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Show THE ZEPHYR AUGUST 1 990 PAGE 18 the stabilization of Delicate Arch by Jim Stiles .there have been some; van In the Park Service, who advocate spraying Dallcate Arch with a fixative of some aort Elmar's Glue perhaps or Lady Clairol Spray-Net-." -- E. Abbey Desert Solitaire first read that passage by Abbey, I assumed It was another example of Cactus Ed's sarcastic sense of humor. The Idea of spraying Delicate Arch with a fixative was too ridiculous to be taken seriously. This, of course, was before my decade of employment with the federal government Not long after I went to work at Arches, I was rummaging through an old file cabinet reading old monthly reports when a labeled folder caught my eye. It read: Delicate Arch Stabilization Project I remembered the remark In Desert Solitaire but still couldn't quite believe my eyes. What I found Inside was a decades worth of memorandums, letters, and reports, all dedicated to the question - should the Park Service save Delicate Arch from Imminent collapse? The Issue was first raised by Arches Custodian Russ Mahan on August 28, 1947 In a memo to the Regional Director. On a recent hike, Russ had observed "the eroded condition of the east leg of Delicate Arch ... It Is my opinion that some measures should be taken to prevent further erosion and to stabilize this particular point If we lost this arch we would be losing one of the most Important features of Arches National Monument" That got the ball rolling, but Just barely. The acting Regional director sent Mahan's concerns to the Director In Washington. "There was, he added, "the possibility that (the) condition of the formation may endanger visitors there. But the threat of an arch squashing Innocent tourists was not enough to' elicit much Interest The next memorandum, dated When I And then came landscape architect David Van Pelt Obviously not caught up In the stabilization favor Kurt had affected others, Van Pelt met with Bates Wilson at Arches, discussed the question of stabilization and filed Ms report He was the first to see that meddling with Mother Nature might very well backfire. "It should be realized, he wrote, "that the wisdom and success of whatever action may or may not be taken to stabilize the arch can never be accurately appraised. Van Pelt proposed two alternatives: 1. To take no measures toward stabilization. This view arises not out of IndHtotence nor apathy, but from a consideration of the uncertain benefits of stabilization, of the very real possibility that more harm than benefit may be done, and In the knowledge that Delicate Arch Is "In extremis, Its collapse only deferred by the efforts of man. The stabilization of ruins does not offer a precedent In the analysis of the weaknesses of the It The . arch, nor In procedures for strengthening follows of definite patterns according ruins collapse to their methods of construction, such methods being few In number and not fully understood. They are restored by proven techniques, based on known forces, strength of materials, etc. A complete stabilization, using methods common to ruins stabilization, of Delicate Arch would Involve uncertain results, not Inconsiderable danger to arch and workmen, and great expense. The arch Is In a relatively Inaccessible location, to which all materials and equipment would have to be hauled by al or small tractor. It Is poised on the edge pack-anim- ' ''! Af 1 IStGNED, September 13, 1951 said only that, "with specific data, previously lacking, the matter can be discussed again to determine what action, If any, this office Is willing to recommend. Obviously, there was not a great deal of enthusiasm for this project But 18 when Southwest Regional Assistant Director Hugh months later, Interest was Miller visited the arch and threw his support behind the plan: "I have decided to Join, as a result of this trip, those who believe that stabilization of Delicate Arch Is warranted. I would favor the proposal only with the understanding that a very simple plaster Jacket could be placed over the weak point In the arch at which erosion threatens to topple It, sufficient only to arrest further erosion at that point Careful staining would suffice to make such minor support unobjectionable In appearance and It seems to me that It might reasonably be effective. From my own point of view, the Delicate Arch Is so outstandingly unique a formation as to merit the adoption of stabilization methods. The general superintendent In Globe Arizona was delighted. "It Is encouraging Indeed, he said, "to know that Mr. Miller Is In accord with our view. Although the NFS Advisory Board opposed the stabilization of geological formations In National parks, Davis Insisted that Delicate Arch should be an exception. On December 22, 1952 he wrote: "I believe we are all agreed that one use of our Parks and Monuments Is as great outdoor museums and, as such, Arches National Monument has perhaps Its most effective exhibit In Delicate Arch. To allow this unique formation to ted without making aome effort to prolong Its existence would be to lose forever an Integral part of the story Justifying the existence of Arches National Monument Within months, memorandums no longer asked Jf the arch should be stabilized but "where and what method should be used." By the spring of 1954, the memorandums were flying at a fever pitch. A meeting was proposed for March 3, 1954 and were to Include representatives from the Engineering Division and the Landscape Architectural Division. They were to "discuss the stabilization of Delicate Arch and to make arrangement for the execution of the proposed work. re-Un- ded of a deep canyon, necessitating extra safety No one can say that It would not precautions. or partially wholly collapse while work was In progress. 2. The contention that nothing should be Is done . prey to the equally defensMe argument that, since the patient Is doomed anyway, we are Justified In making some attempt to prolong his life. If the project was to proceed, the most efficient technique seemed to call for the spraying of the weak leg with a silicone epoxy. Another option, proposed by engneer J.R. Lasstlc, was "to ring the weak point of the weaker leg with a concrete collar, making an attempt to color and form the concrete to Mend as well as possMe with the natural structure. Superintendent Davis In Globe, Arizona bubbled with enthusiasm. Despite Van Pelt's warnings, Davis felt that "the trial use of a silicone preparation can certainly do no damage and It may well afford some protection from weathering." The Regional office appeared to be In contact with every silicone manufacturer In the country requesting free samples and Davis added, "I suggest that all of these be field tested at Arches." Meanwhile, the staff at Arches appeared to be hiding as best It could from the entire project Arches superintendent Bates Wilson's signature Is conspicuously absent from all correspondence. General Superintendent Davis, concerned that the silicone had not been tested, Inquired as to whether they needed more. A few weeks later, Davis sent another memo to Bates Wilson, asking him to estimate needed additional funds to complete the Job. No reply from Arches. On October 13, 1954 the acting General Superintendent sent Bates one more memo. "Will you please, he pleaded, "make a special report on this project at your very earliest convenience? Acting Arches Superintendent Bob Morris finally responded. Wed, It seems they mixed the ethyl silicate solution back In February and It was to be applied within supposed 90 days. Now, with winter closing In, Morris asked Davis, "To get the proper results, should we not order a new mixture? vrasiiv MteN II Will IMVW. iiwiiiaiateiiilVl M they thought the silicone had gone bad. "A tabulation of the dates of treatment and complete record of your observations should be made and forwarded to this office. appeared to have worn the general superintendent down. The memos outand the Issue died for almost two years. Then In 1956 Mr. petered Cutler, a visitor to sent a letter to the NPS Director, concerned with Arches, preserving Delicate Arch "for |
