+--------+---------------------+-----------+--------------------------+
| ![     | **National Park     |           | Flagstaff Area National  |
| ](medi | Service**           |           | Monuments                |
| a/imag |                     |           |                          |
| e1.png | ## U.S. Departm     |           | 6400 North Highway 89    |
| ){widt | ent of the Interior |           |                          |
| h="0.7 |                     |           | Flagstaff, AZ 86004      |
| 770833 |                     |           |                          |
| 333333 |                     |           | 928-526-1157 phone       |
| 333in" |                     |           |                          |
| h      |                     |           | 928-526-4259 fax         |
| eight= |                     |           |                          |
| "0.993 |                     |           |                          |
| 75in"} |                     |           |                          |
+--------+---------------------+-----------+--------------------------+

**Flagstaff Area National Monuments**

News Release

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** -- **April 4, 2008**

#### Charles Strickfaden, (928) 526-1157 (x228)

####  

**Multi-ton Boulders Still Block Walnut Canyon Island Trail**

**FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA** -- Two separate rock falls damaged the main trail
at Walnut Canyon National Monument last December, 2007, depositing a
49-ton boulder, several other large rocks, and 100 additional tons of
debris on the popular Island Trail. The slide demolished concrete
stairs, handrails, and a bench. The trail was immediately closed to the
public, and park staff began assessing the cleanup process (which seemed
physically imposing, but straightforward). However, the project has
proved more complicated than it first appeared, and the trail will
remain closed through at least September, 2008.

An interdisciplinary team of park employees was charged with project
planning, given a number of constraints:

1\) For several weeks, heavy snow covered details of the damage and
perpetuated the wet soil conditions that triggered the rock falls. Crews
were unable to work in the area safely or evaluate natural or
archeological features below the rock falls until the ground dried.

2\) Movement of the largest boulder left an exposed cut slope and
archeological site that required monitoring and protection from erosion.
These concerns and the steep canyon terrain prevented construction of a
detour trail.

3\) The truck-sized boulders are too big to move by hand. Breaking them
into smaller pieces requires blasting and/or extensive handwork by staff
required to work precariously on the canyon's edge.

4\) Several options for disposal of the larger boulders and tons of
debris are being finalized as part of an interdisciplinary plan to
ensure that debris deposited into the canyon does not impact wildlife or
cultural resources. Removal by wheelbarrow will require traversing
hundreds of steps and a 150 foot elevation gain and transport through
the visitor center.

5\) The trail is an historic asset, constructed initially by the
Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's.

6\) Disruption of archaeological sites and nesting habitat of the
Mexican spotted owl have also been considered, to limit noise and other
disruptions during the spring and summer months.

A plan for trail repair is being developed, with expert assistance from
Grand Canyon National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area,
Northern Arizona University, and American Conservation Experience work
crews. As work proceeds in the coming months, we will encourage visitors
to appreciate both the human effort and the natural forces at work in
the canyon. All other areas of the park- including the visitor center,
Rim Trail, and the picnic area- remain open to the public.

-NPS-

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