Natural resources management and research action plan, proposed funding FY92

Montezuma Castle National Monument; Tuzigoot National Monument

This action plan is a proposal to enhance and develop natural resources management and research at Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments through a base funding increase to a level sufficient to provide cooprehensive programs. For years, National Park Service areas in Arizona were protected by their relative physical isolation. However, increased pressures now exist due to elevated notoriety and popularity, heightened visitation, boundary encroachment, incompatible uses on adjacent lands, and greater professional demands for resources management. Park management no longer can manage a park with an internal perspective. The focus now must be regional and worldwide. Existing threats to natural resources are park base funding that has not increased with demands on management and programs. Lack of planning documents prevents appropriate identification and action on critical issues. Increased development or incompatible uses on adjacent lands result in water drawdown, contamination of water and air quality, and introduction of non-native species. Protection of native plants and animals, particularly threatened and endangered species, becomes more difficult with increased visitation and adjacent development. Lack of basic data causes insufficient understanding of ecosystems; comprehensive baseline information is needed to make well reasoned management decisions. The current natural resources management and research program is less than adequate for program administration, mitiqation, monitoring, and document. Funding is minimal and not consistent in order to develop a comprehensive program. Additional staff dedicated to resources management and project funds are necessary if natural resources management is going to be handled in a consistent manner with professional standards. The proposed program entails inventory, assessment and monitoring, creating databases using geographic information systems technology, mitigating past and current impacts, protecting native species, preparing planning documents, and ensuring NEPA compliance. With increased base funds the Natural and Cultural Resources Management Plan would be implemented in a progressive manner. (Executive Summary copied verbatim from the plan.)