NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Sonoran Desert National Park, Arizona: A Proposal

Background and Purpose of Study

Because of its outstanding scientific, scenic, and recreational values, there is strong sentiment among conservationists in Arizona and throughout the country to achieve certain goals for Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. There is general agreement that (1) the Monument should be enlarged to include important features of the Sonoran Desert not now included in the existing area; (2) grazing and mining activities are not compatible with objectives to preserve the biological values of the desert and should be eliminated; (3) the present name is misleading and should be changed to one that is more descriptive of the area; and (4) the area should be raised to the status of a National Park.

Indicative of this interest is the fact that the Advisory Board on National Parks, Historic Sites, Buildings, and Monuments, at its 46th meeting, April 30-May 3, 1962, urged the Secretary of the Interior to take positive steps to prevent further damage to the Monument from mining activities.

Preliminary analysis of the mining problem indicated the need for a much broader study covering also the equally serious grazing problem and a complete reevaluation of the purpose and mission of the Monument. This report is a result of this broader study.

Acknowledgments

The report is based upon investigations made by National Park Service staff members of the Southwest Regional Office and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and by Mr. Weldon F. Heald, Departmental Consultant and well-known conservationist of Tucson, Arizona, who wrote the major portion of the report. Mr. Norman Simmons, Assistant Manager of the Cabeza Prieta Game Range for the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, provided much valuable information and served as guide through out the Range.

Several scientists at the University of Arizona, Tucson generously contributed data and judgments: Dr. Charles H. Lowe, Jr. served as a consultant on many of the complex biological and ecological aspects of the report. Dr. James R. Hastings, Dr. Paul S. Martin, Dr. Terah L. Smiley, Dr. John L. Harshbarger, and Dr. Richard S. Felger provided valuable background information. Dr. Robert T. Burgess, North Dakota State University, prepared a special analysis relating to his recent studies of saguaro reproduction at Tonto National Monument.

None of these scientists has had an opportunity to review the manner in which the information they have provided has been used. The assistance of these and other cooperating individuals has contributed substantially to the efforts of the Service in preparation of this report, and is greatly appreciated.