INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Resource Management Plan Purpose

The Resources Management Plan is part of a larger planning process and draws its major objectives from the park’s comprehensive planning documents: the 1978 General Management Plan and the 1997 Strategic Plan. The Resources Management Plan takes the resource management objectives a step further and describes more specific courses of action. The Plan will also be used to prioritize resource management funding requests and to guide the expenditure of a portion of park base funds devoted to resources management functions and programs.

The Resource Management Plan describes for park management the known resources within the park and addresses specific problems, issues, and influences that have a bearing on the management of those resources. The Resource Management Plan will be management's primary tool in addressing the major issues involved in the management of the resources of the park. This plan is an action plan, long range in scope, but should be revised and updated every 3-5 years. Specific project statements, however, are to be updated on an annual basis.

Resource management needs are identified and evaluated, with specific actions and solutions prescribed towards achieving park purpose and mission. (Before any action is implemented, appropriate compliance with section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act will be completed along with compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act). In addition, the Resources Management Plan also lists specific research needs and management documents necessary to effectively manage the park's resources.

While the term “resource management refers to the management of both natural and cultural resources, much of the resource management work at Golden Spike National Historic Site falls into the cultural management realm. In light of the mandated purpose for Golden Spike National Historic Site, cultural resources are clearly transcendent. Accordingly, the emphasis of this Resource Management Plan is heavily weighted towards the management of cultural resources. Nonetheless, the Historic Site is also committed to the implementation of National Park Service policies for the management of natural resources.

Preparation of this resource management plan began with a scoping process to identify issues for consideration. Subsequently, a draft copy of the resource management plan was prepared and sent out for public review during a defined comment period, along with an intensive internal review process. Numerous comments were received and considered prior to when the plan was finalized.

As for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, each action and project described in this plan will be subject to a full environmental compliance review when each project is initiated. A further explanation on the compliance policy and process for Golden Spike National Historic Site is outlined in this plan under the heading of “Compliance Policy.”

Congressional Authorization

The establishment of Golden Spike National Historic Site was finally realized following a 20 year effort by local citizens who strongly believed that the spot where the transcontinental railroad was completed on May 10, 1869 had tremendous historical significance. Because of the great significance of this event, it was felt that this site qualified for inclusion as a managed unit of the National Park System.

The original "Spike Site," which consisted of approximately 7 acres around the Promontory town-site, was designated as a National Historic Site on April 2, 1957. This initial designation was a significant achievement in that it recognized the national significance of Golden Spike National Historic Site. However, this initial designation was in non-federal ownership. Thus, this Historic Site existed in name only. It lacked a protected land-base, staffing, and administration by the National Park Service. Subsequently, Public Law 89-102, signed into law July 30, 1965, set aside such lands as necessary "for the purpose of establishing a national historic site commemorating the completion of the first transcontinental railroad across the United States." This law provided for: an authorized boundary, staffing, a development authorization, and oversight and management by the National Park Service.

Park Mission and Purpose

Building on the Congressional intent in establishing Golden Spike National Historic Site, the following Mission Statement was crafted for inclusion in the 1997 Strategic Plan for Golden Spike National Historic Site.

Golden Spike National Historic Site was established to commemorate the construction and completion of the first transcontinental railroad, and its tremendous historical consequences for our nation.

Dedicated to commemorating this historic work, Golden Spike National Historic Site preserves and interprets historic resources and values for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

(The purpose of a mission statement is to capture in a few sentences the fundamental mission for Golden Spike National Historic Site).

Flowing from the above mission statement, the following three purpose statements were identified. They further articulate the legislative intent and the fundamental reasons for the existence of Golden Spike National Historic Site.

To commemorate the completion of the first transcontinental railroad across the United States as a public national memorial.

To preserve the resources, historic sites, and knowledge for public use, enjoyment, education, inspiration, appreciation, and benefit.

To provide and maintain markers, buildings, facilities and other improvements for the care and accommodation of visitors.

(Developed from the July, 1995 Management Assessment Report for Golden Spike National Historic Site)

Building on these statements of purpose, significance statements for Golden Spike National Historic Site have also been developed and refined in the 1997 Comprehensive Interpretive Plan for Golden Spike National Historic Site. This effort produced 18 significance statements that summarize and capture the essence of Golden Spike National Historic Site's importance to our cultural and natural heritage.

Park and Area Description

Golden Spike National Historic Site has currently has 18 National Park Service employees and has an annual operating budget of $607,000 for Fiscal Year 1999. (The park typically receives an additional $100,000+ annually in project funding for a variety of specific needs). Annual visitation to the Historic Site has ranged from 48,000 to 64,000 in recent years.

Presently, Golden Spike National Historic site extends over 15-1/2 miles of original railroad grades and consists of 2,735.28 acres. Much of this acreage is contained within a 400-foot wide right-of-way obtained from the Southern Pacific Railroad. Of the total acreage, 2,210.73 acres are in Federal ownership, and 524.55 acres still remain in private ownership.

The Historic Site can be divided into three major areas of historical interest: The Summit, the East Slope, and the West Slope.

The Summit. The summit area is the primary focal point in the Historic Site. At Promontory Summit on May 10, 1869, the final spike was driven to complete the nation's first transcontinental railroad. This is the point where the Central Pacific Railroad from Sacramento, California, and the Union Pacific Railroad from Omaha, Nebraska, joined, making cross-country rail travel a reality. However, only traces of these first railroad grades remain in the summit area; subsequent alterations and development have destroyed much of the original in-place evidence of 1869 Promontory.

By May 1, 1869, anticipating the joining of the rails, the summit tent-village of Promontory was born. It subsequently survived as a small railroad-support town until 1942. Archeological investigation in the area has yielded many traces of Promontory's occupation and use.

Some time between 1916 and 1919, the Southern Pacific Railroad erected a monument in the approximate area where the railroads first met. A plaque, added to the monument in 1958, indicates that the area is a National Historic Site. After being moved on two occasions, this monument now stands just east of the visitor center.

The East Slope. Spectacular remains reflecting the building and maintenance of the railroad stretch across the Promontory Range from its eastern base at Blue Creek to the summit. These consist of Union Pacific and Central Pacific parallel grades; parallel rock cuts, including the Union Pacific's "false cut" just west of the Big Trestle/Big Fill area; Union Pacific trestle footings; major Central Pacific earth fills; stone culverts; a number of former-trestle locations; and two wooden trestles; (Trestles 1 and 2). The grades, cuts, fills, and trestle footings represent nearly every variety of the heavy work undertaken by the railroad workers except tunneling. Drill marks are visible in the rock cuts, and borrow pits remain beside the railroad grades. The basal portions of telegraph poles march up the east slope of the Promontories on the historic Union Pacific grade.

Numerous stone foundations and rock walls, leveled tent platforms, remains of pit houses, dugouts and basements, fireplace chimneys, and hearth areas parallel the railroad grades on the east slope of the mountains. These indicate the locations of railroad construction workers camps, workshop areas (such as blacksmithing), and one of the "Hell-on-Wheels" towns associated with the final days of construction (Camp Deadfall).

The West Slope. From the summit area southwest, the parallel grades follow the gently sloping floor of Promontory Summit. This segment of the park includes a 3.2 mile portion of the grade on which the Central Pacific laid its renowned "ten miles of track in one day" and those portions of the Union Pacific grade that were never completed nor used. When the April 1869 order establishing Promontory Summit as the meeting point came, all Union Pacific work to the west stopped. The incomplete rock cuts, partially built fills, uncovered culverts, and unfinished grade provide excellent examples of railroad construction processes, such as the stockpiling and reuse of size-graded stone material for grade foundation and the stair-step type of construction undertaken at the long rock cuts. Drill marks, stone culverts, and wooden box and stave culverts also occur along the west slope.

Like the eastern slope of the mountains, the western slope contains spectacular evidence of construction worker campsites such as pit house remains, lean-to shelters, rock walls, trash pits, and rock chimneys perched against prominent limestone outcrops.

Regional Land Uses and Trends

Golden Spike National Historic Site is located in Box Elder County, Utah, 29 miles west of Corinne, 32 miles west of Brigham City, 50 miles northwest of Ogden, and 85 miles northwest of Salt Lake City. The Historic Site has a gross land area of 2,735.28 acres. Of this, 2,210.73 acres are in Federal Ownership, with 524.55 acres in private ownership.

Paved two-lane State Highways 13 and 83 from Brigham City lead to the area. The area is remote from food and gasoline services. Interstate 15 and State Highway 89 serve Brigham City and other Wasatch Front communities.

The major economic base and stimulus of Box Elder County is the manufacturing at Thiokol Corporation. In addition, a few other large companies such as AutoLiv, Laz-Z-Boy, Vulcraft, Malto-Meal, and Nucor are also significant employers. Notwithstanding, agriculture still is a significant source of income and employment. With regard to farm products sold, Box Elder County ranks second in Utah. The county ranks first in crops and fourth in livestock and poultry products.

The major land uses along the Golden Spike National Historic Site right-of-way are agricultural, consisting of cultivated winter wheat and grazed sagebrush-native grass communities. Some easements and right-of-way special use permits have been granted for access across park lands to the adjacent agriculture lands. Farm practices around the park are, in the main, consistent with the resource management objectives of the Historic Site. However, agricultural practices have historically caused problems with dust and dirt at visitor center facilities and have also contributed to severe erosion and silting problems along the historic railroad grades. These problems have lessened in the past decade as a result of a number of factors: the construction of erosion control devices, the non-occurrence of a major flood event since 1983, the establishment of soil conservation ridges, and the participation of many adjacent land owners in the U.S.D.A Conservation Reserve Program, which is aimed at reducing the amount of lands under cultivation or grazing.

The lands in Golden Spike National Historic Site comprise a very small percentage of all lands in Promontory Summit. The cultural landscape of Golden Spike National Historic Site includes both the lands in and outside the boundaries of the Historic Site in the Summit area. External lands are visible and make up the backdrop of many historic photos. Currently, these surrounding lands are primarily used for agricultural purpose, and there are a few farm structures and houses. While these current uses of adjacent lands is largely compatible with the Historic Site, there is potential for new external developments that might be inconsistent with the historic values and cultural landscape of the Historic Site. Presently, two gravel pits have been located adjacent to the Historic Site. Also, the following private developments have been discussed: an adjacent landowner has discussed establishing a RV camping area, snack shop and gas station; the State of Utah and Davis County officials have considered the siting of a landfill nearby. These proposals for adjacent land uses suggest the beginning of a trend of increased pressure for similar developments in the next few decades.

Some of the major outdoor park and public use areas near Golden Spike National Historic Site serving this region are: the Wasatch-Cache and Sawtooth National Forests, Willard Bay State Park, Locomotive Springs, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, the Salt Lake Bureau of Land Management District, and a number of ski resorts east of Ogden. Visitors to these areas occasionally proceed to Golden Spike National Historic Site. Many visitors stop at Golden Spike National Historic Site while en-route while driving north or south on Interstate Highway 15 or 84. For example, a number of visitors stop at Golden Spike National Historic Site between stops at the southern Utah national parks and Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

For several years, there has been an external effort by a private group called the Golden Spike Heritage Foundation to re-link the Historic Site with a tourist railroad from Ogden to Corinne to Promontory Summit. This effort has reached the point of the preparation of a feasibility study in 1994 and an engineering study in 1998. However, an official proposal has not yet been

submitted to the Historic Site. The impacts of this proposal would have to be assessed during an environmental impact statement process.

Increasing air pollution is projected in Utah, Salt Lake, Davis, and Weber Counties. This pollution comes from a variety of sources, such as one copper and several oil refineries and perhaps primarily from ever-increasing automobile traffic. As a result, visitors to the east and west ends of the park will see less of the vistas afforded from high points in the park overlooking the north arm of the lake. This pollution adds to winter weather inversion problems for the Salt Lake Valley.

Finally, a state-wide planning effort called “Envision Utah” has recently been initiated. It projects growth patterns for the next 20 and 50 years along the Wasatch Front, between Brigham City and Nephi. Early growth projections show population growing from 1.5 million to almost 5 million by the year 2050. This growth will affect housing, transportation, and environmental quality -- as well as create pressure on outlying areas.

Abbreviated History of Resource Management at Golden Spike National Historic Site

Following the driving of the last spike on May 10, 1869, Promontory was a section station and town-site until 1942. During this period, many changes and alterations were made to the historic landscape with subsequent construction, maintenance, upgrading of track and support structures. As a result, several different construction periods are evident during the historic occupation of Promontory. In 1938, the last scheduled train ran across Promontory Summit, and in 1942 the tracks were pulled up for use in the war effort.

Since 1942, and particularly after 1965 when the Historic Site was established, there has been a great deal of work in documenting, managing, and preserving the park’s cultural and natural resources. From the record, it is clear that there were periods when much work was accomplished intertwined with periods of inactivity and neglect. The following summary of major events relating to Resources Management was developed by reviewing past documents, photographs, and by interviewing key personnel whom oversaw resource management work in prior years.

1938/42 The last scheduled train to run through Promontory was in 1938. The rails were taken up in 1942 to provide materials for the war effort.

1942 to 1965 During this period, the main railroad right-of-way was owned by the Southern Pacific Railroad. Beginning in the early 1950’s, the Golden Spike Association was formed and began holding annual re-enactment celebrations of the May 10, 1869 Golden Spike Ceremony. The first president of the Golden Spike Association, Bernice Gibbs Anderson, worked for over 20 years towards the goal of attaining Federal designation of the Historic Site. Golden Spike National Historic Site was initially established in 1957 in a “name-only designation.” The Site remained in private ownership and did not receive any additional protection. During this period, there were no inhabitants at the town-site of Promontory, but some of the buildings remained; there were many outlines of prior structures. The concrete obelisk was the main distinguishing feature, and is fondly remembered by local residents and travelers as “the only thing out there.” During this period, it is known that there was a considerable level of collecting of railroad hardware and artifacts at former habitation sites along the length of the historic railroad grades and former town-sites.

1960 Robert M.Utley prepares a: Special Report on Promontory Summit, Utah (Golden Spike National Historic Site). Also, in 1960, An Area Investigation Report is prepared: Golden Spike National Historic Site, Proposal to Enlarge and Include Within the National Park System.

1964 Robert M. Utley prepares an Interpretive Prospectus for Golden Spike National Historic Site.

1965 to 1969 The Historic Site is established. Most of the early work consisted of purchasing the lands that are now owned in fee simple and providing initial staffing for the Site. The primary work focus was on readying the Site for the 100-year anniversary celebration on May 10, 1969. The visitor center was constructed. The area and resources of Promontory were not considered significant for the May 10, 1869 driving of the last spike event. So much of the area around the visitor center site was bulldozed and re-contoured for the current site developments.

1969 F.A. Ketterson prepares: Historical Base Map, 1869, Golden Spike National Historic Site, Utah (This map was used for the first 1969 reconstruction of track alignments; shortly thereafter, it was determined to not be fully accurate based on on-the-ground evidence and historic photographs).

1969 Golden Spike National Historic Site is designated as a National Civil Engineering Landmark. While this designation plaque is located in the Historic Site, this designation recognizes the significant engineering achievement involved in the construction of entire 1776 miles of the transcontinental railroad between Omaha and Sacramento.

1970 to 1979 During these years, there was a great deal of emphasis on the preservation of cultural resources. Rock culverts were “re-stacked.” A number of wooden culverts, particularly ones to the immediate west of the visitor center, were reconstructed (some partially, some completely). All culverts were maintained free of debris on a regular basis. Much of the historic Southern Pacific grade, on both the east and west side of the Historic Site, was gently bladed for use as an auto tour. A great deal of erosion control work was initiated in the wash about a mile east of the Visitor Center and at the wash adjacent to Trestle 1 and Trestle 2. There was significant concern about the effect of adjacent agricultural land uses, which were thought to contribute to greatly increased levels of erosion and silting of lands in the Historic Site. Resource Management Plans were prepared in 1972 and revised in 1975.

A Historic Structures Report on Railroad Trestles, Golden Spike NHS was Prepared by Historic Architect, Dave Battle.

1973 to 1974 Park Technician, Ellis LeFevre conducts a field study of the Historic Railroad Grade and Related Antiquity and submits memorandum to the Superintendent

1974 to 1978 The General Management Plan was completed with a component Resources Management Plan. An archeological reconnaissance was completed by Adrienne Anderson, and the 1978 Cultural Resources Base Map was prepared. Anderson and Ketterson prepared the document: The Cultural Resources of Golden Spike NHS: Inventory, Evaluation, and Recommendations for Effective Management. In these documents, Ketterson’s 1969 basemap was corrected. The Union Pacific siding was correctly placed, and the Union Pacific Wye was located and documented using aerial photographs and field survey. Also, planning work was completed for the acquisition of the Locomotives Jupiter and No. 119 along with the necessary track and ties.

1979 Locomotives Jupiter and No. 119 built and delivered to the Site. In combination, 1.5 miles of track was installed, correcting the 1969 track alignment reconstruction. The Engine House was built at the apex of the historic Union Pacific Wye.

1976 to 1982 James E. Ayers conducts fieldwork and prepares: Archeological Survey of Golden Spike National Historic Site and Record Search for Promontory, Utah.

1983 Major flood event in Utah. Significant water-ponding and silting occurs in the flats, 1-2 miles west of the Visitor Center.

1984 to 1987 Work is continued on the control of erosion.

A Historic Preservation Plan for Trestles No. 1 and No. 2 is prepared. (subsequently, some recommended preservation and stabilization work is

performed while other recommended preservation and stabilization actions are deferred, pending funding).

A Documentation Survey of the historic culverts is completed.

An updated Resource Management Plan, Cultural Component is approved by Superintendent Denny Davies and subsequently by the Regional Director.

1989 Michael W. Johnson prepares: Promontory Station, An Industrial Outpost in the American West.

1989 Compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is approved for the preservation maintenance of the historic grades.

1990 A Statement of Management is prepared for the Historic Site, an update of earlier versions which were prepared in the 1980’s. These documents identify resource management objectives for the Historic Site.

Official Site Record forms are prepared by Brooke Arkush for cave sites 42B0805 and 43B0806.

1995 The resource management program is re-instituted at Golden Spike National Historic Site with a group effort of park employees and support office specialists. Work focuses on the following:

A Level 1 Cultural Landscape Reconnaissance Inventory is completed in 1995.

Work on the Grade Resources Survey in initiated, towards the preparation of a Historic Structures Report.

Archeological documentation is recorded on 69 archeological features.

Stabilization and repair work is initiated on grade features and historic structures.

1995 to 1997 A Management Assessment is performed at the Historic Site. This document identifies park purpose, significance statements, and short-term management objectives. Many of these objectives include resource management objectives. After many of these objectives were completed by 1997, the management assessment report was closed out. Uncompleted actions were out incorporated into the 1997 Strategic Plan.

1996 Resource management work continues on a number of projects:

The List of Classified Structures for the Historic Site is updated in 1996 to include 33 structures; this list is again updated in 1998 to include 36 structures.

Archeological documentation is recorded on 54 archeological features.

Work continues on the grade resources survey towards the preparation of a Historic Structures Report

Reconstruction of the wood-box extension of Culvert C 685.7 is completed.

Culvert S 685.85 is "rediscovered" and unburied from wash material.

Resource Management work continues on a number of projects:

Work is initiated on the preparation of a new cultural resources base map, using GPS and GIS technology. The preparation of an updated cultural resources base map is integrated with work to prepare a Level 2 Cultural Landscape Inventory. The base map is projected to be completed in 1999.

A three-year project is initiated to resurface the historic railroad grade is initiated. In 1997, a $25,000 project is completed to resurface the east auto tour.

A $75,000 two-year project is begun to accomplish emergency stabilization and repairs of grade features.

Archeological documentation is recorded on 137 archeological features.

Work continues on the grade resources survey towards the preparation of a Historic Structures Report

Reconstruction of Dual Wood Box Culvert S 693.07 is completed.

1997 Following a public meeting and a two-year planning and review process, a Comprehensive Interpretive Plan is prepared and approved for the Historic Site.

1997 Following a public comment period, a 5-year Strategic is prepared and approved for the Historic Site. This plan identifies mission goals and long-term goals for resources management.

Resource Management work continues on a number of projects:

The Cultural Landscape Inventory and Report is funded at $55,000, and work is begun, with completion scheduled for September, 1999.

A two-year $23,000 project is funded to install a security and fire detection system for the park collections.

Work continues on the grade resources survey towards the preparation of a Historic Structures Report

A $50,000 project is completed to resurface the west auto tour.

A regular maintenance and preservation policy for historic structures is approved and implemented. It mandates a resource monitoring program, which includes inspections every six months.

The Fire Management Plan for the Historic Site is approved. It recommends a prescribed burn program to reduce damaging vegetation around park resources such as the historic grades and archeological sites as well as to establish a more natural vegetation regimen.

Archeological documentation is recorded on approximately 80 archeological features.

An electric fence is installed along four miles of Historic Site property along the west auto tour to prevent livestock from trespassing on park lands and damaging resources.

(Projected, in concert with this plan)

Resource Management work is projected to continue on a number of projects:

A $42,000 project is tentatively approved to resurface 2.5 miles of damaged auto-tour grade to the west of the Visitor Center along with the reconstruction of a wood stave culvert S 688.85.

Work will continue on the documentation of grade resources towards the preparation of a Historic Structures Report

The preparation of a new cultural resource base map via GIS is expected to be completed (will include all cultural resources except archeological resources, which will be completed with the Systematic Archeological Inventory and Survey).

The Cultural Landscape Inventory and the Cultural Landscape Report are to be completed by September, 1999.

Implementation of the Fire Management Plan prescribed burn program will be initiated to reduce vegetation levels around park resources such as the historic grades and archeological sites.

A research design will be established for a Systematic Archeological Inventory and Survey. Archeological documentation is planned for approximately 80 additional archeological features.

The resource monitoring program and regular maintenance and preservation program will be continued.

The Compliance Policy for the Historic Site will be updated.

A fire detection system will be installed along with additional security measures to protect museum collections.

7.53 acres of private land, inside the Historic Site boundary, will likely be donated to the park. These lands include sections of the Historic Union Pacific Grade and one historic culvert.

A one-day meeting will be held to begin the process of preparing a Last Spike Site Restoration Plan.

Management Planning

In an effort to comply with the legislative intent of Congress in establishing the area, a General Management Plan for Golden Spike National Historic Site was prepared in 1978. The General Management Plan integrated four planning documents: a statement for management, a statement of resource management goals, a visitor use plan, and a general development plan. As a composite of these four documents, the General Management Plan for Golden Spike continues to serve as the basis for all management activities and programs. All subsequent planning documents, such as this Resource Management Plan, tier from the General Management Plan.

Over the years, a number of “Strategic Planning” documents have been developed (under the umbrella of the 1978 General Management Plan) to establish short-term priorities and management objectives for the Historic Site. Various names have been used for these documents over the years, yet they all have served essentially the same purpose: to establish strategic priorities and management objectives for Historic Site. In the 1970’s, an Annual Management Review document was regularly prepared. Likewise, in the 1980’s, the Historic Site prepared a number of Statement for Management documents.

More recently in 1995, a Management Assessment was held (with significant public input) to further define the purpose and significance for the Historic Site and to establish short-term strategic objectives. The Management Assessment Report was prepared in July, 1995. It was closed out in early 1997 after most of the objectives had been accomplished.

In 1997, the Historic Site prepared (with public input) a five-year Strategic Plan for Golden Spike National Historic Site, as required by the Government Performance and Results Act. This document establishes realistic goals and management objectives for the Historic Site for the next five years in light of current conditions, visitation levels, resource preservation needs, funding levels, staffing, external conditions, and other relevant factors.

This Resource Management Plan has been updated under the umbrella of the 1978 General Management Plan and is fully consistent with the purpose, significance statements, mission goals, and long term goals identified in the 1997 Strategic Plan. This Resource Management Plan goes into far greater detail. It takes the resource management objectives a step further and describes a specific plan of action to prioritize resource management funding requests and to guide the expenditure of the portion of the park base funds devoted to resource management.

PRESENT RESOURCE STATUS

Cultural Resource Baseline Information

Golden Spike National Historic Site, like all National Historic sites, was administratively listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. The National Register of Historic Places registration form for the Historic Site was approved by the Utah State Historic Preservation Office and submitted to the Keeper of the National Register in 1987. Additionally, in 1969, the historic railroad grade was designated as a National Civil Engineering Landmark.

Presently, cultural resources at Golden Spike National Historic can be best organized in the following categories identified in NPS-28, Cultural Resources Management Guidelines. A summary of the cultural resources at the historic in each of these categories follows:

Historic Structures. Beginning in 1995, a comprehensive Grade Resources Study was initiated by Historic Architect A. Sayre Hutchison and Chief Ranger Rick Wilson. This effort is well underway and will ultimately result in the preparation of a historic structures report. In 1996 and again in 1998, the List of Classified Structures for the Historic Site was updated. It presently identifies 36 separate structures. The majority of these structures are historic railroad culverts. Two railroad trestles are listed and also the grades themselves. The Last Spike Site is listed as a composite structure though the white obelisk is listed separately. At least three archeological structures, related to initial construction of the railroad, have significant standing walls and are identified on the List of Classified Structures.

Archeological Resources. The archeological resources at Golden Spike National Historic Site have been identified and documented in three primary work efforts. Between 1974 and 1978, Archeologist Adrienne Anderson completed a reconnaissance level inventory. She identified and mapped 340 separate features. These resources were grouped into 16 sites and were identified on 13-sheet series of maps, entitled Cultural Resources Bases Map (1978). Between 1976 and 1982, James E. Ayers completed a more-detailed inventory of the archeological resources around the town of Promontory. This work led to the 1982 report: Archeological Survey of Golden Spike National Historic Site and Record Search for Promontory, Utah. More recently, between 1995 and 1998, Byron Knudson has been compiling documentation on archeological features (his work has resulted in the discovery of numerous additional features and the reclassification of site boundaries). This effort, which is nearing the halfway point, has resulted in the documentation of 332 features at present.

Cultural Landscape. In 1995, Peggy Nelson completed a Level 1 reconnaissance cultural landscape inventory. This work confirmed the existence of a cultural landscape at Golden Spike National Historic Site. By September, 1999, a cultural landscape inventory and a cultural landscape report will be prepared for the Historic Site.

Museum Objects. The Historic Site has 9,762 objects in its collection. A Scope of Collections Statement for the Historic Site was approved in 1988 and currently needs to be reviewed and updated. A review of the park’s archives was completed, but additional archival survey work and evaluation is needed.

Historic Studies. Currently, the following historic studies have been completed: In 1960, Robert M. Utley prepared, Special Report on Promontory Summit, Utah (Golden Spike National Historic Site). In 1969, F.A. Ketterson prepared, Historical Base Map, 1869, Golden Spike National Historic Site, Utah. In 1989, Michael W. Johnson prepared, Promontory Station, An Industrial Outpost in the American West. In 1996, Elmer Hanover prepared, The Development of Golden Spike National Historic Site: A History of its Creation. While the above-mentioned studies represent some the principal history studies, a number of other studies on the Historic Site have been completed by graduate students and others.

Ethnographic Resources. Golden Spike National Historic Site is in the midst of the area defined as home for the Fremont-Promontory prehistoric culture group. The Paiutes were in the Promontory area when the region was first settled by Anglos. Currently, it is known that four American Indian tribes have some level of association or linkage to the lands now under Historic Site’s jurisdiction. These four tribes include: the Paiute Indian Tribes of Utah Tribal Council, the Shoshone-Bannock (Fort Hall Business Council), the Skull Valley Goshute General Council, and the Uintah & Ouray Tribal Business Committee.

Natural Resource Baseline Information

Golden Spike National Historic Site contains hillsides, mountains, and plains at the summit of the Promontory Range in the northern basin of the Great Salt Lake and is in the Upper Sonoran Life Zone. The Historic Site lies in the northern reaches of the Great Basin Desert, is semiarid, and ranges in elevation from 4,300- to 4,900-feet above sea level.

Much of the National Historic Site is in the summit area of the major pass over the Promontory Range; it lies between the North Promontory and the Promontory Mountains in the northern part of the Great Salt Lake basin. During glacial times the summit was under the water of ancient Lake Bonneville. As a result, old lake terraces form prominent features visible throughout the entire area. Today's surface materials consist of fine-grained lake sediments and alluvial detritus. Subsurface deposits consist primarily of Pennsylvania sandstone, shales and limestones, and Tertiary extrusive materials. Numerous fault lines dating from the latter time run through the Promontory range. Minor earth tremors (2.5 to 4.0 on the Richter Scale) have been reported in the Golden Spike National Historic Site vicinity fairly often since the park was established in 1965.

No springs or travertine deposits occur within the monument although such features are found at Rozel Point, 15 miles to the southwest of Promontory. Also, at Rozel Point is an asphalt seep that was discovered before the first organized oil exploration in the early 1900s.

Today the region is semiarid to arid and is included in the shad scale-kangaroo-rat-sagebrush biome of the northern Great Basin. The major flora found at Golden Spike consists of sagebrush, rabbit brush, broom snakeweed, Indian rice grass, and a variety of other grasses. A few Utah Junipers and one historic box-elder tree grow on park lands. Non-native vegetation includes tumble mustard, cheetgrass, western crested wheat, and other species.

The vegetation in Golden Spike National Historic Site is different from what existed 130 years ago at Promontory Summit. There is a much greater concentration of non-native species and noxious weeds. As a result, the vegetative landscape has changed in the Historic Site as well as on adjacent lands. However, the visual appearance of these vegetative changes do not appear to have significantly altered the cultural landscape.

The Passey Onion (Allium passeyi) is a member of the onion family that has been located on a rocky knoll on the east slope of the park. It is known to occur only in Box Elder County and is a candidate species for future study and possible inclusion on the list of rare plants in the United States. There are no known plant or animal species resident to park lands that are listed as either rare or endangered.

Wildlife is varied and consists of the larger mammals such as the coyote, mule deer, bobcat, badger, and jack rabbit. There are also smaller mammals, reptiles, insects, and numerous species of birds. Large numbers of raptors inhabit this same area and are commonly seen by arriving visitors. Accipiters, falcons, buteos, and golden and bald eagles are particularly common during winter months.

Except for the Blue Creek, which bisects the northeastern end of the park, water is not available in stream or spring from within the park. However, the park receives its water from a well (427 feet deep) at the summit area. Water is scarce in this semiarid region, which accounts for the sparse population in the area. The water scarcity has not affected operation of the park at present visitation levels.

Annual precipitation averages 8 to 12 inches, mostly in the form of snow. Temperatures range from daytime highs of 20 degrees in the winter to an occasional 104 degrees in the summer. July and August are the hot months, while the coldest weather is from late December through February. Winter nights are typically below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and autumn months are generally mild, although they can vary widely from day to day due to jet stream patterns and the fact that the area is desert.

Snow depths vary considerably, but average less than 12 to 14 inches, with occasionally 6 to 8 inches falling per storm. Historical records for Promontory indicate that there was one snowfall of 37 inches sometime in the late 1940s.

Flash floods from occasional severe storms and spring runoff, aggravated by adjacent agriculture land use, cause erosion of historic grades, cuts, fills, and trestles. As a result, the Historic Grade and associated features have been damaged from severe storm events. Yet damage also occurs on a more gradual basis from the natural erosion process. Over the years, deterioration from water erosion has been documented at Trestles Number 1 and 2. Also, water erosion has impacted the east slope of the grade below a concrete box culvert west of these trestles. And the loss of a segment of the Union Pacific grade 1 mile east of the visitor center was a serious preservation problem because of water erosion, but seems to have been alleviated with the installation of water control gabians. Flooding in the area between the visitor center and Kings Pass was a serious problem in 1983. Severe erosion occurred at the location of the burned-out-trestle, but this area has stabilized with the installation of water control gabians.

Thunder storms also concentrate lightning strikes on the Promontory Mountains and salt flats near the west end of the park, creating serious rangeland fire potential. Occasional prolonged windy conditions in this semiarid rangeland hasten the weathering of park facilities and equipment.

Interrelationship Between Cultural and Natural Resources

There is a strong interrelationship between the management of natural and cultural resources. Many resource management activities involve the co-mingling of cultural resources and natural resources. Some examples of the inter-relationships between cultural and natural resources are as follows:

The management of the cultural landscape at Golden Spike National Historic Site involves the cultural imprint on the natural landscape.

A major objective of the fire management program is to re-establish the natural vegetation regimen and to reduce the extent of sagebrush, which did not cover the ground as much in 1869. Sagebrush is known to be responsible for long-term degradation of cultural features. Aerial photographs from 1938 to the present time also indicate changes in vegetation.

The preservation of grade resources is highly related to hydrologic runoff during storm events, effective erosion control, natural deterioration, and vegetation root systems.

Many of the historic photographs show natural landscape features such as hillsides, mountain peaks, and vegetation along with human-built features such as tracks, construction materials, trails, and structures.

The location of archeological sites is highly related to the geologic terrain. It took railroad workers many extra days of labor to build the railroad grade through rocky areas and there was consequently a practical need for workers to live near their work-sites.

Issues and Threats to the Resources

Of primary concern to managing the vast array of resources at Golden Spike National Historic Site is the basic need of time, funding, and staffing to achieve professional standards as identified in NPS management policies. While the Historic Site has made significant strides in the professional implementation of its resource management program during recent years, much more needs to be done. The following discussion of the five major categories of resources identifies some of the major shortcomings.

Historic Structures. As of September, 1998, 17 of the 36 structures on the List of Classified Structures were in either good condition or “stabilized in their present condition.” Thus, 19 historic structures are in need of stabilization or repair. Also, the historic grade and accompanying historic structures are negatively impacted by woody plants growing on or adjacent to them.

Archeological Resources. The archeological resources at Golden Spike National Historic Site are in an "unknown" condition. No condition assessments have been done recently. From a cursory review and assessment, there are stabilization needs at many sites and for many features. Many archeological features are being negatively impacted by woody plants growing on or adjacent to them. Also, it is known that some archeological features have been affected by erosion. And there is some evidence of illegal digging around some archeological features. However, the exact level to which they have changed or deteriorated is unknown. Most archeological features consist of the 1869 worker encampments. The remains of these features consist of stone outlines and depressions. Yet, a portion of these features include stone walls, some of which need stabilization work. The Historic Site needs a complete survey of all archeological resources as well as documentation of all features. Subsequently, these resources need to be monitored on a regular basis.

Cultural Landscape. A 1995 Level I Reconnaissance Survey of Golden Spike National Historic Site determined the existence of a cultural landscape. Currently, a complete cultural landscape inventory and cultural landscape report is being prepared, with completion scheduled for September, 1999. Currently, the Historic Site lacks the information and documentation to manage and preserve this cultural landscape.

Museum Objects. Of the 9,762 objects in the collection at Golden Spike National Historic Site, 7,284 objects have been cataloged while 2,478 have yet to be cataloged. In 1996, the NPS “Checklist for Preservation and Protection of Museum Collections” revealed that Golden Spike National Historic Site meets 79 of the 138 professional standards for managing museum collections (a 57% ratio).

Ethnographic Resources. To date, a limited amount of research has been done to document the ethnographic resources at Golden Spike National Historic Site. Existing research is limited and includes reconnaissance and cursory surveys inside the Historic Site. A few artifacts have been discovered. Outside the Historic Site on nearby lands, some research has been performed, and there have been artifact discoveries. Additional research work is needed to evaluate all existing data and to perform additional research needed for an ethnographic assessment.

Beyond merely striving to complete the regular resource management work in order to fully achieve NPS management policies for the professional management of resources, the Historic Site faces many additional management issues that may threaten or affect the management of resources at Golden Spike National Historic Site. The following issues have been summarized:

Cultural Landscape - Threats. Currently, it is known that Golden Spike National Historic Site has a cultural landscape. Work is underway to prepare a cultural landscape inventory and a cultural landscape report that defines the elements and values that make up the landscape. A long range goal of the Historic Site will be to maintain the 1869 landscape. With increasing population, visitation, and possible changes to external land uses, achieving this goal will likely be challenging. In 1997, for example, a landfill was proposed next to the Historic Site. While this proposal was diffused, there will likely be other proposed developments in the future which could compromise the integrity of the Historic Site’s cultural landscape.

Lack of Cultural Resource Management Staffing. To efficiently and effectively manage the vast cultural resources at the Historic Site, there is an urgent need to have a full-time cultural resource management position on the staff.

Land Acquisition. Currently, the Historic Site does not own all land within its authorized boundary. There are 524.55 acres of land in private ownership that was authorized for inclusion in the Historic Site. This land includes portions of the historic railroad grades and many archeological features. Additionally, there are other adjacent private lands that should logically be included within the Historic Site (for example areas where archeological sites extend outside park boundaries and where the Union Pacific grade meanders outside the 400-foot strip of the historic Central Pacific grade).

Soil Erosion. A considerable investment was made in the 1970’s and 1980’s to prevent soil erosion from damaging and destroying significant sections of the historic railroad grades and accompanying features. While much of this work was successful, a complete assessment of all erosion control devices is needed and some additional erosion control devices will likely be needed.

Proposed Tourist Railroad Operation. Once a proposal is submitted, it will need to be studied in subsequent years. Golden Spike National Historic Site will oversee the consideration of this proposal through the environmental review process along with the evaluation of reasonable alternatives. The extent of the impact of this proposal on cultural resources at Golden Spike National Historic Site is unknown at this time. It is imperative that the necessary cultural resource inventories be completed for there to be full evaluation of how the various alternatives affect cultural resources in the Historic Site.

Identification and Evaluation of Research Source Materials. Extensive collections of source materials relating to the cultural resources at Golden Spike National Historic Site are located in Sacramento, Omaha, Salt Lake City, and at numerous other repositories. While many of these sources have been reviewed in previous decades, there is a need to revisit source collections to evaluate their relevance to the park and to document their significance. In addition, there is a need to identify additional source materials. For example, Mormon Church records may provide further information and documentation about Mormon work crews.

Illegal Artifact Collecting. Over the years, there have been a number of recorded incidents of illegal artifact collecting in the Historic Site. The protection and preservation of cultural resources from such activity is of great concern.

Replica Locomotives. The replica locomotives are a primary element of the cultural landscape of the May 10, 1869 historic scene at the Last Spike Site. While they are replicas, their importance and significance has become legendary in the 20 years they have been operating at the Historic Site. As they become older, they will require a higher level of maintenance, repair, and replacement of parts and components.

Fire Management Program. The May 1, 1998 Wildland Fire Management Plan for the Historic Site needs to be implemented to achieve resource management objectives, namely the removal of woody-plant species that are growing on or near the historic grade and archeological sites. Also, the implementation of the Wildland Fire Management Plan will facilitate additional grassy areas which is more consistent with the vegetation of the 1869 cultural landscape. Finally, implementation of the fire program for the Historic Site will foster the establishment of a more natural vegetation regimen.

Cultural Context/Theme

In 1994, the National Park Service revised its “thematic framework” to respond to a Congressional mandate to ensure that the full diversity of American History and prehistory is expressed in the National Park Service’s identification and interpretation of historic properties. This new framework will guide the National Park Service in many ways, particularly by expanding and enhancing the interpretive programs at sites such as Golden Spike National Historic Site to provide a fuller understanding of our nation’s past

Golden Spike National Historic Site was created to “commemorate the completion of the transcontinental railroad.” Yet the purpose of this Historic Site is related to a much larger array of themes within the National Park Service’s thematic framework. Relative themes include:

Developing the American Economy. The completion of the transcontinental railroad led to increased economic expansion and growth

Transportation and Communication. The railroad provided a much faster means of transportation across the country.

Expanding Science and Technology. Building a 1776 mile railroad over mountains and through frontier country was a significant technological and engineering feat.

Transforming the Environment. Following the May 10, 1869 completion of the transcontinental railroad, the western frontier was forever changed.

Changing Role of the United States in the World Community. It was believed that having a railroad across the country would lead to greatly expanded trade with Asia.

Shaping the Political Landscape. Determining the route of the transcontinental railroad and keeping California in the Union had major political implications.

RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Resource Management Plan Goals

The 1997 Strategic Plan for Golden Spike National Historic Site identified two mission goals.

These two goals highlight the importance of Resources Management as a fundamental management objective for the Historic Site, and these goals will serve as the main goals of this Resource Management Plan:

Mission Goal 1a: Cultural and natural resources and associated values are protected, restored, and maintained in good condition and managed within their broader ecosystem and cultural context.

Mission Goal 1b: Golden Spike National Historic Site contributes to knowledge about cultural and natural resources and associated values; Management decisions about resources and visitors are based on adequate scholarly and scientific information.

The above goals were identified in the Strategic Plan for Golden Spike National Historic Site for accomplishment within five years, by 2002. Per this Resource Management Plan, these goals will be carried forward for an indefinite period as the broad overall goals for resource management at Golden Spike National Historic Site.

Overview of Current Program and Needs

Flowing from the two broad mission goals for resource management identified above, the current resource management program and needs for Golden Spike National Historic Site has been developed. Program actions are identified in the following two lists. The first list includes base-funded resource management actions. These actions will be carried out with existing staffing and funding that the Historic Site receives each year, or involve actions that will be performed by National Park Service Support Office personnel. The second list of resource management program actions includes activities that require additional project funding. (Some items will require a combination of park base funding along with project funding. They have been placed on the list where the majority of funding will be derived from at the outset of the project).

These lists of resource management program actions have been broadly prioritized. The Historic Site intends to address all of these items over the next three to five years. However, it is recognized that this Resource Management Plan is long range in scope and that work on many of

these resource management goals will involve a longer time frame for completion as well as ongoing preservation management work, research, and monitoring.

Resource Management Program Actions (to be accomplished or initiated primarily with park base funding)

Security and Protection of Resources - The Historic Site maintains security and protection functions sufficient to preserve and protect park resources for the benefit of future generations. Security includes effective locking systems, intrusion alarms, signage, and regular patrols from protection personnel to prevent illegal artifact collecting.

Historic Structures Preservation. As of September, 1998, the Historic Site has 17 of its 36 structures on the List of Classified Structures in either a “good” or “stable” condition. There is a need to make repairs and to stabilize the remaining 19 features. A historic structures report needs to be prepared to guide the management, preservation, monitoring, and maintenance of all historic structures.

Implement Regular Monitoring and Maintenance Program. In 1998, an annual maintenance of grade resources policy was issued. This policy needs to be implemented, with all features being regularly assessed and documented. The monitoring program covers the historic railroad grades and all associated features, archeological sites, museum collections, cultural landscape values, vegetation, and erosion control structures. This program would identify changes in condition, assess conservation needs, and evaluate changes.

Maintain Replica Locomotives. The replica locomotives are a primary element of the cultural landscape of the May 10, 1869 historic scene at the Last Spike Site. Because of their advancing age, they now require a higher level of maintenance, repair, and replacement of parts and components.

Implement Prescribed Fire Program. In 1998, the Historic Site completed a fire management plan, which recommends a regular prescribed burn program. Implementation of this plan is now needed to achieve an important resource management objective: namely the removal of woody-plant species that are growing on or near the historic grade and archeological sites. Also, the implementation of the Wildland Fire Management Plan will facilitate additional grassy areas which is more consistent with the vegetation of the 1869 cultural landscape. Finally, implementation of the fire program for the Historic Site will foster the establishment of a more natural vegetation regimen.

Improve Archives Management - The Historic Site needs to define the scope of its archive collection and ensure that all documents and materials in this collection are maintained, secured, and preserved in accordance with National Park Service standards.

Cultural Landscape - Restoration of the Last Spike Site Historic Scene. At the Last Spike Site, the existing scene needs further restoration to better mirror the condition of the landscape on May 10, 1869. Specifically, there is a need for the erection of tent structures and the addition of wagons, ties, rail, barrels, and related railroad construction debris based upon historic documentation. Ultimately, the restoration of the historic scene will include a few representative pieces of rolling stock. This project will commence with a detailed planning effort to determine specific restoration objectives.

Prevention of Soil Erosion Damage to Historic Structures. A considerable investment was made in the 1970’s and 1980’s to stop further soil erosion that had already damaged and destroyed significant sections of the historic grade and accompanying features. While much of this work was successful in reducing soil erosion and damage to historic structures, a full assessment needs to be made of all erosion control structures and related wash areas to ensure that all historic structures are protected from erosion in the future. Additional erosion control measures will likely be needed in some areas of the Historic Site. Existing drainage devices (both historic and non-historic culverts and drainage structures) need to be maintained and functioning properly. A regular monitoring program needs to be established to regularly check the effectiveness of erosion control efforts.

Continued Interpretation Program Relative to Cultural Resources Management Activities - The Historic Site continues to implement a broad interpretive program to provide public understanding and appreciation of the significance of the completion of the transcontinental railroad. This program should communicate the National Park Service’s resource preservation mission and specifically the importance of preserving the historic landscape, historic structures, archeological resources, and museum collection items at Golden Spike National Historic Site.

Cultural Landscape – All Park Lands. The cultural landscape documentation and evaluation at Golden Spike National Historic Site is projected to be completed by September, 1999. Subsequently, the Historic Site needs to manage, maintain, and preserve the historic cultural landscape at Golden Spike National Historic Site in good condition in accordance with the report’s management recommendations.

Vegetation Management. Currently, an undetermined portion of park lands are currently affected by exotic vegetation and noxious weeds. The Historic Site needs to inventory vegetation on park lands and take steps to bring about the right mix of desired native vegetation in concert with the cultural landscape. To the extent feasible and consistent with NPS policies, this work needs to be done in coordination with adjacent landowners and Box Elder County Weed Abatement officials.

Pursue partnerships and fundraising opportunities. For all of the objectives listed above, the Historic Site should pursue creative non-government funding sources as well as partnership opportunities to implement the above objectives. The Historic Site should pursue opportunities for grants, internships, cooperation with nearby universities, etc. to achieve resource management objectives.

Develop Land Acquisition Strategy. The Historic Site needs to identify strategies and update its Land Protection Plan to add historically significant lands to the Historic Site, particularly lands in the authorized boundary that have yet to be acquired. The Historic Site should consider acquiring several portions of the Union Pacific grade which run parallel to the 15.5 miles of Central Pacific grade but are presently not owned by the park. Other land acquisition priorities would include adjacent lands where significant archeological sites extend outside the existing ownership line, and lands needed to protect the cultural landscape values of the Historic Site. Much of the lands that the Historic Site would be interested in acquiring are in the existing authorized boundary. However, a boundary adjustment would be necessary for some parcels. (It should be noted that land acquisition is a long-term goal that would require: funding, willing sellers, and in some instances a Congressional boundary adjustment). A strategy document would begin the process of work on acquiring additional lands for the Historic Site.

Resource Management Staffing. Currently, the Historic Site manages its cultural resources as a team; the park is supported by a variety of support office specialists, and much work is performed by various positions at the Historic Site. To more efficiently and effectively manage the vast cultural resources at he Historic Site in conformance with National Park Service policies, there is an urgent need to have a full-time employee dedicated to resources management.

Identification and Evaluation of Research Source Materials. Throughout the country, there are a number of research collections that relate to the building and completion of the transcontinental railroad. Information from these collections is needed to better understand, interpret, and manage resources at Golden Spike National Historic Site. While many of these collections have been intermittently reviewed in previous decades, there is a need to revisit each source collections to evaluate and document their holdings.

Determination of Threatened and Endangered Species. The Historic Site needs to determine the existence of threatened and endangered species. Additional research and coordination with the Fish and Wildlife Service is needed to accomplish this objective.

Coordination with Box Elder County General Plan. This plan contains numerous references to preserving historic sites, cultural landscape values, and sensitive lands. The Historic Site should coordinate and promote its resource preservation mission in a cooperative manner with Box Elder County.

Resource Management Program Actions (to be accomplished primarily with project funding)

Archeological Survey and Documentation. A partial archeological survey of Golden Spike National Historic Site was performed between 1974 and 1978, and a more detailed survey was performed at the Last Spike Site between 1976 and 1982. Since 1995, 332 archeological features have been documented by Byron Knudsen (which represents about 50% of all known features). Presently, there is a need to finish the archeological survey of the entire Historic Site and to complete documentation of all features. Archeological resources are to be monitored on a regular basis, with a systematic program of condition assessments. Sites are to be maintained in “good” condition or stabilized in their present condition. Subsequently, there will likely be a need to conduct a number of test excavations to expand the resource inventory and knowledge of key sites.

Museum Collections Management. The Historic Site needs to catalog 2,478 museum objects. Also, the Historic Site needs to work towards correcting all deficiencies for the professional management of the collection, as were identified in the 80-1 museum checklist of professional standards that was performed in 1996. The Historic Site needs to implement a regular monitoring program that would include an annual inventory of the museum collection and submission of the annual collection management report. The 1988 Statement for Collections needs to be reviewed and revised.

Ethnographic Resources Research. The Historic Site needs the basic research to identify and define Ethnographic Resources and fully understand the prior use and occupation of Historic Site lands by various culturally affiliated groups. Specifically, an ethnographic overview and assessment is needed.

Historic Studies. The Historic Site should encourage and facilitate the preparation of additional historic studies, resulting in regular publications, technical reports, and other research products. In particular, the preparation of a park Administrative History is needed.

Update of National Register Nomination. The existing 1987 nomination for Golden Spike National Historic Site needs to be corrected and updated with additional documentation and supporting material, including the completed Cultural Landscape Inventory and the Cultural Landscape Report for the Historic Site. This update should be prepared in coordination with the Bureau of Land Management and submitted jointly to include nationally significant resources on lands managed by both agencies.

Proposed Tourist Railroad Operation – Evaluation of Proposal. Once a proposal is submitted, it will need to be studied in subsequent years. Golden Spike National Historic Site will oversee the consideration of this proposal through the environmental review process along with the evaluation of reasonable alternatives. Through this process, the best decision will ultimately be reached. It is imperative that the necessary cultural resource inventories be completed for there to be full evaluation of how the various alternatives affect cultural resources in the Historic Site.

Compliance Policy

For each project or action item identified in this Resource Management Plan, the Historic Site will ensure full compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Section 106 of the

Historic Preservation Act. NEPA and Section 106 compliance on projects in the Resource Management Plan will be completed as each project is undertaken. The recommended compliance action is described in the project statement, or an explanation is provided for the appropriate categorical exclusion.

To ensure that compliance is performed in concert with National Park Service policies, the Historic Site will prepare a “Compliance Policy.” This policy will be approved by the superintendent and included in the book of standard operating policies for the Historic Site. Among other things, this process will include, as necessary and appropriate, the preparation of: environmental assessments, assessment of effect forms per the NPS Programmatic Agreement, and environmental screening forms. This process will detail specifically how NEPA and Section 106 Compliance will be achieved and will document a satisfactory internal review process.

Personnel

The Cultural Resources Management Program at Golden Spike National Historic Site is managed by a team effort of park and support office employees. Overall the Superintendent and Chief Ranger coordinate program management. Much of the work involved in the maintenance, monitoring, repair, rehabilitation of cultural resources is performed by facility management employees. The park staff relies heavily on the assistance and advice of cultural resource management specialists in the support offices.

Listed below is a summary of the time that existing staff contribute towards the management, monitoring, repair, stabilization, and planning of resources management at Golden Spike National Historic Site.

Park Base Funded Positions

GS-025-13 Superintendent Approximately 30% of his time is dedicated to resources management. Responsible for overall program planning and implementation.

GS-025-11 Chief Ranger Approximately 60% of his time is dedicated to resources management. Responsible for resource inventory, surveying, monitoring, documentation, interpretation, repair coordination, preservation maintenance, and protection.

GS-025-09 Park Ranger Approximately 60% of his time is dedicated to resources management. Responsible for resource protection and interpretation.

WS-5803-09 Facility Manager Approximately 40% of his time is dedicated to resources management. Responsible for resource monitoring, documentation, repair coordination, and preservation maintenance.

WG-4749-08 Maintenance Worker Approximately 30% of his time is dedicated to resources management. Responsible for resource stabilization, repair work, and preservation maintenance.

WG-4749-07 Maintenance Worker Approximately 30% of his time is dedicated to resources management. Responsible for resource stabilization, repair work, and preservation maintenance.

(Other park positions will also provide project-focused support)

Support Office Base Funded Positions

GS-808-12 Historical Architect Approximately 10% of his time is dedicated to resources management. Responsible for advising the park on resource inventory, surveying, monitoring, documentation, interpretation, repair coordination, preservation maintenance, and protection.

GS-193-13 Archeologist Approximately 10% of her time is dedicated to resources management. Responsible for advising the park on resource inventory, surveying, monitoring, documentation, interpretation, repair coordination, preservation maintenance, and protection.

Other support office positions will assist on more of a project basis in the areas of GIS mapping, museum management, historic studies, ethnography, environmental compliance, etc.