Wilderness Recommendation for Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

National Park Service

It is recommended that a total of 16,303 acres within Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, a defined in exhibit A, be designated wilderness by an Act of Congress. This recommendation is based upon careful study of the park, the views presented at the public hearing, and the written responses concerning the preliminary wilderness proposal described in the appended hearing officer's report. The preliminary wilderness proposal of about 17,900 acres comprises approximately half the land area of the park. For the most part, it is located below and to the east of the plateau rim. Elevations range from 6580 on Yellow Creek on the east boundary, to over 9100 feet near Rainbow Point. The proposed wilderness contains nearly all of the great amphitheaters, Boat Mesa and most of the Promontory. The northernmost boundary of the proposed wilderness is located south of Water Canyon and was defined to exclude an irrigation ditch, an overhead powerline and Utah Route 54 (now Utah 12). Generally the eastern boundary is located 1/16 mile inside the park boundary except where adjusted in the vicinity of Bryce Springs to exclude a spring utilized as a water supply by the town of Tropic, and except for NPS soil and moisture control project at the head of Sheep Creek Flats. The western proposed wilderness boundary generally follows the rim of the plateau, except for an area between Bryce and Sunset Point not included in the proposed wilderness. Four areas are recommended for deletions for management zones. Parcels excluded include corridors containing canyons that have been used to move livestock across the park under local agreements. A developed ground water supply and pipeline leading to the park boundary has also been excluded. East Creek Ridge has been recommended as an addition.