Appendix A: Brian Head Interpretive Plan
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Appendix A: Brian Head Area Interpretive Plan DRAFTNational Park Service – Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program And 9/15/2011The Town of Brian Head Adopted 2010 Brian Head Interpretive Sign Plan 1. Introduction 4 The Need for an Interpretive Plan 4 The Need for Interpretation 4 Conformance with Planning Documents 5 2. Interpretive Planning Process & Goals 8 The Interpretive Planning Process 8 Vision and Goals of the Brian Head Area Interpretive Plan 9 3. The Audience 10 Sources of Audience Data 10 Target Audiences 12 Needs of Tourists 13 Needs of the Community 13 Universal Design – Accessibility 14 4. The Resources 15 Site Resources 15 Site Experiences 16 DRAFT Safety, Resource, and Management Issues 17 5. Interpretive Themes 19 Interpretive Themes Development 19 Primary Theme 19 Sub-theme and Messages 20 9/15/2011 2 6. Kiosk Design and Locations 22 Conceptual Kiosk Design 22 Kiosk Locations 23 7. Site Recommendations 24 Summary of Site Recommendations 25 Site 1: Manzanita Trailhead 26 Site 2: Manzanita Scenic Vista 28 Site 3: Brian Head Town Trail – North Entrance 30 Site 4: Navajo Lodge Entrance 32 Site 5: Burt’s Road 34 Site 6: Mosquito Loop Trail 36 Site 7: Brian Head Town Trail 38 Site 8: Giant Steps Entrance Area 40 Site 9: Brian Head Town Park 42 Site 10: Bear Flat & Town Trail – South Entrance 44 Site 11: Bear Flat – Interpretive Overlook 46 Site 12: Brian Head Peak Trailheads 48 Site 13: Brian Head Summit 50 Site 14: North View 52 DRAFT 9/15/2011 3 1. Introduction The Need for an Interpretive Plan With a population of 130 year-round residents, the Town of Brian Head and its surrounding public lands support hundreds of miles of trails and an estimated 500,000 visitors annually (see Cedar Breaks National Monument visitation data, page 11, and Dixie National Forest visitation data, page 12). As the Town undergoes its trails master planning process, it is timely to identify and plan for the interpretive needs that are associated with the town’s assets, including, but not limited to, the following: The Utah Patchwork Parkway, State Route 143, which has State and National Scenic Byway designation; The extensive public lands that surround Brian Head; Its abundant, year-round recreational opportunities; and Unique history and culture within the State of Utah. This appendix is the culmination of an effort to lend consistency and unity to the interpretive displays within the community of Brian Head and its surrounding public lands. While interpretive information is already in place in some areas within the region, this plan will provide the framework for a cohesive trail system with a consistent interpretive message to be implemented in present and future efforts. Need for Interpretation According to Tilden (1957), interpretation is a “communication process designed to reveal meanings and relationships of our natural and cultural heritage through firsthand sensory experiences.” Keeping this definition in mind, the National Park Service, Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance DRAFTprogram, the Town of Brian Head and its partners identified the following tenets for developing their interpretive plan: Site resources have meaning and relevance; Visitors are seeking something special – something of value for themselves; and Interpretation facilitates a connection between the interests of the visitor and the meaning of the resources. With the abundance of archaeological, cultural, historical, natural, recreational,9/15/2011 and scenic resources the Brian Head area has to offer, it is fitting 4 to want to share, interpret, and educate its visitors on the wealth of opportunities and experiences the region has to offer. Conformance with Planning Documents Numerous public planning documents support the community of Brian Head in its efforts to promote their community and regional resources as educational and interpretive opportunities for visitors and residents alike: 1. The Brian Head General Plan (in progress 2010) establishes the basis for an interconnected trail system within the Town of Brian Head and connecting it to Cedar Breaks National Monument to the south and the Dixie National Forest, Cedar City Ranger District, which borders Brian Head on its west, south and eastern borders. Specifically, the Brian Head General Plan identifies the need for education and interpretation in the following chapters: Chapter 3 - Description of the Town, Challenges and Opportunities: “Improve the visitor experience through signs, lighting, and information to familiarize them (visitors) with the community and the variety of recreational opportunities available to them” (page 6); and “Integrate recreational uses with surrounding Forest Service and National Park lands and develop programs and opportunities for mutual beneficial uses” (page 7). Chapter 7 – Parks and Recreation “Educate the public on the recreation opportunities in Brian Head and how to safely enjoy them” (page 13); and “Develop improved signs and information pamphlets to inform visitors of recreation opportunities in the community” (page 14). Chapter 8 DRAFT– Traffic and Transportation “Implement a comprehensive sign project to educate and promote safety and environmental preservation in Brian Head” (page 16). 2. Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Emerging Areas Plan for Eastern Iron County Transportation (2009) – One of the four scenarios within the Emerging Areas Plan emphasizes the theme “Promote as a Tourist View from inside of Destination.” The plan identifies the following: the Civilian “The area’s rural character, historical significance, recreational opportunities Conservation Corps and academic activities should be enhanced…Beautifying, revitalizing and (CCC) Cabin, on growing walkable 9/15/2011and safe downtowns are also priorities” (page 1). top of Brian Head Summit. 5 3. Iron County Resource Management Plan (2009) - The Iron County Resource Management Plan, available at http://ironcounty.net/departments/naturalresource/, highlights issues of coordination applicable to this interpretive planning effort within the region of Brian Head: Iron County Positions and Policies – Element 3 – this section identifies the following Iron County priorities and considerations. Specifically priorities include, “Iron County cooperation and participation with agency planning and project implementation” (page 43); Desired Management Settings and Conditions – Section G – “The County continually seeks opportunities to actively participate with agencies’ project implementation, beyond planning participation. This may be done by bringing other resources to bear, including funding, where possible and in the interest of the County” (page 50); and Actions for Achieving the Desired Management Settings – Section G – “The NRAC [Iron County Natural Resources Advisory Council] and NRS [Iron County Natural Resources Specialist] will continually seek opportunities to actively participate with agencies’ project implementation, beyond planning participation. Bringing County or other partner resources to bear, including funding, where possible and in the interest of the County, will guide these considerations” (page 50). 4. Utah’s Patchwork Parkway Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan (2008) – Two of the eight goals within the Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan address interpretation: “Additional turnouts identified in this plan will be constructed in order to provide interpretive opportunities and locations for slower traffic to pull out of the travel lane” (page 6); and “Opportunities to educate the traveling public on the significance of the DRAFTlivestock industry in colonizing/developing the area will be developed through an interpretive plan” (page 6). More specific strategies for the corridor’s resources are supported via this interpretive plan, including the following: Interpretive Chapter – Chapter 12, pages 48-51, notes there are many interpretive stories to tell about the Byway. More specific resources are noted in the specific chapters below. Archaeological resources – “Utilize interpretive facilities and materials to educate the public about archaeological sites and their preservation” (page9/15/2011 10). 6 Cultural resources – This plan highlights the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) shelter on the Brian Head Summit (page 14). Historic resources – “Continue to develop interpretive materials that provide comprehensive historic highlights of the corridor” (page 22). Natural resources – “Develop sites and interpretive materials that highlight natural resources along the corridor” (page 27). Recreational resources – “Continue to update and produce comprehensive recreational materials to provide important directional and safety information” (page 33). Scenic resources – “Work with federal, state, and local agencies to institute common and consistent design and color standards for signage, public and similar facilities, as well as interpretive exhibits and kiosks” (page 39). 5. Multiple partners and landowners in support: In addition to the public plans supporting the town’s efforts to develop an interpretive plan, numerous public and private organizations have participated in the planning process, including: Iron County; Dixie National Forest, Cedar City Ranger District, US Forest Service; Cedar Breaks National Monument, National Park Service; Brian Head Resort; Brian Head Chamber of Commerce; Numerous local businesses; and Private Citizens. Each of these four documents and participating entities support this interpretive planning effort.