Draft Environmental Impact Statement General Management Plan

CHIRICAHUA National Monument · Arizona

i Draft Environmental Impact Statement

General Management Plan

CHIRICAHUA National Monument • Arizona

SUMMARY: The general management plan would guide the management of the Chiricahua National Monument for the next 12 to 15 years. Three alternatives were considered—a no-action and two action alternatives. The proposed general management plan would retain most existing visitor experiences and would construct a new headquarters/visitor orientation facility/administrative area just outside park boundaries. Impacts to the visitor experience, cultural resources, long- term health of natural ecosystems, economic contribution to gateway communities, adjacent landowners, and operational efficiency are assessed. No cumulative effects were identified.

Direct questions and send comments to: Superintendent Chiricahua NM Dos Cabezas Route, Box 6500 Willcox, Arizona 85643-9737

United States Department of the Interior • National Park Service • Chiricahua National Monument

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR THE PLAN ...... 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 PURPOSE OF THE PLAN ...... 1 NEED FOR THE PLAN ...... 1 Park Purpose ...... 2 Park Significance ...... 2 Special Mandates ...... 3 Description of the National Monument...... 4 Planning Process ...... 5 ISSUES...... 10 Visitor Use and Interpretation ...... 10 Cultural Resources ...... 11 Natural Resources ...... 12 Operational Efficiency ...... 14 ALTERNATIVES ...... 20 INTRODUCTION ...... 20 MANAGEMENT PRESCIPTIONS ...... 20 Primitive ...... 20 Motorized Rural ...... 21 Developed ...... 22 Resource Preservation ...... 23 ALTERNATIVE A—NPS PROPOSAL ...... 24 ALTERNATIVE B ...... 30 NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE ...... 33 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED ...... 34 Visitor Center ...... 34 Campground ...... 35 Widen Road and Increase Parking ...... 35 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. VISITOR EXPERIENCE ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Affected Environment...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of Proposed GMP—Alternative A...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of Alternative B ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of the No-Action Alternative ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Affected Environment...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of Proposed GMP—Alternative A...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of Alternative B ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of No-Action Alternative ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. CULTURAL LANDSCAPES AND HISTORIC RESOURCES ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Affected Environment...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of Proposed GMP—Alternative A...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of Alternative B ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of the No-Action Alternative ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. LONG-TERM HEALTH OF NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Affected Environment—Physiography/Geology/Soils/Climate ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Affected Environment—Vegetation ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Affected Environment—Wildlife ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Affected Environment—Threatened and Endangered Species ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Affected Environment—Floodplains ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Affected Environment—Air Quality and Night Sky ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Affected Environment—Scenic Vistas from Within and Outside ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.

i Affected Environment—Wilderness Values ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Affected Environment—Ability to Hear Natural Sounds ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of Proposed GMP—Alternative A...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of Alternative B ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of No-Action Alternative ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION TO GATEWAY COMMUNITIES ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Affected Environment...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of Proposed GMP—Alternative A...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of Alternative B ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of the No-Action Alternative ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. ADJACENT LANDOWNERS ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Affected Environment...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of Proposed GMP—Alternative A...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of Alternative B ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of the No-Action Alternative ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Affected Environment...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of Proposed GMP—Alternative A...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of Alternative B ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Impacts of the No-Action Alternative ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. SHORT-TERM AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSAL ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES RELATED TO THE PROPOSAL ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSAL ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. CONSULTATION/COORDINATION ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. HISTORY OF PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT/AGENCIES CONSULTED ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. PLANNING TEAM ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. National Park Service ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Volunteers in Parks ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. CONTRIBUTORS ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. LIST OF RECIPIENTS ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. REFERENCES CITED ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. APPENDIX 1: LEGISLATION ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. APPENDIX 2: FUTURE PLANS AND STUDIES NEEDED Error! Bookmark not defined. APPENDIX 3: DRAFT STATEMENT OF FINDINGS ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. INTRODUCTION ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. USE OF THE FLOODPLAIN ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. FLOOD RISK ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. PROPOSED ACTION ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. SUMMARY ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. REFERENCES ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. National Park Service ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.

ii PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR THE PLAN

INTRODUCTION Proclamation No. 228 (52 Stat 1551) on June 10, 1938, enlarged the monument by Chiricahua National Monument (NM) is in 6,407 acres. Approximately 95% (9,440 southeast Arizona and contains 11,985 acres) were designated as wilderness on acres, of which 10,290 acres are designated October 20, 1976 (PL 94-567, 90 Stat wilderness (see region map). The 2692), with 2 acres as potential wilderness. monument preserves natural rock The National Parks and Recreation Act of formations know as ―the Pinnacles‖ in 1978 (PL 96-625, 92 Stat 3473) expanded perpetuity and makes this valuable part of the boundary with the acquisition of the 440- America‘s heritage available to thousands of acre Faraway Ranch, bringing the total to visitors annually for their enjoyment, 11,085. The Arizona Wilderness bill of understanding, education, and appreciation. August 28, 1984 (PL 98-406, 98 Stat 1491), PURPOSE OF THE PLAN added Bonita Creek watershed and stipulated that it be administered as Because of the special historical importance wilderness. This brought the monument to and setting of Chiricahua National 11,985 acres, 10,290 of which (86% of the Monument, a comprehensive general park) were wilderness. management plan (GMP) needs to be in place to manage resources and guide The Chiricahua Mountains also comprise a development and use. This will be the first unique island-type biotic community comprehensive development planning for separated from similar islands by Chiricahua to deal with the variety of issues grasslands and deserts of varying widths. facing the national monument. It is the Because of the isolation of mountain National Park Service‘s legal responsibility habitats, some forms of plants and animals to prepare the GMP with public involvement became locally distinctive, like Apacheria to conform with the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978, which requires this plan for all national park units. The purpose of the GMP is to decide what resource conditions and visitor experiences should ultimately be achieved and maintained throughout the park. NEED FOR THE PLAN Chiricahua National Monument was established by Presidential Proclamation No. 1692 (43 Stat 1946) on April 18, 1924, as part of the Coronado National Forest, for the purpose of protecting the area‘s scenic and geologic resources. Responsibility for management was vested in the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The Reorganization of 1933 (August 10, 1933) transferred the monument to National Park Service (NPS) administration. Presidential

1 cochisensis, Apache Fox Squirrel, Arizona resources, the Service uses the principles of Cypress, Apache Pine, and Chihuahuan human and natural management to Pine. Other species are of interest because accomplish its mission. But at the very of their threatened or peripheral status, like least, ―these areas derive increased national jaguar, jaguarundi, peregrine falcon, elegant dignity and recognition of their superb trogon, violet-crowned humming bird, and environmental quality through their inclusion blue-throated hummingbird. jointly with each other in one national park system managed for the benefit and Cultural resources are richly diverse, inspiration of all people.‖ (16 USC 1a- including evidence of occupation by 1;1970) prehistoric people of the Cochise and Athabascan cultures, use of the area by Park Purpose Apaches, occupation by the U.S. Army The reason or reasons for which Chiricahua during the Geronimo Campaign, settlement National Monument (CHIR) was set aside of the west at the close of the ―Indian Wars‖ as a part of the national park system is as depicted by the Faraway Ranch, and called its park purpose. Purpose classic structures built by the Civilian statements are based upon legislation, Conservation Corps.THE NATIONAL PARK legislative history, and historic trends. SYSTEM Purpose The national park system represents a collection of our national heritage and Chiricahua National Monument was includes many of the nation‘s most established for the protection of ―certain outstanding and significant natural, cultural, natural formations, known as ―the historic, and recreational resources. Each Pinnacles,‖ which were of such scientific unit contains resources and values that value that their protection was required by make it something special—even nationally the public interest (NPS 1998). Its purposes significant. The ―niche‖ filled by each park are: is defined by its park purpose. preserve and protect all natural and cultural The National Park Service‘s purpose of resources and values conserving resources—whether they be provide recreational opportunities that are natural, cultural, historic, or recreational— compatible with the protection and recognizes the importance of preservation appreciation of park resources for diverse as an active management tool. This groups preservation principal respects both natural provide educational opportunities to foster and human relationships and emphasizes understanding and appreciation of the the value of maintaining land for the natural and human history of the area purpose of preserving natural ecosystems, Park Significance historic significance, and outstanding Significance is summarized in statements recreational opportunities. that capture the essence Chiricahua Balanced against the protection and National Monument‗s importance to our preservation of these resources is the value natural and cultural heritage. Significance of public enjoyment by present and future statements are not an inventory of generations. Human use often can threaten significant resources but rather describe the the very resources that the National Park importance or distinctiveness of the Service is tasked to protect. Many public aggregate of resources in the park. The debates have revolved around the following are the significance statements balancing of these two National Park developed for the park staff with public input Service purposes. Whether it is telling a through the planning process. story or distributing use carefully to protect

2 Significance Chiricahua National Monument contains (NPS 1998): the only rhyolitic rock formation of its kind in the world (pinnacles, spires, balanced rocks), including remnants of one of the great volcanic eruptions known (27 million years ago) one of the three NPS areas that contain elements of Madrean flora and fauna in the United States part of the Sierra Madre ―sky island‖ campground), and Faraway Ranch is not complex - one of the three major included as part of the wilderness. The dirt ―megadiversity‖ areas found in the world road to King of Lead Mine is also excluded. where four major biomes intersect each The wilderness area in Chiricahua National other (Sierra Madre, Rocky Mountain, Chihuahua Desert, and Sonora Desert) Monument is surrounded on three sides by USFS land and on one side by private land. a congressionally designated wilderness Approximately 8 miles of wilderness area boundary is fenced to prevent cattle from examples of the transition from 19th century th entering. Coronado National Forest, which pioneer settlement to the mid-20 century comprises most of the Chiricahua (Faraway Ranch), including an army encampment used during the Geronimo Mountains, contains a designated campaign, a homestead, a working wilderness area approximately 6 miles cattle/guest ranch, and related artifacts south of the monument. location of Civilian Conservation Corps As part of the national wilderness system, (CCC) camp as well as CCC-built stone these lands are administered ―for the use structures and trails listed on the National and enjoyment of the American people in Register of Historic Places such manner as will leave them unimpaired the only known monument constructed by for future use and enjoyment as Buffalo Soldiers wilderness.‖ The National Park Service will strive to manage the wilderness to Special Mandates perpetuate natural process and minimize Designated Wilderness human impacts. The only visitor facilities provided are trails. No motorized vehicles or In 1976 Congress designated a large camping are permitted. Only those signs portion of the monument a wilderness, part needed for visitor safety and guidance are of the National Wilderness System. With the allowed. The wilderness status makes this a addition in 1984, 10,290 acres is now Class I area for air quality considerations, designated wilderness. A narrow corridor meaning that degradation of quality must be that includes the main park road, Massai minimal. Point, Echo Canyon, and Sugarloaf parking lot, developed areas (visitor center, employee housing, maintenance yard, and

3 Historic District Projects include The Faraway Ranch and the Stafford Cabin 1) loaning equipment and a trailer to Sierras de are listed on the National Register of los Ajos, Historic Places as a historic district. The 2) conducting a strategic planning course on entire district includes eight ranch buildings Mexican laws and conservation workshop, and a cemetery. The National Historic 3) cross training from NPS for sign making, Preservation Act requires NPS to ensure fauna and fire effects monitoring protocols, that any federally funded or licensed and undertaking is implemented only after 4) jointly participating in developing careful consideration of its possible impacts environmental education, research, and on properties listed on the National resource protection activities. Register. Servicewide Law and Policies Master Agreement with Mexico Management and operations within NPS In 1996 a letter of agreement was made units are guided by many laws, policies, and between Reserva Forestal Nacional y guidelines. The following are those that Refugio de Fuana Silvestre Sierra de los apply to this planning effort: Ajos, Buenos Aires y La Purica – Bavispe, National Park Service Organic Act Chiricahua National Monument, and National Environmental Policy Act Coronado National Memorial for the purpose of initiating a partnering project to National Historic Preservation Act promote the sharing of staff and resources. Archeological Resources Protection Act The primary goal among the three areas is American Indian Religious Freedom Act conservation of natural and cultural Native American Graves Protection and resources across borders. Repatriation Act Endangered Species Act Staffs from the three areas developed goals E.O. 11988: Floodplain Management of the agreement and a two-year work plan. E.O. 11990: Wetlands Protection Goals were to: Federal Water Pollution Control Act 1) provide orientation to all areas with an Clean Air Act exchange of personnel, Architectural Barriers Act 2) develop a staff and research station at Rehabilitation Act Sierras de los Ajos to deter illicit activities, Americans with Disabilities Act 3) expand scientific knowledge among the three conservation areas through Description of the National Monument cooperative research projects and information sharing, The monument was relatively small when it 4) cross train staff in resource protection and was established for the singular purpose of investigation, and protecting geologic features known as ―the 5) develop environmental education and Pinnacles,‖ which are towers and balanced training programs for local communities. rocks in a forested mountain setting. The basic rock type, rhyolite tuff, has been exposed to extensive fracturing, faulting, and erosion, resulting in the formation of pinnacles, spires, balanced rock, and isolated mesas (NPS 1980). Two major canyons, Bonita and Rhyolite, drain into the lower section of the park from the mountainous backcountry. The Chiricahua Mountains are in the Basin and Range Biogeographical Province and

4 are often referred to as ―sky islands‖ the canyon and high slopes to Massai Point, because they, and the flora associated with which provides an astounding view over the them, are separated from similar ―islands‖ Chiricahua Mountains and lowland deserts by expansive valleys of grassland and to the east and west. There is a succession desert scrub averaging 10 to 40 miles wide of superlative vistas of lush riparian zones, (NPS 1980). The slopes are covered with rhyolite pinnacles, Cochise Head, and broad oak woodlands, pine stands, and manzanita desert valleys with more sky islands in the fields and rise from lush riparian canyons or distance. desert scrub and grasslands. The road, which was built by the CCC in the A more recent addition was Faraway 1930s, is very narrow with many curves. All Ranch, a historic area consisting of the of the monument‘s development and most furnished Erickson-Riggs ranch house, of its visitor activity occur along this road: several outbuildings, fences, pens, and Faraway Ranch, picnic areas, maintenance corrals. It was the home of the Ericksons, yard, employee housing, visitor center, who were among the first settlers in these campground, and a small exhibit structure mountains, and later of their daughter Lillian atop Massai Point (see park map). Along Riggs and her husband, Ed. The Riggses the road are trailheads leading into the made the Faraway Ranch into a pioneer wilderness area. Other than short guest ranch and were the primary administrative roads and a dirt road to a promoters of establishing the national mine, there are no other roads in the monument. monument. Three residences and four maintenance buildings were constructed by A short distance west of the ranch and close the CCC. Three other residences were to the present parking lot is the 1885-1886 constructed during NPS‘s Mission 66 encampment of the Buffalo Soldiers, a troop program, and the rest are more recent. The of black soldiers of the 10th Cavalry that CCC also constructed the original visitor spent many years in the ―Indian Wars‖ of center, campground caretaker‘s house and the Southwest. They were sent to Bonita rest room, fire tower on Sugarloaf Mountain Canyon to prevent the Chiricahua Apaches small exhibit structure on Massai Point, and from using local water sources, to guard the most of the trails. The CCC-built structures mail, and to protect settlers and their are eligible for listing on the National livestock. After Apache leader Geronimo Register of Historic Places. surrendered in September 1886, the Buffalo Soldiers departed. While in Bonita Canyon, Planning Process the troopers built a stone monument to the Prior to this current general management late President James Garfield. Today only planning effort, a similar process began in the base remains; the upper stones, many 1992. Scoping sessions by the park staff, a with inscriptions by the soldiers, were public open house, a press release, and a removed by Ed Riggs and used to build the letter to 392 people on the mailing list for fireplace in the ranch house in the 1920s. both Chiricahua NM and Fort Bowie Today the park contains 11,985 acres of National Historic Site (NHS) raised a series ruggedly beautiful mountain and canyon of issues. After a national reorganization in landscape. Trails lead to outstanding the National Park Service, the general formations and viewpoints. There is no management planning process was camping or other overnight use in the restarted in 1996 with a different planning backcountry. team. The first step in the second process was a review of the work The main road enters the monument at the mouth of Bonita Canyon and runs through

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7 previously done and the incorporation of the and one nation in Arizona, New Mexico, and 1992 public comments. Oklahoma, and to two interested individual American Indians. No responses were For the current project, a newsletter was received. mailed in early May 1998 to all interested parties and those on the park mailing list A Notice of Intent to publish an informing them of GMP projects for both Environmental Impact Statement was Chiricahua NM and Fort Bowie NHS. The published in the Federal Register in June of newsletter invited the public to attend 1999. A 30 day public comment period meetings to discuss both plans. Notices of followed ending on July 15, 1999. A the public meetings were also sent to website (http://www.nps.gov/planning/chir) nearby newspapers. Four meetings were was established to facilitate making held the week of May 18th in the towns of information about the planning process Portal, Willcox, and Bowie, and at a school available to the public. A total of 5 just outside of Chiricahua NM. A total of 19 responses were received requesting people attended the meetings. The GMP information on the planning process. process was described at each meeting, as Groups included one organization interested were the two parks. There was general in land issues, one interested in appreciation expressed for the parks, and handicapped accessibility, and two recommendations were made not to change unaffiliated individuals. them. The following table lists the issues raised All suggestions were discussed and notes from the two scoping efforts and how they were taken. Another 24 mailed responses were addressed in the planning process: were received from newspaper readers. Letters were also sent to six Apache tribes

Results of Scoping Issue Location in EIS Need for the Plan, Issues; Consider whether this should be a day use park or continue to allow Alternatives, Alternatives camping Considered but Rejected Provide a means to alleviate the shortage of parking spaces at Alternatives, Proposed GMP trailheads and parking areas Need for the Plan, Issues; Provide transportation system Alternatives, Proposed General Management Plan (GMP) Improve traffic management (close entrance or certain areas of Alternatives, Proposed GMP park when crowded) Need for the Plan, Issues; Restrict the size or number of vehicles Alternatives, Proposed GMP Make a reservation system Alternatives, Proposed GMP Relocate visitor center in a headquarters/visitor orientation facility Alternatives, Proposed GMP outside of park Move visitor center and headquarters area to a headquarters/visitor orientation facility along entrance road before intersection of Pinery Alternatives, Proposed GMP Canyon If the headquarters/visitor orientation facility is built, also include Need for the Plan, Issues; collections storage, library, meeting space, etc. Alternatives, Proposed GMP Convert existing visitor center to only a visitor use facility if new headquarters/visitor orientation facility is built outside park (still too Need for the Plan, Issues small, not enough parking, National Register property, access Alternatives, Proposed GMP

8 Results of Scoping Issue Location in EIS problem)

Relocate NPS offices to Willcox at least for short term if needed Alternatives, Proposed GMP Need for the Plan, Issues; Retain all existing employee housing (refer to housing plan) Alternatives, Proposed GMP Need for the Plan, Issues Work with others to provide camping opportunities outside park Alternatives, Proposed GMP and Alternatives Considered but Rejected Need for the Plan, Issues; Are concession services needed in the park? Alternatives, Proposed GMP Do not allow concession food or lodging, firewood, and Need for the Plan, Issues; campground support sales in park Alternatives, Proposed GMP Guided services and tour operations originating outside the park Need for the Plan, Issues; are acceptable uses Alternatives, Proposed GMP Need for the Plan, Issues; Provide RV dump station (or direct to nearby dump stations) Alternatives, Proposed GMP Appendix 2, Future Plans and Obtain landscape study and vegetation management at Faraway Studies Needed Ranch Need for the Plan, Issues; Improve historic structures maintenance using preservation Alternatives, Proposed GMP techniques Need for the Plan, Issues; Limit use of historic structures as offices at Faraway Ranch Alternatives, Proposed GMP Need for the Plan, Issues; Take proper care of collections displayed and stored at Faraway Alternatives, Proposed GMP Ranch Need for the Plan, Issues; Rearrange visitor circulation pattern at Faraway Ranch Alternatives, Proposed GMP Faraway Ranch buildings open to the public should be accessible Need for the Plan, Issues; to persons with disabilities Alternatives, Proposed GMP Improve accessibility of park facilities, especially trails, Massai Need for the Plan, Issues; Point, and public buildings at Faraway Ranch Alternatives, Proposed GMP Need for the Plan, Issues; Add accessible trail from picnic area to Stafford Cabin Alternatives, Proposed GMP Need for the Plan, Issues; Redesign Massai Point overlook to be accessible Alternatives, Proposed GMP Need for the Plan, Issues; Install sprinklers and climate control in Faraway Ranch building Alternatives, Proposed GMP Reconfigure water system to eliminate dead ends and provide Need for the Plan, Issues; adequate utilities to serve facilities Alternatives, Proposed GMP Install underground power and telephone lines and remove Alternatives, Proposed GMP overhead lines Need for the Plan, Issues; Make minor realignments of some wilderness trails Alternatives, Proposed GMP Need for the Plan, Issues; Build more trail connections to Coronado National Forest Alternatives, Proposed GMP Need for the Plan, Issues; Provide better interpretation of wilderness values Alternatives, Proposed GMP Enhance a fire management program to reduce hazardous fuel Need for the Plan, Issues; buildup and restore natural fire regime Alternatives, Proposed GMP

9 Results of Scoping Issue Location in EIS Need for the Plan, Issues; Determine whether additional boundary adjustments are warranted Alternatives, Proposed GMP Need for the Plan, Issues; Purchase King of Lead Mine Alternatives, Proposed GMP

ISSUES occur during the July-October monsoon season when heavy local thundershowers Visitor Use and Interpretation are common. Flash floods may also rarely Accessibility—The rugged topography of occur during other times of the year Chiricahua provides few opportunities for because of extreme precipitation events, mobility impaired visitors. However, there especially if the watershed is already are some locations where access can be saturated. Because the Bonita watershed is improved. The best trail opportunity is that small, a flash flood can form in the which begins at the Bonita Creek picnic headwaters and flow past the campground area then winds along the relatively flat in a short time. The campground is on both Bonita drainage past Faraway Ranch to the sides of Bonita Creek and has a closed- Stafford Cabin. The trail continues on to the loop, one-way campground road that twice campground, but beyond Safford Cabin the crosses the normally dry channel. There are topography is unsuitable. All of the ranch two groupings of campsites, one on the east buildings that are open to the public would bank and one on the west. be made accessible. The viewpoint and East bank—Sites #1-7 and the road serving exhibit building atop Massai Point provide them, are partially or entirely within the an outstanding interpretive spot and the estimated 100-year flood zone. The group most sweeping views in and from the site, which is reached by a different road, is monument. The structure sits on top of a partially within the 100-year line, and its knoll above the parking lot and is reached approach road is entirely within it. by a nonaccessible trail. The path can be West bank—Sites #21-25 and the road rerouted or modified for accessibility during serving them and the rest room are partially a forthcoming design effort for Massai Point. or entirely within the 100-year flood zone. Because the west bank sites are reached Campground—Using the campground is only by a road with a stream crossing, all of one of the park‘s most popular activities. them would be isolated for the duration of a This allows visitors to spend more time in flood. the monument and to enjoy it in a different Most of the campground is within the 100- way than those who visit only for several year and 500-year floodplains, and all of it is daylight hours. Camping is a desirable within the maximum expected flood event activity, and the rustic character of the boundaries. Park use of this delineated campground is very appealing. That floodplain area subject to flash flooding for a character would be altered if it were campground is considered a class III action enlarged, reduced in size, or recreation under Executive Order 11988 ―Floodplain vehicle hookups and dump station provided. Management‖ and requires notification, There have been occasional problems when warning, and development of mitigation for a long recreation vehicle gets hung up on the flooding threat. The campground lies in rocks, trees, or road shoulders, especially the only available terrain for such use within where the road crosses the creek bed. the monument. No additional flat or gently sloped areas remain in the park that could A potentially serious problem is flash be suitably developed with water and sewer flooding of Bonita Creek. Flash floods can

10 utilities, without serious impacts to natural or other outbuildings, and then to the main cultural resources and wilderness. All other house. The trail continues along Bonita gentle terrain on site is already occupied by Creek past Stafford Cabin to the visitor facilities and historic structures, some campground about ¼ mile upstream. having similar or worse flooding threats. The main house, which represents several Because of the small size of the watershed stages of growth and use during its and the erratic nature of the storms, no occupation by the Erickson and Riggs practicable automated flood warning system families, is restored and in excellent condition. The main floor is furnished and equipped with authentic possessions of the families. Visitors are led through the main floor on interpretive tours. Two of the outbuildings that are also open to visitors are: Neil‘s Den, a small structure in good repair near the main house that contains interpretive

exhibits is currently available. Ranger patrols warn campers when a flood threat appears likely The deteriorating tack shed and barn, which contain some of the ranching equipment but from existing or predicted weather systems. have no exhibits. There is no dump station in the park. Some There are a number of concerns for campers leave the park with full RV holding Faraway Ranch. The water supply is tanks and open the valves to release raw insufficient for fighting a structural fire. sewage on Route 181 as they drive away. Outlying buildings are deteriorating, some of Some method is needed to stop this which poorly house museum collections. behavior. Circulation patterns could be improved. Trails—No major additional trails are Three of the historic structures are being needed in the backcountry, but minor used for offices, but are inadequate for staff changes should be made for safety in space or facilities. The guest house is purposes and the entire system should be divided into two separate units; an improved by connecting with USFS trails. employee residence and a resources The adjacent Douglas Ranger District, management office. The bunkhouse Coronado National Forest, has a system of contains offices for the rangers and the 250 miles of trail. curator and one room that is used as both a work room for interpreters and for Cultural Resources occasional visitor contact. The garage now Faraway Ranch—The ranch is the next serves as a shop and storage space for the park feature encountered by the visitor after maintenance staff and for restoration work. the nature trail. A paved parking lot with an Using these structures for administrative accessible rest room serves as the purposes prevents them from being trailhead. A 450-foot trail leads to the ranch appropriately interpreted and open to the buildings, first to the tack shed, barn, and public.

11 The visual impression received by the visitor static, but grow and change with time and approaching the ranch buildings on the trail outside influences, interpretation of the from the parking lot is mixed, because the Faraway historic district landscape attempts first things encountered are fences and to present what remains of the earlier corrals in a state of disrepair. Further on, periods, but also accepts what it has come the other buildings are in better repair and to be. Older trees die. Exotic plants invade. provide a better visual impression. Species shift. The one major attempt that park staff makes to reflect the landscape of Historic District Landscape—The ranch an earlier time is to reduce the number of land has undergone continual change since young juniper and oak trees that have the Ericksons first occupied it. Suppression invaded the former meadow and orchard of wildland fires and cessation of grazing area between the ranch house and the has allowed trees to invade the old pastures Stafford cabin. Nine fruit trees were planted east and west of the house. The orchard just east of the ranch house to serve as a has not been tended for many years and is representation of the earlier fruit orchard. in a poor state, with most of the trees Currently the corrals around the tack barn missing or obscured by other vegetation. that have fallen to the effects of weathering Four ranch-era trash dumps exist on the and a lack of maintenance are being property, but they have not been surveyed repaired and replaced. to learn what artifacts they contain. The fences to the west of the tack shed are in a Natural Resources state of disrepair and in some places are Fire Program—Wildland fires were destroyed. They do not convey to the suppressed for over 80 years under the observer a coherent picture of the role they mistaken notion that fire was bad, which played in the ranch. Additional human caused serious problems in the ecosystem. developments, for example, picnic area, Large amounts of fallen limbs, needles, and parking lot, have been constructed in the trunks (that otherwise would have been viewshed. removed by periodic fires) piled up on the Current vegetation is a fire hazard, and forest floor could serve as fuel for a major there is less open area than previously fire. Species that need the clearing effect of maintained through historic fires or farming. fire and the fertilizing ashes they produce A cultural landscape inventory has been have difficulty reproducing. Trees and completed, but a cultural landscape report is shrubs encroached into open areas. All of needed to provide specific and detailed the ecological effects of fire suppression are management recommendations for not known, but suppression is clearly landscape management goals. The year detrimental to the land and contradictory to being used to interpret the outbuildings at NPS purposes. Faraway Ranch is 1950, the year of Ed To deal with this problem, Chiricahua had Riggs‘s death. Up to that point the ranch one of NPS‘s earliest fire plans and was landscape and buildings reflected the efforts doing prescribed burns in the 1970s. The and personality of Ed Riggs, with his ability current to creatively locate and recycle needed materials. Following his death, the ranch was maintained by hired help, a departure from the earlier style. This time frame is used to interpret all but the ranch house interior. Interpretation of the landscape presents additional problems and opportunities. Because living landscapes do not remain

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13 plan calls for igniting fires to emulate the the VC and Faraway Ranch are historic natural fires that were excluded for 80 years structures, they do not lend themselves to and for taking advantage of lightning- the full adaptations needed to modernize caused wildland fires to reduce fuels and offices. rejuvenate habitat. The amount of acreage The interpretive exhibits are more than 30 treated needs to be increased. The plan years old and need updating and replacing. would be followed in close cooperation with The exhibits and book sales area are in a USFS and nearby ranchers. This program is cramped space. of major public interest and would be accompanied by information and Another major drawback is the small visitor explanation. There have been fire history center parking lot; there are only 20 spaces studies done, but more information is at the monument‘s main point of visitor needed about vegetation composition and concentration. At busy times the lot is filled structure as well as response of individual to capacity, and this is exacerbated by tour species to direct and indirect fire effects. buses and large recreation vehicles. Physically, the parking lot could be enlarged Wilderness and Backcountry—There are only by expanding it across Rhyolite Creek no signs of crowding in the backcountry, so and removing many trees. Even if the right now no limits are needed on the existing building could be enlarged to number of hiking visitors allowed at one provide the necessary space, the parking time. The ability of the 10,290 acres of area cannot be, which is the main obstacle wilderness to absorb and distribute hikers to solving the visitor center and would keep a low density of hikers to ensure headquarters problem at this location. a rewarding wilderness experience. Connecting with USFS trails would enhance The park is currently authorized 23 the experience and further disperse hikers. permanent, full-time employees. Additional staff includes two cooperating association Most park visitors, including those who hike employees, an average of five VIPs at any the wilderness trails, do not understand the given time, and multiple researchers and purpose or significance of wilderness Student Conservation Association interns. designation, or that most of Chiricahua has The park has office space with climatic been so designated. control to accommodate only eight An existing boneyard and park firearms employees. The headquarters facility only training range now encroaches on the accommodates the superintendent, wilderness and would be moved. administrative officer, one clerical worker, Operational Efficiency and one visitor center employee. No other office space with climatic controls exists. Visitor Center and Headquarters—The Many offices are in dilapidated historic visitor center building (VC) serves as both a structures that lack climatic control and are visitor interpretation/information/orientation infested with rodents, thus presenting a center and as the main administrative office. serious health concern to the employees. The VC is not large enough for these two The park has no space to accommodate functions, as evidenced by the need to group meetings of more than five people. house the resources management, A new facility would enhance operational interpretation, and ranger staffs in a efficiencies by consolidating staff within an Faraway Ranch building. Also, there is no area that is safe and meets minimum space appropriate space for a library, archives, requirements. collection storage, and herbarium. Not only is it an inconvenience to have the staff in Road and Parking—The road was built in separate locations, but also the building the 1930s. Because of its narrow width, lack might better serve as an exhibit. Because of shoulders, and tight turning radii, the road

14 is inadequate for the large recreation both of these lots. The Sugarloaf vehicles and buses that use it today, and parking lot is underused and is not a such traffic is increasing. There are no legal problem. The parking problem at the passing zones and few places where a slow monument is caused by two different or large vehicle can pull over to allow others types of visitors: sightseers and hikers. to pass. As a result, large recreation The typical sightseer wants to visit both vehicles, which tend to move slowly on the winding road, hold back other vehicles. The Massai Point and Echo Canyon and will problem becomes acute when two such stay less than 30 minutes at Massai vehicles pass in opposite directions, filling Point and less than 60 minutes at Echo the entire road. Clearly, being caught Canyon if there is an available legal behind such a slow-moving, view-blocking parking spot. The typical hikers‘ main vehicle is frustrating and could become a destination is Echo Canyon, followed by potentially dangerous introduction to the Massai Point. When hikers drive park should the following vehicle attempt to themselves up to the mountain vista pass. parking lots, they park for approximately The major parking locations are at Faraway 3 to 5 hours on weekdays and Ranch, the visitor center, Sugarloaf approximately 3 to 4 hours on the Mountain, Echo Canyon, and Massai Point. weekends. The parking problem is serious, but not yet To alleviate the parking problem, the acute. The dead end road, with its very monument operates a visitor transportation limited parking at major points of interest, system in the form of a seasonal hiker imposes a definite limit on the number of shuttle that takes hikers from the visitor vehicles that the entire park can center, campground, or Faraway Ranch accommodate at one time. Driving back and areas to their trailhead destinations. forth, fruitlessly looking for a parking spot and perhaps finding one at a place where Water and Septic Systems—There are the visitor did not want to stop reduces a three separate water and septic systems: visitor‘s pleasure, as does waiting behind an Visitor Center, Campground, and Employee idling vehicle. With only an estimated 190 Housing—The water system has a well and spaces parkwide, parking is often pump in the campground, three storage inadequate during the high visitation months tanks totaling 80,000 gallons, and gravity of March, April, and May. The visitor center flow to points of use. Because of the spread parking area, which also serves as a out pattern of the distribution lines, there are trailhead for the entire system of trails in three ―dead ends‖ in the system that could Rhyolite Canyon and its tributary creeks, is be public health and maintenance problems. The water supply (in contrast to its so small (approximately 20 spaces) that it distribution) is adequate to meet current causes the major parking problem in the demand. park. Some trailheads have only a few or no The VC and housing have two septic parking spaces. When large recreation systems, and the campground has a third. vehicles and trailers park, they commonly The septic systems are old and operating at occupy two or more spaces, compounding or near capacity. The drain lines in the the shortage. campground system are in need of major During the peak visitation hours, heavy upgrading. use of Massai Point and Echo Canyon Superintendent’s House—The system is parking lots occurs, up to 238% of adequate and self-contained (well and septic). The swimming pool is kept full and is capacity at Echo Canyon and 146% of available for fire suppression in the house capacity at Massai Point (NPS 1999). and the surrounding grounds. There is substantial illegal parking at

15 Faraway Ranch—There is a well east of the the superintendent. It is close to Bonita main house and a 10,000-gallon tank on the Creek just upstream from the Stafford Cabin hill. Gravity flow through buried pipes in the creek floodplain. On one occasion supplies the guest house (currently used as the house was isolated by floodwater employee quarters and office space), public flowing on both sides. Another is a small rest room, and three outdoor hydrants. CCC-built house in the campground meant There is one septic system for the guest house and another for the rest room. One for a caretaker. It is usually occupied by a deficiency is the lack of a fire-fighting seasonal employee. The third is the guest hydrant or standpipe near the parking area. house of the Faraway Ranch, half of which The water systems do not need to be is used as an employee residence and half replaced in the near future, but the ―dead as an administrative office. ends‖ of the main water system are Commercial Services—All general problems. Because of the lack of a management plans are required to analyze circulating flow, water can get ―stale‖ at the the need for commercial visitor services. dead ends, which means purifying Some commercial visitor services are chemicals can lose their effectiveness. Also, provided by gateway communities and on it is not now possible to isolate specific occasion by neighbors who open sections of the system, so if there is a convenience stores. With a short length of problem in one section, the entire system stay and the relative isolation of the park, must be closed down. visitors would need some food and lodging The septic systems have little or no excess services. However, because nearby capacity to absorb additional loads. communities already provide these services and the park land base is very small, there Employee Residences—There is sufficient is no need for concessioner-provided food housing for the current and anticipated level and lodging inside the park. There are 13 of employees who would live in the park. restaurants, 15 motels, 10 trailer parks, 3 Additional housing is available in the RV parks, and 4 bed and breakfast units in surrounding area and communities, where nearby communities. Additional visitor in- several employees reside. There are two park services or facilities would require groups of housing units close to the visitor more development of park land, and the center, all of which were constructed at park water and sewage systems are various times as employee housing, plus approaching their capacity and would be three houses away from the primary strained by additional demand. residential area. There are four units east of the maintenance yard, consisting of three Other commercial visitor services currently built by the CCC in the 1930s and a fourth being provided include sale of visitor built during Mission 66. All four units are convenience items and horseback, hiking, currently occupied by permanent and bus tours. Other activities could be employees. added if they enhance the visitor experience, are appropriate for the park, To the west of the maintenance yard are six and are consistent with resource protection more units. Two are Mission 66 houses prescriptions. Some of these activities currently occupied by permanent might include bicycle tours and shuttle employees. The others are recently services to alleviate crowding and prevent constructed buildings used by researchers, traffic jams. volunteers, seasonal employees, and Boundary—The water quality of Bonita visiting NPS employees. Creek is potentially threatened by polluted Of the three separate houses, one is a drainage from the King of Lead Mine. The modern house on an inholding added to the park is working with the state to ascertain park that has traditionally been occupied by

16 how serious the pollution is within the mine, what the likelihood is of it draining into the

17

18 watershed, and who is responsible for minor boundary extension, land purchase mitigating the problem. Because of this from a willing seller, or a lease option. concern, a boundary adjustment and Most of the park is surrounded by Coronado acquisition of the mine would be National Forest, where management is considered. In the most recent boundary complementary and cross boundary trails expansion legislation the King of Lead Mine provide an extended recreation opportunity. was excluded because the owner of the There are no resources on the adjacent patented claim was unwilling to sell. He is parts of the forest that should be included in now interested in selling. Low levels of the park. The only justification for boundary cadmium and lead have been detected in adjustments would be to move from the the soils at the King of Lead Mine. Pursuant rectangular coordinates that are the basis to USDI policy, the NPS could not purchase for the present boundary to a more practical the property until it has been certified as boundary aligned with topographic features safe for the uses proposed. like ridges. Because of the close The King of Lead Mine haul road, which cooperation between the monument and the runs from the northernmost curve of the national forest and the similarity of land use park road to the mine, provides legally along the boundary, there is no need to guaranteed access to the mine owner. The make a change. unimproved and unmaintained road also On the southwest, along Pinery Canyon serves as a foot trail through the mine road, USFS has transferred some national property to the park boundary, and to forest land that abuts the boundary to a Coronado National Forest including, private owner in exchange for land acquired Cochise Head. The haul road, which is used from the same owner elsewhere in the infrequently by the mine owner, is forest. Depending on the uses to which the occasionally used by backpackers to camp new owner puts his land, this area could along the national forest trails, because cause visual problems for the park in the there is no backcountry camping in the park. future. The mine owner permits hikers to cross his property, but this passage is not guaranteed The western park boundary abuts private and could be revoked at any time. At land. Except for the possible extension present, the park has no control or authority mentioned above for a headquarters/visitor over the part of the trail on the mine orientation facility, there is no current property. There are also concerns over the reason to expand the boundary there. The safety of hikers passing near an unsealed, boundary at the park entrance at the mouth unsigned mine shaft. of Bonita Canyon, makes a clear demarcation between the park and the If a new headquarters/visitor orientation broad valley to the west. All private land facility is built, it could be located outside use in the area (mainly ranching and the park on State Route 181. If the selected scattered private homes) is compatible with location is adjacent to or near the existing the park entrance. boundary, it could be accommodated by a

19 ALTERNATIVES

INTRODUCTION a feeling of closeness with nature and have the opportunity to experience solitude, Two alternatives, the no-action alternative tranquillity, and quiet because encounters and the NPS proposal, are presented in this with others are few. A moderate degree of chapter. The proposal is the proposed challenge, self-reliance, and risk is general management plan (GMP) for prevalent for visitors to this area, and Chiricahua NM and if adopted will serve as knowledge and use of outdoor survival and the park‘s GMP. The plan will guide the wilderness skills are recommended. management and development of Chiricahua for the next 12 to 15 years. Evidence of recreational use is generally not readily apparent except along trails and MANAGEMENT PRESCIPTIONS access routes. Resource manipulation is Management prescriptions detail desired kept to a minimum, but some resource visitor experiences and resource conditions management actions might be required to for various areas of the park. Specific reduce the impacts of visitor use. A limited guidance for each area is described using number of interpretive exhibits or signs the following six categories: visitor could be needed to meet objectives of experience, access, natural resource protecting the resource. Rules and management, cultural resource regulations are explained to visitors before management, facilities, and maintenance. they enter the wilderness. There are four prescriptions for Management helps to ensure an experience management—primitive, motorized rural, in an untrammeled, primeval environment. developed, and resource preservation. Evidence of other visitors is also minimal, The following are the prescriptions for and there is a sense of being immersed in a Chiricahua. natural landscape, without comforts and conveniences. Visitors to this area commit Primitive to a moderate level of time and energy. Management provides wilderness Access—Access to the primitive area is experiences. Challenge and adventure for challenging. The area within designated visitors are high and are in an environment wilderness has no roads, and visitors may free of human influence and alteration. travel cross country or on low-standard trails Natural processes and conditions would be that provide connections over ridge lines. perpetuated. The setting is composed of an Discovery and adventure are the order of unaltered natural landscape. Encounters the day. with other people are infrequent, and there are no facilities present unless essential to Public access is by foot, except for trails protect resources or provide for visitor also designated for horseback use. Within safety and well-being. There is no the wilderness, aircraft use is only permitted motorized access to the primitive area. for emergencies and necessary administrative functions. Visitor Experience—The primitive area provides abundant opportunities to Natural Resource Management—The experience the backcountry wilderness in natural environment is preserved to the solitude. It is reserved for hiking and nature maximum extent possible while observation. Off-site interpretation and accommodating low-density backcountry education are stressed. use. Naturally occurring species are maintained or reestablished, and Generally visitors are isolated from human populations of sensitive species are sights and sounds. Visitors can experience

20 protected and augmented. The introduction encountered. The types of visitor activities of nonnative species is prevented to the to be accommodated in the motorized rural extent possible, and attempts are made to area include but are not limited to camping eliminate introduced species before they opportunities, wayside interpretive exhibits, become established. The NPS maintains interpretation along trails, and access to close control over resource-damaging hiking trails. Opportunities for more solitude activities. than experienced in the developed areas could be expected in this area, except on Monitoring is carried out regularly, and peak season weekends. Human interaction mitigating measures (revegetation, species and contacts with NPS staff could be augmentation, and reintroduction of moderately frequent during these times and extirpated species) are done as needed. infrequent during the off season. Visitor Uses are controlled or dispersed if challenge would be low owing to the necessary to protect resources. A presence of roads and motorized vehicles. backcountry permit system could be A moderate amount of resource implemented if resources or solitude are manipulation would be required to mitigate threatened. impacts associated with moderate human- Cultural Resource Management—Cultural use levels. Natural conditions would be resources selected to illustrate interpretive maintained as much as possible, however, themes and those listed on or eligible for some human intervention and alteration listing on the National Register of Historic would be evident along roads, at trailheads, Places would receive stabilization. A and in the campground. Support facilities cultural resource management plan guides such as picnic tables, fire grates, and vault management decisions and addresses the toilets could be provided. treatment of individual sites. Coordination Visitor Experience—There would be a and consultation with the state historic sense of remoteness and seclusion, but not preservation officer (SHPO) is a part of the of isolation from human activity. Visitors process. would be able to reach undeveloped areas Facilities—No developments are allowed, of the park from the main paved road via and there are only minimal modifications to trailheads. For those who are unable to the natural environment. Rustic signs, access the more semiprimitive areas of the cairns, and primitive trails could be present. park, this area would provide an alternative No facilities are present. Additional facilities and allow a rural experience without the are provided only if they are essential to degree of difficulty found in the primitive protect resources. area. Maintenance—Maintenance activities serve A limited amount of interpretation and to protect resources and restore areas education is provided. It is designed to disturbed by human activities. There is no supplement the low-profile signs and recurring maintenance in the primitive area. interpretive exhibit panels placed in selected Power tools are not allowed unless the locations to provide information, offer limited superintendent determines that such tools interpretation of park themes, ensure are necessary to respond to a life- or protection of park resources, and provide for resource-threatening emergency. visitor safety. Motorized Rural Access—Access to the motorized rural area is easy. Only one paved road is Management provides for vehicle access provided, and all access originates from this along one paved road, which gives a sense road. Trails for hiking could originate from of remoteness. Although the area is this area. Short interpretive trails could predominantly natural, sights and sounds of allow visitors to discover areas of special human activity are occasionally

21 interest. Access for visitors who are Developed physically challenged could be provided in This management prescription includes all selected areas to allow these visitors to major park development required to serve experience representative park settings. visitors and meet the needs of Natural Resource Management—The management. It encompasses areas where natural character of lands is preserved to park development and/or intensive use the extent possible while accommodating substantially alter the natural environment moderate visitor-use levels. Any apparent or the setting of historically significant effects of visitor use would be mitigated, resources. This is an area where major and disturbed areas that caused significant visitor facilities provide an experience that is visual impairment would be restored. The facility dependent (e.g., visitor center/admin cumulative effects associated with building). The sights and sounds of unacceptable levels of visitor use at vehicles and people predominate as does campsites or in other areas of visitor the experience that is tied to traffic along the concentration could be mitigated or major road corridor of the park. prevented by ensuring appropriate levels of This area would accommodate the highest visitor use. levels of use in the park. Visitor activities Cultural Resource Management—Cultural would be fairly structured and directed and resources identified to illustrate interpretive involve little challenge. Support services themes and those nominated, listed, or and facilities could be moderate. Visitor eligible for listing on the National Register of contacts and contacts with NPS personnel Historic Places could receive moderate could be frequent in this area, especially stabilization. A cultural resource during peak visitor periods. Contacts could management plan (CRMP) has been be less frequent during the off-peak season prepared and addresses treatment of but might still be common compared with individual sites. Coordination and other management areas within the park. consultation with the state historic There could be little or no opportunity for preservation officer is part of the process. solitude. Relatively intensive resource management activity could be required to Facilities—Only limited development would mitigate impacts associated with high levels be provided, and few major structures or of visitor use and development. Although facilities would be present. A paved road, a natural processes would be perpetuated rustic campground, interpretive panels and wherever possible, a high degree of information signs, and trailheads are perturbation and human intrusion to the examples of appropriate facilities for this natural environment could continue to be prescription area. evident. Fire grates, picnic tables, vault toilets, and Visitor Experience—This area provides for water could be provided, but no electricity or the primary experience of most visitors, sewer connections would be available. Size introducing them to many of the park‘s restrictions could be placed on RVs and significant resources and presenting the trailer-campers. primary park interpretive themes. Exhibits, Maintenance—Activities could include films, and live presentations and maintaining roads and facilities (cleaning, publications distributed at the visitor center painting, repair, pump-out, etc.), hardening would be used to convey an understanding sites, providing for visitor convenience and of the park and its natural and cultural comfort, protecting resources, and restoring resources. Interpretive trails and guided areas disturbed by human activity. ranger tours would also be used in this area. Other orientation information would

22 assist visitors in planning their stay in the Facilities—Major developments are park or region. confined to the developed area. Existing and potential modifications might include Access—Access to the developed area surfaced parking lots, transportation would be easy. This area could contain systems, maintenance facilities, surfaced roads, and all roads could be administrative facilities, residential areas, accessed by two-wheel-drive vehicles. water storage and sewage treatment Pedestrian access along low- to high- facilities, as well as various other support standard trails could allow for visitor access facilities. to a variety of environments. Hardened trails could be provided in areas around the Maintenance—Maintenance activities could visitor center and in other areas of high use involve maintaining existing facilities identified to give visitors an overview and (cleaning, painting, crack sealing, chip and better familiarity with park resources. sealing, striping, etc.), hardening sites, Barrier-free design is provided in selected landscaping, providing for visitor areas to permit visitors with physical convenience and comfort, protecting impairments to experience representative resources, irrigating, and restoring areas park settings. disturbed by human activities. Roads, buildings, signs, walks, interpretive displays, Natural Resource Management—The landscaping, and other facilities would be natural character of lands within this area is maintained on a regular basis. Power tools maintained to the greatest extent possible could be used for routine maintenance while accommodating high levels of use. activities, and heavy equipment could be Vista site modifications could be used to used for road and utility system repairs, improve views in this area. Visitors would development, and maintenance. be confined or directed to hardened sites, Resource Preservation overlooks, and trails to limit resource impacts. Significant soil and vegetation This management prescription includes the impacts occurring near high-use sites could culturally significant Faraway Ranch and its be mitigated through periodic closures, the associated infrastructure, which protects use of natural materials to more clearly resources and serves visitors. Management define use corridors, and increased accommodates visitors wishing to enforcement techniques. Only native experience the park‘s superlative cultural species would be used for revegetation. resources on foot. Inter-party and NPS Landscaping with native species and natural contacts are less frequent than those in materials, mowing (where appropriate), and developed or rural motorized prescriptions, selective removal and/or pruning of trees and opportunities for solitude are less could also be done where appropriate or to limited in this area than in others. Contacts enhance visitor safety. are less frequent during midweek and off- season periods, when opportunities for Cultural Resource Management— solitude and seclusion would be greater. Resources or sites designated as significant cultural features or cultural landscapes, or The landscape setting appears that have been nominated to the National predominantly natural, although evidence of Register of Historic Places will be preserved facilities that blend with surroundings could or restored depending on the degree of be present. Encounters with other people importance to the visitor‘s understanding of are occasional, and there is considerable the purpose of the park or settlement and evidence of human use. Other than the use of the region. All archeological sites main road through the area, there is no would be protected from degradation. motorized access.

23 Challenge to visitors in the prescription area restored to protect the integrity of the is low. Moderate to extensive resource resource. Other features designated as management activity is required to mitigate outstanding cultural features or listed or impacts associated with visitor-use levels. eligible for listing on the National Register of Naturalness is emphasized, but some Historic Places could be stabilized or human alterations and intrusions could be restored. A cultural resource management evident. plan (CRMP) has been prepared to address treatment of individual sites. Coordination Visitor Experience—This area brings the with appropriate NPS staff and the state visitor in direct contact with the park‘s historic preservation officer is a part of the cultural resources. The natural character of process. the area is maintained while providing interpretation and trail access for a small Facilities—Only limited development is numbers of visitors. This area provides a provided—major facilities would not be sense of being immersed in a natural allowed. landscape and feels somewhat distant from Maintenance—Activities include protecting most comforts and conveniences. The only cultural resources from visitor use, facilities present are those of the Faraway maintaining/stabilizing cultural sites, and Ranch. providing resource protection. Hardening of A variety of on-site interpretive media is sites could occur as well as the restoration used to present the primary park themes of areas disturbed by human activity. and provide orientation and information. Facilities to provide for the convenience of Rangers provide interpretation and visitors and their safety would be information. maintained to lesser standards than those found in the developed area of the park. Access—Access range is easy. This area has one main road through it. Public access is restricted to low- to high-standard trails ALTERNATIVE A—NPS PROPOSAL and limited to foot traffic. No bicycles or With the exceptions described below, the motorized vehicles are permitted. Aircraft current level of development and use is allowed only in emergency situations. interpretation and the pattern of visitor use Natural Resource Management—The is appropriate for Chiricahua and would be natural environment along and away from maintained. the trail corridor is maintained to the extent Park Road—The historic significance and possible with resource manipulation kept to character of the road are its greatest values a minimum. Emphasis is placed on and would be protected under the proposal. minimizing human impacts on sensitive With possible minor exceptions for safety, environments, cultural resources, habitats, the existing width and alignment of the road and species. Management would reduce or would be permanently retained. Any road minimize the impacts of nonrecreational work (drainage, replacement of base, etc.) uses. Resources and uses would be would be done in such a way as to preserve carefully monitored, and if impairment the road‘s special character. Along the road occurred, mitigating actions such as margins, vegetation and trees would be temporary closures, revegetation, or cleared and/or removed in order to restore restrictions on uses would be implemented views of park and distant features from the as required. road. In order to protect the roadside Cultural Resource Management— environment, pullouts, trailheads, and Resources or sites that are designated as parking areas along the road would not be outstanding cultural features might be enlarged. restored. Sites could be stabilized or

24 Bonita Picnic Area—In addition to a house, the entire structure would be used resting and sitting area, this place, which is as an employee residence in order to the first encountered by the entering visitor, provide an on-site employee presence. serves as the beginning of a foot trail that Under the proposal, the ranch house would goes almost to the visitor center. The be provided with climate control to protect section from the picnic area to the Stafford the historic furnishings and with a fire Cabin would be made accessible to visitors suppression system to protect the house with mobility impairments. and its contents. Faraway Ranch—After the cultural The current 10,000-gallon water tank is landscape report of the ranch grounds has insufficient for fire control on the ranch. The been completed, NPS would select ranch would be connected to the main appropriate landscape restoration treatment visitor center/housing area water system. A for the main part of the ranch, including the standpipe would be installed near the appropriate vegetation and selected fences, parking lot for wildfire suppression. corrals, and other structures. The Faraway historic vernacular landscape and CCC When the water system is extended to the historic designed landscape areas would ranch parking area, consideration would be continue to be managed as historic given to providing hollow conduits for the landscape resources, and modifications for future installation of electric service, if visitor safety and accessibility would be needed. made so as to not reduce the integrity of The current two-way trail from the ranch these areas. The integrity of all landscape parking area to the ranch house and areas and features (historic vegetation, Stafford Cabin would be enlarged to a loop structures such as the Faraway pool, etc.) trail, starting and ending at the parking area would be maintained, as would the integrity and representing the historic circulation of the CCC area‘s design principles and use more accurately. of materials. Overhead power and telephone lines would be removed and Headquarters and Visitor Orientation installed underground from the park Facility —Under the proposal, a new entrance through the historic district and on combined headquarters/visitor orientation to the visitor center, housing, and facility would be built outside the park. One campground. park goal is for no further development to take place within the park. For the visitors All ranch buildings open to the public and to be properly oriented to the park‘s the trail along Bonita Creek from the picnic attractions, they should reach the area to Stafford Cabin would be made headquarters/visitor orientation facility accessible for visitors with mobility before entering the park, but not so far away impairments. from the boundary that the connection to the Most administrative functions that now park is lost. The headquarters/visitor occupy historic Faraway Ranch structures, orientation facility should also be located to and the collections, would move to the intercept travelers coming from the other proposed headquarters and administrative side of the Chiricahua Mountains on Pinery facility, and most of the vacated space Canyon Road. Therefore, the recommended would be available for visitor use and location is on route 181 as close to the park interpretation. The upper floor of the house entrance as possible. would remain available to the interpreters as The new facility would house a complete a work and storage space, and the garage visitor orientation function as well as the would continue to be used as a park administrative offices (including those maintenance facility. When administrative now in the Faraway Ranch), sales, artifact functions are removed from the guest collection space, library, archives, and

25 herbarium. There would be parking, base of the monument, allowing more including adequate space for parking for an visitors to use the limited parking spaces at eventual shuttle terminus, should one be Massai Point and Echo Canyon. Hikers necessary, and an RV dump station. The typically park at Massai Point or Echo structure would have approximately 9,000 Canyon for between three and five hours, square feet of space for visitor use, 4,000 and if the hiker were to take the shuttle square feet of office and administrative instead, approximately four to eight space, and 2,000 square feet for additional sightseers would be able to park maintenance shops, equipment, and legally. Service would be similar to the storage, for an approximate total of 15,000 existing hikers‘ shuttle, except for an square feet of indoor space. There would be established schedule. Service would run parking for approximately 200 visitors‘ every two hours or other times as needed, vehicles and 4,000 square feet of outdoor allowing enough time for a ranger or a driver maintenance storage. The facility could to operate the shuttle and pursue other include joint support function with the USFS. activities. The shuttle system would need to Also, the NPS would invite USFS to use the have a capacity of approximately 50 people facility to introduce visitors to the Coronado per day. This would eliminate 22 cars being National Forest and its recreational parked long term at Massai Point and Echo opportunities. Canyon. The cost of the transportation service could be paid for by a small As an interim step, a short-term solution to surcharge to all visitors; volunteer the shortage of administrative space might enticements to hikers could be provided by be to lease or rent space in Willcox. waiving the entrance fee for those hikers Although not an ideal solution (it was who leave their cars at the base of the rejected as a permanent solution), this monument. Bicycle racks would be fitted would serve temporarily to allow removing onto the shuttle vehicles so that bicyclists the offices from their scattered locations in could also be transported. To solve the park, consolidating most of them in one congestion problems for the long term, the location, and making the Faraway Ranch hiker shuttle system would be doubled in space available for visitor use and size and capacity. The system would be interpretation. based outside park boundaries, ideally near Visitor Transportation System—The the new headquarters/visitor orientation following discussion about a transportation facility. The enhanced hiker shuttle system system involves assumptions not yet would transport between 50 and 100 people finalized. A transportation study under per day, reducing parking demand at contract with Parsons Brinckerhoff will Massai Point and Echo Canyon by up to 44 provide information for implementation. long-term parked cars. This action would Final actions are dependent on the outcome free up spaces and allow the Massai Point of the study. parking lot to operate just below maximum Two solutions to alleviate the parking capacity during peak visitation hours. problems would be implemented. In the Service would become hourly, meaning that short term, during the spring peak visitation one full-time person would be responsible season, a limited hiker shuttle would be for driving a shuttle during its hours of implemented to take hikers to either Massai operation. The enhanced hiker shuttle Point or Echo Canyon. At approximately system would need significant additional 400 average daily visitors, the reconstructed capacity, new types of transit vehicles, and Echo Canyon parking lot would reach a more stable base of operations outside capacity during the peak visitation periods. the park. This system could be operated by The limited hiker shuttle would be designed a monument concessioner. to keep long-term parking confined to the

26 Housing/Maintenance Area—All Campground—The flash flood risk of maintenance functions and fuel supplies Bonita Creek affects campground users. would be removed to the new The park would continue to operate the headquarters/visitor orientation facility Bonita Creek campground in a safe and complex, and the vacated space would be prudent manner by selective closures and used for fire equipment and emergency flood threat awareness training for staff and medical supplies and as a rescue cache visitors to Chiricahua. The selective and warehouse. closures of the campground would derive from use of the campground operation plan Because of the monument‘s distance from and be based upon seasonal and predicted the nearest town (37 miles to Willcox), it is weather conditions at the monument. necessary to have certain park employees Closures would occur on a day-by-day basis live in the park to provide resource according to immediate observations by protection, emergency repairs, and law monument staff and weather forecasts of enforcement. All but two of the housing particular intensity and would be modified units are in the residential area just above by any presaturation of the watershed and the visitor center. These include permanent the season of the year. The campground and seasonal housing. Another unit operation plan would be developed by NPS occupies one-half of the ―guest house‖ on as committed to in the draft floodplain the Faraway Ranch (the other half is used management statement of findings for office space). The ―superintendent‘s accompanying this GMP (see appendix 3). house,‖ which was acquired as part of an inholding property, is near Bonita Creek a Because of the unsatisfied demand for short distance downstream from the visitor camping (the campground is often full), NPS center. would cooperate with USFS, landowners, and businesses to provide additional All of the units are in good condition, and camping opportunities outside the park. No would be retained in their present uses. NPS camping reservation system is Because of the potential of flooding, when anticipated because the park would work the ―superintendent‘s house‖ has served its with neighbors to provide additional useful life, or is seriously damaged, it would camping. be removed and the site returned to a natural condition. The campground septic system is often used to its capacity and would be replaced There is at present no need for additional under the proposal. housing. As new housing authorities become available to the NPS, the need for There would be no recreation vehicle in-park housing and the potential for hookups or dump station added to the providing housing outside would be campground. The park would consider reconsidered. installing a dump station at the proposed headquarters/visitor orientation facility. For Boneyard—The boneyard and firearms the interim a sign would be erected just training range impinges on the wilderness inside the park entrance telling departing area. These inappropriate uses would be ended, and the areas would be restored to a natural appearance.

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28 campers to empty their holding tanks only at improvements would be done in such a way approved and legal dump stations, and as to be compatible with the significant CCC directing them to the nearest ones. landscape elements (to be determined by the cultural landscape inventory). Trails—Staff of the monument and national forest would jointly examine opportunities The small exhibit building, which occupies for connecting trails in order to provide one of the best viewpoints in the monument, hikers a better and more extensive choice of would continue to be used as an exhibit and routes. This would also further disperse interpretation facility. The exhibits would be hikers in the backcountry. The dirt road to modernized and would conform to an the King of Lead Mine would be converted interpretive plan that is to be written for the to a trail if and when the property is added summit area. A small outdoor sitting area to the monument. and interpretive space would be built close to the building, and the summit would be King of Lead Mine—The King of Lead made handicapped accessible from the Mine would be acquired, and the park parking area. boundary extended to include it. In the meantime, a sign would be installed at the Wilderness—Except for the previously mine property boundary warning hikers of mentioned King of Lead haul road, the the open mine, abandoned equipment, and rehabilitation of the existing boneyard and so on. When the mine is acquired, it will be firearms training range, and very minor trail evaluated for historic significance. To realignments, no changes would be made to protect visitors, the haul road would be the wilderness area. A theme of the park closed to vehicular use, returned to a interpretation program would be to inform natural condition (except for a foot trail), and people about what wilderness is, what its it would be administratively added to the values are, and what is considered surrounding wilderness area. appropriate use for wilderness. Sugarloaf—The parking area would be Potential Boundary Changes—The configured to add day-use amenities such proposed headquarters/visitor orientation as more picnic tables, group ramadas, and facility would be located at a place along benches. These facilities would be provided route 181 yet to be selected. If a location in an attempt to shift some visitor use from contiguous with the park is selected, the the Echo Canyon and Massai Point parking park boundary could be extended to areas. Limited vista clearing would also enclose it. If it is not contiguous, or very occur. The Sugarloaf road, overlook, trail, nearly so, the land could be leased or and fire tower would remain unchanged. purchased by GSA but not included within the park boundary. Echo Canyon Parking and Trailhead— Under the proposal, the parking lot would be Fire Program—The fire program is reconfigured to alleviate peak parking growing, with more acreage being treated problems. Limited vista clearing would also by prescribed burning in 1998 than ever in occur. the past. The park has established a fire management officer position that will be Massai Point—Under existing plans, the filled in 1999, and it has begun a joint capacity of the summit parking area would planning process with USFS for mutual be increased, but not its area, and vehicular burning and suppression activities on each flow would be improved. Trailheads would other‘s lands. Implementing the proposed be made safer, and a new rest room would GMP would improve staff‘s ability to operate be installed. Vegetation around the parking the program mainly by reducing area would be thinned and pruned to development, structures, operations, and restore the views. Directional and traffic inside the boundaries. A new informative signs would be installed. All headquarters/visitor orientation facility

29 located outside the park would put much of Commercial Services—Commercial the staff, their vehicles, park files and horseback, hiking, and tour bus services exhibits, maintenance equipment, and so on originating outside the park would continue. in a safer place, for wildland fire The park would encourage others, including considerations. The new facility would be private business and USFS, to provide built in an area with grassy fuels, which is in recreation vehicle and tent campground and sharp contrast to the dense shrub and tree camping supply stores outside the park. cover now surrounding the visitor center, Other activities could be added if they administrative site, and housing. enhance the visitor experience, are The dead end road is a concern because appropriate for the park, and are consistent the park has very few fire safety zones. with resource protection prescriptions. Clearing roadsides and improving the park Some of these activities might include road would reduce travel time for fire bicycle tours and shuttle services to fighters and would aid in using fire-fighting alleviate crowding and prevent traffic jams. equipment as well as moving visitors and Activities would be evaluated primarily on employees away from fire danger. Parking the need for protection of resources, goals lots can be used as fire safety zones if established for the visitor experience, and absolutely necessary, so work to clear the need to reduce crowding and visitor brush and improve traffic flow is critical. The conflicts. When problems are identified, the campground, with its location and access on park would conduct feasibility studies to a narrow one-way, dead end road, is determine if proposed activities are another fire danger concern. Because the necessary and practical and then determine campground would not be enlarged, staff the best way to provide the services. could work with the current setup and continue to improve the situation by creating Water System—The three separate water fire safety zones, reducing fuels, and systems that serve the visitor center, clearing roadsides. employee housing, and campground do not meet public health standards. They would Upgrading the water system would improve be replaced or modified as needed. fire suppression capabilities for structures, especially historic buildings. Improving Operational Costs—Operational costs total accessibility would also help in evacuating $233,500 and are broken down in Table 1. visitors from buildings, if necessary. Development Costs—Development costs An ongoing vegetation investigation is total $5,881,000 and are broken down in showing historically less dense vegetation Table 2. with more varied composition and structure. Fire would be used to restore historic ALTERNATIVE B vegetation conditions. Cultural landscape studies could include prescribed fire as a This alternative provides for a traditional tool. Because most cultural landscapes in park experience with increased personal the park would include historic structures, services and a small number of facility fuel treatment would reduce hazards and enhancements. With the exceptions enhance suppression efforts. described below, the The joint planning with USFS would support using fire in the wilderness. Additionally, focusing park interpretation on wilderness, including natural processes such as fire and flooding, would lead to better public understanding and acceptance.

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31 current level of development and orientation facility would be constructed. interpretation and the pattern of visitor use There would be no further development in is appropriate for Chiricahua and would be the park and no additional services for RVs. maintained. The application of Short-term lease or rent space for management prescriptions would be exactly administrative services would be explored in the same as under the proposal. Willcox, and a joint support function would Park Road—Under this alternative, the be considered with the U.S. Forest Service. historic significance and character of the Visitor Transportation System—Options road would be protected, but alignment under this alternative are the same as for could be selectively altered. Most of the the proposal. road‘s special character would be maintained, but more alterations of the Housing/Maintenance Area—Under this vegetation would be likely. Some minor alternative there would be no changes in enlargements and realignments could current operation except that occur. 1) all housing units would be retained in Bonita Picnic Area—This area would be present use; treated the same as it would be under the 2) the superintendent‘s house eventually Proposal. would be removed and the site returned Faraway Ranch—Treatments would be the to a natural condition and same as under the proposal except that the 3) the need for in-park housing and focus of efforts would be centered on the potential for providing housing outside historic structures. There would be little to the park would both be considered. no modification of the landscape. Boneyard—The boneyard and firearms Overhead power and telephone lines would training range impinges on the wilderness be removed and installed underground in area. These inappropriate uses would be the immediate vicinity of the structures. ended, and the areas would be restored to a The trail along Bonita Creek, from the picnic natural appearance. area to Stafford Cabin, would be accessible Campground—Treatment for this area for visitors with mobility impairments. would be the same as described under the There would be limited access to selected proposal. buildings by the public. Some administrative Trails—Treatment of trails would be the functions would continue in the area. same as described for the proposal. Climate control would be used to protect the historic furnishings. A fire suppression King of Lead Mine—Treatment of the mine system would be used to protect the house would be the same as it would be under the and contents. proposal. The water system would connect to the Sugarloaf—Under this alternative there main visitor center/housing area. A would be no change. standpipe would be installed near the Echo Canyon Parking and Trailhead— parking lot for wildfire suppression, and the Under this alternative there would be no water system would extended to the ranch change. parking area. The two-way trail would be enlarged into a loop trail. Massai Point—Treatment of the area would be the same as described under the Headquarters and Visitor Orientation proposal. Facility—Under this alternative, administrative facilities would only be built outside the park and no new visitor

32 Wilderness— Treatment of wilderness administrative functions would remain in the would be the same as described for the ranch buildings. Lacking the proposed proposal. connection of the ranch to the main park water system, the ranch house and its Potential Boundary Changes—Under this contents would remain at risk of fire. The alternative there would be no changes to collections in the house would remain park boundaries. unprotected by a climate control system. Fire Program—The fire program would be Visitors would continue to approach and the same as described under the proposal, leave the main buildings by the existing two- except that no improvements through way trail. reductions of development would take Visitor Center—In the absence of a new place. Facilities outside the park would be headquarters/visitor orientation facility, the confined to administrative functions with existing conditions of crowded working little or no support to the fire program. conditions, inadequate parking, and Commercial Services—Commercial inadequate interpretive space would services would be the same as for the continue. proposal. Housing/Maintenance Area—Maintenance Water System—Water systems would be activities would remain in the present upgraded to meet public health standards. location, so that space would not be Operational Costs—Operational costs total available for other uses. The housing area $186,500 and are broken down in Table 1. would be the same as described under the proposal. Development Costs—Development costs total $3,681,000 and are broken down in Boneyard—This inconsistent use of the Table 2. wilderness area would remain. Campground—The existing campground NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE would be retained, and the septic system would not be replaced. All environmental documents are required to Trails—Existing trails would be retained in analyze at least two alternatives, a proposal the no-action alternative. and a no-action alternative. Under the no- action alternative, existing conditions as King of Lead Mine—No further steps would described below would continue at be taken with the state and the mine owner Chiricahua NM. to mitigate the mine pollution and to acquire the property. The haul road would not be Park Road—With possible minor added to the surrounding wilderness. A exceptions for safety, the existing width and warning sign would be erected. alignment of the road would be permanently retained. Pullouts, trailheads, and parking Sugarloaf—The Sugarloaf road, overlook areas along the road would not be enlarged. area, trail, and fire tower would remain unchanged. Bonita Picnic Area—Existing development would be retained. Echo Canyon Parking and Trailhead— The overlook, parking, and trailhead area Faraway Ranch—The only landscape would remain unchanged. treatment would be continued maintenance and fire protection. The fences, corrals, and Massai Point—Under existing plans, the outbuildings would not be restored to their capacity (but not the area) of the summit historic appearance, and buildings would parking area would be increased and not be made accessible. In the absence of a vehicular flow would be improved. new headquarters/visitor orientation facility, Trailheads would be made safer, and a new

33 rest room would be installed. Vegetation Commercial Services—Commercial around the parking area would be thinned horseback, hiking, and tour bus services and pruned to restore the views. Directional originating outside the park would continue. and informative signs would be installed. Water System—The three separate water The small exhibit building, which occupies systems that serve the visitor center, one of the best viewpoints in the monument, employee housing, and campground do not would continue to be used as an exhibit and meet public health standards. They would interpretation facility. The exhibits would be be replaced or modified as needed. modernized to conform to an interpretive Operational Costs—Costs are already plan to be written for the summit area. A reflected in the park‘s annual operating small outdoor sitting area and interpretive budget. space would be built close to the building, and the summit would be made Development Costs— There are no handicapped accessible from the parking development costs associated with this area. alternative. Wilderness Area—There would be no changes in the wilderness area. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT Potential Boundary Changes—There REJECTED would be no changes in the park‘s Visitor Center boundary. Enlarge Existing Structure—The building Fire Program—Some of the fire program could possibly be enlarged to provide the would be the same in this alternative as with necessary space, but the parking area— the proposal. The fire management officer whose small size is one of the major position would be filled, and the park would problems already—cannot be enlarged continue joint planning with USFS. Acreage without great damage to Rhyolite Canyon burned would increase to reduce fuels and Creek and the surrounding natural area. to restore fire as an ecosystem process. Therefore, the existing location cannot The difference is that fire hazards and serve the increasing need for visitor center safety risks would be higher for people and and headquarters space. structures despite fire planning for Joint NPS-FS Visitor Center— suppression. Facilities, housing, Consideration was given to a visitor center campgrounds, traffic flows, and so on would jointly built and run by the NPS and USFS. remain in the current state, which hinders Because the primary Coronado National fire management operations. Roads and Forest activity would remain on the east parking lots would not be cleared or side of the mountains, the needs of the improved, which increases the risk of USFS could be met by having some space entrapment and delays response time for in the NPS facility to present Coronado NF fire fighters and equipment. Inadequate information. water systems do not provide for suppression capabilities for historic Coronado National Forest Location—A structures or other facilities. Cultural location on the national forest for the visitor landscape information would not be center was considered, but potential sites in available for restoring historic scenes. Lack Pinery Canyon were poorly located for of interpretation focus on wilderness would arriving visitors. affect public understanding and appreciation Camping at the New Visitor Center— of natural forces, such as fire and flooding, Consideration was given to the idea of as well as of land-use ethics. additional development at the proposed visitor center, such as camping. Although

34 camping at the monument is an attractive as an important part of many visitors‘ and desirable experience for visitors, the experience in the park. development and management of additional Close the Campground—The team camping outside the current monument considered closing the campground boundary by NPS is not a part of the because of the recognized flood potential. legislative purpose of the monument. Flooding in Bonita Canyon is likely only Therefore, the only function that NPS would under two conditions: after a series of have outside the park is the headquarters/ storms has thoroughly saturated the visitor orientation facility itself. It was felt watershed and another storm then triggers that private business could better provide a flood; or during a prolonged storm that any camping opportunities. does the same thing. In either case the Retain Administrative Use of Existing park would be forewarned and be able to Structure—Thought was given to keeping take protective action. The park plans to some of the administrative offices in the continue operating the existing 25-site existing visitor center, but the primary goal campground in the floodplain with selective is to end the inefficient separation of the closure options described in an operational staff in more than one location. plan that significantly lowers the threat to human life and property within the Willcox Location—Another consideration campground area. A campground operating was to move most administrative offices and plan would be prepared by NPS to keep staff to rented offices in Willcox, but, except park staff and visitors aware of the flooding for a possible short-term emergency need, risk and potential. this alternative was discarded on the basis of impracticality and inefficiency. Campground in Pinery Canyon—It was suggested that land be acquired in Pinery Build New Visitor Center Inside Park—A Canyon for an NPS campground. If it is guiding principle for this GMP is that no determined that there is a need for a additional park land would be used for campground outside the park, either the development. Even if this weren‘t the case, national forest or a private business would because of the extent of the Faraway be better able to provide it. historic district, the sensitive and scenic character of the lower Bonita Creek, and the Widen Road and Increase Parking extent of the 100-year floodplain, there is no The road is a historic structure (built by the practical location between the park entrance CCC) and also has a special esthetic and the existing visitor center for a new appeal to visitors. Any redesign of the road, visitor center. or the construction of more parking spaces Campground along it, would not only change its character but would cause considerable physical Enlarge Campground—Two of the damage to the adjacent roadsides. Rather campground‘s most popular qualities are its than alter one of the most distinctive small size and its rustic, natural features of the park, transportation and surroundings. Both of these qualities would parking problems should be solved by other be sacrificed if the facility were to be means, such as limiting the size and/or enlarged. number of vehicles and establishing a Convert to Picnic Area—The idea of shuttle system. converting the campground to a picnic area was rejected because camping is accepted Staffing 7 day/wk coverage of headquarters/visitor orientation Table 1—Operating Expenses facility or administrative facility

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Description Alternative A Alternative B 2 FTE GS-9 ranger 0 $96,000 Table 2—Development Cost Estimates interpretive emphasis 1 FTE GS-9 ranger $48,000 0 Description Alternative A Alternative B 2 FTE GS-5 visitor use $70,000 0 Headquarters/visitor $3,510,000 assistant orientation facility 1 FTE WG-5 custodian $35,000 0 Administrative Facility $1, 750,000 .5 FTE WG-5 custodian $17,500 $17,500 Climate control (HVAC) $140,000 $140,000 Faraway Ranch house Other Expenses Replace campground $65,000 $65,000 Utilities $12,000 $6,000 septic system Vehicle $ 6,000 $12,000 Close King of Lead Mine $20,000 $20,000 road Interpretive material $10,000 $20,000 Replace main water $910,000 $910,000 Supplies and materials $15,000 $15,000 system Travel and training $ 5,000 $ 5,000 Connect ranch to main $60,000 $60,000 water system Equipment $15,000 $15,000 Subtotal gross $4,705,000 $2,945,000 Total Annual $233,500 $186,500 construction cost

Project planning & $1,176,000 $736,000 advanced planning Total Costs $5,881,000 $3,681,000

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