Institutions Arizona Farm Bureau Arizona Veterans Fish and Game Club University of Arizona Arizona Wildlife Federation Arizona State University Boy Scouts of America The Amerind Foundation Cochise-Graham Cattlegrowers Association Brigham Young University Defenders of Wildlife Central Arizona College Desert Fishes Council Clemson University George Whittell Trust Eastern Arizona College Gila County Citizens for Conservation Fort Lewis College Great Outdoors Glendale Community College Huachuca Audubon Society Graham County Library Izaak Walton League Greenlee County Library League of Women Voters Museum of Northern Arizona Maricopa Audubon Society Northern Arizona University Mineralogical Society of Arizona Northwestern University National Audubon Society Reevis Mountain School of Self National Campers and Hikers Reliance National Parks and Conservation University of Tennessee Association National Public Lands Task Force Natural Resource Defense Council The Nature Conservancy Phoenix 4-Wheelers Prescott Audubon Society Public Lands Council Safford Chamber of Commerce Sierra Club Southern Arizona Environmental Council Southern Arizona Hiking Club Southern Arizona Sportsman and Gunowners Association Southwest Llama Association Tucson Audubon Society Tucson 4-Wheelers Tucson Rod and Gun Club The Wilderness Society The Wildlife Society Yuma Audubon Society COST ESTIMATES

The estimated cost to implement the management actions of this plan are listed below. Annual expenditures are shown separately from development costs and non-recurring expenditures. A number of the management actions identified in the plan can be implemented in the course of regular work schedules resulting in little or no expenditure in addition to the current annual expenditures in wilderness and other resource management programs.

Current Annual Expenditures

Workmonths (18) $45,000 Vehicles 6,000 Travel and Training 2,000 Administrative Site Leases 3,000 Utilities and Phones 2,000 Printing - Brochures, Permits and Fee Envelopes 1,000 Signs, Fence and Trailhead Maintenance 1,000 Misc. Supplies and Materials 1,500

$61,500

Annual Expenditures Resulting from Planned Management Actions

Water Quality Analysis š 5,000

Total Annual Operating Cost $66,500

Proposed Development, Replacement and Acquisition

Replace West Aravaipa Residence t25,000 Acquire Two Parcels (160 Acres) of Private Land 20,000

$45,000

Non-Recurring Expenditures

Carrying Capacity Study $15,000 Limits of Acceptable Change Plan 7,500 Exotic Fish Elimination 10,000 Alternative Administrative Sites Investigation 10,000 Cultural Resource Site Assessment and Identification 18,000 Oral History Project 18,000 Ethnographic and Historical Research Contract 12,000

Š90,500

. .

PUBLIC LAW 98-406—AUG. 28, 1984 98 STAT. 1485 98 STAT. 1486 PUBLIC LAW 98-406—AUG. 28, 1984

Public Law 98-406 (8) certain lands in the Coronado National Forest, which 96th Congress comprise approximately twenty-three thousand six hundred An Act acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Callum Wi..Jer- ness Additions—Proposed", dated April 1984, and which are To designate certain national forest lands in the State of Arizona as wilderness, and Aug. 28, 1984 hereby incorporated in and shall be deemed a part of the for other purposes. [14.R. 4707] 16 UC 1131 Gal i uro Wilderness as designated by Public Law 88-577; note. (9) certain lands in the Prescott National Forted, which com- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 16 USC 1132 prise approximately nine thousand eight hundred acres, as United States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act may Arizona note. generally depicted on a map entitled "Granite Mountain Wil- be cited as the "Arizona Wilderness Act of 1974". Wilderness Act of 1984. derness—Proposed", dated April 1984, and which shall be National known as Granite Mountain Wilderness; TITLE I Wilderness 16 USC 1132 (10) certain lands in the Tonto National Forest, which com- Preservation Dote. prise approximately thirty-six thousand seven hundred and Sec. 101. (a) In furtherance of the purposes of the Wilderness Act System. eighty acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Hellsgate (16 U.S.C. 1131-1136), the following lands in the State of Arizona are National Forest System. Wilderness—Proposed", dated August 1984, and which shall be hereby designated as wilderness and therefore as components of the known as the Hellsgate Wilderness; National Wilderness Preservation System: 16 USC 1132 (11) certain lands in the Prescott National Forest which (1) certain lands in the Prescott National Forest, which com- 16 USC 1132 Dots. comprise approximately seven thousand six hundred acres, as prise approximately five thousand four hundred and twenty note. generally depicted on a map entitled "Juniper Mesa Wilder- acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Apache Creek ness—Proposed", dated February 1984, and which shall be Wilderness—Proposed ', dated February 1984, and which shall known as the Juniper Mesa Wilderness; be known as the Apache Creek Wilderness; 16 USC 1132 (12) certain lands in the Kaibab and Coconino National For- (2) certain lands in the Prescott National Forest, which com- 16 USC 1132 Dots. ests, which comprise approximately six thousand five hundred prise approximately fourteen thousand nine hundred and fifty Dote. and ten acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Ken- . acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Cedar Bench drick Mountain Wilderness—Proposed", dated Febru&—y 1984, "0 Wilderness—Proposed', dated August 1984, and which shall be and which shall be known as Kendrick Mountain Wilderness; known as the Cedar Bench Wilderness; (13) certain lands in the Tonto National Forest, which com- (3) certain lands in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, 16 USC 1132 prise approximately forty-six thousand six hundred and seventy which comprise approximately eleven thousand and eighty DOC. acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Mazat--' Wil- acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Bear Wallow derness Additions—Proposed", dated August 1984, ana which ■—• Wilderness—Proposed', dated March 1984, and which shall be are hereby incorporated and shall be deemed a part of the known as the Bear Wallow Wilderness; Is USC 1131 Mazatzal Wilderness as designated by Public Law 88-577: Pro- (4) certain lands in the Prescott National Forest, which com- 16 USC 1132 note. vided, That within the lands added to the Mazatzal Wilderness Dote. prise approximately twenty-six thousand and thirty acres, as 16 USC 1131 by this Act, the provisions of the Wilderness Act shall not be generally depicted on a map entitled "Castle Creek Wilder- nota. construed to prevent the installation and maintenance of hydro- ness—Proposed", dated August 1984, and which shall be known logic, meteorologic, or telecommunications facilities, or any as the Castle Creek Wilderness; combination of the foregoing, or limited motorized access to (5) certain lands in the Coronado National Forest, which such facilities when nonmotorized access means are not reason- comprise approximately sixty-nine thousand seven hundred ably available or when time is of the essence, subject to such acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Chiricahua conditions as the Secretary deems desirable, where such facili- Wilderness—Proposed", dated March 1984, and which are ties or access are essential to flood warning, flood control, and hereby incorporated in and shall be deemed part of the Chirica- water reservoir operation purposes; cle hua Wilderness, as designated by Public Law 88-577; 16 USC 1131 16 USC 1132 (14) certain lands in the EorOnado National Forest, which (6) certain lands in the Coconino National Forest, which note. DOW. comprise approximately twenty thousand one hundred and comprise approximately eleven thousand five hundred and fifty 16 USC 1132 Dote. ninety acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Miller acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Fossil Springs Peak Wilderness—Proposed", dated February 1984, and which Wilderness—Proposed', dated April 198.4, and which shall be shall be known as the Miller Peak Wilderness; known as the Fossil Springs Wilderness; 16 USC 1132 (15) certain lands in the Coronado National Forest, which (7) certain lands in the Tonto National Forest, which comprise 16 USC 1132 note. comprise approximately twenty-five thousand two hundred and approximately filly-three thousand five hundred acres, as gen- note. sixty acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Mt. erally deRicted on a map entitled "Four Peaks Wilderness— Wrightson Wilderness—Proposed", dated February 1984, and Proposed dated April 1984, and which shall be known as the which shall be known as the Mt. Wrightson Wilderness; Four Peaks Wilderness; ' 16 USC 1132 (16) certain lands in the Coconino National Forest, which Dots. comprise approximately eighteen thousand one hundred and fifty acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Munds Mountain Wilderness—Proposed", dated August 1984, and which shall be known as the Munds Mountain Wilderness; PUBLIC LAW 98-406—AUG. 28, 1984 98 STAT. 1487 98 STAT. 1488 PUBLIC LAW 98-406—AUG. 28, 1984

(17) certain lands in the Coronado National Forest, which 16 USC 1132 ness—Proposed", dated April 1984, and which shall be known as comprise approximately seven thousand four hundred and DOW. the West Clear Creek Wilderness; twenty acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Pajarita 16 USC 1132 (27) certain lands in the Coconino National Forest, which Wilderness—Proposed", dated March 1984, and which shall be sots. comprise approximately six thousand seven hundred acres, as known as the Pajarita Wilderness; generally depicted on a map entitled "Wet Beaver Wilderness— (18) certain lands in the Coconino National Forest, which 16 USC 1132 Proposed" dated February 1984, and which shall be known as comprise approximately forty-three thousand nine hundred and note. the Wet Beav er Wilderness; fifty acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Red Rock- 16 USC 1132 (28) certain lands in the Prescott National Forest, which Wilderness—Proposed", Secret Mountain Wilderness—Proposed" dated April 1984, and not& comprise approximately five thousand six hundred acres, as which shall be known as the Red Mountain generally depicted on a map entitled "Woodchute Wilderness— Wilderness; Proposed", dated August 1984, and which shall be known as the (19) certain lands in the Coronado National Forest, which 16 USC 1132 Woodchute Wilderness; comprise approximately thirty-eight thousand five hundred and note. 16 USC 1132 (29) certain lands in the Coconino National Forest, which ninety' 'acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Rincon DOCI. compromise approximately ten thousand one hundred and forty Mountain Wilderness—Proposed", dated February 1984, and acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Strawberry which shall be known as the Rincon Mountain Wilderness; Crater Wilderness—Proposed", dated April 1984, and which (20) certain lands in the Tonto National Forest, which com- 16 USC 1132 shall be known as Strawberry Crater Wilderness; note. prise approximately eighteen thousand nine hundred and fifty 16 USC 1132 (30) certain lands in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Salome Wilder- note. which comprise approximately five thousand two hundred ness—Proposed", dated August and which shall be known 1984, acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Escudilla- as the Salome Wilderness; Proposed Wilderness", dated April and which shall be (21) certain lands in the Tonto National Forest, which com- 16 USC 1132 1984, known as Wilderness. prise approximately thirty-two thousand eight hundred acres, note. Escudilla (b) Subject to valid existing rights, the wilderness areas designated as generally depicted on a map entitled "Salt River ' Canyon under this section shall be administered by the Secretary of Agricul- Wilderness—Proposed", dated April and which shall be 1984, ture (hereinafter in this title referred to as the "Secretary") in known as the Salt River Canyon Wilderness; accordance with the provisions of the Wilderness Act governing (22) certain lands in the Coconino National Forest, which 16 USC 1132 areas designated by that Act as wilderness, except that any refer- comprise approximately eighteen thousand two hundred acres, note. as generally depicted on a map entitled Peaks Wilder- 16 USC 1131 ence in such provisions to the effective date of the Wilderness Act "Kachina note. ness—Proposed", dated August 1984, and which shall be known (or any similar reference) shall be deemed to be a reference to the as the Kachina Peaks Wilderness; date of enactment of this Act. (23) certain lands in the Coronado National Forest, which 16 USC 1132 (c) As soon as practicable after enactment of this Act, the Secre- comprise approximately twenty-six thousand seven hundred note. tary shall file a map and a legal description of each wilderness area and eighty acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled designated under this section with the Committee on Interior and "Santa Teresa Wilderness—Proposed", dated February 1984, Insular Affairs of the United States House of Representatives and and which shall be known as the Santa Teresa Wilderness; the with the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Unitts:I. governmental agency having jurisdictional authority may au- States Senate. Such map and description shall have the same force thorize limited access to the area, for private and administra- and effect as if included in this Act, except that correction of clerical tive purposes, from U.S. Route 70 along Black Rock Wash to the and typographical errors in such legal description and map may be vicinity of Black Rock; Public made. Such map and legal description shall be on file and evadable (24) certain lands in the Tonto National Forest, which com- availability. for public inspection in the Office of the Chief of the Forest oervice, prise approximately thirty-five thousand six hundred and forty United States Department of Agriculture. acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Superstition (d) The Congress does not intend that designation of wilderness Wilderness Additions—Proposed", dated August 1984, and areas in the State of Arizona lead to the creation of protective which are hereby incorporated in and shall be deemed to be a perimeters or buffer zones around each wilderness area. The fact part of the Superstition Wilderness as designated by Public Law that nonwilderness activities or uses can be seen or heard from 88-577; 16 USC 1131 areas within a wilderness shall not, of' itself, preclude such activities (25) certain lands in the Coconino National Forest and Pres- note. or uses up to the boundary of the wilderness area. cott National Forest, which comprise approximately eight thou- Water. (eX1) As provided in paragraph (6) of section 4(d) of the Wilderness sand one hundred and eighty acres, as generally depicted on a 16 USC 1193. Act, nothing in this Act or in the Wilderness Act shall constitute an map entitled "Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Additions—Pro- 16 USC 1191 express or implied claim or denial on the part of the Federal posed", dated April 1984, and which are hereby incorporated in note. Government as to exemption from Arizona State water laws. and shall be deemed a part of the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Fish and fishing. (2) As provided in paragraph (7) of section 4(d) of the Wilderness as designated by Public Law 92-241; 16 USC 1132 Wildlife. Act, nothing in this Act or in the Wilderness Act shall be construed (26) certain lands in the Coconino National Forest, which Dote . as affecting the jurisdiction or responsibilities of the State of Ari- comprise approximately thirteen thousand six hundred acres, as 16 USC 1132 zona with respect to wildlife and fish in the national forests located Dote. generally depicted on a map entitled "West Clear Creek Wilder- in that State. PUBLIC LAW 98-406—AUG. 28, 1984 98 STAT. 1489 98 STAT. 1490 PUBLIC LAW 98-406—AUG. 28, 1984

(f)(1) Grazing of livestock in wilderness areas established by this Li...tack. (1) without passing on the question of the legal and factual title, where established prior to the date of the enactment of this sufficiency of the RARE II final environmental statement Act, shall be administered in accordance with section 4(dX4) of the (dated January 1979) with respect to national forest system Wilderness Act and section 108 of Public Law 96-560. 16 USC 1133. lands in States other than Arizona, such statement shall not be (2) The Secretary is directed to review all policies, practices, and 16 USC 1133 subject to judicial review with respect to national forest system regulations of the Department of Agriculture regarding livestock note. lands in the State of Arizona; grazing in national forest wilderness areas in Arizona in order to (2) with respect to the national forest system lands in the insure that such policies, practices, and regulations fully conform State of Arizona which were reviewed by the Department of with and implement the intent of Congress regarding grazing in Agriculture in the second roadless area review and evaluation such areas, a,s.such intent is expressed in this Act. (RARE II) and those lands referred to in subsection (d), except (3) Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Report. those lands designated for wilderness study upon enactment of Act, and at least every five years thereafter, the Secretary of this Act, that review and evaluation or reference shall be Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Interior and Insular deemed for the purposes of the initial land management plans Affairs of the United States House of Representatives and to the required for such lands by the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States 16 USC 161)0 Resources Planning Act of 1974, as amended by the National Senate a report detailing the progress made by the Forest Service in note. Forest Management Act of 1976, to be an adequate consider- 16 USC 1600 ation of the suitability of such lands for inclusion in the carrying out the provisions of paragraphs (1) and (2) of this section. note. Sec. 102. (a) In furtherance of the purposes of the Wilderness Act, National Wilderness Preservation System and the Department the Secretary of Agriculture shall review the following as to their of Agriculture shall not be required to review the wilderness suitability or nonsuitability for preservation as wilderness and shall option prior to the revisions of the plans, but shall review the submit his recommendations to the President: wilderness option when the plans are revised, which revisions (1) certain lands in the Coronado National Forest, which will ordinarily occur on a ten-year cycle, or at least every fifteen comprise approximately eight hundred fifty acres, as generally years, unless, prior to such time the Secretary of Agriculture depicted on a map entitled "Bunk Robinson Wilderness Study finds that conditions in a unit have significantly changed; Area Additions—Proposed", dated February 1984, and which (3) areas in the State of Arizona reviewed in such final are hereby incorporated in the Bunk Robinson Wilderness environmental statement or referred to in subsection (d) and not designated wilderness or wilderness study upon erzctment Study Area as designated by Public Law 96-550; 84 Seat 3223. (2) certain lands in the Coronado National Forest, which of this Act shall be managed for multiple use in accordance with comprise approximately five thousand and eighty acres, as land management plans pursuant to section 6 of the Forest and 16 USC 1604. Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Whitmire Canyon Study amended by the National Forest Management Act of 1976: Area Additions—Proposed', dated February 1984, and which Provided, That such areas need not be managed for the purpose are hereby incorporated in the Whitmire Canyon Wilderness of protecting their suitability for wilderness designation prior to Study Area as designated by Public Law 96-550; and or during revision of the initial land management plans; (3) certain lands in the Coronado National Forest, which (4) in the event that revised land management plans in the comprise approximately sixty-two thousand acres, as generally State of Arizona are implemented pursuant to section F nf the depicted on a map entitled "Mount Graham Wilderness Study Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of Area", dated August 1984, and which shall be known as the 1974, as amended by the National Forest Management Act of Mount Graham Wilderness Study Area. 1976, and other applicable law, areas not recommended for With respect to the areas named in paragraphs (1) and (2), the President of U.S. wilderness designation need not be managed for the purpose of President shall submit his recommendations to the United States protecting their suitability for wilderness designation prior to or House of Representatives and the United States Senate no later during revision of such plans, and areas recommended for than January 1,1986. wilderness designation shall be managed for the purpose of (b) Subject to valid existing rights, the wilderness study areas protecting their suitability for wilderness designation as may be designated by this section shall, until Congress determines other- required by the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources wise, be administered by the Secretary so as to maintain their 16 USC 1600 Planning Act of 1974, as amended by the National Forest presently existing wilderness character and potential for inclusion note. Management Act of 1976, and other applicable law; and in the National Wilderness Preservation System. (5) unless expressly authorized by Congress, the Department SEC. 103. (a) The Congress finds that— Coneervation. of Agriculture shall not conduct any further statewide roadless (1) the Department of Agriculture has completed the second area review and evaluation of national forest system lands in roadless area review and evaluation program (RARE II); the State of Arizona for the purpose of determining their suit- (2) the Congress has made its own review and examination of ability for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation national forest system roadless areas in Arizona and of the System. environmental impacts associated with alternative allocations (c) As used in this section, and as provided in section 6 of the of such areas. 16 USC 1604. Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, (b) On the basis of such review, the Congress hereby determines canvas. as amended by the National Forest Management Act of 1976, the and directs that- term "revision shall not include an "amendment" to a plan. •

PUBLIC LAW 98-406—AUG. 28, 1984 98 STAT. 1491 98 STAT. 1492 PUBLIC LAW 98-406—AUG. 28, 1984

(d) The provisions of this section shall also apply to national forest Sac. 203. Subject to valid existing rights. the Aravaipa Canyon system roadless lands in the State of Arizona which are less than Wilderness shall be administered by the Secretary of the Interior in five thousand acres in size. 16 USC 1131 accordance with the provisions of the Wilderness Act governing Sec. 104. Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. note. areas designated by that Act as wilderness. For purposes of THIS 1274) is amended by inserting the following after paragraph (50): title, any references in such provisions to the effective date of the "(51) VERDE, AR1ZONA.—THE segment from the boundary between Wilderness Act shall be deemed to be a reference to the effective national forest and private land in sections 26 and 27, township 13 date of this Act and any reference to the Secretary of Agriculture north, range 5 east, Gila Salt River meridian, downstream to the with regard to administration of such areas shall be deemed to be a confluence with Red Creek, as generally depicted on a map entitled reference to the Secretary of the Interior, and any reference to 'Verde River—Wild and Scenic River', dated March 1984, which is wilderness areas designated by the Wilderness Act or designated on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Chief, national forest wilderness areas shall be deemed to be a reference to Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture; to be the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. For purposes of this title, the administerecLOy the Secretary of Agriculture. This designation shall Water. reference to national forest rules and regulations in the second not prevent Water users receiving Central Arizona Project water 16 USC 1133. sentence of section 4(d)(3) of the Wilderness Act shall be deemed to allocations from diverting that water through an exchange agree- be a reference to rules and regulations applicable to public lands, as ment with downstream water users in accordance with Arizona defined in section 103(e) of the Federal Land Policy and Manage- water law. After consultation with State and local governments and ment Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701, 1702). the interested public and within two years after the date of enact- SEC. 204. As soon as practicable after this Act takes effect, the ment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall take such action as is Secretary of the Interior shall file a map and a legal description of required under subsection (b) of this section.". the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness with the Committee on Energy EC. S 105. There are added to the Chiricahua National Monument, and Natural Resources of the United States Senate and with the in the State of Arizona, established by Proclamation Numbered 1692 Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the United States of April 18, 1924 (43 Stat. 1946) certain lands in the Coronado shall have National Forest which comprise approximately eight hundred and House of Representatives, and such map and description PROVIDED That fifty acres as generally depicted on the map entitled "Bonita Creek the same force and effect as if included in this Act: Watershed", dated May 1984, retained by the United States Park correction of clerical and typographical errors in the legal descrip- Public tion and map may be made. The map and legal description shall be Service, Washington, D.C. The area added by this paragraph shall be availability. administered by the National Park Service as wilderness. on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior. SEC. 205. Except as further provided in this section, the Aravaipa TITLE II Aravaipa Canyon Primitive Area designations of January 16, 1969, and April 28, SEC. 201. The Congress finds that— Wilderness. 1971, are hereby revoked. (1) the Aravaipa Canyon, situated in the Galiuro Mountains in the Sonoran desert region of southern Arizona, is a primitive TITLE III place of great natural beauty that, due to the rare presence of a perennial stream, supports an extraordinary abundance and 16 1.77.0 1131 Sec. 301. (a) In furtherance of the purposes of the Wilderness Act, note, diversity of native plant, fish, and wildlife, making it a resource the following lands are hereby designated as wilderness and thereof national significance; and fore, as components of the National Wilderness Preservation (2) the Aravaipa Canyon should, together with certain adjoin- System- ing public lands, be incorporated within the National Wilderness 16 USC 1132 (1) certain lands in the Arizona Strip District of the Bureau of Preservation System in order to provide for the preservation and Dote. Land Management, Arizona, which comprise approximately sir protection of this relatively undisturbed but fragile complex of thousand five hundred acres, as generally depicted on a map desert, riparian and aquatic ecosystems, and the native plant, entitled "Cottonwood Point Wilderness—Proposed", dated May fish, and wildlife communities dependent on it, as well as to S. 46 1983, and which shall be known as the Cottonwood Point protect and preserve the area's great scenic, geologic, and his- Wilderness; torical values, to a greater degree than would be possible in the 16 USC 1132 (2) certain lands in the Arizona Strip District of the Buresu of absence of wilderness designation. note. Land Management, Arizona, which comprise approximately SEC. 202. In furtherance of the purposes of the Wilderness Act of 16 USC 1132 thirty-six thousand three hundred acres, as generally depicted 1964 (78 Stat. 890, 16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) and consistent with the note. on a map entitled "Grand Wash Cliffs Wilderness—Proposed", policies and provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management dated May 1983, and which shall be known as the Grand Wash Act of 1976 (90 Stat. 2743; 43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), certain public Cliffs Wilderness; lands in Graham and Pins) Counties, Arizona, which comprise 16 USC 1132 (3) certain lands in the Kaibab National Forest and in the approximately six thousand six hundred and seventy acres, as gen- Dote Arizona Strip District of the Bureau of Land Management, erally depicted on a map entitled "Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness— Arizona, which comprise approximately seventy-seven thousand Proposed ' and dated May 1980, are hereby designated as the Ara- one hundred acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled vaipa Canyon Wilderness and, therefore, as a component of the "Kanab Creek Wilderness—Proposed", dated May 1983, and National Wilderness Preservation System. which shall be known AS the Kanab Creek Wilderness;

PUBLIC LAW 98-406—AUG. 28, 1984 98 STAT. 1493 98 STAT. 1494 PUBLIC LAW 98-406—AUG, 28, 1984 3 (4) certain lands in the Arizona Strip District of the Bureau of 16 USC 1132 on Energy and Natural Resources of the United States Senate and Land Management, Arizona, which comprise approximately Dote. the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs of the House of fourteen thousand six hundred acres, as generally depicted on a Representatives„and each such map and description shall have the map entitled "Mt. Logan Wilderness—Proposed", dated May same force and effect as if included in this Act Provided, That 1983, and which shall be known as the Mount Logan correction of clerical and typographical errors in each such legal Wilderness; description and map may be made by the Secretary concerned (5) certain lands in the Arizona Strip District of the Bureau of' 16 USC 1132 Public note. subsequent to such filings. Each such map and legal description Land Management, Arizona, which comprise approximately availability. Office seven thousand nine hundred acres, as generally depicted on a shall be on file and available for public inspection in the of map entitled "Mt. Trumbull Wilderness—Proposed", dated May the Chief of the Forest Service, Department of Agriculture or in the - Office of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, Depart- 1983, and which shall be known as the Mount Trumbull ment of the Interior, as is appropriate. Wilderness; 304. (6) certain lands in the Arizona Strip District of the Bureau of 16 USC 1132 Sec. The Congress hereby finds and directs that lands in the Land Management, Arizona, which comprise approximately DOW. Arizona Strip District of the Bureau of Land Management, Arizona, eighty-four thousand seven hundred acres, as generally depicted and those portions of the Starvation Point Wilderness Study Area Paria on a map entitled "Paiute Wilderness—Proposed", dated May (UT-040-057) and Canyon Instant Study Area and contiguous and which shall be known as the Paiute Wilderness; Utah units in the Cedar City District of the Bureau of Land Manage- 1983, ment, (7) certain lands in the Arizona Strip District, Arizona, and in 16 USC 1132 Utah, not designated as wilderness by this Act have been the Cedar City District, Utah, of the Bureau of Land Manage- now. adequately studied for wilderness designation pursuant to section ment, which comprise approximately one hundred and ten thou- 603 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (Public Law sand acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Paris 13 USC 1782. 94-579), and are no longer subject to the requirement of section Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness—Proposed", dated May 603(c) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act pertaining to 1983, and which shall be known as the Paria Canyon-Vermilion the management of wilderness study areas in a manner that does not Cliffs Wilderness; impair the suitability of such areas for preservation as wilderness. (8) certain lands in the Kaibab National Forest, Arizona, 16 USC 1132 which comprise approximately forty thousand six hundred Dot.. TITLE IV acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Saddle Moun- tain Wilderness—Proposed", dated May 1983, and which shall Sec. 401. If any provision of this Act or the application thereof is be known as the Saddle Mountain Wilderness; and held invalid, the remainder of the Act and the application thereof (9) certain lands in the Arizona Strip District, Arizona, and in 16 USC 1132 shall not be affected thereby. the Cedar City District, Utah, of the Bureau of Land Manage- note. ment which comprise approximately nineteen thousand six Approved August 28, 1984. hundred acres, as generally depicted on a map entitled "Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness—Proposed", dated May 1983, and which shall be known as the Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness. (b) The previous classifications of the Paiute Primitive Area and the Paria Canyon Primitive Area are hereby abolished. SEC. 302. (a) Subject to valid existing rights, each wilderness area designated by this title shall be administered by the appropriate Secretary in accordance with the provisions of the Wilderness Act: 16 USC 1131 Prouided, That any reference in such provisions to the effective date note. of the Wilderness Act shall be deemed to be a reference to the effective date of this Act, and any reference to the Secretary of Agriculture shall be deemed to be a reference to the Secretary who has administrative jurisdiction over the area (b) Within the wilderness areas designated by this title, the graz- Livestock. ing of livestock, where established prior to the date of enactment of this Act, shall be permitted to continue subject to such reasonable LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—HR. 4707 (S. 2242) regulations, policies, and practices as the Secretary concerned deems necessary, as long as such regulations, policies, and practices HOUSE REPORT No. 98-643 Part I (Comm. on Interior and Insular Affains). SENATE REPORT No. 9S-463 accompanying S. 2242 (COMM. on Energy and Natu- fully conform with and implement the intent of Congress regarding ral Resources). grazing in such areas as such intent is expressed in the Wilderness CONGRICSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 130 (1984): Act. Apr. 2,3, considered and Famed House. amended in lieu of S. As soon as practicable after enactment of this Act, a map Aug. 9, considered and pueed Senate, , 2242. SEt. 303. Aug. House concurred in certain Senate amendment. and a legal description on each wilderness area designated by this 10. title shall be filed by the Secretary concerned with the Committee 0

APPENDIX 2 BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION ARAVAIPA CANYON WILDERNESS

The Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness is located within the Safford District of the Bureau of Land Management in Pinal and Graham Counties, Arizona, Township 6 South, Ranges 17, 18 and 19 East, Gila and Salt River Meridian.

Commencing at the section corner common to Secs. 25 and 36 of T. 6 S., R. 18 E., and Secs. 30 and 31 of T. 6 S., R. 19 E., Gila and Salt River Meridian;

N 89°51' E, 1316.04 feet along the section line to the quarter corner common to Secs. 30 and 31;

S 89°51' E, 1986.74 feet along the section line between Secs. 3U and 31 to a point on the west rim of Turkey Creek Canyon;

thence from point to point along the following consecutive courses, approximating the west rim of Turkey Creek Canyon:

° N 20 28' E, 619.00 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap; 0 N 20 33' E, 486.23 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° N 34 58' W, 944.21 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

N 19°41' E, 586.93 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

N 2°47' W, 1446.90 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

N 43°03' W, 646.06 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

N 15°52' W, 599.07 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

N 7°14' W, 898.88 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

N 20°18' W, 341.67 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

N 0°23' W, 439.33 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

N 53°12' W, 1128.39 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

N 20°10' W, 508.55 feet, to the center quarter corner of Sec. 19; 0 thence N 0 03' E, 2637.36 feet, along the north and south center line of Sec. 19, to the quarter corner common to Secs. 18 and 19;

N 89°56' W, 1298.88 feet along the section line to the closing corner common to Secs. 18 and 19, T. 6 S., R. 19 E., Gila and Salt River Meridian;

North, 232.98 feet along the township line to the section corner common to Secs. 13 and 24, T. 6 S., R. 18 E., Gila and Salt River Meridian; North, 5280.00 feet along the township line to toe corner common to Secs. 12 and 13;

° S 89 57' W, 5272.08 feet along the section line to toe corner common to Secs. 11, 12, 13 and 14;

° S 0 01' E, 1320.00 feet along the section line to tne north 1/16 section corner of Secs. 13 and 14;

° N 89 59' W, 2638.85 feet along the east and west center line of the northeast quarter to the center north 1/16 section corner of Sec. 14; 0 N 0 01' E, 1320.00 feet along the north and south center line to toe quarter corner common to Secs. 11 and 14;

° N 89 59' W, 2638.02 feet along the section line to tne corner common to Secs. 10, 11, 14 and 15;

° S 89 47' W, 5274.72 feet along the section line to the corner common to Secs. 9, 10, 15 and 16;

° S 89 54' W, 2646.60 feet along the section line to toe true point for the quarter corner common to Secs. 9 and 16;

° N 0 02' W, 2633.84 feet llong the north and south center line to toe center quarter corner of Sec. 9;

° N 89 58' W, 2646.93 feet along the east and west center line to the true point for the quarter corner common to Secs. 8 and 9;

° S 89 54' W, 848.77 feet along the east and west center line of Sec. 6 to a point;

thence from point to point along the following consecutive courses approximating a line offset 30 ft. southerly from the south edge of a jeep road:

° S 23 52' W, 52.90 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° S 47 21' W, 133.34 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° S 66 22' W, 76.90 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° N 80 24' W, 811.43 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° N 77 07' W, 144.30 feet to a point on the east and west center line;

° S 44 59' W, 98.17 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° S 83 30' W, 135.79 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° S 6 04' W, 141.20 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap; S 21°46' W, 75.10 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° S 39 02' W, 74.34 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° S 53 21' W, 159.25 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° S 66 56' W, 75.62 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° S 80 19' W, 119.85 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° N 71 13' W, 105.75 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° N 88 55' W, 85.71 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° N 47 00' W, 296.06 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° N 70 47' W, 98.24 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° N 50 12' W, 209.24 feet, to a monument with an aluminum cap;

° N 27 33' W, 103.08 feet, to a point on the east and west center line of Sec. 8;

° thence S 89 54' w, 1989.70 feet along the east and west center line to the quarter corner common to Secs. 7 and 8;

° N 89 50' W, 2644.62 feet along the east and west center line to the center quarter corner of Sec. 7;

° S 0 03' W, 2640.00 feet along the north and south center line to the quarter corner common to Secs. 7 and 18;

° N 89 50' W, 3020.82 feet along the section line to the corner common to Secs. 7 and 18, T. 6 S., R. 18 E., Gila and Salt River Meridian;

South, 355.08 feet along the township line to the closing corner common to Secs. 12 and 13, T. 6 S., R. 17 E., Gila and Salt River Meridian;

° S 89 57' W, 2657.16 feet along the section line to the quarter corner common to Secs. 12 and 13;

South, 5254.18 feet along the north and south center line of Sec. 13 to the quarter corner common to Secs. 13 and 24;

° N 89 50' E, 2652.54 feet along the section line to the closing corner common to Secs. 13 and 24, T. 6 S., R. 17 E., Gila and Salt itiver Meridian;

North, 313.50 feet along the township line to the corner common to Secs. 18 and 19, T. 6 S., R. 18 E., Gila and Salt River Meridian;

S 89°50' E, 5678.64 feet along the section line to the corner common to Secs. 17, 18, 19 and 20; N 89'52' E, 1321.65 feet along the section line to the west 1/16 section corner of Secs. 17 and 20;

N 0°04' W, 1319.62 feet along the north and south center line of the southwest quarter to the southwest 1/16 section corner of Sec. 17;

N 89°53' E, 1321.44 feet along the east and west center line of the southwest quarter to the center south 1/16 section corner of Sec. 17;

N 89°51' E, 1320.88 feet along the east and west center line of the southeast quarter to the southeast 1/16 section corner of Sec. 17;

S 0°06' E, 1319.61 feet along the north and south center line of the southeast quarter to the east 1/16 section corner of Secs. 17 and 20;

N 89°52' E, 1321.65 feet along the section line to the corner common to Secs. 16, 17, 20 and 21;

N 89°58' E, 5286.60 feet along the section line to the corner common to Secs. 15, 16, 21 and 22;

N 89°47' E, 5283.96 feet along the section line to the corner common to Secs. 14, 15, 22 and 23;

S 89°58' E, 1317.36 feet alone the section line to the west 1/16 section corner of Secs. 14 and 23;

S 0°01' E, 1320.00 feet along the north and south center line of the northwest quarter to the northwest 1/16 section corner of Sec. 23;

S 89°58' E, 2634.01 feet along the east and west center line of the north half of the section through the center north 1/16 section corner to the northeast 1/16 section corner of Sec. 23;

South, 1320.00 feet along the north and south center line of the northeast quarter to the center east 1/16 section corner of Sec. 23;

S 89°58' E, 1317.03 feet along the east and west center line to the quarter corner common to Secs. 23 and 24;

S 0°01' E, 2640.00 feet along the section line to the corner common to Secs. 23, 24, 25 and 26;

S 0°01' E, 5280.00 feet along the section line to the corner common to Secs. 25, 26, 35 and 36;

S 89°48' E, 5286.60 feet along the section line to the corner common to Secs. 25 and 36, Township 6 South, Range 18 East, and Secs. 30 and 31, Township 6 South, Range 19 East, Gila and Salt River Meridian, this being the point of beginning.

The lands bounded by this description contain 6,699 acres, more or less. APPENDIX 3

Visitor Use Rules

1. A permit, isrequired to enter Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Permits are obtained from the Safford District Office.

2. Reservations are made for visitors more than one month in advance. Reser- vations are not accepted more than six months in advance of entry date. The intent to use the reservation must be confirmed between 30 days and 15 days prior to entry date. Permits are issued when reservations are confirmed or when entry date is less than 30 days in advance. Reservations not confirmed by 15 days prior to entry date become available on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. The number of people allowed to enter ACW is limited to 50 at any one time. Up to 20 persons are allowed to enter from the east trailhead and up to 30 persons are allowed to enter from the west trailhead per day.

4. The maximum length of stay is three days and two nights. No overnight tethering of pack and saddle stock (horses, llamas, etc.) in the canyon is allowed.

5. Group size is limited to 10 people. Pack and saddle stock groups are limited to five animals and people.

6. No pets are allowed in Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness.

7; A fee of $1.50 per person per day is payable for use of Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness at the wilderness trailhead self-service fee station. Fee payment does not supplant permit requirements.

8. The flood plain of Aravaipa Creek and the first 50 vertical feet above the streambed are open to hunting, in season, with bow and arrow only (closed to discharge of firearms).

9. The use of motorized and mechanized vehicles or equipment in the wilderness is prohibited.

10. Commercial use of the wilderness is subject to fees (other than those in Rule 7) and additional permit requirements outlined in 43 CFR 8372 as well as the above rules. APPENDIX 4

PLAN PARTICIPANTS

Al Alvarez Fire/Aviation Management Officer Cindy Alvarez Hydrologic Technician Albert Bammann Wildlife Biologist Leroy Cook Gila Area Manager Olga Diaz Editorial Clerk/Word Processor Ken Mahoney Outdoor Recreation Planner Robert Parker Natural Resource Specialist Penny Rucks Archaeologist George Schuh Engineering Technician Paul Tankersley Range Conservationist APPENDIX 5

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Arizona Department of Health Services. 1981. Unique Waters Policy. Arizona Water Quality Control Council. Phoenix, Arizona.

Bell, W.A. 1869. New Trades in North America. Volumes 1-11. Chapman and Hall. London, England.

Bureau of Land Management. 1978. Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Draft Environ- mental Statement. BLM District Office. Safford, Arizona.

. 1979. Aravaipa Canyon Management Plan. BLM District Office. Safford, Arizona.

. 1981. Winkelman Management Framework Plan. BLM District Office. Safford, Arizona.

. 1982. Mescal-Dripping Springs Habitat Management Plan. BLM District Office. Safford, Arizona.

. 1983. Vertebrates of Aravaipa Canyon. BLM District Office. Safford, Arizona.

Dodd, N. 1980. "Evaluation of Desert Bighorn Introductions" pp. 25-50 in Arizona Game and Fish Department Wildife Research in Arizona 1980-81. Arizona Game and Fish Department. Phoenix, Arizona.

Ellingson, Charles. 1980. The Hydrology of Aravaipa Creek, Southeastern Arizona. University of Arizona. Tucson, Arizona.

Fuller, Jonathon and Larry Roberts. 1986. A Paleohydrologic Reconstruction of the October 1983 Flood Discharge of Aravaipa Creek, Arizona. University of Arizona. Tucson, Arizona.

Gillman, Patricia and Barry Richards. 1975. An Archaeological Survey in Aravaipa Canyon Primitive Area. Arizona State Museum Archaeological Series No. 77. University of Arizona. Tucson, Arizona.

Johnson, Terry B. 1980. 1980 Proaress Report for the Bioloaical Survey of the George Whittell Wildlife Preserve, Graham and Pinal Counties, Arizona. George Whittell Trust. Tucson, Arizona.

Kearny, T.H. and R.H. Peebles. 1951. Arizona Flora. University of California Press. Berkeley, California.

Krieger, Medora H., Maureen G. Johnson and Phillip R. Bigsby. 1979. Mineral Resources of the Aravaipa Canyon Designated Wilderness Area, Pinal and Graham Counties, Arizona. U.S.G.S. Open File Report 79-291. U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Bureau of Mines. Minckley, W.L. 1972. A Survey of Selected Physiochemical and Biological Parameters of Aravaipa Creek, Arizona. Arizona State University. Tempe, Arizona.

. 1981. Ecological Studies of Aravaipa Creek, Central Arizona, Relative to_Past, Present and Future Uses. Arizona State University. Tempe, Arizona.

Sommerfeld, Milton R. 1977. Microchemical Analysis of Aravaipa Creek and Adjacent Aquatic Habitats Relative to Land and Water Use Manage- ment; Final Report for April 1976-March 1977. Arizona State University. Tempe, Arizona.

Teague, Lynn S. 1974. The Archaeological Resources of the Winkelman and Black Hills Unit of the Bureau of Land Management. Arizona State Museum - Arcaheological Series No. 47. University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.

War Department. 1870. Report on Barracks and Hospitals with Descriptions of Military Posts. Circular No. 4. Surgeon Generals Office. Government Printing Office. Washington, D.C.

BLM-AZ-PT-87-001-8500