It Is Recommended That the Needles Wilderness Be

PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS

It is recommended that the Needles Wilderness be established within the Havasu Wildlife Refuge, Mohave County, Arizona, and San Bernardino County, California, as a unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

The proposed wilderness would encompass approximately 17,116 acres of desert uplands, and would not include the Colorado River or its bottom lands. The proposed boundary along the river would be described by legal subdivisions, down to 10 acre parcels, and would approximate the 465 contour line.

Discussion The recommendations above reflect the proposal as it was approved by the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, and presented at the public hearing.

Conservation organizations have suggested several changes to the Bureau proposal.

1. Extend the wilderness boundary to the main channel of the Colorado River.

Descriptions of the channel boundary included "the banks of the main channel", "the river channel", "mean high water level of the channel" and 'the edge of the channel at 15,000 c.f.s. of flow". This suggestion was not incorporated into the proposal because it would preclude future management of ponds, small lakes and backwaters to preserve waterfowl and fisheries values. Sedimentation of the backwater areas is resulting in habitat losses and reduction of waterfowl and fisheries values. Achievement of refuge objectives will eventually require maintenance and enhancement of these areas.

Inclusion of the backwaters as wilderness would place navigable waters into the wilderness proposal. The backwaters, being directly connected to the river channel, are considered a part of the channel which has been designated by Congress as navigable waters.

A further complication must be considered in establishing the boundary at the river channel. The Bureau of Reclama- tion has primary withdrawal of lands along the river for river management purposes. Reclamation opposes any proposal which precludes their prerogative for future channel maintenance. They have concurred in the wilderness boundaries described in the proposal, which would permit execution of their responsibilities assigned under established laws and policies to regulate, control, and manage the river. (Boulder Canyon Project Act of December 21, 1928 (455 Stat. 1057) and the Colorado River Front Work and Levee System Act of January 21, 1927 (44 Stat. 1010, 1021) and amended July 1, 1940 (54 Stat. 708), June 28, 1946 (60 Stat. 388), and May 1, 1958 (72 Stat. 101)).

2. Extend the wilderness boundaries to "the water", assumed to mean the water's edge.

Such a boundary would be extremely difficult to describe. Water levels reflect power and irrigation demands at Davis Dam, fluctuating as much as 2-3 vertical feet daily and 10-12 vertical feet seasonally. This boundary would also be altered by siltation and other changes in river conditions.

While this boundary would not prohibit maintenance and enhancement of wildlife habitat in the backwaters, it would interfere with these programs by prohibiting the placement of support facilities on the shore.

These restrictions would also interfere with operations by the Bureau of Reclamation in their programs.

3. Extend the wilderness boundaries south to Jops Landing on the Arizona shore and Clear Bay on the California shore.

This suggestion would result in two narrow fingers of wilderness immediately adjacent to intensive developments - Crystal Hills Subdivision in Arizona and the Chemehuevi Indian Reservation in California. The lands proposed include no significant scenic, geologic or historic features and their designation as wilderness would create major administrative problems.

4. Change the name of the proposal to "Topock Gorge Wilderness".

The term Topock Gorge is a modern term which has come into usage with the various governmental agencies since initiation of their programs on the river. Proponents of this name rationalize that publicity concerning dredging in the Topock Gorge unit has popularized the name into common usage. While this is true, the gorge area has historically been called "Mohave Canyon" and is so named on U.S.G.S. topographic maps. A further consideration is that the proposal does not include Topock Gorge, only those lands adjacent to this topographic feature.

The name Needles has historically been used to describe the rugged peaks which were landmarks to early travelers in the region and its usage dates back well over a hundred years. The proposal does include these formations.

5. Designate the main channel of the Colorado River as a wild or scenic river. The Colorado River, as it passes through the Topock Gorge unit, is considerably influenced by Lake Havasu, the reservoir impounded by Parker Dam. The River current is significantly slowed as far up river as Topock Marsh which was created as a result of the slowing of the river flow. Today, river flows through Topock Gorge are determined by releases from Davis Dam. Irrigation and power demands result in significant daily, weekly, and annual variations in the river flows. The river could hardly be considered a free-flowing, natural condition, an essential requirement for designation as a wild or scenic river.

6. Add lands to the refuge at Bill Williams Delta and designate those refuge lands east of State Highway 95 as a wilderness unit.

A withdrawal of lands for addition to the refuge at the Bill Williams Delta has been under consideration since the mid-1950's. The addition of these lands to the Havasu Refuge was a part of the Lower Colorado River Land Use Plan and, as such, was -approved by the various agencies who concurred in the plan. Attainment of refuge objectives will require habitat management and development of certain portions of this area for wildlife purposes, particularly feeding areas for migratory waterfowl. Designation as wilderness would preclude these management activities. A 440-acre research natural area has been recommended within the Bill Williams Delta unit. SYNOPSIS OF THE NEEDLES WILDERNESS PROPOSAL A. BACKGROUND

*— ) ~ The Needles Wilderness Proposal encompasses approximately 17,116 acres within the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge and is located twelve miles south of the town of Needles, California.

The Havasu Refuge is located along the Lower Colorado River in western Arizona and eastern California. The refuge was established by Executive Order, on January 25, 1941, under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act, to protect and manage the wildlife resources on the area flooded when Parker Dam was con- structed. Current management objectives, as defined in the Master Plan, are to: assure the perpetuation of all animals, especially those threatened with extinction; expand man's understanding and appreciation of his total environment and his role in it; provide a variety of ways people can enjoy wildlife and wildlands; and to assure optimum opportunity for environmental and ecological research.

The refuge is separated into three distinct management units - Topock Marsh, Topock Gorge, and Bill Williams Delta. The Topock Marsh Unit lies north of Topock, Arizona, where U.S. Highway 66 crosses the Colorado River. The Topock Gorge Unit reaches from Topock, Arizona, to the headwaters of Lake Havasu and includes all of the wilderness proposal. The Bill Williams Unit is a small isolated management unit located at the mouth of the Bill Williams River near Parker Dam. The Needles Wilderness Proposal is located on desert uplands which have been managed as de facto wilderness and no alteration of management practices is envisioned should the proposal be designated as wilderness.

A total of 265 species of birds have been observed on the Havasu Refuge since 1943. The endangered Yuma clapper rail is known to nest in all three management units of the refuge. The rare Harris1 hawk also nests on the refuge, and both bald and golden eagles utilize the refuge in limited numbers during the winter months.

Havasu Refuge is noted for its concentrations of migrating and wintering waterfowl and shorebirds. Canada and snow geese, pintail, teal, gadwall, mallard, widgeon, ruddy, canvasback, redhead, buffle- head, and mergansers are the most common waterfowl species. Common and snowy egret, great blue heron, black-necked stilt, avocet, phalarope and sandpipers are numerous during migration. The refuge provides important nesting habitat for egret, heron, cormorant and several species of shore and"song" birds. Gambel's quail, mourning dove and white-winged dove also frequent the refuge.

Desert bighorn sheep inhabit the mountains of Topock Gorge and occasionally are sighted on the Bill Williams Delta. Feral burro are found in all three units while a small herd of feral horses range along the Colorado River in Topock Gorge. Beaver are numerous along the river. Coyote, bobcat, raccoon, fox and seven species of bats are found throughout the refuge.

A variety of recreational opportunities are available on the Havasu, but visitors are primarily interested in the river and use is heavily water oriented. The refuge has averaged 700,000 visits annually during the last five years, with very little of this use occurring on the upland desert of the proposed wilderness. Boating, fishing, water skiing, camping, hunting and swimming are the major recreational activities. All of these activities would continue and no significant change in public use is anticipated should the proposal be designated as wilderness.

B. DESCRIPTION

The Colorado River divides the proposed wilderness into two unequal parts. Approximately 14,606 acres are within the Mohave Mountains of Arizona and approximately 2,510 acres are within the Chemehuevi Mountains of California. The proposal can be described by subdivisions as follows: CONSOLIDATED LIST OF LANDS INVOLVED IN NEEDLES WILDERNESS Acres)

ARIZONA ACRES

T. 15 N., R. 21 W. , G&SRM

Section 1 320 Section 2 I!. 20 Acs. Lot 5 20 Section 12 All, except W^SW-jjNW^ 300 Section 13 160 - IS 10 Acs. Lot 1 10 no - IS 10 Acs. Lot 2 10 80 - NE 10 Acs. Lot 4 10 ho Section 24 KE 40 Acs.Lot 1 ho E. 20 Acs. Lot 2 20 Section 25 IS 10 Acs. Lot 1 10 SE 10 Acs. Lot 1 10 SW 10 Acs. Lot 1 10 Lot 3 ho IvE 10 Acs. Lot k 10 Portion of Lot 2 22.5 described as follows: Corfcmencing at the South end of Lot 2 and proceeding North 500 feet to the true point of beginning; thence N. ^5° W. ihOO feet; thence H. ^5" K- 37iOO feet; thence South 19GO feet more or less to the true point of beginning.

1,152.50

T. 16 IT., R. 20>W.3 G&SRM

Section 3k All 27*1.63 Section 35 All 6k)' Section 36 All Subtotal 1,55^.63 T. 13 N., R. 20\ W., GSvSRM

Section 1 - All Section 2 - All 6';0 Section 3 - H-i 156.69 - 44 80 - E 20 Acs. Lot 3 20 - HE 10 Acs. Lot U 10 Section 10 - S 20 Acs. Lot 1 20 - Lot 2 • 38.43- - Lot 3 30.39 - E-i- except SW£SE£SBX 150 Section 11 - All 6'iO Section 12 - All ' 6kQ Section 13 - All . • 6kQ Section Ik - All except w£sw£sw£ 620 Section 23 - Ej 320 - Ej:w,V 80 - Kiii-irv/i-Nw-;- 10 - E^r LOt 1 19. 1& - NE 10 Acs. Lot 2 10 - KE-^S'4 1(Q - I-IE 10 Acs, Lot 3 ' 10 Section 2U - All 6*K) Section 25 - K£ 320 - E^S^SV^- lio - SE-^ l6o ' Section 26 - NE^-lIE^ iiO - NE 10 Acs. Lot 1 10 - NE 10 Acs. Lot 3 10 Section 35 - S|SE^ 80 - S 20 Acs. Lot 3 20 - SE 10 Acs. Lot 2 10 Section 36 - E-i 320 . ko - 10

Subtotal 6,522.97

f J jv 1 + N., R. 20|- V7., G&SRM

Section 1 - TIE- l6o - N-3jiw£ 80 - SE^rn-^ ito • - I^-NE-i-SE-i: ' 20 - N 20 Acs. of E£ Lot 1 20 - N 20 Acs. Lot 3 20 Section 2 - I^NE^-KE-i- 20

Subtotal 360.00 T. 16 N., R. 20 W., GZ-SIM Section 31 - All 627.68 Subtotal ••'' " 6?7.68 ARIZONA ACKES

T. 15 Tf., K. 20 W. , Gg-SRM

Section 6 - All 627.8? Section 7 - All 629.68 Section 18 - All 631.08 Section 19 - All 632. W Section 30 - All 632.52 Section 31 - All 632.2U

Subtotal 3,785.78

T. lU N. , R. 20 W., G&SRM

Section 6 - All except SW 10 Acs. Lot 6 and 602.3^ W-£ Lot 7 Subtotal 602.3*1

ARIZONA TOTAL l4,605-90

CALIFORNIA ACHES

T. 7 N., R. 2U E., SBM

Section 22 - SV^-SW^IM^ 10 - Si^j-SW-i- J40 - WjlC^SV/i 20 Section 27 - w|-l-.W^ 20 - V/JE-^-IW^ Uo - Si4 160 _ RP- -^TxlTj1./-!. , T n - ujj,,o-^ui,i

T. 6 N. , H. 2l* E.. SBM Section 3 - 1W-J- . 160 - SE-J 160 - wfNE7V ' 80 - v/vi.'E,1;:!]':^- • . 20 Section 2. - W^SW^SW^-. C 20 *-' i^^" 14"" 1^ 10 CALIFORNIA ACRES

T. 6 N., R. 2*4 E., SPM (Continued)

Section 10 - E-*- 320 Section 11 - W-^W^J.'-/-*- 20 10

- W-l-SW-i-SWjV 20 Section lU - SW-.V l6o 20 - SW-i-KW£ 20 10

- S-^SE^r 80 Section 15 - IJE-.J- l6o Section 23 - I^vr l6o *• iH^it^j•M'>r?^L UO^n .rpi ' T n iH-tJ . nJLoU £ 20 1^0 20

Subtotal 1,790.00

CALIFORWIA TOTAL 2,510.00

GKMD TOTAL 17,115.90 The desert uplands are rugged, 1n places rising over fifteen hundred feet above the river. The proposal varies in elevation from less than 500 feet to 2,000 feet in Tumarion Peak, the highest point. The Needles, a series of pinnacle-shaped volcanic plugs, are a land- mark along the river. On the Mohave unit sand dunes exist along the southern boundary, and to a lesser extent in the area of Devils Elbow. The uplands vary from bare rock surface through several desert vegetation associations on mountain slopes to the jumbled rock and sand of dry wash bottoms.

The earth's fiery past is reflected in the geology of the area. Virtually all land masses rising more than 500 feet above the Colorado are composed of igneous material. Some of the oldest rocks in North America, granite gneiss of the older Precambrian Era, are exposed over a large portion of the proposal area. They represent the eroded core of a once loftier mountain range. Andesite, a five-grained intermediate between granite and basalt, is the most predominate formation. It dates from Cretaceous times as a feature of the crustal unrest prior to the Rocky Mountain Revolution. The Needles Peaks made their appearance in the subsequent mountain- building activity of the Lararaide and date from the late Cretaceous or early Tertiary. Rather prominent sand dunes in the Devils Elbow and Blankenship Valley are apparently remnants of the Chemehuevi Formation of Pleistocene origin. The sparseness of vegetation on the desert facilitates on-the-ground "reading" of the geology. The past is an open book awaiting the careful observer.

The refuge lies in a transition zone between the Mohave Desert of eastern California and the Sonoran Desert of Western Arizona. Although plant species typical of both deserts are present, perhaps the most striking feature is the absence of major com- ponents of each.

Vegetation can be divided into three general types: upland desert, sand dune and dry wash bottom. These types are rather distinct from each other but are variable within themselves.

Upland desert vegetation covers the bulk of the area. Creosote- bush is one of the dominants everywhere; however, its accompanying species vary from site to site. Usual associations include bur- sage, brittle-bush, and palo verde among the more conspicuous species with ocotillo and cholla sometimes abundant. Two soil groups are involved. The first is a light-colored, well drained, moderately coarse-textured soil derived from weathered granite. The other is similar in texture and drainage but dark in color and derived from andesitic or related material. Both soils are shallow, relatively infertile and support only a sparse vegetation with little grass or annual species. Sand dune vegetation resembles the upland desert with respect to certain species. The ever present creosote-bush as well as bur- sage and palo verde are prominent. However, a few species, galleta grass and various annuals, are found only on the dunes. Soils are deep sandy to moderately deep loamy and are well drained.

Dry wash bottoms vegetation includes creosote-bush, palo verde, bur- sage and brittle-bush, as well as burro-bush, snake tree, desert lavender, desert-thorn and catclaw acacia. Many of the more showy species such as globe-mallow, aster, California poppy, lupine, and snapdragon are much more common in the wash bottoms. Soils are generally deep and vary from sandy to gravelly.

Conservation groups have suggested several changes to the Bureau proposal. None of the suggestions were adopted and the proposal submitted is the one signed by the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, and presented at the public hearing. The suggested changes to the wilderness proposal are discussed below.

1. Extend the wilderness boundary to the main channel of the Colorado River.

Descriptions of the channel boundary included "the banks of the main channel", "the river channel", "mean high water level of the channel" and "the edge of the channel at 15,000 c.f.s. of flow".

10 This suggestion was not incorporated into the proposal because it would preclude future management of ponds, small lakes and backwaters to preserve waterfowl and fisheries values. Sedimentation of the backwater areas is resulting in habitat losses and reduction of waterfowl and fisheries values. Achievement of refuge objectives will eventually require maintenance and enhancement of these areas.

11 (Boulder Canyon Project Act of December 21, 1928 (455 Stat. 1057) and the Colorado River Front Work and Levee System Act of January 21, 1927 (44 Stat. 1010, 1021) and amended July 1, 1940 (54 Stat. 708), June 28, 1946 (60 Stat. 388), and May 1, 1958 (72 Stat. 101)).

2. Extend the wilderness boundaries to "the water", assumed to mean the water's edge.

These restrictions would also interfere with operations by the Bureau of Reclamation in their programs.

3. Extend the wilderness boundaries south to Jops Landing on the Arizona shore and Clear Bay on the California shore.

12 This suggestion would result in two narrow fingers of wilderness immediately adjacent to intensive developments - Crystal Hills Subdivision in Arizona and the Cheraehuevi Indian Reservation in California. The lands proposed include no significant scenic, geologic or historic features and their designation as wilderness would create major administrative problems.

4. Change the name of the proposal to "Topock Gorge Wilderness".

The name Needles has historically been used to describe the rugged peaks which were landmarks to early travelers

13 in the region and its usage dates back well over a hundred years. The proposal does include these formations.

5. Designate the main channel of the Colorado River as a wild or scenic river.

The Colorado River, as it passes through the Topock Gorge unit, is considerably influenced by Lake Havasu, the reservoir impounded by Parker Dam. The river current is significantly slowed as far up river as Topock Marsh which was created as a result of the slowing of the river flow. Today, river flows through Topock Gorge are determined by releases from Davis Dam. Irrigation and power demands result in significant daily, weekly, and annual variations in the river flows. The river could hardly be considered a free-flowing, natural condition, an essential requirement for designation as a wild or scenic river.

6. Add lands to the refuge at Bill Williams Delta and designate those refuge lands east of State Highway 95 as a wilderness unit.

A withdrawal of lands for addition to the refuge at the Bill Williams Delta has been under consideration since the mid-1950's. The addition of these lands to the

14 Havasu Refuge was a part of the Lower Colorado River Land Use Plan and, as such, was approved by the various agencies who concurred in the plan. Attainment of refuge objectives will require habitat management and development of certain portions of this area for wildlife purposes, particularly feeding areas for migratory waterfowl. Designation as wilderness would preclude these management activities. A 440-acre research natural area has been recommended within the Bill Williams Delta unit.

C. MANAGEMENT

The Topock Marsh unit is the most intensively managed portion of the refuge. The heart of this unit is an impounded 4,000-acre marsh; a network of open water bays, ponds and channels, laced by vast cattail and bulrush stands. Between this marsh and the levee along the channelized river, are dense patches of mesquite, willow, arrow weed, and salt cedar, and approximately 125 acres of irrigated croplands.

This unit is especially noted for its bass and catfish fishing and its concentration of wintering geese and ducks. The endangered Yuma clapper rail, along with herons, egrets and cormorants, nest in this unit. Dove, quail, beaver and a host of other animals inhabit the varied habitats here.

15 This unit will be managed to maximize wildlife populations and enhance the fisheries. The United States Supreme Court has allocated water for these purposes. A system of levees will restrict the impounded marsh to 4,000 surface acres of open water and marsh. Some of the dewatered cattail stands will be retained and others will be re- placed by a variety of food plants. Dense stands of brush will be opened by clearing irregularly shaped areas. An additional 300 acres of irrigated croplands are planned for development. These improvements will provide optimum food and cover for the Yuma clapper rail, wintering ducks and geese, and other wildlife. Fish life will benefit from improved water quality.

To enhance the public enjoyment of the marsh, interpretive facilities are planned along a 12 mile auto tour road and day-use facilities are planned at two sites.

The Topock Gorge unit is managed to preserve its raw naturalness and scenic values. The deeper backwater bays will be managed primarily to enhance fishery and waterfowl habitat. The shallower bays and marshes will be managed to maintain ideal food and cover conditions for the endangered Yuma clapper rail and waterfowl. Siltation of the backwaters is resulting in habitat losses and reduction of waterfowl and fisheries values. Achievement of refuge objectives will eventually require maintenance and enhancement of these areas. Public use centers on the river with use of the uplands limited to nature observation, photography, hunting and hiking. None of these activities

16 will require support facilities. The desert uplands will remain un- disturbed and roadless. Planned public use sites within this unit include a visitor center on a cliff immediately south of Highway 66, and two recreational areas. All these facilities are located out- side the proposed wilderness boundaries.

The Bill Williams Delta unit will be managed to preserve its varied habitat for wildlife and to enhance waterfowl habitat within the unit. Two public roads cross the unit, and to help visitors to enjoy this outstanding natural area interpretive stations are planned, along with a self-guided trail, that will traverse a variety of unique plant communities.

D. WILDERNESS PUBLIC HEARING RECORD

An announcement of the public hearing for the Needles Wilderness Pro- posal was published on October 8, 1971, in the Federal Register. Notification of the public hearing was mailed to two senators and three representatives from Arizona; two senators and 38 representatives from California; the chairmen of the Committees on Interior and Insular Affairs in the Senate and House of Representatives; the chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce; the chairman of the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries; to the Governors of Arizona and California; to the Secretaries of Interior, Commerce, Transportation, Housing and Urban Affairs, Agriculture, Defense and the Attorney General; to the Chairman of the Mohave and

17 San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, to 45 officials and agencies within the Department of the Interior; to 12 other Federal Agencies; to 20 State Senators from Arizona; to 40 State Senators from California; to 42 State Representatives from Arizona; to 78 State Representatives from California; to 24 State Agencies in Arizona; to 53 State Agencies in California; to 21 local officials and civic organizations; to 64 organizations; 900 individuals, to 84 newspapers; to 45 radio stations; to 32 television stations; and to 57 postmasters. The public hearing packages included the standard "Notice of Public Hearing" and transraittal letter or news release signed by the Regional Director, and a wilderness brochure.

The Public Hearing

A public hearing was held in Lake Havasu City, Arizona on December 10, 1971, and continued in Needles, California, on December 11, 1971, in accordance with Section 3(d)(l)(B) of the Wilderness Act. Mr. Lotario D. Ortega, Field Solicitor, Department of the Interior, Albuquerque, New Mexico, was hearing officer. The Bureau was represented by Mr. W. 0. Nelson, Regional Director, Albuquerque, New Mexico, at both sessions of the hearing.

The hearing was attended by 53 persons in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and by 48 persons in Needles, California, for a total attendance of 101. Twenty-six statements were presented. Nineteen statements were in favor of wilderness, 4 against and 3 speakers made no comment concerning the wilderness proposal. 18 The Wilderness Society was represented twice, once in Lake Havasu City and once in Needles, with both speakers supporting wilderness designation.

Of the speakers who supported wilderness designation for a part of the Havasu Refuge, 5 supported the Bureau proposal, 3 suggested a wilderness area with boundaries extending down to or including the water, and 11 supported a wilderness area with the boundaries extending down to the water and designation of the river channel as a "wild river".

The speakers who opposed wilderness expressed the following reasons for their opposition. (1) Mr. Elgin T. Gates, representing State Senator Coombs, because future management would close the area to hunting, fishing and free boat access. (2) Mr. Pete Jewell, Mayor of Needles, because wilderness designation would restrict growth of the Needles community. (3) The Mohave County Small Mine Opera- tors Association because designation would restrict mineral entry and access to deposits within the proposal. (4) One individual because designation would result in the public being "closed out" of the area.

The California Department of Fish and Game, the Chemehuevi Tribal Council, the Ecology Club of San Diego High School and two individuals supported the Bureau proposal.

19 The Desert Protective Council and two individuals supported wilderness designation with the boundaries extending down to the water, or including the river.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Wilderness Society, the Sierra Club, the National Parks and Conservation Association, the Arizona Conservation Council, the Arizona Chapter of the Wildlife Society, the Arizona Citizens for Environmental Control, the Maricopa Audubon Society, the San Diego Ecology Center, the San Diego Zero Population Growth, the San Diego Friends of the Earth, Gossmont College Ecology Class, and the Saguaro High School Conservation and Ecology Club all supported wilderness with boundaries extending down to the water and the river channel designated as a "wild river".

Fourteen of the above organizations also supported changing the proposal name to "Topock Gorge Wilderness" and the addition of lands to the refuge at Bill Williams Delta with establishment of a wilderness unit east of State Highway 95.

Seven of the above organizations supported extending the proposal boundaries south to Jops Landing on the Arizona shore and to Clear Bay on the California shore.

The National Parks and Conservation Association also supported terminating all mineral entry in the proposal area.

20 Communications From Elected Public Officials

Congressman Edward R. Roybal acknowledged receipt of the public hearing packet and indicated he would follow the recommendations of Congressman Pettis.

California State Senator Clark L. Bradley submitted a statement supporting wilderness designation.

Communications From State and Local Officials, Departments and Agencies

The Arizona Department of Health acknowledged receipt of the public hearing material.

The Arizona Water Commission submitted a statement indicating no objection to the proposal. This statement did object to inclusion of the Colorado River and its banks into wilderness.

The California Department of Fish and Game supported the Bureau proposal .

The Colorado River Board of California expressed concern over the vague description of the boundaries and offered no objection to the proposal if the backwaters were excluded.

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors opposed inclusion of the 3 sections of land with mineral claims into the wilderness proposal. The Board made no other comment regarding the proposal.

21 Communications From Federal Departments^arid Agencies

The Department of Justice, Federal Power Commission, Assistant Secretary of the Interior Dole, and Assistant Secretary of Commerce Wakelin acknowledged receipt of the public hearing announcement and advised that their agencies had no comment upon the proposal.

The Bureau of Reclamation submitted a statement concurring in the wilderness proposal, "on the basis that the boundaries are in accordance with our letter of October 6, 1971, on this subject and its enclosure". The proposal does agree with those submitted in the subject letter.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Sheridan submitted a statement indicating no objections to the proposal.

The Geological Survey submitted a statement pointing out that they had made no mineral survey of the proposal area and stating, "we have no comments on the mineral potential of the area".

The Forest Service submitted a statement posing several questions concerning the proposal and indicating concern over the inclusion of the Cheraehuevi unit and a portion of the Mohave unit because of their proximity to the river and the fact that these areas "... would be subject to the sight and sound of power boats which would invade the solitude „..".

22 Communications From Organizations

Statements were received from 27 organizations. Twenty-two supported wilderness, 4 opposed wilderness designation and one acknowledged receipt of the public hearing packet, but made no comment concerning wilderness.

Six organizations supported the Bureau proposal, 5 supported wilderness with the boundary at the water's edge and 11 supported wilderness designation with extension of the boundaries to the water or to the river channel and designation of the river channel as a "wild river".

Three of these organizations supported changing the name of the proposal to "Topock Gorge Wilderness", 9 supported the addition of lands to the refuge at Bill Williams Delta and the designation of a wilderness unit east of State Highway 95, and one supported extending the proposal boundaries south to Jops Landing and Clear Bay.

Two mining organizations and one development corporation submitted statements opposing wilderness designation. The mining organizations indicated opposition because of the lack of a mineral survey, because the two access trails and mine shafts disqualified the area for wilderness and because the proposal discriminated against persons without boats to provide access to the area. The development corporation objected because of the restriction upon mining, because of the trails which disqualified the area for wilderness consideration

23 and because portions of the proposal are suitable for development and livestock grazing.

One civic club opposed wilderness designation because of restricted access, restriction upon the economy of Needles and suggested that the refuge become a part of the National Park System.

Communications From Citizens

One hundred and thirty-six statements from individuals were received with 132 supporting wilderness designation. Forty-seven of these citizens supported the Bureau proposal, 14 supported establishment of the boundary at the water's edge or at the river channel, 5 supported the proposal with the river channel designated as a "wild river", and 66 supported establishment of the boundary at the water or river channel and designation of the channel as a "wild river". Two individuals supported changing the name to Topock Gorge Wilderness, one opposed the name change, one supported closing the area immediately to mineral entry and 62 supported the addition of land at Bill Williams Delta and establishment of a wilderness unit east of State Highway 95.

Of the 4 statements opposing wilderness, two were from the same individual who opposed "the denial of personal rights" and questioned the Bureau's authority to "make these decisions", one objected to "land grabbing" by the Department of the Interior and one offered no reason for his opposition.

24 NEEDLES WILDERNESS PROPOSAL UAVASU NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

KZ3 Proposed WildtrMU I I Eiclusicns EHHiO Private Land • Vibicli TnU

Preliminary • Subject * to Change December 1971 S I

2RARIZ.340A-420 A B.ILL

To designate certain lands in the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, /Mohave County, Arizona, andjSan Bernardino County, California, as wilderness.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That, in accordance with section 3(c) of the Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964 (78 Stat. 890, 892; 16 U.S.C. 1132(c)), certain lands in the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona and California, which comprise --^ J about /T7,l 16/acre~ s and which are depicted on a map entitled" "tteedtes Wilderness - Proposed" and dated December, 1971, are hereby desig- A nated as wilderness. The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Department of the Interior.

Sec. 2. The area designated, by this Act as wilderness shall be known as the "NeeeR-es Wilderness'^and shall be administered by the Secretary of the Interior in accordance with the applicable pro- visions of the Wilderness Act.

Sec. 3. Except as necessary to meet minimum requirements in connection with the purposes for which the area was established and for the purposes of this Act (including measures required in emergencies involving the health and safety of persons within the area), there shall be no commercial enterprise, no temporary or permanent roads, no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanical transportation, and no structure or installation within the area designated as wilderness by this Act. DRAFT OF TRANSMITTAL LETTER TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES/SENATE

Dear Mr. Speaker: [Dear Mr. President:] In ray environmental message of February 8, 1971, I stressed the importance of wilderness areas as part of a comprehensive open space system. These are unspoiled lands, where contemporary man can come to know the character and diversity of America; where man can learn the true meaning of his interdependence with the natural environment. The Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964, declared it to be the policy of the Congress to secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness, and for that purpose the Act established a National Wilderness Preservation System.

The Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to section 3 of the Wilderness Act, has conducted a review of roadless areas within the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge in the States of Arizona and California. The Secretary has concluded that this area is suitable for designation as wilderness. In total, 17,116 acres are recommended for wilderness designation. A copy of the Secretary's report on this area, together with draft legislation, is enclosed.

I am pleased to advise that I concur in the recommendation of the Secretary, and I urge the Congress to give early and favorable consideration to the enactment of the proposed legislation which will provide future generations with assurance that the scenic and scientific wonders within this area will be forever protected.

A draft environmental impact statement is submitted pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Sincerely yours,

Hon. Carl Albert [Hon. Spiro T. Agnew Speaker of the President of the Senate House of Representatives Washington, D. C. 20510] Washington, D. C. 20515

Enclosures COST AND TIME ESTIMATES FOR THE NEEDLES WILDERNESS PROPOSAL

1. Making the wilderness study $12,700 200 man-days 2. Analyzing information and preparing the study report 9,500 160 man-days 3. Preparing the brochure mock-up and printing 3,000 28 man-days 4. Conducting the public hearing 4,300 59 man-days 5. Court recorder fees 1,600 6. Assembling the hearing record 1,400 35 days 7. Materials, equipment and supplies 200 8. Administrative overhead 7,500 74 man-days

TOTALS 556 man-dayd $40,200