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Show Primitive Status Choice for Capitol Reef CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK Most of Capitol Reef National Park will be retained in its primitive state with only minor developments, according to the final environmental impact statement just released. Derek Hambly, park superintendent, said the perferred alternative will be pursued as a management plan. This is a combination of different elements from other alternatives, and constitutes the National Park Service's general management plan. It includes proposals for the management zoning, resources management, visitor use and interpretion, general development and secondary adjustments. - Five alternatives, including the no-action and preferred alternatives are described and evaluated in the plan. The present management strategy and development level would remain essentialy unchanged in the no-action alternative. One alternative, however, would retain the present management strategy and development level would remain essentially unchanged in the no-action alternative. One alternative, however would retain the present management strategy and development level with an emphasis on providing the additional hiking and interpretive opportunities. Another alternative would expand the visitor use facilities primarily in the headquarters district of the park while the fourth alternative would emphasize an increase in visitor opportunities and facilities on a parkwide basis. Hambly said the preferred plan will be flexible. He added that "It doesn't mean everything in the plan will come to pass." The superintendent said it is doubtful there will be much development in the northern area of the park because officials anticipate little visitor pressure. However, he said there could be changes in the south district. This because of the anticipated completion in the near future of the Boulder-G rover road. This road, which has been under construction fcr several years, will shorten the distance between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef parks, and bring in an anticipated influx of visitors. Hambly said the Burr Trail, a primitive road into a vast wilderness area, will probably also be improved in the south district. Livestock grazing, which has created controversy between Bureau of Land Management, the Park Service and livestock owners, is expected to continue. There is some grazing in the park now, but that was not included in the EIS because it is managed by BLM. However, under national legislation paused last year, grazing in the park will be allowed fcr another 10 years. The statement notes that "habitat being grazed will be periodically monitored to ensure (Continued on Pe ) Primitive Status is First Choice for Capitol Reef Plan (Continued from Page 1) that significant damage does not occur." The legislation calls for a study by the National Academy of Sciences to determine effects of continued grazing on park resources and economic effects on local economy. Hambly said this 10-year study will be completed in 1992 and includes a requirement that an annual report be given to Congress on the progress of the program'. Four major zones are induced in the park plan. They include natural, historial, park development and special use. Most of the development inside the park will be done in the headquarters area as needed, the report states. The maximum proposal will include expanding the visitor center and administrative facilities, the campground and its utility system and adding a walking loop trial in Fruita. The management plan will emphasize the conservation of natural resources, the plan states. "The principal consideration will be to protect and preserve the natural environment for the enjoyment of park visitors and for the integrity of the ecosystems." The plan also calls for adjusting boundaries to delete 1,400 acres near Circle Cliffs and add 300 acres at Glass Mountain. This district also includes the headquarters area and along the Fremont River where Fruita was located. The Park Service has also adopted an agricultural management plan to preserve the area's history, with hundreds of fruit trees in production, along with some farm land. This area also contains Indian writings and has significant ar-chaelogical value. Planned improvements will cost over $6-million over the 20-year period of the program. Hambly said such expenditures are not in the budget and that such funds for any development would have to be a congressional add-ons. Most of the archaeological sites deal with the Fremont Indian occupation, dating from approximately 700 to 1275 A.D. and include campsites, shelters, petroglyphs and artifacts. Some 29 such sites are located along the Utah Highway 24 route through the park. One of the emphasis areas will be placed on assisting visitors to better understand the park's most unique geological feature through pictorial interpretation. The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long formation rises to 2,000 feet above the surrounding terrain and contains arches, natural bridges, domes, hogbacks, mesas, eroded sandstone canyons and vivid shades of colors, all the result of nature. One of the primary objectives of the management plan is to permit biological, geological and other natural processes to function with a minimum of human disturbance, the report says. This will be done by conducting monitoring and research on changes from natural and human disturbances. A new campground and ranger district will be added in the south district, contingent on road improvements and increased visitation. The campground will be primitive, and located in a pinyon-juniper area near the Burr Trail, Hambly said. The ranger station would be at the junction of the Burr Trail and the Notom Road. The management plan will continue to work on the protection of endangered species. Some plants fall into this category as well as the Utah Prarie Dog which has been reintroduced into the northern section. It will also include the Peregrine Falcon which has been sighted in the park, as well as the rare spotted owl. Hambly said the plan is something other parks don't have, and provides a comprehensve program to work on. |