The Hassayampa River Preserve at Vulture Mountains Recreation Area

Site Master Plan

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This plan is recommended by:

Recommended:______/______Vacant, Park Supervisor Date

Recommended:______/______Jennifer Johnston, Westside Regional Date Park Superintendent

Recommended:______/______Jennifer Waller, Operation Manager Date

Recommended:______/______Robert Branch, PhD., Chair Date Maricopa County Parks & Recreation Commission

Approved:______/______RJ Cardin, Director Date Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department

Approved:______/______Dan Stellar, Deputy State Director Date The Nature Conservancy in Arizona

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Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 8

1.1 Project Background ...... 9

1.2 Vision and Mission ...... 10

2.0 THE PLANNING PROCESS ...... 10

2.1 Purpose of this Plan ...... 10

2.2 Previous Planning Efforts or Studies ...... 10

2.3 Plan Amendments or Updates ...... 11

2.4 Planning Issues ...... 11

2.5 Agency Participation ...... 11

2.6 Public Participation ...... 12

2.7 Public Information ...... 13

3.0 RESOURCES ...... 14

3.1 History and Folklore ...... 14

3.2 Land Ownership and Jurisdiction ...... 15

3.3 Existing Land Use and Zoning ...... 17

3.4 Future Land Use ...... 17

3.5 Management Zones ...... 17

3.6 Access and Transportation ...... 18

3.7 Mineral Rights and Mining Claims ...... 18

3.8 Existing Facilities and Infrastructure ...... 19

3.9 Physiography and Climate...... 20

3.10 Water Resources ...... 20

3.11 Earth Resources ...... 22

3.12 Biological Resources ...... 25

3.13 Biological Resource Concerns ...... 26

3.13 Cultural Resources ...... 26

3.14 Cultural Resource Concerns ...... 26

3.14 Visitation and Primary Activities ...... 27

4.0 TRAILS ...... 28

5.0 OPERATIONS ...... 29

5.1 Proposed Use ...... 30

5.2 Operating Expenses and Revenue ...... 30

5.3 Staffing and Volunteers ...... 31

6.0 CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN ...... 31

6.1 Conceptual Site Improvements ...... 31

6.2 Phased Implementation ...... 32

Appendix A – ASU Visitor Study Report ...... 37

Appendix B – February 6, 2014, Public Meeting Details ...... 38

Appendix C – Site Conservation Plan ...... 41

Appendix D – Photo Monitoring Program ...... 42

Appendix E – Annual Operations Plan ...... 47

Appendix F – Property Boundaries and Transfer Parcels ...... 48

Appendix G – Geology ...... 50

Appendix H – Bird Checklist ...... 54

Appendix I – Cultural Resource Reports, Surveys, Inventories ...... 57

Appendix J – Trail System Plan ...... 58

Appendix K – Conceptual Site Improvements ...... 59

Appendix L – Fire Management Plan ...... 62

Appendix M – Wildlife Management Plan ...... 63

Appendix N – Invasive Species Management Plan ...... 64

Appendix O – Biocides, Biological Agents, and Fertilizers Management Plan ...... 65

Appendix P – Instream Flow Monitoring Plan ...... 66

Appendix Q – Groundwater Monitoring Plan ...... 67

1.0 INTRODUCTION During the initial discussions of the Vulture Mountains Cooperative Recreation Management Area Master Plan process, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department (MCPRD or Department) met with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) on many occasions to discuss including the Hassayampa River Preserve (Preserve) as a partner. The Preserve’s existing public outreach, mission, and other similarities were compatible to a Maricopa County park. As a result, TNC stepped forward as a major stakeholder and partner to the Department.

A goal of TNC is to ensure the health and survival of the natural world that sustains us all. One way TNC does this is by building collaborative partnerships to implement innovative solutions and by working with local communities to achieve lasting, measurable results. TNC does, on occasion, transfer their ownership of acquired and protected properties to agencies or groups that share a common purpose and goal in land stewardship and public awareness of sensitive ecosystems.

TNC stakeholders encouraged continuing their discussions with the MCPRD regarding the possibility of transferring all or portions of the Preserve property to Maricopa County for use as a part of the proposed county recreation area (figure 1) and its education programs.1 The Vulture Mountains Cooperative Recreation Management Area Master Plan2 was approved by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (BOS) on January 23, 2012 and details the overarching goals of the entire recreation area.

1 Vulture Mountains Cooperative Recreation Area Master Plan, page 61. 2 The name may be shortened to “Vulture Mountains Recreation Area” for easier reference or for signage and marketing materials. 8

Figure 1: TNC’s Preserve (red outline) in relation to the greater Vulture Mountains project area.3

TNC acquired the initial property and established the Preserve in 1986 and has continued to add property, bringing its total acreage to approximately 789 acres. For the past 29 years, the Preserve has provided protection to the ecologically unique ecosystem that occurs along the five-mile stretch of the Hassayampa River within the Preserve and has provided untold opportunities and experiences in their outdoor classroom on the river. The Preserve offers about 2.4 miles of self-guided trails that branch out from the Waddell Visitor Center.

Maricopa County is home to one of the largest regional parks systems in the nation with over 120,000 acres of open space parks that include hundreds of miles of trails, campgrounds, nature centers, and the Desert Outdoor Environmental Learning Center at Lake Pleasant. Currently, there are ten regional parks in the system (figure 2) which was visited by over 2.1 million people in 2013.

Figure 2: Maricopa County park system.

1.1 Project Background Working in partnership with Maricopa County Library District, MCPRD consulted with mrt design, llc to produce a conceptual site plan for the Preserve. The site plan is meant to provide a phased development approach (with conceptual level drawings) for the future development of the Preserve. Maricopa County

3 Vulture Mountains Cooperative Recreation Area Master Plan, page 108-109. 9

Library District had previously commissioned an engineering feasibility study4 for the purposes of constructing a 15,000 square foot library facility on the Preserve (the results of this study were used in preparing the conceptual site plan). The conceptual site plan was presented to TNC with each revision and incorporates their feedback. The conceptual site plan includes alternatives for either a nature center-library or nature center only and provides a direction for future development.

1.2 Vision and Mission This plan aligns with the vision and mission set forth by the Department. The vision and mission are:

“Our vision is to connect people with nature through regional parks, trails and programs, inspire an appreciation for the Sonoran Desert and natural open spaces, and create life-long positive memories.”

“Our mission, through responsible stewardship, is to provide the highest quality parks, trails, programs, services and experiences that energize visitors and create life-long users and advocates.”

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. People, plants and animals around the world depend on healthy lands and waters for survival. That makes protecting natural places in our backyard and across the globe TNCs common cause. This is compatible with the Department’s vision and mission.

2.0 THE PLANNING PROCESS

2.1 Purpose of this Plan The ultimate purpose of this plan is to outline the long-range vision for the Preserve as well as to guide the site-specific development priorities that will provide for both the public’s enjoyment and the protection of the Preserve’s resources. This plan provides a conceptual planning framework for establishing those priorities. This plan also recommends additional research as well as the development of other plans. Other plans may tier from or otherwise support this plan.

2.2 Previous Planning Efforts or Studies Several documents played an important role in shaping this plan:  Vulture Mountains Cooperative Recreation Management Area Master Plan (Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department. September 2012);  Hassayampa Branch Library Site Feasibility Study (Maricopa County Library District. July 6, 2011); and  Site Conservation Plan for the Hassayampa River Preserve and Wickenburg Sonoran Desert Corridor (The Nature Conservancy Arizona Field Office, Tucson, Arizona. November 20, 1998 and as revised thereafter).

4 Prepared for mrt design, llc by Coe VanLoo Consultants, Inc, July 6, 2011 in response to a Maricopa County Library District request. 10

2.3 Plan Amendments or Updates This plan will be reviewed annually by Preserve staff to ensure their knowledge of and adherence to this plan and to evaluate implementation progress. At a minimum, this plan will be revised and updated every ten years to take the changing needs of the County, TNC, the community, and the visiting public into consideration. However, an update to the Annual Operations Plan will be completed by MCPRD annually in order to address any unexpected issues.

Minor revisions to this plan do not require BOS approval; however, alterations to the facility development proposals may require both TNC and BOS approvals. All potential changes or updates to this plan should be reported to MCPRD executive management and planning staff for consideration. All potential changes or updates to this plan (or plans tiered to it) may require the joint participation, cooperation, and approval from both MCPRD and TNC.

2.4 Planning Issues The major issues identified during the planning process include:  Legal – land transfer and all other legalities must be in place prior to MCPRD investing staff or financial resources; requires railroad permission for trestle crossing.  Environmental – riparian habitat; sensitive, threatened or endangered species; additional study is needed and an evaluation of resources is recommended.  Cultural - historic structures, gravesites, and archaeological resources; additional study is needed and an evaluation of resources is recommended.  Visitor expectations – limited results from ASU survey; additional study is needed.  Trails – flooding, weather events and maintenance concerns.  Interstate 115 - at the time of this writing, proposed alignments include one that traverses the central portion of the CRMA and one that is proposed along US60.

2.5 Agency Participation The plan was developed internally by MCPRD planning staff as a means to compile the joint decision- making process between MCPRD and TNC into one concise document. Additional participation included:

TNC The collaboration between MCPRD and TNC was integral to determine the scope and scale of the conceptual site development plan. TNC input was incorporated into each conceptual site plan revision as well as into the development of this Site Master Plan, Trails Plan, and Annual Operations Plan. Likewise, TNC input will be sought out for any additional planning documents.

TNC will ensure its continuing interests in the Preserve by retaining a conservation easement and reversion clause on the property and via coordinated decision making with MCPRD.

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Commission (Commission) The Commission is presented with periodic updates to the Vulture Mountain CRMA as milestones or major steps are achieved. To date, the conceptual site plan was presented to the Commission on

5 Additional information may be found on the I-11 project website at; http://i11study.com/ as accessed February 11, 2014. 11

November 12, 2013 for their consideration. A project update was presented to the Commission on March 18, 2014 and on May 19, 2015; additional presentations will be made in the future as needed. Through regular Director Summary Reports project updates have also been provided to the Commission and are located in the meeting minutes.

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors (BOS) A Cooperative Agreement between MCPRD and TNC for the Hassayampa River Preserve at Vulture Mountains Recreation Area was approved by the BOS on March 23, 2016 (C-30-16-018-M-00). This agreement was approved by TNC on April 6, 2016.

Arizona State University (ASU) Two ASU doctoral students performed a brief visitor preference survey (Appendix A) at the Preserve on April 20 and 21, 2013. The students interviewed 16 visitors, many of which were TNC members, in order to get a sense of what is important to them. Briefly, the results include:  Key visitor values: o Spiritual, relaxation, escape, freedom, historic, connection with nature.  Main activities: o Birding, hiking / walking, attending interpretive programs.

The survey also was able to distinguish areas where MCPRD may need to pay special attention during the management transition as to not deviate too far from established TNC visitor expectations, including:  Understanding the Preserve as an interrelated system of processes;  Limit the “red tape” and other regulatory intrusions onto visitors;  Address increased traffic concerns; and  Address a perceived loss of personal touch.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) The BLM was consulted as part of the Trails Plan process to determine trail linkage areas and to identify critical habitat issues. This coordination is reflected in BLM’s Wickenburg Community Travel Management Plan and the Preserve’s Trail System Plan.

2.6 Public Participation TNC hosted a meeting for its Friends of Hassayampa (Friends) group and volunteers on January 23, 2014 to discuss the conceptual site plan and to answer any questions. The TNC Deputy Director of Conservation, the MCPRD Director, and a representative from mrt design llc made presentations to the meeting attendees and answered questions. Additional MCPRD and TNC staff attended this meeting and was available to answer questions (figure 3). TNC retained all records from this meeting. Attendees included:  25 Friends or volunteers;  5 MCPRD staff members and 1 consultant;  4 TNC staff members.

Meeting participants inquired about potential impacts to wildlife due to construction activities and increased visitation, the status of the Friends and volunteer groups, entry fee changes, and MCPRD’s willingness to continue grant programs for school groups. 12

Figure 3: MCPRD staff listening intently to meeting attendees, January 23, 2014.

TNC and MCPRD jointly hosted a public meeting on February 6, 2014 to discuss the conceptual site plan and to answer any questions from the general public. The TNC Deputy Director of Conservation and the MCPRD Director made presentations to the meeting attendees and answered questions. Additional MCPRD staff attended this meeting and was available to answer questions. Although there was a verbal question and answer session, no comment cards were received during this meeting. TNC and MCPRD retained separate records from this meeting (see Appendix B for MCPRD records). Attendees included:  10 members of the public  5 MCPRD staff members  4 TNC staff members

Meeting participant questions ranged from funding issues (i.e. who will pay for the proposed site development projects and will user fees be adequate to fund and operate the site) to railroad trestle access questions. Overall, the participants were supportive of the conceptual site plan, leaving one participant to call the project a “win-win” for everyone and to just “build it!”

2.7 Public Information Media Coverage Press releases were issued by both MCPRD and TNC distribution lists prior to the public meeting(s) and for milestone project updates. They were reported by the following outlets:  The Wickenburg Sun (February 2014)  ADI News Service (April 2016)  The Wickenburg Sun (April 2016)

Project Webpage Information is posted on both MCPRD (under Vulture Mountain) and the TNC websites to keep the public and other interested parties apprised of the planning process at:  http://www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/vulture-mountain-recreation-area/

 http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/arizona/arizona- hassayampa-maricopa-partnership.xml

3.0 RESOURCES The resource analysis for this plan includes natural, human, and cultural resources that could be affected by any additional development and operation of the Preserve. Data collection included reviewing previous reports and documents pertaining to the Preserve and other resources in the area, aerial photo interpretation, GIS analysis, agency contacts, and field investigations. The Site Conservation Plan (Appendix D) should be referenced for additional detail and site management needs.

Additionally, a photo monitoring program (Appendix C) has been established for the Preserve. Use of a digital camera and GIS technology will allow staff to return to the same points each year to check for signs of change in its visual, cultural or natural resources. This will be further detailed in the Annual Operations Plan (Appendix E).

3.1 History and Folklore History and folklore abound in this area; often, one is almost indistinguishable from the other, giving the Preserve a storied past. Formerly a stagecoach stop-over and later the Fredrick Brill Ranch, the Preserve is now on the Arizona’s State Register of Historic Places. A general timeline of the property is:  1860’s: The adobe ranch house was originally a stagecoach way-station.  1866: Frederick Louis Brill established his ranch. The Martin Family is buried on the ranch.  1871: Fredrick Brill homesteaded this area. Taking advantage of year-round running water from the river, Brill established a successful cattle ranch, peach and apple orchards, and a dairy farm. He also created large pools using water from the river to operate the first carp farm.  1875: Brill’s Ranch was considered the best in the Arizona Territory.  1911: Brill died. For the next 75 years, this oasis in the desert passed from one family to another. The ranch house was once also the headquarters for the Sanger Dam System (used in gold mining along the Hassayampa River).  1913: It became one of the first guest ranches in the state, now known as “The Garden of Allah” (remains of Allah rail station and water tank are found nearby) and at another time as the “Lazy R C Dude Ranch.”  1917-1919: On-site post office and telegraph office.  1969: Owned by Norman Lykes. Lykes dug Palm Lake where Brill’s fruit orchard and the Lazy R C corrals once stood.  1986: The Nature Conservancy purchased 333 acres from Norman Lykes.  1987: The Hassayampa River Preserve opened in the fall.  2004: Dorothy Lykes donated an additional 330 acres, nearly doubling the Preserve.

In 2011, Arizona Pioneer and Cemetery Research Project (APCRP) researched the Martin Family burials at the Preserve6 and determined that up to 24 individuals could be buried near the marked gravesite. A TNC display panel describes the general account of the Martin Family’s unfortunate demise (figure 4):

6 Arizona Pioneer & Cemetery Research Project, Brill Ranch Cemetery, A.K.A. Martin Family Gravesite, Neil Du Shane. http://www.apcrp.org/BRILL_RANCH_MARTIN/Brill_Ranch_Cem_Mast_Txt_012911.htm as accessed March 24, 2014. 14

Figure 4: TNC’s interpretive panel at the Martin Family gravesite.

The name Hassayampa may come from a Yavapai Indian word, hayesamo, meaning “following the water as far as it goes.” Another meaning stems from an Apache Indian reference as the “upside down river” because the river flows underground for most if its 100-mile length. Yet another Mohave (“Ah-ha- seyampa”) interpretation may mean “place of big rocks and water.” Where the real definition originated is unclear. Folklore tells of people drinking the river water and never again being able to tell the truth and thus labeled as a “Hassayamper”.

3.2 Land Ownership and Jurisdiction Hassayampa River Preserve consists of approximately 789 acres, a portion of which was acquired through an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and are subject to the In-Lieu-Fee Mitigation Program (ILF) requirements (97 acres of ILF Mitigation lands). The portion of HRP that will be subject to this Master Plan includes the portions of HRP that will be transferred in fee title to the County and the lands that will be leased to the County, in accordance with separate agreements, and specifically excludes the ILF Mitigation lands.

TNC will transfer ownership of certain real parcels totaling approximately 77 acres as identified in Appendix F beginning January 1, 2017. The property will be conveyed to MCPRD subject to the terms outlined in the Donation Agreement. Upon transfer, MCPRD will be able to provide staff to the site and begin to make the needed improvements to the property and its facilities.

TNC will retain a conservation easement and incorporate a reversion clause over all properties transferred to MCPRD. Property retained by TNC will be managed by MCPRD under lease.

Access Easements TNC has provided a neighboring land owner (Zelman) an easement across the Preserve for the purposes of accessing the property via a driveway, or access road, by way of US60. Likewise, the same property owner has been provided with an easement to access its private property west of the railroad track.

TNC has also provided another neighboring property owner (Seay) an easement in order to reach its private property west of the railroad track. TNC may need to perform additional research in regards to these various easements.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF)7 The BNSF line through the CRMA is a branch line from Williams to Phoenix, which is the end of service and all BNSF freight into and out of Phoenix travels by way of this branch line. Since the railroad line was first constructed in 1895, its right-of-way corridor through the public land was granted as a standard incentive by the federal government to encourage commerce and development of the West. The railway’s right-of-way is the private property of BNSF Railway.

Consequently, all public uses that cross its right-of-way will require extensive and lengthy coordination with BNSF to gain approval for a Construction and Maintenance Agreement for the crossing. This type of agreement is never guaranteed regardless of the need or purpose. At-grade trail crossings are expressly forbidden by BNSF, unless occurring at an existing public roadway crossing, which do not occur within the CRMA. Additionally, trails that are parallel to the railroad and within the right-of-way are typically forbidden. Extensive study and cost will be associated with making a trail connection through BNSF right-of-way.

During the initial discussions with the BNSF stakeholders, the MCPRD met and collaborated with BNSF on several occasions to discuss access and crossing issues of their right-of-way. Several existing drainage washes are crossed by railway trestles that have adequate height clearance to allow trail underpasses. A hydrology study was completed for Bridge 144.8 and it found no adverse impacts to the structure from the proposed trail crossing.8

However, additional parameters established by BNSF include allowing access only at concrete trestles and to only allow a single trail crossing within the CRMA. After review and discussion, and in coordination with a potential trailhead at a repurposed highway rest area, the BNSF agreed to allow MCPRD to pursue a trail underpass easement application at Bridge 144.8, which is a concrete trestle at an unnamed wash that is about 1,500 feet up river of the ADOT rest area. This application was initially denied in June 2013 and a new application for Bridge 142.3 was submitted in December 2013; this application was subsequently denied in September 2014. However, after discussions with a BNSF representative in late December 2013 and again in May 2016, it was recommended that MCPRD resubmit its application materials for Bridge 144.8 for further review. At the time of this writing, the BNSF trail crossing application for Bridge 144.8 is still pending. As the current land owner, TNC has granted a letter of permission for trail access at this location.

7 Vulture Mountains Cooperative Recreation Area Master Plan, page 61. 8 David Evans and Associates for EPS Group. Conceptual Hydraulic Study of Trail Crossing Under BNSF Railroad Structure BR 144.8 (January 26, 2012). 16

3.3 Existing Land Use and Zoning Existing use The Preserve is bisected by BNSF railway to the west and bound by US60 to the east. Private, residential properties are located to the north and south of the Preserve. Beyond the transportation corridors are largely low hills covered with saguaro – paloverde desertscrub vegetation and numerous washes. Beyond that, the Vulture Mountains are to the west and the Wickenburg Mountains are to the east. These areas are largely under BLM or Arizona State Land jurisdiction with some smaller parcels of privately owned land intermixed. This large expanse of relatively undeveloped land provides a buffer between the Town of Wickenburg and the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.

Zoning The Town of Wickenburg has zoned the area closest to the Preserve as R1-35 (single-family residential; 0-2 du/acre) and allows “Park, Playground, Recreation Field and Public Buildings Owned or Operated by a Public Agency” as an acceptable use within this zone.9

Unincorporated parts of Maricopa County are zoned RU-43 and C2 (300 feet immediately on each side of US60). Further, the Maricopa County Department of Planning and Development has prepared the Wickenburg Highway Scenic Corridor Plan (January 1991) that provides guidance for compatible development along the roadway; the “Rural Area North” description provides direction for this area.

3.4 Future Land Use Future land use is expected to remain largely the same; however, some development is inching its way northward from the south.

3.5 Management Zones TNC proposed five conservation zones10 for the Hassayampa River Preserve (including adjacent areas) in its Site Conservation Plan. TNC described its zone boundaries and goals as outlined in table 1.

Table 1: Conservation Zones & Goals Description Zone 1 Comprises the primary riverine and riparian ecological area surrounding the Preserve (approximately 5 miles of the Hassayampa River); including the perennial reach of the Hassayampa River laterally out to the 100-year floodplain, which captures all existing and potential riverine, aquatic, and riparian habitats. Zone 2* Forms an alluvial aquifer buffer zone as well as a movement corridor for wildlife between the upper and lower portions of the watershed. It includes approximately 8 miles of the intermittent portion of the Hassayampa River (laterally to the 100-year floodplain) upstream of the Preserve and approximately 5 miles downstream; it also includes the lower 5 miles of Sols Wash where additional groundwater pumping may impact flows in the Hassayampa mainstem. Zone 3 Includes all of the currently unfragmented desertscrub uplands to the east and west of the Preserve extending laterally to the watershed boundary. This is the primary

9 Town of Wickenburg, Article 14 Zoning (Ordinance Number 1078, Adopted October 4, 2010), Section 14-4-2 Permitted Uses Matrix. 10 The Nature Conservancy (Arizona Field Office, Tucson, Arizona) Site Conservation Plan for the Hassayampa River Preserve and Wickenburg Sonoran Desert Corridor, November 30, 1998 and its subsequent updates. 17

ecological zone for protecting the unfragmented desertscrub that surrounds the greater Wickenburg area. It is comprised mostly of BLM and State lands with some private lands adjacent to the Preserve. Zone 4* Includes all of the urban, residential, or otherwise developed lands in Wickenburg and adjacent to the Preserve. This zone more appropriately delineates an urban area where ecological values are highly compromised. However, Sols Wash represents an important alluvial aquifer and source of Town water. Zone 5* Includes the upper portion of the watershed where activities may adversely affect conservation targets downstream in Zones 1, 2, and 3. Source: The Nature Conservancy (Arizona Field Office, Tucson, Arizona) Site Conservation Plan for the Hassayampa River Preserve and Wickenburg Sonoran Desert Corridor, November 30, 1998 and as revised.

Notes: *This zone is located outside of HRP boundaries.

However, the Department will focus on the zones within Preserve boundaries only, but notes that actions taken by others outside of Preserve boundaries are likely to have impacts within the Preserve. The Department worked with TNC to develop a Site Conservation Plan to update the zones and establish conservation goals for zones that fall within Preserve boundaries as well as develop management strategies for each.

The TNC proposed zones are not in alignment with MCPRD’s management zones as defined in the 2009 Strategic System Master Plan. Because TNC’s zones have a direct conservation focus, MCPRD is choosing to accept these descriptions while acknowledging the differences between the two.

3.6 Access and Transportation Existing Roads and Access The Preserve is bisected by the BNSF rail line and bound by US60 to the east. The Preserve is accessed by its one entrance on the west side of US60 near milepost marker 114.

Future Road Expansions and Access Points No other roads into the Preserve are currently proposed or planned. However, at the time of this writing, the feasibility of Interstate 1111 is being studied and planned. Proposed alignments include one alignment that traverses the central portion of the CRMA and another alignment is proposed along US60. Preserve staff will need to remain informed of this issue.

The Preserve Trails Plan describes additional access points. These include potential trail access points at one of two BNSF trestle locations.

3.7 Mineral Rights and Mining Claims There are no active mining claims on the Preserve property. Mineral rights will be retained by MCPRD and/or TNC as defined in the land transfer agreement(s). Additional research regarding mineral rights and mining claims is needed.

11 More information is available on the I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study webpage at http://i11study.com/ as accessed March 3, 2014. 18

3.8 Existing Facilities and Infrastructure The Preserve is located at 49614 N. U.S. Hwy 60/89 Wickenburg, AZ 85390 (GPS Coordinates: N33 56.146 W112 41.579; 1,964 ft.) and in close proximity to the Hassayampa River. The Preserve contains a unique collection of historic structures and features (table 2). Once part of the Frederick Brill Ranch, the Preserve is now listed on Arizona’s State Register of Historic Places.

Table 2: Existing Facilities & Infrastructure (as of May 2016)

Facility Description Arthur L. Johnson Interpretive Contains interactive displays on desert and riparian ecology which provide Center (in the Waddell Visitor visitors with colorful and detailed stories about the special plants and Center) animals found within the Preserve. Provides office space for TNC staff. Contains two restrooms. Living quarters are located upstairs for TNC staff. Palm Lake Spring-fed, it is a unique four-acre pond and marsh habitat. The marshy pond habitat attracts an impressive array of water birds and migratory breeding birds. The large willows around the lake provide important nesting habitat for the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher, the endangered yellow- billed cuckoo and other species. Conference room (or Sanger Historic, adobe constructed structure; contains a kitchenette and an ADA- Building) compliant restroom. This facility is utilized as a meeting space for external organizations, and indoor space for education programs, volunteer events and private parties. This facility holds 60 people and can be rented for a fee. Guest House This facility has two overnight stay accommodations, each with its own restroom. The guest house includes a range, refrigerator, and one shower. Spring house Storage building located near the natural springs found near the Visitor Center that feed Palm Lake. Maintenance buildings (2) This buildings house maintenance supplies, vehicles, and equipment. Storage shed General storage for maintenance supplies. Gravesite The 1866 burial site of the Martin Family and potentially other individuals. Constructed wetlands Nonfunctioning wetlands. Corral For containing trespass cattle until the owner retrieves them. Group picnic area An open area with 6 picnic tables under shade trees that can accommodate medium-sized groups. Area is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Monument entry signage Arch and stone walls with signage. Parking lots (3) There are three parking lots on the Preserve property. Two for the visiting public and one smaller area for Preserve staff and volunteers.

The Waddell Visitor Center, a historic adobe house, was once the local stage stop from Wickenburg to Phoenix for the Arizona Stage Line. Though a unique facility for the Preserve, the continuing maintenance requirements of the visitor center and accompanying buildings has been a concern to TNC and deferred maintenance to the property requires attention.

In June 2007, TNC commissioned Swan Architects to perform a building conditions assessment and to recommend rehabilitation measures on the Waddell Visitor Center, Guest House, and Spring House. The report noted deficiencies and provided estimated project costs at over $1,086,000.

3.9 Physiography and Climate Physiography The Preserve is within the Basin and Range province of the Southwest United States. An abrupt change in elevation, alternating between narrow faulted mountain chains and flat arid valleys or basins, is typical of Basin and Range. The development of the province is the result of crustal extension that began in the Early Miocene era. As these blocks tilted, sediments from erosion filled the valleys between them, creating the basins. The Preserve is within the Sonoran Desert, the dominate feature of Basin and Range.

The Sonoran Desert covers about 120,000 square miles of the Southwest United States, extending into Mexico. This desert region is the hottest desert in the United States although winter temperatures can sometimes reach freezing. Winter storms and summer monsoons provide much needed water to the rich and diverse desert life. The winter storms, when they produce enough precipitation, result in an abundant spring flowering season.

Atypical to the region, the Preserve is situated on a perennial stretch of the Hassayampa River and is a rare representation of a functioning aquatic and riparian floodplain system within the desert. The connection of washes and pediments to a perennial river is uncommon for the region.

Climate The warmest months are July through August when temperatures can reach over 100°F (table 3). Cooler months, January through March and November through December, provide visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty without the heat.

Table 3: Average Monthly Temperatures and Precipitation Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Avg. High 65°F 68°F 73°F 81°F 91°F 99°F 103°F 100°F 95°F 85°F 72°F 64°F Avg. Low 33°F 36°F 40°F 44°F 52°F 60°F 70°F 70°F 62°F 50°F 39°F 32°F Ave. Precip. (inches) 1.32 1.59 1.22 0.41 0.21 0.11 1.39 2.11 1.22 0.64 0.9 1.08

Source: The Weather Channel, Monthly Averages for Wickenburg, AZ. http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/monthly/85390 as accessed February 14, 2014.

Monsoon thunderstorms are also experienced throughout the region as wind shifts and daytime heating occurs (generally in the months of July through September) and may produce heavy rain or humidity. Occasional wind or dust storms may be experienced as well.

3.10 Water Resources Protecting water resources is important to both TNC and MCPRD in order to protect the biodiversity of the Preserve. Additionally, water resources are important to the economy and quality of life for the local community. This section describes surface and groundwater resources within the Preserve and shows monitoring stations in figure 5. Additional actions may also be detailed in the Annual Operations Plan.

Surface Water Hydrology The Hassayampa River flows directly through the Preserve. It is an intermittent river, the headwaters of which are just south of Prescott, Arizona. The river flows southward towards Wickenburg and enters the Gila River near the old site of Hassayampa, Arizona. Although the river has only subsurface flow for much of the year, it has significant perennial flows above ground within the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness and the Preserve. A number of named (Turtleback Wash) and unnamed washes flow into the river.

Palm Lake, originally a spring-fed cienega, was excavated and a berm constructed in 1960. Supplemental ground water was diverted and pumped into the lake to maintain its water levels. TNC discontinued this practice in 1987 and is allowing the lake to return to its cienega state.

Monitoring The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) maintains two surface water monitoring sites south of the Preserve (table 4).

Table 4: USGS Surface Water Monitoring Sites USGS 09516500 HASSAYAMPA RIVER NEAR MORRISTOWN, AZ Latitude 33°53'06", Longitude 112°39'41" NAD27 Maricopa County, Arizona, Hydrologic Unit 15070103 Drainage area: 796 square miles Contributing drainage area: 796 square miles, Datum of gage: 1,831.16 feet above NGVD29. Source: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/inventory?agency_code=USGS&site_no=09516500 USGS 09516600 OX WASH NEAR MORRISTOWN, ARIZ Latitude 33°53'00", Longitude 112°39'00" NAD27 Maricopa County, Arizona, Hydrologic Unit 15070103 Drainage area: 6.13 square miles Contributing drainage area: 6.13 square miles, Datum of gage: 1,990 feet above NGVD29. Source: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/inventory?agency_code=USGS&site_no=09516600

Ground Water Resources As does most of Maricopa County, the Preserve resides in the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA) groundwater basin; these are areas that rely heavily on mined groundwater and require additional withdrawal rate management. The Preserve is located in Region 15, Lower Colorado, Middle Hassayampa River basin - over 349 square miles are included in the HUC10 1507010301 drainage basin.

Monitoring Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has two water quality monitoring stations at the Preserve12 (table 5).

12 EPA, MyWATERS Mapper http://watersgeo.epa.gov/mwm/?layer=LEGACY_WBD&feature=15070103&extraLayers=null as accessed June 16, 2014. 21

Table 5: ADEQ Monitoring stations Organization ID Station ID Station Name Type Latitude Longitude HASSAYAMPA RIVER - AT 21ARIZ_WQX 21ARIZ_WQX-MGHSR047.05 HASSAYAMPA RIVER PRESERVE River/Stream 33.9268367 -112.6864261 HASSAYAMPA RIVER - AT NATURE 21ARIZ_WQX 21ARIZ_WQX-MGHSR048.20 CONSERVANCY River/Stream 33.9379444 -112.6996944

Figure 5: Water quality monitoring stations

3.11 Earth Resources This section describes slope, geology (figure 6; table 6), soils, and land subsidence potential within the Preserve.

Slope Slope within the Preserve boundaries ranges from <5% to 5-15%.13 A more site-specific analysis is recommended.

13 USDA NRCS, Figure 2-4, page 5. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs144p2_064727.pdf as accessed March 27, 2014. 22

Geology: The rock types found are mostly sedimentary sandstone and dacite/rhyolite (Appendix G).

Figure 6: Geologic data.14

Table 6: Geologic Definitions Corresponding to Figure 6 Tsy (riparian area) – lighter tan color on figure 6 Pliocene to Middle Miocene Deposits (2-16 Ma) Moderately to strongly consolidated conglomerate and sandstone deposited in basins during and after late Tertiary faulting. Includes lesser amounts of mudstone, siltstone, limestone, and gypsum. These deposits are generally light gray or tan. They commonly form high rounded hills and ridges in modern basins, and locally form prominent bluffs. Deposits of this unit are widely exposed in the dissected basins of southeastern and central Arizona.

Tv – darker orange color on figure 6 Middle Miocene to Oligocene Volcanic Rocks (11-38 Ma) Lava, tuff, fine-grained intrusive rock, and diverse pyroclastic rocks. These compositionally variable volcanic rocks include basalt, andesite, dacite, and rhyolite. Thick felsic volcanic sequences form prominent cliffs and range fronts in the Black (Mohave County), Superstition, Kofa, Eagletail, Galiuro, and Chiricahua Mountains. This unit includes regionally extensive ash-flow tuffs, such as the Peach Springs tuff of northwestern Arizona and the Apache Leap tuff east of Phoenix. Most volcanic rocks are 20-30 Ma in southeastern Arizona and 15 to 25 Ma in central and western Arizona, but this unit includes some late Eocene rocks near the New Mexico border in east-central Arizona.

Source: Arizona Geological Society, http://data.azgs.az.gov/geologic-map-of-arizona/# as accessed June 16, 2014.

14 Arizona Geological Society. http://data.azgs.az.gov/geologic-map-of-arizona/# as accessed June 16, 2014.

Soils and Erosion Potential Detailed soils survey15 data for the Wickenburg area is not immediately available. The soils immediately surrounding the Preserve have a low to moderate shrink/swell potential (figure 7). During an extreme flash flood event, materials can be transported to down-river areas.

Figure 7: Shrink swell.16

Land Subsidence and Earth Fissures Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR)17 is the state agency responsible for identifying and monitoring active land subsidence areas throughout the state. Effective September 21, 2006, Arizona Revised Statute § 27-152.01(3) required the Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS)18 to complete comprehensive mapping of earth fissures throughout Arizona and provide earth fissure map data to the State Land Department to be made available online with other GIS map layers for the public to use in building their own customized maps. Maricopa County was mapped and no land subsidence areas are currently known to exist within the Preserve boundaries.

15 USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soils. http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/ as accessed February 11, 2014. 16 USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soils. http://www.az.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/soils/phoenixmap.html as accessed February 11, 2014. 17 ADWR. http://www.azwater.gov/AzDWR/Hydrology/Geophysics/ArizonaLandSubsidenceArea04-2013.kmz as accessed February 11, 2014. 18 Arizona Geological Society. http://services.azgs.az.gov/OnlineMaps/EarthFissureViewer/ as accessed February 11, 2014. 24

3.12 Biological Resources The preserve has been described as an “oasis in the desert” with a lush forest, marshlands, and flowing water making it a home for a variety of wildlife. The Hassayampa River flows underground for most of its 100 miles but at the Preserve it offers a rare look at its above ground flowing waters. This section describes existing biological resources; the Annual Operations Plan will describe how these resources will be maintained in more detail and will set limits of acceptable change.

Vegetation The Preserve features Fremont cottonwood-Gooding willow riparian forest, plus Sonoran Desertscrub species such as saguaro, barrel and cholla cactus, mesquite, paloverde, and various springtime wildflowers. Elderberry and yerba mansa are also seen. Duckweed and native cattails are found in Palm Lake.

Due to the long history of farming and ranching, residential, and recreational use in the area, several non-native species are found, including: desert fan palm, common fig, and mulberry.

Wildlife While hiking on one of the Preserve’s trails, visitors may see the tracks of animals drawn to the river’s edge like mule deer, javelina, raccoon, bobcat, ring-tailed cat, and even the occasional mountain lion.

Although it falls within Arizona Game and Fish Department’s (AZGFD) Game Management Unit 42 and Manager District 484, hunting is not allowed on the Preserve. Regardless, AZGFD considers the Preserve as a high-value riparian area. Although protected from hunting, there are a number of species found at the Preserve that AZGFD considers “Species of Economic and Recreational Importance” (SERI) game species, such as:  Gambel’s quail  Mule deer  Javelina  Mountain lion  White-winged dove

The Hassayampa River corridor provides a home to a number of fish and other water-dependent species.  Longfin dace  Desert sucker  Sonora mud turtle

Palm Lake provides a home to several non-native species including yellow bullhead catfish, bullfrog, mosquito fish all of which are able to thrive in the harsh waters of the lake. Other animals that are often seen include: Sonoran coral snake; Sonoran whipsnake; variable sandsnakes; Sonoran desert tortoise; regal horned lizard; Gila monster; Gilbert’s skink; and the Arizona skink.

To date, at least 280 species of birds have been noted living, nesting, or migrating along the Hassayampa riparian corridor. Perched atop the massive trees and dead snags are some of Arizona’s rarest raptors, like the zone-tailed hawk, the common black hawk, and the Harris’s hawk. Lucky birders may sight a

Mississippi kite, Southwest willow fly-catcher (May through September), or the elusive yellow-billed cuckoo (June through September). See Appendix H for a bird checklist.

3.13 Biological Resource Concerns Human induced disturbances to sensitive biological resources, such as federally protected species (i.e. threatened, endangered, and candidate species covered under the Endangered Species Act and migratory birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act) and their associated habitat should be avoided to the greatest extent possible. For example, if the preferred alignment for a trail is not within existing disturbed areas, the conservation measures that will be considered while constructing a trail include: 1) In accordance with Arizona Revised Statute (Title 3, Chapter 7, Article 1, Section 904 and 914) protected native plants within the project area must be salvaged prior to commencement of land disturbing activities. 2) To ensure that endangered or threatened species are protected, construction activities within the river channel and within 0.1 miles of the edge of the river channel should be prohibited during nesting and breeding season which includes the dates March 15 – August 31. 3) Prior to moving a vehicle or large equipment, a check must first be done for desert tortoises. 4) If a desert tortoise is encountered and requires handling (relocation out of harm’s way), AZGFD Guidelines for Handling Sonoran Desert Tortoises Encountered on Development Projects must be adhered to. 5) If a threatened or endangered species is discovered within the area of an established trail, the trail will be temporarily or permanently closed or rerouted as necessary upon the recommendation of a wildlife consultation with AZGFD and/or Unites States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Sensitive natural resource areas will be monitored by MCPRD staff and/or the appropriate State or Federal wildlife agency.

3.13 Cultural Resources This section describes known cultural resources found on the site; the Site Conservation Plan will describe how these resources will be managed and will help set limits of acceptable change.

The Preserve contains a unique collection of historic structures and remnants of the past. Once part of the Frederick Brill Ranch, the Preserve is now listed on Arizona’s State Register of Historic Places. The Waddell Visitor Center was once a way station for passing coaches and later trains. The Sanger conference building is a prime example of adobe construction; a display window inside the building offers visitors a peek inside the stucco walls.

The Martin Family gravesite reminds visitors of the sometimes ruthless “wild west” pioneer days. In fact, there could be as many as 24 individuals buried nearby, from strangers passing through to family members of previous ranch owners. Research performed by Arizona Pioneer and Cemetery Research Project (APCRP) (January 2011) showed evidence of a number of both marked and potentially unmarked burials.

3.14 Cultural Resource Concerns Cultural resource sites will be considered in planning new trail and facility locations. Some sites may not 26

be signed or marked in any way; however, others may be marked and signed for their educational value. Preserve staff may take visitors to sites as a part of educational programming.

Although some informal studies or surveys have been completed by Preserve volunteers and/or visiting researchers (Appendix I), a formal cultural study may be required prior to any earth disturbing activities. Formalized surveys will assist all Preserve staff with managing the site by identifying sensitive cultural areas.

In some cases, sites may be monitored by MCPRD staff and/or Arizona Site Stewards. If sites are damaged or vandalized a violation report submitted to State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and law enforcement. Damage to eligible archaeological sites may be covered under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470aa-mm)19 and/or by Arizona Revised Statute (Title 41, Chapter 4.1 and/or Chapter 4.2). Damage to cultural sites may cause access to it or its immediate area to be permanently closed or rerouted.

3.14 Visitation and Primary Activities The Preserve welcomed 7,501 visitors during fiscal year 2013. TNC data shows that visitation has fluctuated over the previous nine fiscal years for which data is available, with a high in fiscal year 2010 and a low in fiscal year 2006 (figure 8). On average, the Preserve welcomes 7,100 visitors annually.

Figure 8: Visitation by Fiscal Year.

During a brief ASU visitor study (Appendix A) at the Preserve on April 20 and 21, 2013, the primary activities were reported to include birding, hiking / walking, and attending interpretive programs. Additional study is needed to fully understand carrying capacity, visitor demographics, preferences, and activities at the Preserve – at which time this section should be updated and expanded.

19 First offence penalties range between fines of $10,000-$20,000 and 1-2 years in prison. Second offense penalties are fines up to $100,000 and not more than five years in prison or both. 27

4.0 TRAILS Trails at the Preserve are self-guided, leading visitors along the lush river bottom, across the river’s floodplain, through majestic cottonwood-willow forests and dense mesquite bosques (a Spanish word for forest) found only near desert waterways. A major attraction is the trail around Palm Lake where waterfowl, an uncommon sight in the desert, are often seen.

The MCPRD trails crew and planning staff made site visits to the Preserve to GPS20 existing trails and developed the Preserve Trails Plan (Appendix J). The Preserve currently has about 2.4 miles of existing trails, along which visitors may see evidence of mule deer, javelina, raccoon, bobcat, ring-tailed cat, and even mountain lion. Existing trails include (figure 9):  Lyke’s Lookout (exact route may change with each flood)  River Ramble (exact route may change with each flood)  Lion’s Trail (exact route may change with each flood)  Palm Lake Loop  Willow Walkway  Mesquite Meander

20 A Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite navigation system that when partnered with a hand-held receiver may be used to record geographic positions using latitude and longitude; advanced GPS may record elevation, time, or other attributes. 28

Figure 9: Existing trails and features as inventoried by MCPRD staff.

MCPRD staff consulted with BLM in order to coordinate the location of trail access from the Preserve into the greater Vulture Mountain CRMA. This agency coordination allows the BLM to reduce the amount of disturbed grounds for trails thus reducing the amount of ground necessary for desert tortoise habitat restoration.21 However, these trail connections depend on approval from BNSF to provide access underneath their bridge structure(s) and are not considered approved trails until such approval is granted and safety mitigation measures are satisfied.

MCPRD will consult with TNC and other appropriate agencies for the required permits when planning new trails that cross waterways or when conducting particular types of trail maintenance occurring in a waterway. One such appropriate agency would be the County’s Flood Control District and the need to consult about the need for 404 permits when building new trails in waterways.

5.0 OPERATIONS MCPRD staff, working with TNC staff, has developed an Annual Operations Plan that will guide day-to- day operations and maintenance of the site (Appendix E).

21 Category II habitat requires a compensation ratio of 4.5:1. Category III habitat requires a compensation ratio of 1:1 per BLM Wickenburg Community Travel Management Plan Decision Record, page 24. 29

5.1 Proposed Use MCPRD and TNC desire that the Hassayampa River Preserve be improved, operated and maintained in a manner that preserves the natural conditions of the Preserve to the maximum extent possible, with low levels of recreation, yet allow environmental and historic education improvements and related infrastructure.

The parcels transferred by TNC to Maricopa County shall allow for recreation and education facilities and opportunities consistent with current MCPRD open space parks while preserving the significant riparian and historic features of the area. After the property transfer, it will be renamed the Hassayampa River Preserve at Vulture Mountains Recreation Area. The portion of HRP that will be subject to this Master Plan includes the portions of HRP that will be transferred in fee title to the County and the lands that will be leased to the County, in accordance with separate agreements, and specifically excludes the ILF Mitigation lands.

All trails are designated for non-motorized, pedestrian-use only. Per the Trail System Plan, no equestrian or mountain biking uses are allowed unless otherwise noted.

5.2 Operating Expenses and Revenue The TNC annual operating budget for the Preserve is approximately $100,000 which includes 1.5 fulltime equivalent (FTE) staffing and facility operating costs. The Preserve collects about $25,000 to $30,000 in entrance fee revenues annually (table 7). This budget structure will remain in effect until such time as the Department has an operations plan in place. From that period forth TNC will begin to transfer visitor service responsibilities to MCPRD at which time MCPRD shall assume financial responsibility and provide staffing. This is detailed further in the Operations Plan.

Table 7: The Nature Conservancy in Arizona Hassayampa River Preserve – Yearly Operating Expenses and Revenue* 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Personnel & Fringe 81,633 77,942 81,906 83,717 85,050 Communications 2,520 2,149 2,290 2,442 2,000 Travel 221 1,856 960 195 833 Supplies, Fuel & Equipment 5,531 5,427 6,047 3,812 3,718 Occupancy 5,532 4,755 4,594 4,973 7,259 Expenses 4,638 4,378 4,613 4,436 2,355 Total Expenses 100,075 96,507 100,410 99,575 101,215

Day Use & Fees 29,420 27,369 24,189 29,550 29,840

Net Expenses 70,655 69,138 76,221 70,025 71,375 *Data provided by TNC

5.3 Staffing and Volunteers The Preserve is currently staffed with one full-time employee and one part-time employee, both funded by TNC. The Preserve relies heavily on volunteers (figure 10). The Independent Sector estimates that the value of volunteer time in Arizona is $20.0822 per hour. This translates to volunteers at the Preserve 23 providing $138,413.00 worth of services or the equivalent of 3.31 full-time employees during FY13, providing an enormous economic value to the site.

Figure 10: Volunteer hours by fiscal year.24

6.0 CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN The conceptual elements shown in this section were developed by mrt designs, llc with the participation and approval of both MCPRD and TNC. Additional facilities not contained herein, must be approved by both MCPRD and TNC.

6.1 Conceptual Site Improvements25 As an important riparian area, the focus for the site improvements revolves around water - both conserving water and reclaiming water. This focus is reflected in the addition of wildlife viewing blinds and a pier on and around Palm Lake; the addition of a vegetation screen area using reclaimed water; and in using the necessary water tank as a decorative element rather than a distraction.

Additionally, two alternatives are included in the conceptual plan: (a) a combination nature center and library facility (see inset on figure 11) or (b) a nature center; however, it is currently thought that the nature center only alternative is the most feasible (figure 11).

22 Independent Sector, dollar value by state for year 2011, http://www.independentsector.org/volunteer_time as accessed February 11, 2014. 23 Full-time employee = total volunteer hours divided by 2,080 hours (2,080 = 40 hours week * 52 weeks) 24 Data provided by TNC. 25 See Appendix J for examples of site improvements. All images produced by mrt design, llc and/or CVL. 31

Other improvements may include: historic ranch and buildings preservation; roadway(s); additional parking; upgrades to existing picnic areas and facilities; ADA accessible restroom facilities; group use site; improved pathways insuring connection to major trails; wildlife blinds and/or pier; all with a focus on maintaining and complementing the existing historic integrity of the Preserve. All features proposed throughout the Preserve are further described in tables 8 and 9 below.

Note that previous research performed by APCRP in 2011 located up to 24 marked or unmarked burial sites in or near the Martin Family gravesite. Likewise, other surface and possible subsurface prehistoric archaeological artifacts have been discovered in uplands area between the visitor center and the highway. Special attention is required before any ground disturbing activities take place in these areas to ensure these final resting places and artifacts are not unnecessarily disturbed or damaged.

Figure 11: Conceptual Site Plan.26

6.2 Phased Implementation This Site Master Plan between MCPRD and TNC, and subject to the availability of County funds, partner funds, and/or Preserve revenues, the County in consultation with TNC shall implement a capital

26 This graphic was produced by Department staff using both Department and mrt design, llc GIS files. 32

improvement program whereby the following improvements are constructed within the Preserve at locations specified during (and otherwise in accordance with) the planning process for the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area. Appendix K contains conceptual drawings or photos of what the design elements may look like.

Alternative 1 Alternative one provides for a combined Nature Center and Library concept at final build-out. This option is grouped into six phases so that each element can be planned and budgeted appropriately.

Table 8: Phased Implementation – Draft Costs Alternative 1 - Nature Center and Library Phase Description Est. Costs* Notes One Construct water tank and $406,900 Connect to existing water well, infrastructure 2‐inch Delivery to Tank, Flow Meter at Well, 8‐inch Water to Bldg, 100,000 gal Tank, Fire Pump/Booster, Electrical Controls/Instrumentation, Fire Hydrant. ADA Restrooms $232,675 New parking by ADA restrooms $120,000 29 spaces (4 accessible), including ramps, sidewalks etc. Create large vehicle "host" parking $30,000 area $789,575 Total, Phase One Two Group Ramada $90,000 3,000 SF ramada, concrete slab, wood and steel construction, std utilities. $90,000 Total, Phase Two Three Group Education Sites $250,000 Natural landscaped amphitheater ‐ 100‐150 capacity and two smaller areas on trails by the river Create a water play area by Spring $50,000 This water play area has not been behind Waddle Visitor Center approved and will not be considered in the future. $300,000 Total, Phase Three Four Renovate existing maintenance $165,000 Renovation for interior group structures functions, create exterior patio between the two buildings and a path to the exterior group area and ADA restrooms. Build new maintenance/storage $110,000 Located to the north of the host building large vehicle parking ‐ same square footage as the existing maintenance/storage facilities (2,200 SF). $275,000 Total, Phase Four Five Rehabilitate Waddell Visitor Center, $1,175,024 Per recommendations and Cost 33

Table 8: Phased Implementation – Draft Costs Alternative 1 - Nature Center and Library Phase Description Est. Costs* Notes Guest and Spring House estimate of the report prepared by Swan Architects dated June 2007. $1,175,024 Total, Phase Five Six Construct Library and Nature Center $3,000,000 15,000 SF sustainable building ‐ LEED building Gold certified Associated parking and site work $131,480 64 parking spaces, roadway around the building, site lighting Create gray water recycling system $75,400 Larger area south of the BLM Fire for building ‐ constructed wetlands line and to the southwest of the building $3,206,880 Total, Phase Six TOTAL, all phases $5,836,479

Source: mrt design llc, October 3, 2013. *Costs as of October 3, 2013 estimates.

Alternative 2 Alternative two includes a nature center only concept; all costs remain the same except during phase six as the facility is smaller and may be served by a smaller parking lot. Additionally, with a smaller facility, the graywater recycling system is less intensive and also has a lower cost. Alternative two is the preferred and recommended alternative.

Table 9: Phased Implementation – Draft Costs Alternative 2 - Nature Center only Phase Description Est. Costs* Notes One Construct water tank and $406,900 Connect to existing water well, infrastructure 2‐inch Delivery to Tank, Flow Meter at Well, 8‐inch Water to Bldg, 100,000 gal Tank, Fire Pump/Booster, Electrical Controls/Instrumentation, Fire Hydrant. ADA Restrooms $232,675 New parking by ADA restrooms $120,000 29 spaces (4 accessible), including ramps, sidewalks etc. Create large vehicle "host" parking $30,000 area $789,575 Total, Phase One Two Group Ramada $90,000 3,000 SF ramada, concrete slab, wood and steel construction, std utilities. Picnic areas, pier and animal blinds by $75,000 Two picnic tables by river, 100' pier, lake 2 animal blinds. Structures will be camouflaged and natural looking. Locations with take into account associated conservation values such 34

Table 9: Phased Implementation – Draft Costs Alternative 2 - Nature Center only Phase Description Est. Costs* Notes as breeding birds. $165,000 Total, Phase Two Three Group Education Sites $250,000 Natural landscaped amphitheater ‐ 100‐150 capacity and two smaller areas on trails by the river $250,000 Total, Phase Three Four Renovate existing maintenance $165,000 Renovation for interior group structures functions, create exterior patio between the two buildings and a path to the exterior group area and ADA restrooms. Build new maintenance/storage $110,000 Located to the north of the host building large vehicle parking ‐ same square footage as the existing maintenance/storage facilities (2,200 SF). $275,000 Total, Phase Four Five Rehabilitate Waddell Visitor Center, $1,175,024 Per recommendations and Cost Guest and Spring House estimate of the report prepared by Swan Architects dated June 2007. $1,175,024 Total, Phase Five Six Construct Nature Center building $800,000 4,000 SF sustainable building ‐ LEED Gold certified Associated parking and site work $77,850 30 parking spaces, roadway around the building, site lighting Create greywater recycling system for $48,750 Larger area south of the BLM Fire building ‐ constructed wetlands line and to the southwest of the building $926,600 Total, Phase Six TOTAL, all phases $3,581,199

Source: mrt design llc, October 3, 2013. *Costs as of October 3, 2013 estimates.

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Appendix A – ASU Visitor Study Report

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Appendix B – February 6, 2014, Public Meeting Details

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A press release was sent to a multitude of stakeholders and press outlets via a MCPRD and TNC contact list.

Partnership Creates Recreation Gem in the Desert

[PHOENIX] The Nature Conservancy in Arizona and Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department are excited to unveil their cooperative efforts for inclusion of Hassayampa River Preserve as part of Vulture Mountains Recreation Area, including new site design plans.

The 770-acre Hassayampa River Preserve located near Wickenburg is an oasis in the desert with lush forest, marshlands and flowing water, making a home for a variety of wildlife. The preserve also offers diverse educational outreach programs designed to get kids and families excited about nature. The 71,000-acre Vulture Mountains Recreation Area offers an abundance of recreational opportunities, campsites and open space with magnificent views of the Sonoran Desert.

In 2012, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved a plan by which the Conservancy would partner with the County in ownership and management of the Hassayampa River Preserve. The Conservancy will retain ownership of most of the Preserve, but will transfer ownership of its visitor center, a portion of the river channel and Palm Lake to the County, approximately 77-acres. The Conservancy will put a conservation easement over the property it transfers to the County. An easement is a land protection tool that ensures its natural values are forever preserved.

“Our Hassayampa River Preserve will serve as a gateway to a much larger natural recreation area,” says Patrick Graham, the Conservancy in Arizona’s state director. “This kind of partnership is the future. The Nature Conservancy can continue to preserve our investment in this unique and rare habitat while expanding visitor education and recreation experiences through Maricopa County Parks. By working together we offer so much more. “

“Maricopa County manages one of the largest regional park systems in the country,” says Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Clint Hickman, District 4. “Our hope is to grow and strengthen a new generation of stewards among our residents and visitors.”

On Thursday, February 6th at 3:00 p.m., the agencies will unveil design plans that may include new accessible restroom facilities, an amphitheater, wildlife viewing platforms, new trails, picnic tables along the river, and lake features.

The public is invited to join the agencies for a brief presentation and open house at the Preserve to view

the new designs. Plus, The Nature Conservancy and Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department will have experts on hand to answer questions about the history and future of the partnership. It’s happening at the Preserve located at 49614 N. US Highway 60, Wickenburg. ### Media: Please RSVP to Tracey Kiest Stone ([email protected]) if you plan to cover. Click here for the directions.

Additional sources for public information: MCPRD Project homepage: http://www.maricopacountyparks.net/park-locator/vulture-mountain-recreation-area/

The Nature Conservancy Hassayampa River Preserve webpage: http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/arizona/placesweprotect/has sayampa-river-preserve.xml

Appendix C – Site Conservation Plan

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Appendix D – Photo Monitoring Program

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A photo monitoring program has been established for the Preserve to monitor scenic views, trails, and recreational and natural resources over time. These photos will serve as the baseline conditions at each of the chosen points. Additional sites should be added as needed such as points around Palm Lake, the riparian corridor, and on the trails.

Use of a digital camera and GIS technology will allow park staff to return to the same points each year to check for signs of change in its resources and assist managers in decision making.

Additional photos may also have been taken to highlight specific features at the location.

Location: Martin Family Gravesite Coordinates: Lat: 33 56 1.319 Long: 112 41 40.006 Altitude: 592.2 Date: 12/16/13 at 10:40am Comments: Sunny, clear skies. Photos:

DSC00475 DSC00476

DSC00477 DSC00479

Location: Arthur L. Johnson Visitor Center Coordinates: Lat: 33 55 57.9649 Long: 112 41 41.1830 Altitude: 595.29 Date: 12/16/13 at 11:57am Comments: Sunny, clear skies. Photos:

DSC00493 DSC00497

DSC00510

Location: Sanger Building (adobe conference room) Coordinates: Lat: 33 55 58.60199 Long: 112 41 41.309 Altitude: 582.4 Date: 12/16/13 at 12:27pm Comments: Sunny, clear skies. Photos:

DSC00521 DSC00522

Location: Entrance gate and monument sign Coordinates: Lat: 33 56 8.633 Long: 112 41 35.597 Altitude: 605.5 Date: 12/16/13 at 12:39pm Comments: Sunny, clear skies. Photos:

DSC00523 DSC00525

DSC00531

Location: Spring House Coordinates: Lat: 33 55 57.4609 Long: 112 41 39.82699 Altitude: 586 Date: 12/16/13 at 12:06pm Comments: Sunny, clear skies, under shade of trees. Photos:

DSC00496 DSC00501

Appendix E – Annual Operations Plan

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Appendix F – Property Boundaries and Transfer Parcels

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Appendix G – Geology

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State Arizona

Name Pliocene to middle Miocene deposits Geologic age Middle Miocene to Pliocene Original map label Tsy Comments In dissected basins of southeast and central Arizona

Primary rock type conglomerate

Secondary rock type sandstone Other rock types gravel; sand; gypsum; limestone; mudstone; siltstone Lithologic constituents Major Sedimentary > Clastic > Sandstone (Bed) Sedimentary > Clastic > Conglomerate (Bed) Minor Sedimentary > Clastic > Mudstone (Bed) Sedimentary > Clastic > Siltstone (Bed) Incidental Unconsolidated > Coarse-detrital > Sand (Bed) Unconsolidated > Coarse-detrital > Gravel (Bed) Sedimentary > Chemical > Evaporite > Gypsum (Bed) Sedimentary > Carbonate > Marlstone (Bed) Sedimentary > Carbonate > Limestone (Bed) Sedimentary > Clastic > Sedimentary-breccia (Bed) Map references Richard, S. M., Reynolds, S.J., Spencer, J. E., and Pearthree, P. A., 2000, Geologic Map of Arizona: Arizona Geological Survey Map 35, 1 sheet, scale 1:1,000,000. Unit references Richard, S. M., Reynolds, S.J., Spencer, J. E., and Pearthree, P. A., 2000, Geologic Map of Arizona: Arizona Geological Survey Map 35, 1 sheet, scale 1:1,000,000. Geographic coverage Apache - Cochise - Coconino - Gila - Graham - Greenlee - La Paz - Maricopa - Mohave - Navajo - Pima - Pinal - Santa Cruz - Yavapai - Yuma Source: USGS, http://tin.er.usgs.gov/geology/state/sgmc-unit.php?unit=AZTsy%3B0

State Arizona Name Middle Miocene to Oligocene volcanic rocks Geologic age Oligocene to Middle Miocene Original map label Tv

Primary rock type dacite

Secondary rock type rhyolite Other rock types andesite; basalt; porphyry; diorite; granite; granodiorite; latite; trachybasalt; trachyte; conglomerate; sandstone; sedimentary breccia; serpentinite Lithologic constituents Minor Igneous > Volcanic > Felsic-volcanic > Rhyolite (Pyroclastic) Igneous > Volcanic > Felsic-volcanic > Rhyolite (Flow) Igneous > Volcanic > Felsic-volcanic > Dacite (Pyroclastic) Igneous > Volcanic > Felsic-volcanic > Dacite (Flow) Igneous > Volcanic > Mafic-volcanic > Andesite (Flow) Incidental Sedimentary > Clastic > Siltstone (Bed) Sedimentary > Clastic > Sedimentary-breccia (Bed) 51

Sedimentary > Clastic > Sandstone (Bed) Sedimentary > Clastic > Conglomerate (Bed) Igneous > Plutonic > Syenitic > Quartz-monzonite (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Plutonic > Dioritic > Monzodiorite (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Plutonic > Ultramafic > Hornblendite (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Plutonic > Syenitic > Syenite (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Plutonic > Syenitic > Monzonite (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Plutonic > Granitic > Leucocratic-granitic (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Plutonic > Granitic > Leucocratic-granitic (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Plutonic > Granitic > Granodiorite (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Plutonic > Granitic > Granite (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Plutonic > Granitic > Alkali-feldspar-granite (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Plutonic > Dioritic > Quartz-monzodiorite (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Plutonic > Dioritic > Quartz-diorite (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Plutonic > Dioritic > Diorite (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Plutonic > Syenitic > Quartz-monzonite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Plutonic > Dioritic > Monzodiorite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Plutonic > Ultramafic > Hornblendite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Plutonic > Syenitic > Syenite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Plutonic > Syenitic > Monzonite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Plutonic > Granitic > Leucocratic-granitic > Pegmatite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Plutonic > Granitic > Leucocratic-granitic > Aplite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Plutonic > Granitic > Granodiorite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Plutonic > Granitic > Granite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Plutonic > Granitic > Alkali-feldspar-granite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Plutonic > Dioritic > Quartz-monzodiorite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Plutonic > Dioritic > Quartz-diorite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Plutonic > Dioritic > Diorite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Lamprophyre (Dike or sill)including al”nite, katungite, minette, monchiquite, sedimentary serpentinized ultramafic breccia, shonkinite, vogesite. Igneous > Volcanic > Ultramafic > Picrite (Flow) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Felsic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-trachyte (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Felsic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-trachyte (Dike or sill) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Felsic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-latite (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Felsic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-latite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Felsic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-rhyolite (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Felsic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-rhyolite (Dome) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Felsic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-rhyolite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Felsic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-dacite (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Felsic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-dacite (Dome) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Felsic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-dacite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Mafic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-mafic-alkaline (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Mafic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-mafic-alkaline (Dome) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Mafic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-mafic-alkaline (Dike or sill) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Mafic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-andesite (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Mafic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-andesite (Dome) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Mafic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-andesite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Mafic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-basaltic-andesite (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Mafic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-basaltic-andesite (Dome) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Mafic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-basaltic-andesite (Dike or sill) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Mafic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-basalt (Stock or pipe) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Mafic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-basalt (Dome) Igneous > Hypabyssal > Mafic-hypabyssal > Hypabyssal-basalt (Dike or sill) Igneous > Volcanic > Ultramafic > Picrite (Flow) Igneous > Volcanic > Felsic-volcanic > Trachyte (Volcaniclastic) Igneous > Volcanic > Felsic-volcanic > Trachyte (Pyroclastic) Igneous > Volcanic > Felsic-volcanic > Trachyte (Flow) 52

Igneous > Volcanic > Felsic-volcanic > Latite (Volcaniclastic) Igneous > Volcanic > Felsic-volcanic > Latite (Pyroclastic) Igneous > Volcanic > Felsic-volcanic > Latite (Flow) Igneous > Volcanic > Alkalic-volcanic > Foidite (Volcaniclastic)including leucitite Igneous > Volcanic > Alkalic-volcanic > Foidite (Pyroclastic)including leucitite Igneous > Volcanic > Alkalic-volcanic > Foidite (Flow)including leucitite Igneous > Volcanic > Alkalic-volcanic > Basanite (Volcaniclastic) Igneous > Volcanic > Alkalic-volcanic > Basanite (Pyroclastic) Igneous > Volcanic > Alkalic-volcanic > Basanite (Flow) Igneous > Volcanic > Felsic-volcanic > Rhyolite (Volcaniclastic) Igneous > Volcanic > Felsic-volcanic > Dacite (Volcaniclastic) Igneous > Volcanic > Mafic-volcanic > Andesite (Volcaniclastic) Igneous > Volcanic > Mafic-volcanic > Andesite (Pyroclastic) Igneous > Volcanic > Mafic-volcanic > Basaltic-andesite (Volcaniclastic) Igneous > Volcanic > Mafic-volcanic > Basaltic-andesite (Pyroclastic) Igneous > Volcanic > Mafic-volcanic > Basaltic-andesite (Flow) Igneous > Volcanic > Mafic-volcanic > Basalt (Volcaniclastic) Igneous > Volcanic > Mafic-volcanic > Basalt (Pyroclastic) Igneous > Volcanic > Mafic-volcanic > Basalt (Flow) Map references Richard, S. M., Reynolds, S.J., Spencer, J. E., and Pearthree, P. A., 2000, Geologic Map of Arizona: Arizona Geological Survey Map 35, 1 sheet, scale 1:1,000,000. Unit references Richard, S. M., Reynolds, S.J., Spencer, J. E., and Pearthree, P. A., 2000, Geologic Map of Arizona: Arizona Geological Survey Map 35, 1 sheet, scale 1:1,000,000. Nealey, L.D., and Sheridan, M.F., 1989, Post-Laramide volcanic rocks of Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico, and their inclusions, in Jenney, J.P., and Reynolds, S.J., editors, Geologic evolution of Arizona: Arizona Geological Society Diges Spencer, J.E., and Reynolds, S.J., 1989, Middle Tertiary tectonics of Arizona and adjacent areas, in Jenney, J.P., and Reynolds, S.J., editors, Geologic evolution of Arizona: Arizona Geological Society Digest 17, p. 539-574. Geographic coverage Apache - Cochise - Gila - Graham - Greenlee - La Paz - Maricopa - Mohave - Navajo - Pima - Pinal - Santa Cruz - Yavapai - Yuma Source: USGS, http://tin.er.usgs.gov/geology/state/sgmc-unit.php?unit=AZTv%3B0

Appendix H – Bird Checklist

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Appendix I – Cultural Resource Reports, Surveys, Inventories

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Appendix J – Trail System Plan

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Appendix K – Conceptual Site Improvements

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All images in this appendix were produced by mrt design, llc and/or Coe Van Loo, Inc. for MCPRD.

Appendix L – Fire Management Plan

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Appendix M – Wildlife Management Plan

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Appendix N – Invasive Species Management Plan

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Appendix O – Biocides, Biological Agents, and Fertilizers Management Plan

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Appendix P – Instream Flow Monitoring Plan

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Appendix Q – Groundwater Monitoring Plan

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A cooperative partnership between The Nature Conservancy and Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department