Natural Resources Monitoring at Tuzigoot National Monument

Overview

Size: 324 hectares
Elevation range: 1,024–1,036 meters

Tuzigoot National Monument, in central Arizona, was established by presidential proclamation to preserve one of the largest known pueblos of Sinaguan origin. The pueblos, built during AD 1100–1450, serve as a benchmark of the Tuzigoot Phase of the archeological record.

Though it is part of the Sonoran Desert Network, Tuzigoot lies in a region called the Apache Highlands, characterized by mountain "sky islands" separated by grassland and desert scrub "seas."

Issues of concern relative to natural resources include adjacent land use, development, and water use and the introduction and spread of non-native species. All of the significant surface water bodies in or near Tuzigoot National Monument (e.g., Tavasci Marsh, the Verde River, and Peck's Lake) are listed as impaired or have a recent history of impairment.

With an elevation range of approximately 3,360–3,400 feet (1,024–1,036 m), Tuzigoot National Monument is part of the thornscrub biome. Average annual precipitation is 13.5 inches (344 mm). The park is part of the Apache Highlands ecoregion.

The Sonoran Desert Network monitors air quality, climate, invasive exotic plants, landbirds, springs, seeps, and tinajas, and streams at Tuzigoot National Monument. The results of this work can be found in a variety of publications and other information. The network also maintains species lists for the park.

Inventory and Monitoring Reports

Source: Data Store Saved Search 4942. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.

Briefs

Source: Data Store Saved Search 4941. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.