NPS
Douglas Springs Trail
Park Trail Plan Approved – Implementation Begins
On July 31st Saguaro National Park’s Comprehensive Trails Management Plan was approved by the NPS’ Intermountain Region’s Director, Mike Snyder. The rigorous three-year process included staff, partner agency and public scoping, development and release of three alternatives for trail systems in each district (Rincon and Tucson Mountain Districts), public meetings, the addition of a fourth alternative for the Rincon Mountain District, associated public comment periods, and a thorough analysis of over 600 comments received.
With the completion of this long-term planning effort, Park Superintendent Darla Sidles said, “We’re anxious to start on-the-ground work to improve the park’s trail system.” Sidles added, “Tucsonans are passionate about the park’s trails, and we’re very thankful for the public participation that helped shape the plan.”
From the start, the plan’s objectives were: prevent impairment and unacceptable impacts on natural and cultural resources; provide reasonable access to the trail network and trailheads; eliminate unnecessary and/or parallel/duplicate trails; ensure a safe and maintainable trail network; provide for a clearly designated trail system; and offer a variety of trail experiences.
Numerous changes to the trail system will occur over time as a result of the plan. Using a variety of funding sources, these changes will be phased in over a period of several years. The park is also committed to working with various partners and volunteers. Saguaro National Park recently entered into a cooperative agreement with the Arizona Trail Association for construction and maintenance of Saguaro’s portion of the Arizona Trail. Other community groups and organizations have pledged their support as well.
Some of the work planned for the next six months (October 2009 through March 2010) includes:
Rincon Mountain District:
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-Develop/implement new sign plan for Cactus Forest
-Construct Ernie’s Falls Trail
-Construct Bajada Vista connector trail
-Consolidate undesignated redundant/parallel trails,
restore as needed (eastern end of Bajada Vista, Palo Verde, Freight Wagon, Wagon Spur, and the section of the Wentworth Trail between the Kennedy and Garwood Trails)
-Convert Converse Trail (formerly eastern most section
of the Wentworth Trail) to hiker only
-Begin construction of the Quilter Trail (Arizona Trail
connection from Hope Camp to the Manning Camp Trail)
-Eliminate the North Hope Camp Trail, restore as needed
-Construct Loma Verde Trail re-route
-Construct Pink Hill re-route
-Construct connector trail from Hope Camp to the southern
boundary (connecting to the Arizona Trail)
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Tucson Mountain District:
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-Develop/implement new sign plan for district’s northeast corner (near Continental Ranch Reserve)
-Begin signing designated trails and access points for district’s northeast corner
-Begin restoring undesignated social trails for district’s northeast corner
-Convert Wild Dog Trail to hiker only
-Construct Signal Hill re-route, including new hitch rail
-Convert Cactus Wren and Manville Trails to multi-use trails (hiker and equestrian)
-Begin construction of Prophecy-Picture Rocks Wash connector trail
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