CHAPTER 1:

INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR THE PLAN 

INTRODUCTION 

This Draft General Management Plan / Environmental Impact Statement articulates the 

management philosophy and establishes the 

framework for long-term decision making at 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It is 

intended to guide the actions of the National 

Park Service (NPS) with regard to the park 

for a 15- to 20-year period. 

Key regulations and guidance documents 

that were used in preparing this plan and 

environmental impact statement included 

the following: 

• “Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act” (Council on Environmental Quality 1978) 

• Director’s Order #12 and Handbook: 

Conservation Planning, Environmental 

Impact Analysis, and Decision Making

(NPS 2001a) 

• Management Policies 2006 (NPS 2006b) 

• Program Standards for Park Planning

(NPS 2004) 

• Director’s Order #41: Wilderness Preservation and Management (NPS 1999b) 

This plan and environmental impact statement present and analyze four alternatives 

for the future management and use of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. One of the 

alternatives has been identified as the NPS’ 

preferred alternative. In accordance with 

regulations and policies, the potential environmental impacts of all alternatives have 

been identified and assessed and have been 

documented in this plan. 

BRIEF HISTORY AND 

DESCRIPTION OF THE PARK 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park was 

authorized by an act of Congress (Public 

Law 89-667) in 1966. The stated goal was to 

preserve “an area possessing outstanding 

geological values together with scenic and 

other natural values of great significance.” A 

copy of this act and other legislation relating 

to Guadalupe Mountains National Park is 

provided in appendix A. The park, with 

76,293 acres, was formally established in 

1972. 

In 1978, 46,850 acres of the park’s backcountry were formally designated by Congress as 

wilderness. This action was authorized by 

Public Law 95-625, the National Parks and 

Recreation Act of 1978. 

On October 28, 1988, Congress passed legislation (Public Law 100-541, 102 Stat. 2720) 

that enlarged the park by 10,123 acres. The 

new land included gypsum and quartzose 

dunes in an area west of and adjacent to the 

park boundary. Land acquisition was completed in conformance with the park’s Land 

Protection Plan (NPS 1992). 

All of the land identified in the 1988 legislation was deeded to the National Park Service 

except 226 acres owned by The Nature Conservancy. The current status and future plans 

for The Nature Conservancy lands are described later in this chapter under the heading “Relationship of Other Planning Efforts 

to This General Management Plan.” 

Today, Guadalupe Mountains National Park 

includes 86,416 acres in west Texas, just 

south of the New Mexico border and north 

of U.S. Highway 62/180. Highway 62/180 is a 

major tourist thoroughfare and scenic corridor that passes through the southeast corner 

3 
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

of the park. As shown on the Guadalupe 

Mountains National Park Region map, the 

park is about 110 miles east of El Paso and 55 

miles southwest of Carlsbad, New Mexico. 

The nearest lodging, food, and gasoline are 

available at Whites City, New Mexico, about 

35 miles northeast of the park on U.S. Highway 62/180. 

The Guadalupe Mountains National Park 

map shows park features. The park’s main 

visitor center is at Pine Springs, shown on 

the Park Existing Conditions map. Camping 

is permitted year-round at Pine Springs and 

Dog Canyon, plus there are 10 backcountry 

campgrounds (no water). Developed picnic 

areas are available at Pine Springs, Dog Canyon, McKittrick Canyon, and Frijole Ranch. 

More than 82 miles of hiking trails range 

from easy to difficult and offer a wide range 

of opportunities for exploring. 

The Guadalupe Mountains rise more than 

3,000 feet from the arid Chihuahuan Desert 

that surrounds them. El Capitan, the park’s 

most striking feature, is a 1,000-foot-high 

limestone cliff. Nearby Guadalupe Peak, at 

8,749 feet above sea level, is the highest point 

in Texas. 

The Guadalupe Mountains are part of a 400-

mile-long, horseshoe-shaped, fossilized reef 

formation, called the Capitan Reef, that extends through a large area of west Texas and 

southeastern New Mexico. Most of the reef 

formation is buried. The longest exposed 

stretch of the Capitan Reef extends from 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park northeast nearly to the city of Carlsbad, New 

Mexico. This 250-million-year-old formation is one of the world's finest examples of 

an ancient marine fossil reef. The reef’s fossil-bearing strata are also associated with the 

rich “oil patch” of west Texas. 

Three internationally significant geological 

stratotype sections are found in the park. 

Stratotypes are outstanding examples of exposed rock that represent a certain period of 

geologic time. Information on the stratotypes is provided in the “Geologic Resources” section in Chapter 3: Affected Environment. 

The Guadalupe Mountains have a cultural 

history that includes native peoples and successive waves of explorers, travelers, and 

immigrants. Although Spanish explorers 

passed through the area in 1692, the arid desert and remote highlands of the Guadalupe 

Mountains were the domain of native Mescalero Apache people until the mid-1800s. 

Gradually, explorers and pioneers entered 

the area and navigated by the distinctive 

landmark of the Guadalupes. The Butterfield 

Stagecoach began carrying mail and passengers through the Guadalupe Mountains on 

the nation’s first transcontinental mail route 

in 1858. 

Settlers developed ranches around the Guadalupe Mountains in the mid-1800s, leading 

to periodic conflicts with the Mescaleros. 

During the Army’s military campaign against 

the Mescaleros, the high country of the 

Guadalupe Mountains became one of the 

Mescaleros’ last sanctuaries. By 1880, the 

majority of the Mescaleros were no longer 

occupying the Guadalupe Mountains region. 

Subsequent years brought more ranchers to 

the area. In the 1920s and 1930s, J.C. Hunter 

consolidated the ranches into one large 

holding. Hunter built structures and an extensive livestock-watering system that 

pumped spring water from the southeast 

lowlands to the high country. 

Wallace Pratt, a petroleum geologist who 

was charmed by the Guadalupe Mountains, 

bought land in McKittrick Canyon in the 

1930s and built two residences that still remain. In 1959, Pratt donated his land to the 

National Park Service. Adjacent lands 

owned by Hunter and others were eventually purchased and combined into the new 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park. 

4 
Dell City 

Carlsbad 

Odes

Van Horn 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park 

Carlsbad Caverns National Park 

White Sands National Monument 

54 

Ft. Davis 

Salt Flat 

Pecos 

Mona

Orla 

Whites City 

EL PASO 

652 

Hobbs 

Guadalupe MountainsNational Park RegionGuadalupe Mountains National ParkUnited States Department of the Interior / National Park Service166 • 20,048A • DSC • Oct. 2007

90 

62 

180 

285 

285 

54 70 82 

10 

10 

25 

118 

118 

MEXICO 

NEW MEXICO 

Lincoln National Forest 

Rio Grande River Fort Stockt

285 

18 

18 

Pecos River

North 0 25 50 Miles 

10 10 

20 

137 

111

Sierra Blanca 

Big Bend National Park 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park Lincoln National Forest Other national parks 

Queen 

5

GUADALUPE 

MOUNTAINS 

NATIONAL PARK 

NEW MEXICO 

TEXAS 

Park Existing ConGuadalupe Mountains NatiUnited States Department of the Inte166 • 20,047A • DSC • Oct 2007

62 

180 

Butterfield

Stage

Route

 L I N C O L N 

N A T I O N A L F O R E S T 

El Capitan 

ToVan Horn

Dog Canyon 

Frijole Ranch 

Guadalupe Canyon

D E L A W A R E M O U N T A I N S

P A T T E R S O N H I L L S

Upper Dog Canyon

South McKittrick Canyon

THE

BOWL

Nickel Creek 

McKittrick Canyon

Hiking trail Unpaved roadHorse and hiking trail Unpaved road (four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicles only) Designated wilderness area 

West Dog Canyon

Guadalupe 

Peak 

Pine Springs 

Dog Canyon 

Upper Dog Canyon

Glover Canyon

West Dog Canyon

Pine

Spring

Canyon

North 

Williams Ranch 

62 

180 

McKittrick Can

S

A

L

T

B

A

S I N State Highway rest stops

Ranger stationPicnic areaCampgroundBackcountry campground

Scenic route

Visitor Center and Park Headquarters 

Gate (Get gate keys at visitor center) 

To

Dell City/ El Paso

To Carlsbad

137 

SALT 

BASIN 

DUNES 

Ship on the Desert

PX Well 

180 

62 

180 

62 54 

7

Purpose of and Need for the Plan 

PURPOSE OF THE PLAN 

The approved general management plan will 

be the basic document for managing Guadalupe Mountains National Park for the next 

15 to 20 years. The purposes of this general 

management plan are as follows: 

• Confirm the purpose, significance, and 

special mandates of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. 

• Clearly define resource conditions and 

visitor uses and experiences to be 

achieved in the park. 

• Provide a framework for park managers 

to use when making decisions about 

what kinds of facilities, if any, to develop 

in or near the park and how to best protect park resources, provide quality visitor uses and experiences, and manage 

visitor use. 

• Ensure that this foundation for decision 

making has been developed in consultation with interested stakeholders and 

adopted by the NPS leadership after an 

adequate analysis of the benefits, impacts, and economic costs of alternative 

courses of action. 

The Organic Act (16 United States Code, Section 1) is the legislation that established the 

National Park Service in 1916. The Organic 

Act provides the fundamental management 

guidance for all units of the national park 

system, including Guadalupe Mountains National Park. All management of this park also 

must conform with the park’s establishing 

legislation and with the other federal laws, 

agency regulations, and policies. This plan 

proposes a set of actions that will help the 

park reach future management conditions 

that are consistent with this body of federal 

and policy requirements, as described in table 1. 

NEED FOR THE PLAN 

The last comprehensive planning effort for 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park was its 

1976 master plan (NPS 1976). Much has 

changed since then. Examples include the 

• evolution of patterns and types of visitor 

use 

• Congressional designation of part of the 

park as wilderness 

• 1988 addition of lands to the national 

park 

Each of these changes has major implications for how visitors access and use Guadalupe Mountains National Park and the facilities needed to support those uses, how resources are managed, and how the National 

Park Service manages its operations. Therefore, a general management plan is needed 

to establish goals for the next 15 or 20 years 

and to broadly define how those goals will 

be achieved. 

This plan also is needed to meet the requirements of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 and NPS policy. Both 

mandate the development of a general management plan for each unit in the national 

park system. 

PLAN REVIEW AND PUBLIC 

COMMENT 

After the distribution of the Draft General 

Management Plan / Environmental Impact 

Statement, there will be a 60-day public review and comment period. After the comment period closes, the NPS planning team 

will evaluate substantive comments from 

other federal agencies, tribes, organizations, 

businesses, and individuals and will incorporate appropriate changes into a Final General 

Management Plan / Environmental Impact 

Statement. The final plan will include letters 

from governmental agencies, any substantive 

comments on the draft document, and NPS 

responses to substantive comments. 

9 
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Table 1: Conditions to Be Achieved at Guadalupe Mountains National Park 

Based on Servicewide Mandates and Policies 

Topic Conditions to Be Achieved at Guadalupe Mountains National Park 

Relations with private 

and public 

organizations, owners 

of adjacent land, and 

governmental 

agencies 

The park is managed as part of a greater ecological, social, economic, and cultural system. 

Good relations are maintained with adjacent landowners, surrounding communities, and 

private and public groups that affect, and are affected by, the park. The park is managed to 

resolve external issues and concerns and to ensure that park values are not compromised. 

Because the park is an integral part of a larger regional environment, the National Park 

Service works cooperatively with others to anticipate, avoid, and resolve potential conflicts, 

protect park resources, and address mutual interests in the quality of life for community 

residents. Regional cooperation involves federal, state, and local agencies, American Indian 

tribes, neighboring landowners, and all other concerned parties. 

Government-togovernment relations 

between American 

Indian Tribes and 

Guadalupe Mountains 

National Park 

The National Park Service and tribes culturally affiliated with the park maintain positive, 

productive, government-to-government relationships. Park managers and staff respect the 

viewpoints and needs of the tribes, continue to promptly address conflicts that occur, and 

consider American Indian values in park management and operation. 

Natural resources: air 

quality 

Air quality in the park meets national ambient air quality standards for criteria pollutants. 

Park air quality is maintained or enhanced with no significant deterioration. 

Nearly unimpaired views of the landscape both within and outside the park are present. 

Scenic views are substantially unimpaired. 

Natural resources: 

backcountry 

Backcountry use is managed in accordance with a backcountry management plan (or other 

plan addressing backcountry uses) that is designed to avoid unacceptable impacts on park 

resources or adverse effects on visitor enjoyment of appropriate recreational experiences. 

The National Park Service seeks to identify acceptable limits of impacts, monitors 

backcountry use levels and resource conditions, and takes prompt corrective action before 

unacceptable impacts occur.` 

Natural resources: 

ecosystem 

management 

The park is managed holistically, as part of a greater ecological, social, economic, and 

cultural system. 

Natural resources: 

exotic species 

The management of populations of exotic plant and animal species, up to and including 

eradication, is undertaken wherever such species threaten park resources or public health 

and when control is prudent and feasible. 

Natural resources: fire 

management 

Park fire management programs are designed to meet resource management objectives 

prescribed for the various areas of the park and to ensure that the safety of firefighters and 

the public are not compromised. 

All wildland fires are effectively managed using the appropriate management strategy, 

including fire use, considering resource values to be protected and firefighter and public 

safety, using the full range of strategic and tactical operations as described in an approved 

fire management plan. 

Natural resources: 

floodplains 

Natural floodplain values are preserved or restored. 

Long-term and short-term environmental effects associated with the occupancy and modification of floodplains are avoided. 

When it is not practicable to locate or relocate development or inappropriate human activities to a site outside the floodplain or where the floodplain will be affected, the National 

Park Service 

• prepares and approves a statement of findings in accordance with Director’s Order 

77-2 

• uses nonstructural measures as much as practicable to reduce hazards to human life 

and property while minimizing impacts on the natural resources of floodplains. 

• ensures that structures and facilities are designed to be consistent with the intent of 

the standards and criteria of the National Flood Insurance Program (44 Code of Federal Regulations 60). 

10 
Purpose of and Need for the Plan 

Table 1: Conditions To Be Achieved At Guadalupe Mountains National Park 

Based On Servicewide Mandates And Policies (Continued) 

TOPIC CONDITIONS TO BE ACHIEVED AT GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Natural resources: 

general natural 

resources / restoration 

Native species populations that have been severely reduced in or extirpated from the park 

are restored where feasible and sustainable. 

Populations of native plant and animal species function in as natural condition as possible 

except where special considerations are warranted. 

Natural resources: 

geologic resources 

The park’s geologic resources are preserved and protected as integral components of the 

park’s natural systems. 

Caves and karst are managed in accordance with approved cave management plans to 

perpetuate the natural systems associated with the caves and karst. 

Natural resources: 

land protection 

Land protection plans are prepared to determine and publicly document what lands or interests in land need to be in public ownership, and what means of protection are available 

to achieve the purposes for which the park was created. 

Natural resources: 

lightscape management and night sky 

Excellent opportunities to see the night sky continue to be available. Artificial light sources 

both within and outside the park do not unacceptably adversely affect opportunities to see 

the night sky. 

Natural resources: 

native vegetation and 

animals 

All native plants and animals in the park are maintained as part of the natural ecosystem. 

Natural resources: 

natural soundscapes 

The National Park Service preserves the natural ambient soundscapes, restores degraded 

soundscapes to the natural ambient condition wherever possible, and protects natural 

soundscapes from degradation resulting from human-caused noise. Disruptions from recreational uses are managed to provide a high-quality visitor experience that is consistent 

with the goal to preserve or restore the natural quiet and natural sounds. 

Natural resources: 

paleontological 

resources 

Paleontological resources, including both organic and mineralized remains in body or trace 

form, are protected, preserved, and managed for public education, interpretation, and scientific research. 

Natural resources: soils 

The National Park Service actively seeks to understand and preserve the soil resources of the 

park, and to prevent, to the extent possible, the unnatural erosion, physical removal, or 

contamination of the soil, or its contamination of other resources. 

Natural soil resources and processes function in as natural a condition as possible, except 

where special considerations are allowable under policy. 

Natural resources: 

threatened and 

endangered species 

Federal and state-listed threatened and endangered species and their habitats are protected 

and sustained. 

Native threatened and endangered species populations that have been severely reduced in 

or extirpated from the park are restored where feasible and sustainable. 

Natural resources: 

water resources 

Surface water and groundwater are protected and water quality meets or exceeds all applicable water quality standards. 

Programs and facilities are maintained and operated to avoid pollution of surface water and 

groundwater. 

Watersheds are managed as complete hydrologic systems. This includes minimizing humancaused disturbance to the natural upland processes that deliver water, sediment, and 

woody debris to streams. Natural fluvial processes are allowed to proceed unimpeded, and 

stream processes that create habitat features are protected. Where stream manipulation is 

unavoidable, maximum use is made of techniques that are visually unobtrusive and that 

protect natural processes. 

11 
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Table 1: Conditions To Be Achieved At Guadalupe Mountains National Park 

Based On Servicewide Mandates And Policies (Continued) 

TOPIC CONDITIONS TO BE ACHIEVED AT GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Natural resources: 

wetlands 

The natural and beneficial values of wetlands are preserved and enhanced. 

A “no net loss of wetlands” policy is implemented, with an associated goal of net gain of 

wetlands through the restoration of previously degraded wetlands. 

The destruction or modification of wetlands is avoided. New construction in wetlands does 

not occur wherever there is a practicable alternative. 

The National Park Service compensates for unavoidable adverse impacts on wetlands by 

restoring wetlands that have been previously degraded. 

Natural resources: 

wilderness 

Wilderness characteristics and values are retained and protected. Visitors continue to find 

opportunities for solitude and primitive, unconfined recreation. Signs of people remain 

substantially unnoticeable. 

Cultural resources: 

archeological 

resources 

Archeological sites are identified and inventoried, and their eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places determined and documented. The qualities that contribute 

to the listing or eligibility for listing are protected in accordance with the Archeology and 

Historic Preservation: Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines (Secretary of the 

Interior 1983) (unless it is determined through a formal process that disturbance or natural 

deterioration is unavoidable). 

Archeological sites are protected in an undisturbed condition unless it is determined 

through formal processes that disturbance or natural deterioration is unavoidable. In such 

cases, the site is mitigated and professionally documented and excavated for data recovery. 

The resulting artifacts, materials, and records are curated and conserved in the park’s museum collections and archives. Concurrence for mitigation is in consultation with the Texas 

state historic preservation officer (and American Indian tribes, if applicable). 

Some archeological sites that can be adequately protected may be interpreted to the visitor. 

Cultural resources: 

historic structures 

Historic structures are inventoried and their integrity and eligibility are evaluated under National Register of Historic Places criteria. The qualities that contribute to the listing or eligibility for listing of historic structures in the National Register of Historic Places are protected 

in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic 

Properties: with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring & Reconstructing Historic Buildings (Secretary of the Interior 1995a) (unless it is determined through a formal 

process that disturbance or natural deterioration is unavoidable). 

Cultural resources: 

ethnographic 

resources 

Appropriate cultural anthropological research is conducted in cooperation with groups associated with the park. 

The National Park Service accommodates access to and ceremonial use of American Indian 

sacred sites by American Indian religious practitioners and avoids adversely affecting the 

physical integrity of sacred sites. 

NPS general regulations on access to and use of natural and cultural resources in the park 

are applied in an informed, balanced manner that is consistent with park purposes, does 

not unreasonably interfere with American Indian use of traditional areas or sacred resources, and does not result in the degradation of park resources. 

American Indians and other individuals and groups linked by ties of kinship or culture to 

ethnically identifiable human remains, sacred objects, objects of cultural patrimony, and 

associated funerary objects are consulted when such items may be disturbed or are encountered on park lands. 

All ethnographic resources listed in the National Register of Historic Places or determined 

eligible for listing are called traditional cultural properties and are protected through tribal 

consultation. If disturbance of such resources is unavoidable, formal consultation with the 

Texas historic preservation officer and the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation, if necessary, and as appropriate with American Indian tribes, is conducted. 

12 
Purpose of and Need for the Plan 

Table 1: Conditions To Be Achieved At Guadalupe Mountains National Park 

Based On Servicewide Mandates And Policies (Continued) 

TOPIC CONDITIONS TO BE ACHIEVED AT GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Cultural resources: 

ethnographic 

resources (continued) 

The April 29, 1994, Presidential memorandum on “Government-to-Government Relations 

with Native American Tribal Governments,” codified at 3 Code of Federal Regulations 1007 

(1995), states in part, “Each executive department and agency shall consult, to the greatest 

extent practicable and to the extent permitted by law, with tribal governments before taking actions that affect federally recognized tribal governments. All such consultations are to 

be open and candid so that all interested parties may evaluate for themselves the potential 

impact of relevant proposals.” Section 5.2.1 of Management Policies 2006 (NPS 2006b) 

states in part that “traditionally associated peoples should be consulted about ... proposed 

NPS actions that may affect the treatment of, use of, and access to cultural and natural 

resources with known or potential cultural meaning for the groups.” 

The identities of community consultants and information about sacred and other culturally 

sensitive places and practices will be kept confidential when research agreements or other 

circumstances warrant. 

Cultural resources: 

cultural landscapes 

Cultural landscape inventories are conducted to identify landscapes potentially eligible for 

listing in the National Register of Historic Places, and to assist in future management decisions for landscapes and associated cultural and natural resources. 

The management of cultural landscapes focuses on preserving the physical attributes, biotic 

systems, and use when that use contributes to their historical significance. 

The preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, or reconstruction of cultural landscapes is undertaken in accordance with The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of 

Historic Properties with Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes (Secretary of 

the Interior 1995b). 

Cultural resources: 

museum collections 

All museum collections (objects, artifacts, specimens, and manuscript collections) are identified and inventoried, catalogued, documented, preserved, and protected. Provision is made 

for access to and use of items in the collections for exhibits, research, and interpretation. 

The qualities that contribute to the significance of collections are protected in accordance 

with established standards. 

Visitor use 

and experience: 

park use requirements 

Park resources are conserved “unimpaired” for the enjoyment of future generations. Visitors have opportunities for types of enjoyment that are uniquely suited and appropriate to 

the superlative natural and cultural resources found in the park. No activities occur that 

would cause derogation of the values and purposes for which the park was established. 

For all zones, districts, or other logical management divisions within the park, the types and 

levels of visitor use are consistent with the desired resource and visitor experience conditions prescribed for those areas. 

Park visitors have opportunities to understand and appreciate the significance of the park 

and its resources, and to develop a personal stewardship ethic. 

To the extent feasible, programs, services, and facilities in the park are accessible to and 

usable by all people, including those with disabilities. 

Visitor use and experience: commercial 

services 

All commercial services are authorized, are necessary and appropriate, and are economically 

feasible. Appropriate planning is done to support commercial services authorization. 

Visitor use and 

experience: 

public health 

and safety 

Within the constraints of the Organic Act to not impair resources, and any other limitations 

on capability, the National Park Service and its concessioners, contractors, and cooperators 

seek to provide a safe and healthful environment for visitors and employees. 

The park staff strives to identify recognizable threats to safety and health and to protect 

property by applying nationally accepted standards. Consistent with mandates and the 

prohibition on impairment, the park staff will reduce or remove known hazards and/or apply appropriate mitigation measures, such as closures, guarding, gating, education, and 

other actions. 

13 
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Table 1: Conditions To Be Achieved At Guadalupe Mountains National Park 

Based On Servicewide Mandates And Policies (Continued) 

TOPIC CONDITIONS TO BE ACHIEVED AT GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

Other topics: 

sustainable design and 

development 

Visitor management facilities are harmonious with park resources, compatible with natural 

processes, aesthetically pleasing, functional, as accessible as possible to all segments of the 

population, energy-efficient, and cost-effective. 

All decisions regarding park operations, facilities management, and development in the 

park, from the initial concept through design and construction through operation and 

maintenance, reflect principles of resource conservation. Thus, all park developments and 

park operations are sustainable to the maximum degree possible and practical. New developments and existing facilities are located, built, and modified according to the Guiding 

Principles of Sustainable Design (NPS 1993) or other similar guidelines. 

Management decision making and activities throughout the park use value analysis, which 

is mandatory for all Department of the Interior bureaus, to help achieve this goal. Value 

planning, also called value analysis, value engineering, and value management, is used 

when value methods are applied on general management and lower-tier planning activities. 

Other topics: 

transportation to and 

within the park 

Visitors have reasonable access to the park. Connections exist from the park to regional 

transportation systems, as appropriate. 

Transportation facilities in the park provide access for the protection, use, and enjoyment of 

park resources. They preserve the integrity of the surroundings, respect ecological processes, protect park resources, and provide high visual quality and a rewarding visitor experience. 

The National Park Service participates in all transportation planning forums that may result 

in links to the parks or impacts on park resources. This may involve working with federal, 

tribal, state, and local agencies on transportation issues to address park access and transportation connectivity. 

Other topics: utilities 

and communication 

facilities 

Park resources or public enjoyment of the park are not denigrated by nonconforming uses. 

Telecommunication structures do not jeopardize the park’s mission and resources. No new 

nonconforming use or rights-of-way are permitted through the park without specific statutory authority and approval by the director of the National Park Service or his representative, and are permitted only if there is no practicable alternative to such use of NPS lands. 

14 
Purpose of and Need for the Plan 

Following distribution of the Final General 

Management Plan / Environmental Impact 

Statement and a 30-day no-action period, a 

record of decision approving a final plan will 

be signed by the NPS regional director. The 

record of decision documents the NPS selection of an alternative for implementation. 

The plan can then be implemented. 

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN 

Full implementation of the approved plan is 

anticipated within the 15- to -20-year life 

span of the plan. Although some aspects of 

the approved plan may begin immediately, 

others, such as new facility development, 

will depend on future funding availability. It 

should be understood that the approval of 

the plan does not guarantee that the funding 

and staff needed for plan implementation 

will be available. 

Additional studies and more detailed implementation planning, design, and environmental compliance frequently are required before proposed actions can be carried out. These steps often involve stakeholder consultation. In addition, specific 

actions may be required to achieve desired 

conditions and long-term goals. For example 

• Construction planning, design, and environmental compliance, including project-specific National Environmental 

Policy Act document preparation, would 

be completed before new facilities were 

developed. 

• Appropriate permits would be obtained 

before implementing actions that would 

impact wetlands. 

• Appropriate federal and state agencies 

would be consulted concerning actions 

that could affect a threatened or endangered species. 

• All actions that could affect historic 

structures or historic ranching elements 

would include consultation with the 

state historic preservation officer. 

• American Indian tribes and the state historic preservation office would be consulted regarding actions that could affect 

prehistoric archeological sites. 

Western Escarpment from Dunes 

15 
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

FOUNDATION FOR PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT 

LEGISLATIVE INTENT 

Public Law 89-667, passed October 15, 1966, 

authorized the establishment of Guadalupe 

Mountains National Park “to preserve in 

public ownership an area in the State of 

Texas possessing outstanding geological values together with scenic and other natural 

values of great significance.” Formal establishment of the park, with a size of 76,293 

acres, occurred on September 30, 1972. 

Congress formally designated 46,850 acres 

of Guadalupe Mountains National Park as 

wilderness in 1978. Based on the Wilderness 

Act of 1964, the intent of this action was to 

create within the park “an area where the 

earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor 

who does not remain.” 

Expansion of the park’s boundary occurred 

on October 28, 1988 (Public Law 100-541, 

102 Stat. 2720) with the addition of 10,123 

acres on the west side of the park. This area 

is scientifically important for its 

• plant associations (possessing a representative segment of Chihuahuan Desert) 

• rare plant species 

• white gypsum and red quartzose dunes 

and associated ancient lakebed 

• archeological resources 

These laws, which are included in appendix 

A, show the legislative intent for the park. 

They are the basis for the purpose, significance, mission statements, and management 

goals identified in this plan. 

PARK PURPOSE 

National park purpose statements reaffirm 

the reasons for which the national park was 

set aside as a unit of the national park system 

and provide the foundation for national park 

management and use. The purposes of Guadalupe Mountains National Park are as follows: 

1. To preserve an area possessing outstanding, globally unique geological features together with scenic, natural, and 

cultural values of great significance. 

2. To manage a designated wilderness area 

where the earth and its community of life 

are untrammeled, and where humans are 

visitors who do not remain. 

3. To provide opportunities for visitors to 

understand, enjoy, appreciate, and experience the unique nature of the park. 

4. To provide educational and research 

opportunities that enhance stewardship 

and wider understanding of resources. 

PARK SIGNIFICANCE 

National park significance statements capture the essence of the national park’s importance to our country’s natural and cultural heritage. Significance statements do not 

inventory national park resources, but instead answer questions such as 

• Why are Guadalupe Mountains National 

Park’s resources distinctive? 

• What do they contribute to our natural 

or cultural heritage? 

Defining a national park’s significance helps 

managers make decisions that preserve the 

resources and values necessary to accomplish that park’s purpose. The significance of 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is as 

follows. 

1. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is 

situated at the western terminus of the 

16 
Foundation for Planning and Management 

world’s most extensive and wellexposed fossil reef, including related 

shelf and basinal rocks, which have 

achieved international designation as the 

world’s best example of Middle Permian 

geology. 

a) A tremendous earth fault on the west 

side of the park attracts major geological interest because it exposes 

numerous classical depositional settings superimposed over a long interval of geologic time. 

b) The western area of the park contains excellent examples of playa depositional systems, including 

evaporite minerals, salt lake shorelines, and areas of aeolian dunes. 

2. Stark contrasts between mountains and 

desert, overwhelming vistas stretching as 

far as the eye can see, brilliant fall colors 

created by the unusually plentiful vegetation, deep rock-ribbed canyons and 

sparkling white dunes contribute to the 

extraordinary scenic beauty of the Guadalupes. 

3. Rugged and windswept, the Guadalupe 

Mountains’ wilderness provides opportunities to experience the unaltered dynamic of life in a remote landscape resplendent in its isolated beauty and inspirational solitude. 

4. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is 

an island within an arid sea where an interface of Chihuahuan Desert, Rocky 

Mountain, and Great Plains flora and 

fauna was isolated by environmental 

changes. It contains relict and endemic 

montane, canyon, and aquatic species in 

a delicate balance created by elements of 

physical geography, latitude, climate, 

and hydrology. 

5. The cultural resources of the Guadalupes reflect the continuous association of 

peoples characterized by spiritual connections and adaptations to a dynamic 

environment. 

PARK MISSION 

The mission for the park is a visionary 

statement that conveys the essence of the 

park qualities to be protected and understood. Fulfillment of this mission reinforces 

a bond between people and their natural and 

cultural heritage. 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park 

is dedicated to the preservation of 

outstanding geological, scenic, cultural, and other natural values, in a 

place of untrammeled wilderness, 

where man does not remain. The 

park is committed to safeguarding 

these resources for the inspiration, 

education, and enjoyment of the 

American public and the world. 

PARK VISION 

The Guadalupe Mountains are globally 

unique geologic resources with a rich history 

of human interaction that will be managed as 

wilderness and adjacent wildlands with opportunities for scientific study, visitor experience and education consistent with resource preservation, ecosystem management, and the park’s rugged character. 

PRIMARY INTERPRETIVE THEMES 

Primary interpretive themes are the most 

important stories, concepts, and ideas about 

the park that will be communicated to the 

public. These themes are intended to be the 

basis of intellectual and emotional connections with park resources that will contribute 

to a more meaningful experience for visitors. 

Geology 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park preserves the heart and western terminus of the 

Capitan Reef, a limestone fossil reef that 

17 
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

contains the world’s best example of Middle 

Permian geological formations. The reef 

formations are highly exposed and, thus, 

have extraordinary scenic and scientific 

value. 

Brachiopods 

Ecological Communities 

Four major ecological communities, including montane forest, desert, southern plains, 

and riparian canyon, overlap here. Diverse 

plants and animals exist largely because of 

physical geography, latitude, climate, and 

hydrologic processes, including relict and 

endemic species isolated by environmental 

change. 

Environmental Protection 

Park environmental communities are inseparable from surrounding areas; the health and 

survival of related natural and human communities are linked in complex and shifting 

relationships. Issues such as air pollution, 

habitat loss, acid rain, and decreasing biodiversity affect and concern park visitors and 

neighbors. Park resource management and 

the park’s interpretation and education programs seek to preserve diverse, sustainable 

communities. 

Cultural History 

The park preserves remnants from thousands of years of human occupation and activities, including American Indian, Spanish, 

African-American, and Anglo-American exploration, settlement, transportation, and 

trade. Scientific research and oral traditions 

document diverse livelihoods, stewardship 

practices, adaptations, and spiritual connections to the environment and offer invaluable perspectives to inform contemporary 

management choices. 

Wilderness 

Much of the park is designated wilderness, 

which is managed to retain its primeval character and natural conditions. This wilderness 

provides a foundation for healthy, diverse 

ecosystems and offers humans opportunities 

for reflection, challenge, research, respite, 

and renewal. 

DESIRED CONDITIONS FOR PARK 

MANAGEMENT 

Management goals for Guadalupe Mountains National Park that will be addressed by 

the general management plan alternatives 

were developed for resource protection, 

visitor experience, and operational effectiveness. These goals are consistent with requirements of the Government Performance 

and Results Act of 1993. 

Preserve Park Resources 

• The ecologic balance and biodiversity of 

the park’s natural resources are protected, restored, and maintained. 

• The park’s cultural resources are preserved, stabilized, and protected. 

18 
Foundation for Planning and Management 

• The nonrenewable geological and paleontological resources are protected, 

conserved, and maintained. 

• The park’s designated wilderness and all 

other identified backcountry lands will 

be managed and maintained as wilderness. 

• Management decisions and interpretation are based on sound research, scientific information, resource databases, 

and best management practices. 

• Scenic vistas from within and outside the 

park boundaries are protected from significant intrusions. 

Provide for Public Understanding and 

Experience of Park Resources 

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park 

visitors will have the opportunity to 

learn the information necessary for a 

safe, enjoyable visit and to gain an understanding and appreciation of the 

park's cultural and natural resources. 

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park 

visitors will have safe and appropriate 

facilities and services, including educational and recreational opportunities, 

that address their needs, regardless of 

the length of stay. 

Ensure Organizational Effectiveness 

• The work environment promotes employee development, productivity, creativity, trust, safety, and well being. The 

park staff works together as an efficient, 

effective team to achieve park goals and 

objectives. 

• Adequate resources, including infrastructure, staffing, and budget are available to adequately operate, maintain, and 

protect the park. 

• Cooperative relationships and partnerships with surrounding local communities, agencies, and organizations support 

mutual goals without compromising the 

integrity of the park’s natural, cultural, 

or scenic resources.

• Park stakeholders, partners, cooperators, and neighbors contribute to the decision-making process that guides effective management of the park’s resources. 

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park is 

an effective, cooperative partner in the 

stewardship of natural and cultural resources beyond the park’s boundaries. 

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES 

The park’s natural and cultural resources 

offer invaluable opportunities for research in 

a variety of disciplines. These include, but 

may not be limited to, geology, paleontology, 

biology, ecology, history, archeology, ethnography, and anthropology. 

SPECIAL MANDATES AND 

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITMENTS 

Special mandates and administrative commitments refer to park-specific requirements. These formal agreements are often 

established concurrently with the creation of 

a unit of the national park system. Guadalupe Mountains National Park does not have 

any special mandates or administrative 

commitments. 

SERVICEWIDE MANDATES AND 

POLICIES 

This section identifies what must be done at 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park to 

comply with federal laws and with the policies of the National Park Service. These are 

the measures that the National Park Service 

must meet, regardless of the alternative selected for the long-term management of the 

park. Examples of servicewide mandates and 

policies include 

• federal legislation, such as the Endangered Species Act, National Historic 

Preservation Act, and Americans with 

Disabilities Act 

19 
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

• executive orders, such as those relating 

to wetlands (No. 11990), Indian sacred 

sites (No. 13007), and environmental 

justice (No. 12898) 

• the policies of the National Park Service 

that are presented in director’s orders 

and related documents and are available 

on the Internet at 

<http://home.nps.gov/applications/npsp

olicy/DOrders.cfm> 

Many of the laws and executive orders that 

guide national park management, with their 

legal citations, are identified in appendix B. 

Most are applicable throughout the nation, 

such as requirements for clean air and clean 

water, protection of resources such as wetlands and migratory birds, and access opportunities for individuals with impaired mobility. 

Some of the laws are applicable solely or 

primarily to units of the national park system. These include the 1916 Organic Act that 

created the National Park Service, the General Authorities Act of 1970, the act of 

March 27, 1978 relating to the management 

of the national park system, and the 1998 

National Parks Omnibus Management Act. 

The NPS Organic Act (16 United States Code

Chapter 1, Subchapter I, Section 1) provides 

the fundamental management direction for 

all units of the national park system. The National Park Service is required to 

promote and regulate the use of the 

Federal areas known as national 

parks, monuments, and reservations...by such means and measure 

as conform to the fundamental purpose of said parks, monuments, and 

reservations, which purpose is to 

conserve the scenery and the natural 

and historic objects and the wild life 

therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner 

and by such means as will leave them 

unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. 

The National Park System General Authorities Act (16 United States Code Chapter 1, 

Subchapter I, Section 1a-1 et sequens) affirms 

that while all national park system units remain “distinct in character,” they are “united 

through their interrelated purposes and resources into one national park system as 

cumulative expressions of a single national 

heritage.” The act makes it clear that the 

NPS Organic Act and other protective mandates apply equally to all units of the system. 

Further, amendments state that NPS management of park units should not result “in 

derogation of the purposes and values for 

which the Park was established.” 

The NPS mission is based on the Organic 

Act and other legislation. It states 

The National Park Service preserves 

unimpaired the natural and cultural 

resources and values of the national 

park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The service cooperates with partners to extend the 

benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor 

recreation throughout this country 

and the world. 

Even under the alternative of no action / 

continue current management, the National 

Park Service must meet all servicewide mandates and policies. Therefore, the alternatives in this plan focus primarily on the desired conditions that are not included in servicewide mandates and policies. 

Table 1 summarizes the conditions that must 

be achieved at Guadalupe Mountains National Park, based on servicewide mandates 

and policies. Appendix C expands on this 

information by citing the sources of law or 

policy and giving examples of the types of 

actions being pursued by NPS staff. Revisions and updates to the NPS’ management 

policies and directors orders will supersede 

some of those referenced here. Continuing 

compliance with revisions to these directives 

will ensure that this general management 

plan will remain applicable throughout its 

intended life. 

20 
Relationship of Other Planning Efforts 

to this General Management Plan 

RELATIONSHIP OF OTHER RESOURCE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT 

TO THIS GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is in 

Culberson and Hudspeth Counties in west 

Texas. Most properties surrounding the 

park are privately owned and are used for 

agricultural and residential purposes. The 

Lincoln National Forest is adjacent to part of 

the park’s northern border, and there is Bureau of Land Management property to the 

northwest and northeast. Both the states of 

Texas and New Mexico own parcels of land 

adjacent to or near the park boundary, and 

the state of Texas owns the lands associated 

with U.S. Hwy 62/180. There are no tribal 

lands nearby. 

The Lands with High Resource Values map 

identifies land within and outside Guadalupe 

Mountains National Park that are important 

nationally or even internationally for their 

geologic resources or scenic landscape features. As shown on the map, many of these 

resources are outside the park boundaries, 

which primarily follow the boundaries of the 

original Guadalupe Mountain Ranch. Many 

of these features contribute to the unique 

qualities of the park and the enjoyment of 

visitors. Also, land uses outside the park 

boundary could impact park resources and 

values. As a result, the National Park Service 

needs to work cooperatively with surrounding private and public landowners to protect 

resource and scenic values. 

Several plans and/or management actions 

could affect or would be influenced by the 

approved general management plan for 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park. These 

plans and actions are associated with multiple governmental jurisdictions and private 

interests surrounding the park. Planning and 

other management actions and their relationship to Guadalupe Mountains National 

Park are described briefly here. 

LOCAL JURISDICTIONS 

Neighboring local jurisdictions have 

adopted dark sky ordinances that will help 

protect the regional visibility of the night 

sky. The National Park Service will continue 

to implement dark sky protection measures 

within the park and will work with local jurisdictions on measures that encourage the 

control of night lighting. 

Local planning in Dell City and Queen could 

encourage development through such actions as extending city utility services. However, as described in “The Socioeconomic 

Environment” in Chapter 3, only limited 

growth is expected in the populations of the 

counties that contain these communities between now and 2020. No current local planning is in conflict with park planning. 

COUNTY JURISDICTIONS 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park lies 

within the Texas counties of Culberson and 

Hudspeth and adjoins Eddy and Otero 

Counties in New Mexico. The governments 

of these counties could affect the park 

through a variety of regulations and policies, 

such as those regarding land use, roads, 

night skies, and service improvements. Texas 

counties do not have zoning authority, and 

no current county planning is in conflict 

with the park management recommendations in this plan. 

The rapidly growing metropolitan area associated with El Paso is expanding eastward, 

and has the potential to influence diverse 

aspects of the park, including dark skies, 

visitor numbers and expectations, and 

transportation. The National Park Service 

21 
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

will continue to work with Hudspeth 

County on growth-related issues that could 

affect Guadalupe Mountains National Park. 

Although Otero County is adjacent to the 

park’s north boundary, the lands next to the 

park are under federal jurisdiction and will 

not be further analyzed in this document. 

SPECIAL DISTRICTS 

Groundwater in the area is managed by the 

Culberson County Groundwater Conservation District and the Hudspeth County Underground Water Conservation District #1. 

These agencies could affect groundwater 

quality and quantity outside and within the 

park by decisions and policies on groundwater pumping for agricultural and other uses, 

such as export to urban areas. 

The Texas Legislature, in Senate Bill 1, established regional water planning groups to address regional issues regarding water quality 

and quantity. The park is within the Far 

West Texas Regional Water Planning Group, 

which will be developing regional plans on 

water management into the future. 

The Rio Grande Council of Governments 

develops policies and plans regarding regional land use planning, growth, economic 

development, and services. Plans and policies of this group could affect the air, water, 

and scenic resources within and near the 

park, and also could influence socioeconomic and transportation issues. 

PRIVATE ENTITIES 

Much of the land around Guadalupe Mountains National Park is privately owned. 

Therefore, the National Park Service must 

work with private landowners to advance its 

goals while ensuring that the property rights 

of its neighbors are protected. Cooperative 

actions of the National Park Service with 

private entities that relate to the future of the 

park include the following. 

• The National Park Service will continue 

to collaborate with surrounding landowners to negotiate preservation agreements, and to acquire (through willing 

sellers) or accept donation of lands considered critical to protecting important 

park-related resources from incompatible uses. These include, but are not limited to, paleontological sites and significant habitat for important species of 

plants and animals. 

• As they become available from willing 

sellers or through donation, the National 

Park Service will seek to acquire or accept donation of lands considered critical to protecting the scenic integrity of 

adjacent park-related resources, including scenic landscape features. 

• The National Park Service will seek 

agreements with landowners, including 

the subdivisions along the park boundary, to protect the scenic resources of the 

park, including vistas of the park from 

highways and other locations outside the 

park boundary. These agreements could 

include development of partnerships 

and acquisition of land rights to protect 

important viewsheds both within and 

adjacent to the park. Among other areas, 

the National Park Service would like to 

work with landowners to protect views 

of the salt flats. 

• The National Park Service will seek 

agreements with landowners to provide 

protection for important geologic resources outside the park boundaries. 

These include the Getaway member of 

the Cherry Canyon Formation (a type 

locality for several fossil species) and the 

Reef Trail member of the Bell Canyon 

Formation. Agreements could include 

development of partnerships and acquisition of land rights to protect important 

resources. 

22 
23

Relationship of Other Planning Efforts 

to this General Management Plan 

• The National Park Service will seek to 

formalize access across private land at 

the Guadalupe Pass trailhead to provide 

public access to park lands and trails, including the Salt Basin Overlook Trail and 

El Capitan Trail. 

• The National Park Service will continue 

to work with local governments and 

neighboring landowners to secure continued access to PX Well. 

• The National Park Service will continue 

to work with oil and gas pipeline companies to mitigate impacts of pipeline 

transmissions through the park and to 

provide for public safety. 

• The National Park Service will collaborate with surrounding landowners and 

energy developers to mitigate impacts 

from the construction of wind energy 

generation facilities in the vicinity of the 

park to ensure that they would not adversely impact cultural or natural resources. 

• The National Park Service will continue 

to use signs and fencing to discourage 

park visitors from trespassing on private 

lands. 

Plans and actions of private entities that 

could affect Guadalupe Mountains National 

Park include the following. 

The Nature Conservancy. In the 1970s, the 

gypsum dunes in what is now the western 

part of Guadalupe Mountains National Park 

were being threatened with damage by offroad vehicle use and other trespassing. To 

ensure the protection of at least part of the 

dunes, The Nature Conservancy purchased 

a 226-acre area in 1980. 

The Nature Conservancy lands subsequently 

were deeded to the Hudspeth Directive for 

Conservation, but a conservation easement 

was retained by The Nature Conservancy. A 

memorandum of understanding between 

The Nature Conservancy, Hudspeth Directive for Conservation, and NPS provides for 

management of these lands. The long-range 

intent is that these lands eventually will be 

transferred to NPS ownership. 

This block of property was included in the 

land identified in the 1988 legislation to expand Guadalupe Mountains National Park. 

However, it remains a private inholding 

within the park. When the ownership transfer is completed, the lands will be assigned to 

the same management zones as the NPS 

lands that surround them (see management 

zoning for the alternatives in Chapter 2). 

Blue Origin. Blue Origin, a Seattle-based 

company, is developing a rocket launching 

facility about 30 miles south of the park. The 

development will launch sub-orbital rockets 

that enable individuals to go into space and 

back. Facilities will include a rocket launching and landing pad and modest support 

structures. Aspects of this project that could 

affect Guadalupe Mountains National Park 

include the following. 

• The project will add dust and other air 

borne particles to the atmosphere, which 

might affect air quality, particularly visibility, in the park. 

• The launching of rockets could create a 

visual and sound intrusion on the wilderness areas of the park, especially at 

night when it could affect the night sky 

and disturb the otherwise quiet wilderness environment. 

• Spaceport operations might result in additional traffic, including hazardous materials, traveling through the park. 

• The presence of the spaceport could attract other development to the region, 

with its related impacts 

Wallacetown. A developer has purchased 

the small town of Cornudas, approximately 

50 miles west of the park. The owner intends 

to develop a theme park and resort community at this location. The owner already has 

moved a historic town development to the 

site and is presenting concerts and other entertainment. Future plans include the expan25 
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

sion of the existing café and the addition of 

stores, condominiums, and a motel/hotel, 

spa, and golf course. 

If this development were to succeed, it 

would have the potential to change regional 

demographics. This would increase the demand for water in the region, alter transportation needs, increase traffic on the highway 

through the park, and possibly alter park 

visitation patterns. Depending on the size of 

the development, it also could reduce the 

visibility of the night sky in the wilderness 

areas of the park. 

Subdivisions. Two subdivisions have been 

platted on the park’s boundaries. The 

Hudspeth County subdivision is east of Dell 

City adjacent to the west boundary of the 

park near the Salt Basin Dunes. The Culberson County subdivision surrounds the south 

parcel of land that is owned by the NPS and 

that is proposed for incorporation into the 

park by a boundary change. Commercial entities have extended utilities, such as telephone lines and electrical power, to these 

subdivisions. These subdivisions have the 

potential to reduce visibility by producing 

dust from increased vehicle traffic, and outdoor lighting could reduce the visibility of 

night skies in the park. 

STATE JURISDICTIONS 

Planning decisions made in the states of 

Texas and New Mexico could impact park 

management with respect to natural and cultural resource protection and management, 

the development of minerals rights, and 

transportation. The responsibilities of key 

state agencies as they relate to Guadalupe 

Mountains National Park are summarized 

below. 

The Texas Commission on Environmental 

Quality is the lead environmental agency 

responsible for protecting the state’s natural 

resources, including air and water, and the 

safe management of waste. This agency 

works with the National Park Service on environmental concerns such as air quality, 

prescribed burning, water quality, and hazardous materials. 

The Texas Water Development Board

works with park, state, and regional planners 

on water issues. It also is the agency responsible for monitoring wells and managing water and wastewater systems to ensure compliance with public health laws. 

The Texas Historical Commission is responsible for protecting and preserving the 

state’s historic and prehistoric resources for 

use, education, enjoyment, and economic 

benefit. The state historic preservation officer is the executive director of the Texas 

Historical Commission and is responsible 

for formal consultation with the National 

Park Service under the National Historic 

Preservation Act. 

The Texas Department of Transportation

is responsible for Highway 62/180, which 

runs through and adjacent to the park. This 

includes providing directional signs on roads 

leading to the park. Park staff work with the 

Texas Department of Transportation to ensure that roadside pulloffs, which provide 

places for visitors to enjoy many spectacular 

views of the park, continue to be available. 

Future actions of this agency could include 

providing additional pulloffs, if they are determined to be desirable. 

The Texas Railroad Commission oversees 

the Texas oil and gas industry. This includes 

gas utilities, pipeline and rail safety, safety in 

the liquefied petroleum gas industry, and the 

surface mining of coal and uranium. The National Park Service works with the Texas 

Railroad Commission in complying with 

safety regulations regarding the transport 

and storage of propane, pipeline safety, and 

the management and sealing of old oil wells. 

26 
Relationship of Other Planning Efforts 

to this General Management Plan 

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

is responsible for the management and conservation of natural and cultural resources. 

Activities include providing outdoor recreation, managing parks and historic areas, and 

managing and protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat. Agency staff members work with 

the National Park Service to manage wildlife, 

ensure that species of management concern 

are considered in park activities, and coordinate wildlife and wildlife habitat issues that 

relate to the park. 

The Texas Archeological Research Laboratory keeps the archeological site files for 

the state. It assigns all site numbers for archeological sites in the park. 

The Texas Forest Service is responsible for 

forest resources and wildland fire management. They coordinate local agency assistance and provide support to counties during wildland fire emergencies. At Guadalupe 

Mountains National Park, this agency works 

with the National Park Service in the coordination of the Big Tree Program and forest 

pest concerns, and in coordination of interagency wildland fire activities. 

The Texas General Land Office manages 

state-owned lands throughout Texas, including School Board Lands, which it is 

charged with managing to generate revenue. 

This agency manages the state-owned lands 

adjacent to the park boundary and historically has leased them for grazing and recreational purposes, including hunting. However, Texas General Land Office is considering more intensive development that would 

produce higher revenues, including leasing 

them to corporate entities for water mining. 

These lands have also been considered for 

the installation of large, wind power generators, and the potential continues for the construction of wind farms in the Patterson 

Hills and between Pine Springs and Guadalupe Canyon. 

The New Mexico Department of Transportation is responsible for the roads leading into Dog Canyon and for related park 

directional signs. 

The New Mexico Fish and Game Commission is responsible for the state’s wildlife and 

aquatic life. This agency works with the National Park Service on concerns regarding 

game animals and predators along the state 

boundary adjacent to Guadalupe Mountains 

National Park. 

The New Mexico Forestry Department

manages forest resources and wildland fire. 

This agency has agreements to work with the 

National Park Service on interagency wildland fire activities along the park’s northern 

boundary. They are the lead agency in the 

formation of the Joint Power Operating Plan 

for directing interagency wildland fire activities. 

FEDERAL JURISDICTIONS 

The management of Guadalupe Mountains 

National Park is affected by the plans and/or 

management actions of the following federal 

agencies. 

Coordination with other units of the National Park Service is required, particularly 

with regard to Carlsbad Caverns National 

Park. Both parks are within the greater Guadalupe Mountains ecosystem, and they share 

many management concerns. 

The Bureau of Land Management manages 

the Carlsbad Resource Area, which adjoins 

the park’s northeast boundary, and the Las 

Cruces Resource Area, along the park’s 

northwest boundary, in New Mexico. Two 

wilderness study areas, including one in each 

resource area, are near the park boundary. 

The U. S. Forest Service’s Lincoln National 

Forest, Guadalupe Ranger District in New 

Mexico shares more than 4 miles of bound27 
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

ary with the park. A designated wilderness 

study area in the Guadalupe Ranger District 

is adjacent to the park boundary. Jurisdiction over the significant riparian and canyon 

resource of North McKittrick Canyon is 

shared by this agency and the National Park 

Service. 

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for working with the National 

Park Service in managing and implementing 

the Endangered Species Act within the park. 

The Natural Resources Conservation Service works with the National Park Service to 

protect the park’s soil resources. 

MULTI-AGENCY ACTIVITIES 

The protection of resources such as air, water, and scenery will require cooperative action among many public and private entities. 

Examples of coordinated planning and management for these regional-type resources 

include the following. 

Existing park-owned scenic easements will 

be maintained in perpetuity. 

The National Park Service will seek agreements with landowners to provide protection for important scenic resources outside 

the park boundaries. These particularly include lands in the Guadalupe Pass area, 

Delaware Mountains, Patterson Hills, Salt 

Flats, and Guadalupe Escarpment north of 

the park. Agreements could include development of partnerships and the acquisition 

of land rights, such as easements, to protect 

important viewsheds both within and adjacent to the park. 

The development of renewable wind energy 

in the area could involve individual structures or groups of structures. The National 

Park Service will work with landowners and 

energy developers to minimize impacts on 

scenic views. The National Park Service may 

also be able to provide information on 

avoiding or mitigating impacts on other important natural and cultural resources. 

The National Park Service will work with 

area landowners and energy companies to 

mitigate the impacts of oil and gas development facilities and access roadways. Particularly in the Greater Otero Mesa area, such 

development could adversely impact scenic 

views and air quality within the park. 

The National Park Service will continue to 

work with the Texas Water Development 

Board, Far West Texas Regional Water 

Planning Group, groundwater conservation 

districts, and surrounding landowners to 

minimize or avoid impacts on park resources. There is concern that activities such 

as groundwater exports out of the Dell City / 

Salt Basin area could adversely impact 

groundwater quality, groundwater quantity, 

and groundwater-related formations, such 

as the Salt Flats and the dune formations. 

28