GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS An Administrative History

CHAPTER VI: PLANNING FOR THE PARK--THE 1970S (continued)

Statement for Management

In 1970, Neal Guse, Superintendent of Carlsbad Caverns, wrote the first Statement for Management for Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Guse defined the primary purpose of the park to be the preservation of geologic, scenic, and other natural values. Visitor use would be directed primarily to educational and inspirational experiences, while outdoor recreation values would be subordinate. Guse recognized the fragility of the Bowl and McKittrick Canyon. However, he also noted the importance of the view from Pine Top Mountain, a view that would enable visitors to understand the relationship of the park to its setting and, therefore, should be available to all. Development of the highly visible areas around Frijole and Pine Springs would need much care. Guse suggested that because the park contained no pre-existing tourist facilities planners had an unusual opportunity to develop facilities that would be most in line with the wilderness values of the park. [35]

Donald Dayton, the first Superintendent after establishment of the park, updated the Statement for Management during 1976, providing more information about the current situation in the park. Changes since the 1970 statement included the pending designation of 46,850 acres of the park as wilderness; acquisition of the right-of-way and scenic easements for an access road on the west side of the park; condemnation of the Glover property and Bertha Glover's continuing right to life-occupancy; the recommendation of areas in North McKittrick, South McKittrick, and Devil's Den canyons as research natural areas; and the adoption of a memorandum of understanding between the Park Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requiring cooperation between the two agencies in wildlife management. [36]

Dayton's Statement for Management noted influences that had an impact on the park. Among the influences outside the park, he included hunting and predator control, especially control of mountain lions. Influences within the park included steady increases in visitation, with backcountry use being up 31 percent in 1975. Heavy backcountry use dictated the need for trail planning, with special consideration given to flash flooding during the summer, extreme wind conditions, and water sources. [37]

Dayton expanded the management objectives for the park. In addition to preserving the resources of the park and providing an educational and interesting experience for the visitor, he wanted to encourage continued research and to provide for development and maintenance of facilities. He also saw the need to promote harmonious interaction with neighboring landowners, federal and state agencies, and regional community organizations. [38]

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