Chiricahua Developed Region Cultural Landscape Inventory

Morrow Reardon Wilkinson LTD, Landscape Architects

Inventory Unit Description: Located in southeastern Arizona, Chiricahua National Monument was established to preserve and protect natural rock formations known as "The Pinnacles". The Monument contains 11,985 acres, 10,290 acres of which is designated wilderness. The landscape is a unique, sky-island type, biotic community fostering isolated, distinctive flora and fauna. The man-made elements in the monument include homestead, ranching and 1930's CCC landscape development. The study region for this cultural landscape inventory is confmed to the developed areas constructed by the CCC (See Figure lA). Approximate component landscape boundaries are shown on all site plans. The period of significance is from the entry of the CCC into Bonita Canyon in April, 1934, to the cessation of CCC activity in July, 1940. Current landscape conditions are good. The difference between historical and current landscape conditions is found in a general increase in vegetation and the introduction of invasive plant species. The increase in vegetation is a condition common to most public lands subject to years of fire suppression. The landscape features built by the Civilian Conservation Corps are sited and constructed according to principles articulated by the designers of Chiricahua National Monument (i.e. , Albert Good et al.) The buildings themselves are strong statements of the 'Government Rustic' style of architecture used in units of the National Parks system.