Chapter 3• Affected Environment
BDWNCA, RCNCA, SGFO RMP AMENDMENT Chapter 3 329

3.0 INTRODUCTION 

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the environmental resources of 

the Beaver Dam Wash NCA and the 

Red Cliffs NCA that could be affected by 

the implementation of the alternatives 

presented in Chapter 2. The descriptions 

are presented separately for each NCA 

and include information about the legal 

and regulatory framework that applies 

to each resource value or use, as well as 

past and current management practices. 

Also included here are descriptions of 

authorized land uses that provide economic and social benefits to individuals 

and local communities. Where specific 

information about resource conditions 

or uses is not available for the NCAs, the 

best available county-wide or regional 

data are used. 

This chapter also includes descriptions of 

those resource values and land uses that 

could be impacted by the alternatives developed for the Amendment to the 1999 

SGFO RMP. The Amendment is limited 

to two issues; the resources and uses 

described in the Affected Environment 

reflect the narrow scope of this planning 

process. For each of the three planning efforts considered in this chapter, 

the Affected Environment descriptions 

provide the baseline conditions for 

Alternative A (No Action), against which 

the potential impacts of the other “action 

alternatives” are compared in Chapter 4 

of the Draft EIS. 

Certain types of resources that are present in other BLM planning areas, such as 

wild horses and burros, are not present in 

either of the two NCAs or on other public 

lands managed by the SGFO. Therefore, 

these resources are not described in this 

chapter. Similarly, certain uses of public 

lands, including the filing of new mining 

claims and the subsequent development 

of those claims, oil and gas leasing, and 

development, and mineral materials 

harvesting, can no longer be authorized 

in the Beaver Dam Wash NCA and Red 

Cliffs NCA, based on Congressionallymandated withdrawals of the public lands 

included in OPLMA Sections 1974 and 

Chapter 3: Affected Environment

INTRODUCTION

Chuckwalla

Sauromalus ater evades 

predators by retreating into 

a narrow rock crevice and 

inflating its lungs, wedging 

itself tightly into place to 

make its removal difficult. 

Chuckwallas are diurnal, or 

active during the day, and 

can usually be found basking 

on boulders.

Photo 3-1 Chuckwalla in Red Cliffs NCA

© Cameron Rognan
330 Chapter 3 BDWNCA, RCNCA, SGFO RMP AMENDMENT BDWNCA Chapter 3 331

INTRODUCTION AIR QUAILTY 

1975. These uses are not described in this 

chapter. Those mining claims in Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA and Red Cliffs NCA 

that were active at the time of NCA designation in 2009 could be developed at a 

future time if development complies with 

the regulatory requirements outlined in 

43 CFR 3809 and 3715.

Information from broad-scale assessments was used to develop the environmental setting and resource descriptions for each planning area. The level 

of detail presented in this chapter is 

sufficient to assess the potential effects 

discussed in Chapter 4 and is based on 

the alternative management actions 

identified in Chapter 2. Acreage figures 

and other data provided are approximate 

projections and readers should not infer 

that they reflect exact measurements or 

precise calculations. These figures and 

data were calculated using GIS technology and there may be slight variations 

in total acres for resource values or uses. 

The environmental values, resource uses, 

special designations, and social and economic conditions in this chapter appear 

in the same order as they are presented in 

Chapters 2 and 4.

3.1 AIR QUALITY

The State of Utah’s Division of Air Quality 

(UDAQ), through delegated authority 

from the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA), implements the Clean Air 

Act (CAA) which regulates air quality, 

collects air quality data through monitoring stations, and establishes ambient air 

quality standards for criteria air pollutants. 

These pollutants include carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2

), sulfur 

dioxide (SO2), ozone, lead, and particulate matter (PM) less than or equal to 10 

microns in size (PM10), and PM less than 

or equal to 2.5 microns in size (PM2.5). 

Air quality monitoring is emphasized 

by UDAQ in more developed areas of 

the state where attainment of established 

criteria could be problematic. The Utah 

Air Monitoring Network currently includes monitoring stations in Washington 

County (UDAQ 2013). 

Attainment status indicates that air quality in an area meets the National Ambient 

Air Quality Standards (NAAQS); nonattainment status indicates that air quality 

in an area does not meet those standards. 

Data from EPA and UDAQ monitoring stations collected over several years 

are used to determine whether specific 

geographic regions meet attainment or 

nonattainment status for regulated 

air pollutants.

Lands in Washington County have been 

designated as either attainment areas 

or unclassified areas for all pollutants. 

Unclassified areas do not have enough 

approved air monitoring data to make 

a formal attainment determination, but 

are regulated in the same manner as 

attainment areas. Washington County 

has also been designated a Prevention of 

Significant Deterioration (PSD) Class II 

area. The PSD program sets maximum 

allowable increases in concentrations of 

all pollutants regulated under the CAA. 

The maximum allowable increases in 

concentrations in Classes I, II, and III 

areas are those increments specified in 

Utah Air Conservation Rule R307-405-4 

for each pollutant. The increment is the 

amount that the concentration is allowed 

to increase over a baseline set for new or 

modified sources. In no case may a change 

result in concentrations that are higher 

than the lowest applicable NAAQS. 

3.1.1 Air Quality Monitoring Data 

Air quality data is not currently being 

collected in the NCA; the nearest UDAQ 

monitoring sites are located in the cities 

of Santa Clara and Hurricane, Utah, approximately 15 miles to the north and 40 

miles east of the NCA. Table 3-1 displays 

multi-year air quality monitoring data 

collected from these two sites. Additional 

air monitoring data from the Santa Clara 

site can be found at EPA’s Air Data website (EPA 2014) and from the UDAQ air 

monitoring website (UDAQ 2014). The 

air quality data collected for the greater 

St. George area is generally applicable to 

the NCA.

Chapter 3: Affected Environment BDWNCA

“I love the feeling of 

the fresh air on my face 

and the wind blowing 

through my hair.”

–Evil Knievel, 

Entertainer/Daredevil, 

1938-2007

Canyon Treefrog

Hyla arenicolor is a relatively 

small frog with large adhesive 

toe pads. During the day or 

dry periods, look for them in 

rock crevices or on rock faces. 

In the spring or summer it 

is not uncommon to find 

several of these frogs nestled 

together, lining a shallow rock 

crevice. On warm evenings, 

they can be found near the 

water’s edge. At dusk they 

climb down from their day 

perch and move towards 

water to forage or breed. 

(Brennon 2014)

Pollutant Latest 

Year

Averaging 

Time

Maximum Average Period 

Concentrations

Ozone (O3)1 2012 8 hour 0.075 ppm3

Particulate Matter (PM10)1 1998 Annual 43 μg/m3

Particulate Matter (PM10)1 1998 24 hour 19 μg/m3

Carbon Monoxide (CO)1 1998 8 hour 4 ppm

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)2 2012 Annual 0.022 ppm

1Monitored in Hurricane at 147 North 870 West—latest data available

2Monitored in Santa Clara at 1215 N Lava Flow Drive—latest data available

34th highest 8 hour value

Photo 3-2 Canyon Treefrogs Nestled into a Sandstone Crevice, Red Cliffs NCA

Table 3-1 Summary of Air Quality Data Collected in Hurricane and Santa Clara, UT

© Cameron Rognan
332 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 333

AIR QUALITY AIR QUAILTY

The National Park Service also collects 

air quality data for ozone and particulates 

in Zion National Park, located in eastern 

Washington County. In 2012, the fourth 

highest 8 hour ozone (O3) concentration 

was 0.075 ppm. Also, in 2012 the 98th 

percentile 24-hour PM2.5 concentration 

was 12.1 μg/m3 (UDEQ 2014). Regional 

haze has also been an issue of growing 

concern in the western United States 

as it obscures the clarity, color, texture, 

and form of what can be seen. Visibility 

monitoring data were collected for four 

years (2000-2004) at Zion National Park 

(IMPROVE 2011) and indicated that 

visibility improved slightly during the 

monitoring period. 

Ambient concentrations of Hazardous 

Air Pollutants (HAPs) as defined under 

the National Emission Standards for 

Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs), 

such as benzene and formaldehyde, are 

not known at this time, but are assumed 

to be quite low due to the low population 

and small number of potential sources 

located in Washington County. HAPs are 

generally highest, and of most concern, 

in urban areas with high population 

densities and/or near point sources of 

specific HAPs (e.g. smelters). 

Ozone concentrations in southwest 

Utah and across most of the American 

southwest approach the current NAAQS 

for ozone during the summer season in 

some years. Elevated ozone concentrations in the planning area are most likely 

heavily influenced by transport of ozone 

and ozone precursor gases from sources 

outside the area, which is also a common 

occurrence throughout the southwest. 

Particulate concentrations appear to be 

well below the NAAQS for PM10 and 

PM2.5, although short-term high concentrations may occur during episodic 

high wind events. These episodic event 

concentrations may not show up in the 

monitoring record, as they can be classified as exceptional or natural events and 

not be reported on the official record 

used to determine compliance with the 

NAAQS. In summary, air quality is excellent in the planning area, though it may 

be negatively impacted by transport of 

pollutants from outside the area and from 

high wind events.

Since the public lands of the NCA are 

not near large communities, air quality is 

generally good (Photo 3-3). Regionallyproduced haze can impair visibility 

at times, most commonly during the 

summer months. This haze typically 

originates in the metropolitan areas 

south and west of the NCA, including Las 

Vegas, Nevada; Los Angeles, California; 

and Phoenix, Arizona. In the winter, 

northerly airflows bring clear air into 

southwestern Utah improving air quality 

and visibility. Short-term air pollution 

can result from smoke, particulates, and 

gases from wildfires and the burning of 

fields on private lands in nearby Beaver 

Dam and Littlefield, Arizona (Photo 

3-4). Fugitive dust may also contribute to 

short-term air quality degradation, particularly when vehicle travel on the many 

unimproved roads of this region occurs 

during high wind events; fugitive dust is 

not included in air quality evaluations.

3.1.2 Air Quality Emissions Data

State-wide emission inventories are 

updated every three years, with the latest 

published inventory in 2011 (UDAQ 

2013). Emissions for Washington County 

are shown in Table 3-2, and are relatively 

small compared to more urban areas of 

the state and region. There are no significant major point sources of emissions in 

Washington County (>100 tons/year), 

and the majority of emission sources are 

considered area sources comprised of 

small businesses, mobile emissions (cars 

and trucks), combustions sources (heaters and boilers), and vegetation (volatile 

organic compounds (VOC) emission 

from plants). The largest point source in 

Washington County is the Kern River natural gas pipeline compressor station, located 

near Veyo, Utah, but is not considered a 

major source under the CAA. 

Windblown dust is not included in the 

emissions inventories as it is a sporadic 

source that cannot be well defined quantitatively. Fugitive dust from off-road 

activities is also not included in the emissions inventory for the same reason.

3.1.3 Climate 

Climate is described using data collected 

about daily, seasonal, and annual weather 

conditions in a specific region averaged 

over several decades. These data help to 

“Regionally-produced 

haze can impair 

visibility at times, most 

commonly during the 

summer months. This 

haze typically originates 

in the metropolitan 

areas south and west 

of the NCA, including 

Las Vegas, Nevada; Los 

Angeles, California; and 

Phoenix, Arizona.”

“Since the public 

lands of the NCA 

are not near large 

communities, air 

quality is generally 

good.”

CO NOx PM10 PM25 SOx VOC

Area Source 1,817.60 287.60 2,599.63 689.86 39.76 2,223.34

Non-Road Mobile 6,707.96 702.15 92.55 87.82 3.05 1,191.01

On-Road Mobile 16,927.00 4,038.00 929.16 323.91 18.02 1,766.80

Point Source 67.75 225.31 99.41 32.24 19.08 23.68

Biogenics 8,632.70 0 0 0 0 52,151.54

Wildfires 463.14 13.19 56.04 50.43 0 79.11

Total 34,616.16 5,266.24 3,776.78 1,184.27 79.91 57,435.49

Table 3-2 Triennial Inventory (ton/year) Washington County 2011

Photo 3-3 West Mountain Peak Visible 10 Miles from Beaver Dam Wash NCA Photo 3-4 Haze Obscures Visibility from Beaver Dam Wash NCA Towards Las Vegas
334 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 335

AIR QUALITY AIR QUALITY

identify trends in precipitation, temperature, wind speed and direction, relative 

humidity, and solar radiation.

The climate of the northeastern Mojave 

Desert, in which the NCA is located, is 

semi-arid and characterized by low precipitation, low humidity, bright sunshine, 

and wide diurnal variations in temperature. Elevation and topographic relief 

influence temperature and precipitation 

gradients, with lower temperatures and 

higher levels of precipitation typifying 

higher elevation zones. Relative humidity 

varies by season, with the lowest humidity occurring in early summer (15-40%) 

and the highest humidity during the winter months (40-60%). Prevailing winds 

are generally from the west-southwest, 

although local topography influences 

wind direction. Cool air typically flows 

down mountain slopes into the valleys 

at night, reversing to upslope flows as 

temperatures rise during the day. 

Summers in this area are typically hot, dry, 

and sunny, with daily high temperatures 

from 90-1000 Fahrenheit (F) depending 

on elevation. Winter daily highs average 

between 45-550F at the lowest elevations 

of the NCA; winter daily low temperatures 

are generally between 20-300F, and can 

dip below freezing at higher elevations. 

Southwestern Utah averages more than 

200 frost-free days per year, with the last 

frosts of the spring typically occurring at 

the end of March and the first frosts of the 

year at the beginning of October. 

Table 3-3 displays precipitation data 

collected over a 26 year period from 

BLM rain gauges at two locations in the 

NCA. These data indicate that average 

annual precipitation varies by elevation, 

with an annual average of 8.91 inches 

being recorded near Beaver Dam Wash 

(the lowest point in the NCA) and 10.03 

inches in the foothills of the Beaver 

Dam Mountains. They also clearly show 

the extreme variability in annual precipitation (e.g., from 2.36 inches in 2002 

to 22.26 inches in 2005, measured at 

the Beaver Dam gauge) that typifies the 

Mojave Desert ecoregion. At elevations 

above 5,500 feet the area receives occasional snowfalls that cover the higher 

slopes (Photo 3-5), increasing the annual average precipitation to approximately 

14 inches (Western Regional Climate 

Center 2014). Monsoonal storms are 

common in late summer and can cause 

localized flash flooding.

3.1.4 Climate Change

Certain gases in the atmosphere trap energy reflected by the Earth’s surface, creating a “greenhouse effect.” As concentrations of these greenhouse gases (GHGs) 

increase, the earth’s surface warms, the 

atmosphere changes composition, and 

global climate is affected. Concentrations 

of greenhouse gases have increased dramatically in the earth’s atmosphere in the 

past century. Anthropogenic (man-made) 

sources and human activities have been 

attributed to these increases particularly 

for carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases (USEPA 2010).

The EPA has determined that six GHGs 

are air pollutants and subject to regulation under The CAA: carbon dioxide, 

methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur 

hexafluoride. Of these GHGs, carbon 

dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide 

are commonly emitted by the types of 

activities included in this analysis, while 

the remaining three GHGs are emitted 

in extremely small quantities or are not 

emitted at all. Greenhouse gas emissions 

from management actions and activities 

were estimated for each alternative in this 

analysis for the following pollutants:

▶ Carbon dioxide (CO2)

▶ Methane (CH4)

▶ Nitrous oxide (N2O)

Several activities contribute to the phenomena of climate change, including 

emissions of GHGs (especially carbon 

dioxide and methane), large wildland 

fires and activities using combustion 

engines; changes to the natural carbon 

cycle; and changes to radiative forces 

and reflectivity (albedo). It is important 

to note that GHGs will have a sustained 

climatic impact over different temporal 

scales. For example, recent emissions of 

carbon dioxide can influence climate for 

100 years. The IPCC’s latest report (IPCC 

2014) states that the equilibrium climate 

sensitivity is likely in the range 1.5° 

Celsius (C) to 4.5° C (high confidence), 

extremely unlikely less than 1°C (high 

confidence), and very unlikely greater 

than 6° C (medium confidence). No best 

estimate for equilibrium climate sensitivity can now be given because of a lack 

of agreement on values across assessed 

lines of evidence and studies. The climate 

sensitivity specifically due to CO2 is often 

expressed as the temperature change in 

°C associated with a doubling of the concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's 

atmosphere. This can take decades to 

centuries to be fully expressed.

The temperature of Earth’s atmosphere 

is regulated by the amount of solar 

“We need to start by 

having a conversation 

about climate 

change. It would be 

irresponsible to avoid 

the issue just because 

it’s uncomfortable to 

talk about.”

–Al Franken, United 

States Senator, 1951-

“A lot of people like 

snow. I find it to be an 

unnecessary freezing of 

water.”

–Carl Reiner, Writer, 

Director, 1922-

YEAR BEAVER 

DAM 

(INCHES)

CASTLE 

CLIFF 

(INCHES)

1987 5.62 9.51

1988 10.80 13.86

1989 4.66 6.14

1990 9.61 10.27

1991 6.45 8.35

1992 13.59 15.93

1993 14.88 13.70

1994 7.44 10.35

1995 13.34 14.85

1996 3.84 4.32

1997 10.03 12.40

1998 11.22 16.56

1999 5.99 11.13

2000 5.48 7.14

2001 9.35 9.80

2002 2.36 2.92

2003 6.49 7.04

2004 7.20 7.53

2005 22.26 24.89

2006 6.81 8.87

2007 5.54 5.77

2008 6.48 7.40

2009 6.15 8.34

2010 9.75 10.03

2011 14.75 15.67

2012 10.58 10.89

2013 9.90 13.40

Photo 3-5 Winter Storm in Beaver Dam Wash NCA Table 3-3 Annual Precipitation Data 

Collected from Rain Gauges

© Louise Tyree
336 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 337

AIR QUALITY AIR QUALITY

radiation that the planet receives and the 

effects of GHGs. Over the past century, 

Earth’s climate has warmed by 1.50F, with 

the average global surface temperature 

increasing at a rate greater than in any 

of previous nine centuries (Beschta et al. 

2012). Emissions of GHGs from human 

activities are believed to be a primary 

cause of this change. In the American 

West, climate change is predicted to intensify even if greenhouse gas emissions 

are dramatically reduced (IPCC 2007). 

Scientists are using computer models 

and simulations to predict future trends 

and changes in Earth’s climate. The most 

widely accepted climate change scenarios 

indicate increases in global ambient temperatures, more intense heat waves, new 

wind patterns, decreased snowpack and 

seasonal runoff, and worsening drought 

conditions in some areas and higher 

precipitation in others (IPCC 2007). An 

estimated 20-30% of animal and plant 

species may be at risk of extinction 

due to habitat loss, wildfires, flooding, 

disease, and pest outbreaks (The Nature 

Conservancy 2010).

Even subtle climate changes would likely 

have large impacts on fragile desert ecosystems, like the Mojave Desert, where 

species are already living in extreme 

conditions of heat and aridity. As part 

of an agency-wide strategy to adapt to 

future climate change, BLM completed 

a rapid ecological assessment (REA) for 

the Mojave Desert in 2013 (Nature Serve 

2013). The Mojave REA predicts that 

most of the ecoregion will be affected by 

changes in temperature and possibly by 

changes in precipitation regimes.

Elevated temperatures and altered precipitation patterns may cause valuable 

water sources to dry up seasonally or 

completely, and may also change stream 

flow and the recharging of groundwater 

basins. Small changes in water temperature could reduce the viability of native fish populations and other aquatic 

species. Epps et al. (2004) predicted that 

populations of desert bighorn sheep living in lower, drier mountain ranges, such 

as those in the NCA, may be more susceptible to extirpation than those living 

in higher, moister mountain ranges.

Summer thunderstorms may increase in 

number and/or intensity, causing flooding and changing the growth patterns, 

productivity, and distribution of native 

and non-native plant species. Modeling 

completed for precipitation as part of 

the Mojave REA (NatureServe 2013) 

did not show a statistically significant 

change, but did suggest that there could 

be a slight upward trend in the amount 

of fall precipitation.

In the Mojave Desert, mean and extreme 

temperatures are likely to increase, thus 

decreasing the moisture levels in the soil 

even if precipitation remains unchanged. 

Climate space trend modeling generated 

as part of the Mojave REA (Nature Serve 

2013) showed that statistically significant 

increases in temperatures have already 

occurred and are predicted to continue to 

occur. Because different species respond 

differently to changes in climate and 

other habitat factors, native communities will change in species composition 

and in elevational distribution. Studies 

in the Newberry Mountains of southern 

Nevada (Guida 2011) have shown that 

pinyon pine (Pinus monophylla) appears to have shifted its range upward 

in elevation by 75 meters, while Mojave 

yucca (Yucca schidigera) has moved 30 

meters upslope. The protection of a large 

network of undeveloped and connected 

landscapes has been recommended as a 

management strategy that could help to 

ensure that species have opportunities 

to move to more favorable habitats in 

response to climate change (The Nature 

Conservancy 2010).

 If hotter and drier conditions do 

prevail, some vegetation growth in the 

Beaver Dam Wash and Red Cliffs NCAs 

would likely be less abundant, particularly native forbs, grasses, and annuals 

that rely on early spring precipitation 

events to trigger sprouting and development. Depending on the extent and 

rapidity of the change, some elements of 

the native flora may disappear entirely. 

The very small pinyon pine-juniper 

woodland in the Beaver Dam Mountains 

could be changed to a shrubland or be 

lost completely. With a drier climate, 

changes in seasonal precipitation patterns could occur and drought years 

could become more prevalent. These 

changes could benefit the weedy exotic 

species (e.g., brome grasses), that can 

sprout after fall precipitation events 

and more quickly produce seeds than 

many native grass species. Wildfires 

would likely be more frequent and larger 

in scale, converting late seral stage shrublands to invasive grasslands (Photo 3-6). 

Groundwater recharge would diminish 

under reduced precipitation scenarios, 

eventually causing springs and surface 

flows in Beaver Dam Wash to disappear.

This climate change scenario would result 

in less forage, water, and shade cover 

being available for herbivorous species, 

including the threatened desert tortoise. 

Decreased seed production would negatively impact many insects, birds, rodents, 

and small mammals that rely on seeds as 

their dietary staples. Raptors and other 

carnivores that prey on these species would 

also experience population declines. 

The NPS recently completed climate 

change modeling that focused on four 

native species found in Zion National 

Park and Cedar Breaks National 

Monument: American pika (Ochotona 

princeps), desert tortoise (Gopherus 

agassizi), Shivwits milkvetch (Astragulus 

ampullariodes), and Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) (Shovic and 

Thoma 2011). Under various modeling 

scenarios, such as increased mean annual 

temperature and changed precipitation 

patterns, American pika could be extirpated from Zion National Park. Desert 

tortoises would also face extinction, as 

their habitat would be lost or become too 

fragmented to allow for natural migration to more favorable areas. Shivwits 

milkvetch, an endangered and endemic 

native plant, would be at high risk of 

extinction as ambient temperatures rise, 

as would bristlecone pine.

“You can no longer 

say that the climate 

of the future is going 

to be like the climate 

of today, let alone 

yesterday.”

–Judi Greenwald, 

Deputy Director for 

Climate, Environment, 

and Energy Efficiency, 

U.S. Department of 

Energy

“Even subtle climate 

changes would likely 

have large impacts 

on fragile desert 

ecosystems, like the 

Mojave Desert, where 

species are already living 

in extreme conditions 

of heat and aridity.”

Photo 3-6 Wildfire Damaged Landscape in Beaver Dam Wash NCA
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HydrologicUnitBoundary

BlackRockGulch-LowerVirginRiver

LowerBeaverDamWash

LowerSantaClaraRiver

UpperBeaverDamWash

SandHollowWash-VirginRiver

NationalConservationAreaBoundary

FieldOfficeBoundary

StateBoundary

Watersheds

BeaverDamWashNCA

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficGIS

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00.512Miles

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ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

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Source:U.S.DepartmentofAgriculture,NaturalResourcesConservationService:

WatershedBound

aryDataset(WBD)-Level10

338 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 339

WATER RESOURCES MAP 3-1

3.2 WATER RESOURCES

3.2.1 Hydrologic Units

Three hydrologic units overlap the NCA (Map 3-1). The Bull Valley Mountains 

and Beaver Dam Mountains in Utah and 

the Clover Valley Mountains in eastern 

Nevada create a massive watershed that 

drains into the Beaver Dam Wash and 

carries perennial and ephemeral flows 

to the Virgin River at a confluence near 

Beaver Dam, Arizona. 

3.2.2 Water Resources

Water resources include surface and 

groundwater sources located within 

major watersheds. In accordance with 

Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act 

(CWA), and in cooperation with the EPA, 

the Utah Department of Environmental 

Quality (UDEQ) establishes water quality 

standards and designated uses for surface 

waters in the state. These standards 

include acceptable levels for turbidity, 

pH, trace metals, salinity and other total 

dissolved solids (TDS), bacterial levels, 

and sediment loads. The UDEQ reports 

on streams and rivers that are not meet-

ing water quality standards for their 

designated uses, identifies the cause(s) of 

impairment, and calculates a total maxi-

mum daily load (TMDL) for water bodies 

not meeting standards. Surface water 

resources on public lands are managed 

to ensure that water quality standards are 

not exceeded as a result of BLM actions 

or land use authorizations.

3.2.3 Surface Water 

Stream flows in the Beaver Dam Wash 

(Photo 3-7) are the only significant sur-

face water source in the NCA (Map 3-1). 

Originating in the Bull Valley Mountains 

of southwestern Utah, Beaver Dam 

Wash meanders west into Nevada, then 

returns to Utah, where it flows south to 

join the Virgin River in Arizona. The 

stream of the Beaver Dam Wash, with 

its deeply incised 200 foot high channel, 

flows north-south through the NCA for 

a distance of approximately 17 miles. The 

channel ranges from approximately 1,500 

feet wide at the northern boundary of the 

NCA to 2,500 feet wide near the UtahArizona state line. Tributaries to the 

Beaver Dam Wash include the West Fork 

(a perennial stream that arises in Nevada) 

and the East Fork (a perennial stream 

that originates on the Dixie National 

Forest and drains southwesterly into the 

Wash). Surface water travels through the 

NCA during periods of seasonal runoff 

and after intense monsoonal storms, but 

is otherwise present yearlong only in 

the upper reaches of Beaver Dam Wash, 

north of the NCA. 

Stream flows in the upper Beaver Dam 

Wash are derived from the discharge of 

ground water in the channel alluvium 

and are generally consistent in quantity 

and quality, varying little throughout 

the year. Surface flows also result from 

periodic precipitation events, with the 

duration of surface flow dependent on 

the type of event. For example, sum-

mer monsoonal storms are brief, highintensity rainfall events that can produce 

significant amounts of short-term runoff 

and surface flows. In contrast, winter 

storms generally are longer duration 

“A river seems a 

magic thing. A magic, 

moving, living part of 

the very earth itself.”

–Laura Gilpin, 

American 

Photographer, 

1891-1979

Photo 3-7 Surface Water in Beaver Dam 

Wash, Beaver Dam Wash NCA
LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

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N E V

A D A

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To St. George,

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T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W R 017 W

t

Pipeline (Livestock)

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

Bureau of Land Management

State

Natural and Developed

Water Sources - BDWNCA

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

") Dam/Reservoir

") Guzzler

"S) Improved Spring

") Livestock Catchment

") Livestock Trough

") Spring

"T Water Storage Tank

") Well

") Wildlife Drinker

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

340 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 341

WATER RESOURCES MAP 3-2

events that produce runoff for several 

days. Ephemeral washes convey seasonal 

and intermittent flows, augmenting the 

volume of surface flows collected by the 

Beaver Dam Wash.

UDEQ has identified the beneficial use 

of surface flows of the Beaver Dam Wash 

as being for warm water aquatic life (3B). 

Based on biennial assessments by UDEQ, 

Beaver Dam Wash meets the water quality standards for this use.

3.2.3.1 Springs and Seeps

In the arid environment of the northeastern Mojave Desert in southwestern 

Utah, springs and seeps were historically crucial for the survival of wildlife, 

as well as for the perseverance of Native 

American peoples. Beginning in the early 

decades of the 20th century, these surface 

water sources were developed by AngloEuropean settlers and flows diverted 

through pipelines in order to water domestic livestock (Photo 3-8) that grazed 

on public lands, often leaving little or no 

water at the source. 

Welcome Spring is the only spring complex known to occur on public lands within and near the NCA and is located along 

its northwestern boundary. Seepage occurs along the base of a limestone outcrop 

at multiple locations in the narrow canyon 

of Welcome Spring Wash; at two locations, water is captured and piped for use 

by livestock that graze in the Beaver Dam 

Slope and Castle Cliffs Allotments. A 

narrow zone of riparian vegetation is also 

sustained by seepage and seasonal runoff 

in Welcome Spring Wash. 

As the NCA has not been systematically 

inventoried to identify all springs and 

seeps on public lands, there is some likelihood that additional surface water sources 

may be present. Other springs and constructed reservoirs located outside of the 

NCA boundaries supply water through 

long-distance pipe systems for domestic 

livestock and wildlife use within the NCA. 

Map 3-2 displays all natural and developed 

water sources within and immediately 

adjacent to the NCA.

3.2.4 Ground Water

In the NCA, the main hydrologic units 

consist of the Quaternary alluvial channel-fill deposits, the Quaternary basinfill deposits, and the Tertiary Muddy 

Creek Formation. 

The Quaternary alluvial channel-fill 

deposits are the most important waterproducing unit in the Beaver Dam Wash. 

Alluvial deposits, ranging in thickness 

from approximately 60 feet to over 100 

feet, create a shallow channel-fill aquifer 

that stores groundwater (Holmes et al. 

1997). The water in the alluvial channelfill deposits is in hydraulic connection 

with surface water and wetland/riparian areas. Ground water occurs in the 

channel-fill aquifer along the entire 

length of the drainage. Recharge into the 

channel-fill aquifer occurs from three 

sources: surface flow infiltration in the 

main channel, seasonal and intermittent 

surface flows carried along a network of 

ephemeral drainages that drain to Beaver 

Dam Wash, and inflow from sand and 

gravel deposits adjacent to the stream.

The Quaternary basin-fill post Muddy 

Creek deposits include the extensive 

“In the arid 

environment of the 

northeastern Mojave 

Desert in southwestern 

Utah, springs and 

seeps were historically 

crucial for the survival 

of wildlife, as well as 

for the perseverance 

of Native American 

peoples.”

Photo 3-8 Livestock Water Trough, Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA
342 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 343

GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Quaternary alluvial fan deposits consisting of poorly to moderately sorted, 

boulder to clay-sized sediment shed from 

the adjacent rock units with moderately 

developed caliche or hard pan. These 

basin-fill deposits are hundreds of feet 

thick, incised by the Beaver Dam Wash 

by as much as 300 feet, and generally 

unsaturated north of the Virgin River.

The Muddy Creek Formation underlies 

these deposits and extends to depths of 

thousands of feet. The upper part of the 

formation is a thin to thick bedded calcareous siltstone, sandstone, and calcrete. 

Its fine-grained nature generally restricts 

groundwater movement in the Beaver 

Dam Wash area. 

Groundwater quality is evaluated primarily on the amount of TDS: the lower the 

TDS amounts, the higher the water quality. The ground water in the Beaver Dam 

Wash channel alluvium and surface flows 

in this drainage are low in TDS and, 

therefore, of good quality.

One groundwater well is on public land 

within the NCA, and water is pumped 

to benefit domestic livestock use in the 

Beaver Dam Slope Allotment.

3.2.5 Water Rights and Beneficial 

Uses

OMPLA (Section 1975) did not reserve 

water for the NCA nor did it remove any 

water rights held by the federal government that existed at the time of NCA 

designation. Consequently, the NCA 

designation had no effect on valid existing water rights, either for BLM or other 

water rights holders. 

BLM holds a perfected water right to beneficially use 0.015 cfs of groundwater from 

a well on public lands in the floodplain of 

Beaver Dam Wash within the NCA for the 

benefit of domestic livestock that graze the 

Beaver Dam Slope Allotment. 

BLM also holds a perfected water right 

for 0.0234 cfs of surface flows from 

Welcome Springs (WR #81-696) located along the boundary of the NCA; 

an additional water right of 0.015cfs on 

Welcome Springs is held by the Santa 

Clara Cattlemen’s Association. The beneficial use for this water is for livestock in 

the Beaver Dam Slope and Castle Cliffs 

Allotments, and for limited domestic 

use. A pipeline from Welcome Springs 

services the Beaver Dam Slope and Castle 

Cliffs Allotments. The main line, located 

within the Beaver Dam Slope Allotment, 

is approximately 6 miles long and provides water for livestock at five locations. 

Two spur lines, totaling approximately 

8 miles in length provide water at seven 

additional sites within the same allotment. A third spur supplies water at one 

location in the Castle Cliffs Allotment.

3.3 GEOLOGIC AND 

PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES

3.3.1 Physiography

The NCA is located at the convergence 

of the Great Basin section of the Basin 

and Range physiographic province and 

the High Plateau section of the Colorado 

Plateau physiographic province. The Great 

Basin section is characterized by northsouth trending mountain ranges separated by intervening valleys (basins) with 

internal drainage. The ranges are typically 

tilted, fault-bounded crustal blocks that 

were elevated above the adjacent valleys 

due to past episodes of faulting during 

the Miocene (23.5 to 5.3 million years ago 

(MYA)). The High Plateau section of the 

Colorado Plateau is characterized by high, 

north-south trending plateaus and mesas 

separated by faults.

In southwestern Utah, the north-south 

trending mountain ranges are of different ages and lithologies (i.e., rock units). 

Some are young ranges composed of volcanic rocks, such as basalt, andesite, and 

tuffs. The Bull Valley Mountains, located 

north of the NCA, are one example of 

this type; these mountains were created 

approximately 25 MYA by volcanic eruptions and were subsequently uplifted by 

tectonic events approximately 10 MYA. 

Other ranges, such as the Beaver Dam 

Mountains, are composed of very old 

sedimentary and metamorphic rocks that 

have been uplifted, folded, and faulted by 

recent tectonic events. These mountains, 

located along the northeastern boundary of the NCA, are primarily composed 

of Paleozoic age limestone and other 

sedimentary rocks that range in age from 

Tertiary to Precambrian, and were thrust 

upward by movement along the Grand 

Wash Fault approximately 10 MYA.

The NCA is comprised of contrasting landforms, including broad, sloping alluvial fans, ephemeral drainages, 

and the rocky slopes of the Beaver Dam 

Mountains (Photo 3-9). Elevations range 

from 2,200 feet above mean sea level 

(ASL) in the Beaver Dam Wash at the 

Utah-Arizona state line, to approximately 

6,300 feet ASL on peaks of the Beaver 

Dam Mountains within the NCA. Alluvial 

fans cover approximately 55% of the land 

base of the NCA and are composed of 

deposits eroded from the Beaver Dam and 

Bull Valley Mountains in Utah, as well 

as weathered materials from the Clover 

Valley Mountains and Tule Spring Hills 

in Nevada that were transported and redeposited by the Beaver Dam Wash. The 

Beaver Dam Wash is a major topographic 

landform in the NCA and a tributary to 

the Virgin River; the confluence with the 

Virgin River occurs in Arizona, approximately 7 miles south of the Utah state line. 

3.3.2 Geologic Structure

The NCA is located at the convergence of 

the Great Basin section of the Northern 

Basin and Range physiographic province 

and the Colorado Plateau. The Basin and 

Range physiographic province is characterized by east-west extensional tectonics 

that formed the distinctive topography of 

north trending linear mountain ranges 

separated by intervening valleys (basins). 

Mountain ranges are typically tilted fault 

bounded crustal blocks that were elevated above the adjacent valleys due to past 

episodes of faulting during the Miocene 

(23.5 to 5.3 MYA).

“Thousands have lived 

without love, not one 

without water.”

–W. H. Auden, Poet, 

1907-1973

The Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA is comprised of 

contrasting landforms, 

including broad, 

sloping alluvial fans, 

ephemeral drainages, 

and the rocky slopes 

of the Beaver Dam 

Mountains. 

Photo 3-9 Ephemeral Drainage Amid 

Alluvial fans, Beaver Dam Wash NCA
344 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 345

GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES

Approximately 140 MYA to 50 MYA 

thrust faulting and folding formed the 

10 mile long Beaver Dam Mountains anticline, the prominent structural feature 

of the NCA. Along the southwest flank of 

the Beaver Dam Mountains, detached and 

attenuated Paleozoic rocks within the upper plate of the Late Cenozoic Castle Cliff 

detachment fault rest on Precambrian, 

Paleozoic, and Tertiary bedrock in extensional denudation fault relationships.

The Castle Cliff detachment and gravityslide blocks document rapid and major 

uplift of the Beaver Dam Mountains 

during the late Miocene age. The gravity-slide blocks contain large blocks of 

brecciated and attenuated Mississippian 

Redwall limestone derived from the upper plate of the Castle Cliff fault present 

in the NCA (Biek et al. 2009).

Major extensional faulting about 13 

MYA resulted in the development of the 

Mesquite graben-basin along the west 

side of the Beaver Dam Mountains. The 

Piedmont/Red Hollow fault (Beaver 

Dam-Virgin Mountains fault), although 

not exposed, is inferred by geophysical 

and geologic data to be a basin and range 

normal fault that bounds the western 

flank of the Beaver Dam Mountains and 

the Mesquite Basin. This graben-basin 

was filled with several thousand feet 

of erosional debris of which only a few 

hundred feet have been exposed by erosion by the Virgin River and its tributaries, including the Beaver Dam Wash. The 

Mesquite Basin, at more than 21,000 feet 

based on seismic and gravity data, is one 

of the deepest in the Basin and 

Range Province.

3.3.3 Geologic Formations

The geologic formations of the NCA are 

briefly described below and their locations 

shown on Map 3-3. Outstanding geologic 

features are natural rock structures such 

as monuments, arches, faults, and mud 

cracks having uncommon, rare, or exceptional aesthetic, educational, or scientific 

value, or well-known markers for historic 

events or sensitive cultural areas.

3.3.3.1 Precambrian Gneiss, Schist, 

Amphibolite, and Pegmatite

The oldest rocks in the NCA and in 

southwestern Utah are the 1.7 billion year 

old Precambrian gneiss, schist, amphibolite, and pegmatite of the Beaver Dam 

Mountains anticline. The most extensively 

exposed rock type is dark gray gneiss consisting of amphibole, feldspar, quartz, and 

pyroxene. The granite pegmatite intrudes 

both the schist and gneiss principally 

parallel to the foliation.

These Precambrian basement rocks are 

exposed on the west side of the range and 

outcrop along the northeast boundary 

of the NCA over a distance of 6 miles, 

from Reber Wash to Castle Cliff Wash. 

They are comparable to the Vishnu and 

Brahma schists of the Grand Canyon and 

Precambrian rocks in the North Virgin 

and East Mormon Mountains. 

3.3.3.2 Tapeats Sandstone 

The Lower Cambrian age Tapeats sandstone is a ledge-forming reddish-orange 

to reddish-brown quartzite with a few 

thin beds of quartz-pebble conglomerate. 

It is about 1,300 feet thick in the Beaver 

Dam Mountains and was deposited in 

intertidal and near shore environments.

3.3.3.3 Bright Angel Shale

The overlying Bright Angel shale is an 

olive-green micaceous shale, siltstone, 

and fine-grained quartzose sandstone. 

The upper contact is conformable and 

gradational with a Cambrian limestone 

and dolomite sequence of the Bonanza 

King Formation and Nopah Dolomite. 

The limestones are in the basal part of the 

succession and grade upward into massive dolomites. The alternating dark and 

light gray limestone and dolomite section 

totals over 3,900 feet in thickness, but 

these rocks are typically so faulted and 

brecciated that finding a complete section 

is rare. 

3.3.3.4 Nopah Dolomite 

The Upper Cambrian Nopah Dolomite is a 

light gray to brownish-gray dolomite. The 

formation looks very similar to the underlying Bonanza King rocks but is more 

massive and forms steeper ledges and 

cliffs. The formation contains algal stromatolites in the upper part and small tubular trace fossils and mottled zones that 

suggest bioturbation during deposition in 

a warm shallow-marine environment.

3.3.3.5 Bonanza King Formation

The Upper and Middle Cambrian 

Bonanza King Formation is a medium to 

light brownish–gray dolomite with some 

bluish-gray limestones in the lower portion that crop out in the eastern part of 

the NCA. 

3.3.3.6 Muddy Peak Dolomite

The Devonian Muddy Peak Dolomite 

has been divided into a slope forming 

member, an olive-gray to yellowishgray silty dolomite, and a gray massive dolomite that contains scattered 

chert nodules (known as the Pinnacle 

Member). It weathers to form hoodoos or 

pinnacles below the massive gray Redwall 

Limestone cliffs.

3.3.3.7 Redwall Limestone/Monte 

Cristo Formation

The Mississippian Redwall Limestone is a 

locally fossiliferous, massive, cliff-forming, gray, thick bedded, locally cherty, 

marine limestone (Photo 3-10). The 

middle section of the unit contains minor 

interbedded sandstone and dolomite. 

The Redwall is one of the most easily 

recognized units in the area and is at least 

615 feet thick. The limestone is exposed 

in the southeast part of the NCA, and 

gravity-slide blocks appear on the Castle 

Cliffs fault along the northeast boundary 

of the NCA over a distance of 6 miles, 

from Reber Wash to Castle Cliff Wash. 

The Monte Cristo Formation is mapped 

only west of Beaver Dam Wash along the 

Nevada–Utah state line near Scarecrow 

Peak and is a stratum equivalent to the 

Redwall Limestone.

3.3.3.8 Callville Limestone

The Pennsylvanian age Callville 

Limestone is a resistant, light to medium 

gray and light blue-gray, thin to thick 

bedded, commonly cherty, fossiliferous, 

shallow-marine limestone (Photo 3-11). 

It forms cliffs or ledge and step topography. It locally contains thin beds of light 

orange sandstone and light gray dolomite 

in the upper third of the formation, and 

has a maximum thickness of about 1,500 

feet. The Callville Limestone is exposed 

only in the Beaver Dam Mountains in the 

southeast part of the NCA.

The oldest rocks 

in the Beaver Dam 

Wash NCA and in 

southwestern Utah are 

the 1.7 billion year old 

Precambrian gneiss, 

schist, amphibolite, 

and pegmatite of the 

Beaver Dam Mountains 

anticline. 

Fusilinids

Found in the Pennsylvanian 

age Callville Limestone, 

fusilinids were highly 

complex single-celled 

organisms, about the size 

and shape of a grain of 

wheat. Scientists believe that 

fusilinids lived in shallow 

tropical and sub-tropical 

carbonate rich waters.

Photo 3-10 Redwall Limestone, Beaver 

Dam Mountains

Photo 3-11 Fossilized Fusilinids in Callville 

Limestone, Beaver Dam Wash NCA
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Source:UtahGeologicalSurveyMap242,1:100kScale,Bieketal.,2009

GeologicFormations

BeaverDamWashNCA

Qa-Riverandstreamdeposits

Qat-Oldriverandstreamdeposits

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Qac-Alluvialandcolluvialdeposits

Qca-Colluvialandalluvialdeposits

Qeac-Mixedeolianandalluvialdepositswithwell-developedcalcicsoils

QTaf-Oldestalluvial-fandeposits

Tmc-MuddyCreekFormation

Tmc(Mr)-LargeslideblocksofRedwallLimestoneinMuddyCreekFormation

TRmv-VirginLimestoneMemberofMoenkopiFormation

TRmr-RockCanyonConglomerateMemberofMoenkopiFormation

Pkh-HarrisburgMemberofKaibabFormation

Pkf-FossilMountainMemberofKaibabFormation

Pt-ToroweapFormation

Ptw-WoodsRanchMemberofToroweapFormation

Ptb-BradyCanyonMemberofToroweapFormation

Pts-SeligmanMemberofToroweapFormation

Pq-QueantoweapSandstone

Pp-PakoonDolomite

PIPbs-BirdSpringFormation

IPc-CallvilleLimestone

MCu-RedwallLimestoneandBonanzaKingFormation,undivided

Mr-RedwallLimestone

Mm-MonteCristoLimestone

Dm-MuddyPeakDolomite

Cn-NopahDolomite

Cbk-BonanzaKingFormation

Cba-BrightAngelShale

Ct-TapeatsQuartzite

Xu-Gneiss,schist,andpegmatite

Source:UtahGeologicalSurveyMap242,1:100kScale,Bieketal.,2009

346 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 347

MAP 3-3 MAP 3-3 LEGEND
348 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 349

GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES

3.3.3.9 Pakoon Dolomite/ Bird Spring 

Formation

The Lower Permian age Pakoon Dolomite 

a resistant, light gray and light yellow, 

thick bedded, fine grained, shallow-marine dolomite. It commonly weathers to 

light brownish-gray and blue-gray, thin 

to thick bedded, commonly cherty, fossiliferous, shallow-marine limestone. It 

forms cliffs or ledge and step topography. 

The Pakoon Dolomite is exposed only in 

the Beaver Dam Mountains in the southeast part of the NCA. The Bird Spring 

Formation is mapped only west of Beaver 

Dam Wash along the Nevada–Utah state 

line near Scarecrow Peak, and are strata 

equivalent to the Pakoon Dolomite and 

Callville Limestone.

3.3.3.10 Queantoweap Sandstone 

The Permian Queantoweap Sandstone 

is a yellowish-brown, pale orange, thick 

bedded and cross-bedded, fine to medium grained sandstone that was deposited 

in shallow-marine, beach, and dune environments. The Queantoweap Sandstone 

is exposed in the Beaver Dam Mountains 

in the southeast part of the NCA and 

along the Nevada–Utah state line near 

Scarecrow Peak in the northwest part of 

the NCA.

3.3.3.11 Toroweap Formation

The Permian age Toroweap Formation 

consists of three members: Woods Ranch, 

Brady Canyon, and Seligman. The units 

are exposed in fault bounded and highly 

fractured blocks in the Beaver Dam 

Mountains in the southeast part of the 

NCA and along the Nevada–Utah state 

line near Scarecrow Peak in the northwest part of the NCA. These Permian age 

rocks were deposited when the St. George 

area lay just north of the equator and the 

then flat landscape consisted of shallow 

warm seas, coastal beaches, and sabkhas 

(i.e., sea level areas with high evaporation 

rates, such as today’s Arabian Peninsula) 

(Biek et al. 2009).

The Woods Ranch Member is an interbedded, laterally variable slope forming 

yellowish-gray to light gray, thin bedded dolomite and black chert, gypsum, 

gypsiferous mudstone, limestone, and 

collapse breccia with a local conglomerate or breccia at the base. These rocks 

were deposited in sequence of shallow 

marine and sabkha environments. The 

Woods Ranch Member is about 160 to 

230 feet thick.

The Brady Canyon Member is a light to 

medium gray, thick bedded, fossiliferous, 

limestone and cherty limestone deposited in a shallow-marine environment. It 

forms prominent cliffs and ranges. 

The Seligman Member is a yellowishbrown, locally gypsiferous, fine grained, 

sandstone and siltstone slope forming 

unit formed in sabkha or near 

shore environments. 

3.3.3.12 Kaibab Formation

The Early Permian age Kaibab limestone 

consists of the Harrisburg and Fossil 

Mountain Members and is exposed in the 

Beaver Dam Mountains in the southeast 

part of the NCA and along the Nevada–

Utah state line near Scarecrow Peak in 

the northwest part of the NCA. 

The Harrisburg Member is composed of 

thin to thick bedded gypsum, gypsiferous 

mudstone, limestone, and cherty limestone about 100 to 160 feet thick. These 

rocks were deposited in sequence of shallow-marine and sabkha environments. 

The Fossil Mountain Member is a 

light gray, thick bedded, fossiliferous, 

limestone and cherty limestone deposited 

in a shallow-marine environment. Its 

distinctive “black- banded” look is created by the abundance of reddish-brown, 

brown, and black chert, making it one 

of the most easily recognized units in 

the area. The member is one of the most 

resistant units, forming prominent cliffs 

that range in height from 200 to 290 feet. 

3.3.3.13 Moenkopi Formation

Overlying the Kaibab limestone is the 

Triassic age Moenkopi Formation. A few 

members of the Moenkopi Formation 

are present along the NCA boundary 

just north of Scarecrow Peak. The Rock 

Canyon Conglomerate Member and the 

Virgin Limestone Member are exposed in 

a few isolated outcrops. 

The Virgin Limestone Member is a light 

gray and yellowish–brown limestone 

and silty limestone that typically forms 

three thin resistant ledges at the base, 

middle, and top of the member. Most 

of the member consists of variable gray, 

yellowish-gray, and grayish-purple mudstone and siltstone that form intervening 

slopes between the limestone ledges. The 

rock unit was deposited in a variety of 

shallow-marine environments. 

The Rock Canyon Conglomerate 

Member consists of a pebble to cobble, 

clast supported conglomerate derived 

from the Harrisburg Member of the 

Kaibab Formation.

3.3.3.14 Muddy Creek Formation

The Miocene age Muddy Creek 

Formation consists of mostly fine grained 

to coarse grained, grayish-orange to 

pinkish-orange and medium reddishbrown calcareous sandstone, siltstone, 

mudstone, and moderately sorted 

conglomerates (Photo 3-13). It also 

contains minor light gray to white airfall 

and water-lain tuff beds less than 3 feet 

thick, and hardpan or calcrete horizons 

as much as 3 to 6 feet thick. The Muddy 

Creek Formation is exposed in outcrops 

on about 7.6% of the NCA area. It is 

“Observe always that 

everything is the result 

of change, and get used 

to thinking that there 

is nothing nature loves 

so well as to change 

existing forms and to 

make new ones 

like them.”

–Marcus Aurelius, 

Roman Emperor, 121-

180 AD

“I don’t drink water, 

because if water can 

erode rock, think what 

it can do to flesh.”

–Jarod Kintz, Author, 

1982-

Photo 3-12 Queantoweap Sandstone (foreground), Brady Canyon Member (middle mountain), 

and Fossil Mountain Member (top mountain), Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Photo 3-13 Redwall Limestone of Muddy 

Creek Formation, Beaver Dam Wash NCA
CAMBRIAN DEVONIAN MISSISSIPPIAN PENNSYLVANIAN PERMIAN TERTIARY QUATERNARY Precambrian Gneiss, Schist, Pegmatite pC

Lower

Upper &

Middle

Section missing due to attenuation faulting (Bright Angel Shale)

Section missing due to attenuation faulting (Nopah Dolomite)

Upper

Lower

Lower

Holocene

Pleistocene

Miocene

PlioceneLower - Upper

Surficial Deposits

Alluvial and Basin Fill Deposits

Landslide Deposits

Muddy Creek Formation

Queantoweap Sandstone

Pakoon Dolomite

Callville Limestone

Redwall Limestone

Muddy Creek Dolomite?

Bonanza King Formation

Tapeats Quartzite

Q_

QTapb

QTms(_)

Tmc

Pq

Pp

IPc

Mr

Dm?

Cbk

Ct

0-100 (0-30)

10-300+ (3-90+)

300+ (90+)

500+ (150+)

400 (120)

1200 (360)

400 (120)

50 (15)

200 (60)

700 (210)

parent bedrock of gravity

slide blocks indicated in

parentheses

only patches exposed

medium to small-scale

cross-bedding inclined

in many directions in

lower part

cyclic

Lithostrotionella (hair coral)

beds in upper part

cherty

structurally attenuated

Thunder Springs Member

structurally attenuated

laminated white boundstone

in upper part

structurally attenuated

thin-bedded shaly

limestone at base

locally attenuated

“Great Unconformity”

~1.2 billion years

probably Vishnu Schist

SYSTEM SERIES FORMATION SYMBOL LITHOLOGY THICKNESS

Feet (Meters)

350 Chapter 3 BDWNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 351

GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES

exposed in the northwest part of the 

NCA by Scarecrow Peak, along the east-

ern boundary of the NCA, on the west 

flank of the Beaver Dam Mountains, and 

near the Arizona border along the Beaver 

Dam Wash. 

The formation includes gravity-slide 

blocks on the west flank of the Beaver 

Dam Mountains. Large blocks of tec-

tonically thinned, brecciated Redwall 

Limestone are incorporated in both 

the coarse and fine grained faces of the 

Muddy Creek Formation at the west edge 

of the Beaver Dam Mountains. The blocks 

are preserved in structurally high areas 

in the footwall of local faults, showing 

that the blocks were emplaced prior to 

unroofing of the Beaver Dam Mountains. 

The gravity-slide blocks in the embay-

ment west of Welcome Spring appear to 

be disturbed through several hundred 

feet of Muddy Creek in strata, suggesting 

multiple episodes of emplacement in late 

Miocene time (Biek et al. 2009).

The Muddy Creek Formation was depos-

ited as closed-basin-fill sediment in the 

Virgin River depression and other con-

nected basins south and west. It is poorly 

to well cemented, and generally forms 

slopes, except where protected by young-

er, resistant calcic slopes. The Beaver 

Dam Wash contains mostly sedimentary 

rock of this formation—the result of ero-

sion and faulting.

3.3.3.15 Surficial Deposits

Quaternary age alluvial, colluvial, and 

eolian deposits comprise 64% of the NCA 

area (Photo 3-14). The alluvial deposits 

are primarily derived from coalesced 

fans of material weathering from the 

Beaver Dam Mountains and Bull Valley 

Mountains in Utah, as well as the Clover 

Mountains and Tule Spring Hills in east-

ern Nevada. 

Figure 3-1 displays the stratigraphic col-

umn for the NCA (Hayden 2005).

3.3.4 Paleontological Resources

Paleontological resources are managed 

by BLM for their scientific, educational, 

and recreational values. By law, paleon-

tologists and other scientists who are 

working under permits issued by BLM 

may collect or excavate vertebrate fossils, 

trackways, and noteworthy occurrences 

of fossilized invertebrates or plants (refer 

to Appendix C for a listing of the federal 

laws that apply).

Prior paleontological inventories in the 

NCA have been very limited in scope and 

have not yet identified localities contain-

ing vertebrate or plant fossils. Some of 

“Geology gave us the 

immensity of time and 

taught us how little of 

it our own species has 

occupied.”

–Stephen Jay Gould, 

Author, 1941-2002

Photo 3-14 Quaternary Age Alluvial-fan Deposits Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Figure 3-1 Stratigraphic Column for Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Source: (Hayden 2005)
352 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 353

GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES

the geologic formations of the Beaver 

Dam Mountains, such as the Vishnu 

schist, predate all life forms and are not 

expected to contain fossils. In other 

formations, the geologic processes of 

faulting, volcanism, and crustal deformation have destroyed any biological 

materials that were present, eliminating 

the potential for preservation as fossils. 

In addition, some potential fossil-bearing 

units have been buried by more recent 

Quaternary age alluvial deposits.

A Potential Fossil Yield Classification 

(PFYC) system is used by BLM to rate 

the potential of geologic units to contain 

significant fossil resources. This classification system predicts that fossils might 

be found in particular formations on the 

basis of past scientific experience. Five 

classes were developed for this system, 

with Class I having very low potential for 

containing significant fossils and Class V 

having very high potential. The Miocene 

age Muddy Creek Formation, Permian 

Kaibab, and the Cambrian Bright Angel 

Shale have moderate potential (PFYC 

Class 3) for significant paleontological 

resources. Table 3-4 displays the paleontological resources that are predicted to 

be present within each geological formation present in the NCA.

“The worse the country, 

the more tortured it 

is by water and wind, 

the more broken and 

carved, the more it 

attracts fossil hunters, 

who depend on the 

planet to open itself to 

us. We can only scratch 

away at what natural 

forces have brought to 

the surface.”

–Jack Horner, 

Paleontologist, 1946-

“Whatever Nature 

undertakes, she can 

only accomplish it in 

a sequence. She never 

makes a leap.”

–Johann Wolfgang 

von Goethe, Poet, 

Zoologist, Botanist, 

Geologist, 1749-1832

Age Formation/Unit Name Lithology Fossils Present

Quaternary

0-1.5 MYA

Surficial deposits, 

includes pediment, alluvial, colluvial, eolian, 

and lacustrine

Gravel/sand/clay Vertebrate: vertebrates 

in localized lacustrine 

and fluvial deposits, 

possible fossilized 

packrat middens.

PlioceneMiocene

1.5-25 MYA

Muddy Creek 

Formation and Basin 

Fill Sedimentary Rocks

Sandstone/siltstone/mudstone/

conglomerate

Vertebrate: low 

abundance but certain 

horizons containing 

burrows, camel tracks 

and camel bones have 

been reported nearby 

in Nevada.

Triassic

206-245 MYA

Moenkopi Formation Sandstone/siltstone/

mudstone/gypsum/

limestone/conglomerate at base

Invertebrate, 

Vertebrate, Plant: some 

petrified wood noted 

and locally fossiliferous 

(crinoids, gastropods, 

brachiopods, and 

ammonites in Virgin 

Limestone/Timpoweap 

Members, rare vertebrate in red beds).

Permian

245-286 MYA

Kaibab Limestone 

(includes Harrisburg 

and Fossil Mountain 

Members)

Limestone/cherty/

limestone/

gypsum/siltstone

Invertebrate: crinoids, 

bryozoans, mollusks, echinoids, and 

brachiopods.

Age Formation/Unit Name Lithology Fossils Present

Permian

245-286 MYA 

Toroweap Formation 

(includes Wood 

Ranch Member, Brady 

Canyon, and Seligman 

Members)

Limestone, dolomite, 

gypsum, gypsiferous 

mudstone and siltstone/Brady Canyon is 

cherty limestone and 

fossiliferous limestone

Invertebrate: crinoids, 

gastropods, and 

brachiopods

Queantoweap 

Sandstone

Sandstone None reported

Pakoon Formation

(includes Bird Spring 

Formation west of the 

Beaver Dam Wash)

Dolomite/dolomitic 

limestone/limestone

Invertebrate: bryozoans, fusilinids, and crinoids in thin limestone 

beds.

Pennsylvanian

286-320 MYA

Callville Limestone

(includes Bird Spring 

Formation west of the 

Beaver Dam Wash)

Limestone, calcareous 

siltstone, sandstone, 

dolomite (commonly 

cherty and fossiliferous 

limestone)

Invertebrate: coral 

(Chaetetes spp.) are 

common in the upper part, and other 

corals, brachiopods, 

echinoderms, and 

bryozoans are common 

throughout.

Mississippian

320-408 MYA

Redwall Limestone 

(includes Monte Cristo 

Limestone west of the 

Beaver Dam Wash)

Cherty and fossiliferous/ bioclastic 

limestone

Invertebrate: horn 

corals, colonial corals, 

echinoderms, and 

brachiopods.

Devonian

380-408 MYA

Muddy Peak Dolomite Dolomite, silty dolomite and sandstoneInvertebrate: 

Stromatoporoid-like 

structures/rare biothermal mounds that 

include crinoid, coral, 

gastropod, and brachiopod fragments.

Cambrian

505-570 MYA

Nopah Dolomite Dolomite Invertebrate: algal stromatolites, tubular trace 

fossils.

Bonanza King 

Formation

Dolomite/silty 

limestone

Invertebrate: none 

known in the Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA but a 

trilobite was reported 

near the top of the 

formation in the Virgin 

Gorge.

Bright Angel Shale Micaceous shale, 

siltstone, quartzose 

sandstone

Invertebrate: None 

known in the Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA but 

trilobites have been 

found at nearby sites in 

Nevada and Arizona.

Tapeats Quartzite Orthoquartzite/pebble 

conglomerate

Invertebrate: None 

reported in the Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA to 

date.

Precambrian

570-4550 

MYA

Vishnu schist 

equivalent

(1.7 billion years old)

Gneiss, schist, 

pegmatite

Invertebrate: None 

reported in the Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA to 

date.

Table 3-4 Paleontological Resources by Geologic Formation
LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

GTON CO

N E V

A D A

U T A

H

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

Red

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n F l a t

West Mountain

Peak

Canyon

Indian

Hell Hole

Pass

Castle Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

Gravel Pit

B

E A V

E

R

D

A

M

M

O

U

N

T

A I N

S

Apex Mine

Jarvis Peak

Utah

Hill

B u l l d o g

C a n y o n

Bulldog Pass

Powerline

Scarecrow Peak

Catclaw Canyon

T 40 S

T 41 S

T 41 S

T 42 S

T 42 S

T 43 S

R 20 W

R 19 W

MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

Bentley

Spring

Bentley

Wash

Jackson Spring

Cole

Spring

Wash

Jackson

Well

Badger

Spring

Reber Wash

Reber

Spring

Crazy Spring

Sam Spring

Middle Spring

Indian

Spring

Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Spring

Wash

Burgess

Creek Welcome

Castle Cliff

Wash

Summit

Spring

Manganese

Rods

Spring Wash

Wash

Well

Well

Pahcoon

Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

W a s h

Cedar

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

To St. George,

Utah

To Beaver Dam,

Arizona

Old Hwy 91

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W R 017 W

Cave and Karst Potential

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for

use of the data for purposes not intended

by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Source: Utah Geological Survey Map 242, 1:100k Scale, Biek et al., 2009

Cave and Karst Potential

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

354 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 355

CAVE AND KARST RESOURCES MAP 3-4

3.4 CAVE AND KARST RESOURCES 

A cave is defined as any naturally occurring void, cavity, recess, or system 

of interconnected passages occurring 

beneath the surface of the earth that is 

large enough to permit an individual to 

enter, regardless of whether the entrance 

is naturally formed or human-made. 

A cave resource is any resource occurring within a cave. Cave resources can 

be biological, geological, mineralogical, 

paleontological, cultural, hydrological, 

or any other attribute specific to that 

cave. Caves are complex and sensitive 

ecosystems because of the fragility of 

their components (i.e., paleontological 

and archaeological deposits, speleothems 

(formations inside caves (Photo 3-15)), 

and biological resources, the great length 

of time required to respond to changes 

in conditions, and the delicate balance of 

interactions between cave resources and 

foreign inputs (i.e., surface communities 

and resources, groundwater hydrological 

systems, etc.).

A karst is a landform produced by the 

dissolution of soluble rock types such as 

limestone, dolomite, marble, gypsum, or 

salt (Photo 3-16). Features often associated with karst terrains include sinkholes 

or closed depressions, blow holes, caves, 

dry valleys, sinking streams, and resurgences or springs.

The Beaver Dam Mountains are composed primarily of Pennsylvanian, 

Mississippian, and Devonian age limestone units. Erosion of these limestone 

units, especially the Mississippian 

Redwall limestone, has created large and 

significant caves and karsts, as well as 

other unique geological features such as 

sinkholes and extensive systems of joints 

and lineaments. Diverse ecosystems with 

unusual cave-adapted invertebrate and 

vertebrate species are often present within the caves and karsts of the Beaver Dam 

Mountains. Map 3-4 shows the areas of 

the NCA that have the highest potential 

for caves and karsts to be present.

Federal Cave Resources 

Protection Act of 1988 

(United States Code 16 USC 

Sec. 4301) Title 16 Chapter 

63 states that: The Congress 

finds and declares that (1) 

significant caves on Federal 

lands are an invaluable and 

irreplaceable part of the 

Nation's natural heritage; 

and (2) in some instances, 

these significant caves are 

threatened due to improper 

use, increased recreational 

demand, urban spread, and 

a lack of specific statutory 

protection.

(b) Purposes. The purposes 

of this Act are (1) to secure, 

protect, and preserve 

significant caves on Federal 

lands for the perpetual use, 

enjoyment, and benefit of 

all people; and (2) to foster 

increased cooperation and 

exchange of information 

between governmental 

authorities and those who 

utilize caves located on 

Federal lands for scientific, 

education, or recreational 

purposes.

(c) Policy. It is the policy 

of the United States that 

Federal lands be managed 

in a manner which protects 

and maintains, to the extent 

practical, significant caves.

Photo 3-15 Speleothems in Sunbeam Cave, 

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Photo 3-16 Redwall Limestone Karst Terrain, Beaver Dam Wash NCA
356 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 357

SOIL RESOURCES SOIL RESOURCES

alluvial fans of the coarser material. The 

fine material is washed into the lowlands.

Soil erosion involves two processes: (1) a 

detachment or loosening influence, and 

(2) transportation by means of floating, 

rolling, dragging, and splashing. Freezing 

and thawing, flowing water, and rain 

impact provide the detaching agents. 

Raindrop splash and especially running 

water can carry away loosened soil. On 

comparatively smooth soil surfaces, the 

beating of raindrops results in most of 

the detachment. In the vegetation types 

offering generally sparse cover, little interception of precipitation or protection 

from overland flow of water occurs.

As is the case for water erosion, the loss 

of soil by wind movement also involves 

detachment and transportation. The 

abrasive action of the wind results in 

some detachment of tiny soil grains from 

the granules or clods of which they are 

a part. When the wind is laden with soil 

particles, its abrasive action is greatly increased. The impact of these rapidly moving grains dislodges other particles from 

soil clods and aggregates. The cutting and 

abrasive effects upon tender leaves and 

vegetation are harmful, especially the effects of sand.

Aeolian landforms are produced by wind 

erosion, transportation, and deposition of 

fine-grained sediment. These landforms 

are formed into islands of small sand 

dunes and sheets, which are often habitats for special status vegetation species.

Desert pavements are prominent features 

in arid environments and consist of a 

surface layer of closely packed gravel that 

overlies a thin, gravel-poor soil horizon 

(Photo 3-18). These structures, along 

with their silt-and clay-rich texture, 

control infiltration and hence the overall 

hydrologic conditions in the soil profile. 

Desert pavement clasts rise vertically 

on an accreting eolian mantle, and the 

underlying vesicular horizon co-evolves 

with pavement formation. Eolian material is transported from the ground surface to pedogenesis of vesicular horizons 

interiors, thereby increasing the thickness of the vesicular horizon underlying 

desert pavements. In other words, desert 

pavement traps and binds dust. Through 

this action, soil horizons are created and 

the soil thickness increases.

The following descriptions of soil settings 

and soil types within the NCA are based 

on a soil survey of Washington County 

conducted between 1967 and 1971 by 

the USDA Soil Conservation Service 

(Mortensen 1977). Some vegetation communities, soil conditions, and land uses 

have changed measurably since this inventory was conducted over 50 years ago; 

however, this survey represents the best 

available information on soil resources in 

the NCA.

3.5.1 Soil Setting

Nearly 30% of the NCA is comprised 

of miscellaneous land types, including 

Rock Land, Rough Broken Lands, and 

Riverwash. Soil interpretations, such as 

erosion hazard, are generally not provided for these miscellaneous land types; 

however, they can and do influence 

Fourteen caves have been identified in 

the Beaver Dam Mountains within the 

boundaries of the NCA through limited 

cave inventories (Photo 3-17); two 

additional caves are located along the 

boundary of the NCA. The 14 caves on 

public lands, ranging in length from 30 

to 110 feet, have not been inventoried 

to determine what cave resources are 

present. Given the many large caves that 

have been identified elsewhere in the 

Beaver Dam Mountains and at other 

locations where the Redwall limestone 

is exposed, there is a high potential for 

additional caves to be found within the 

NCA, and for some of these caves to 

contain important geological, biological, 

and cultural resources.

3.5 SOIL RESOURCES

Many resources and resource uses 

depend on the presence of suitable and 

quality soils for their sustainability and 

continued health; therefore, soil attributes and condition are important 

to BLM management decisions. The 

Utah Standards and Guides (Appendix 

D) identify attributes of healthy and 

functioning soils based on soil type, land 

form, geologic processes, and climate.

Desert soils tend to be poorly developed 

with a high content of mineral particles 

and little organic matter. This is caused 

by low plant productivity, which restricts 

the soil-building properties of microorganisms that convert organic matter 

into the humus components of soils. In 

the arid desert conditions that prevail 

at all but the highest elevations, there is 

little downward movement of the soluble 

constituents of the soil. Most leaching 

is confined to the translocation of the 

soluble material (usually lime) from the 

surface to the subsoil with the resultant 

formation of a hardpan. These soluble 

salts are usually leached to a depth of 

only one to two feet.

In this climate, soil formation occurs 

due to rock weathering by disintegration rather than by decomposition. 

Mechanical breakdown of rock formations is more common than chemical 

action; as a result, mountains are covered 

with a thin veneer of rock fragments. 

Storm events move large volumes of 

material into washes and valleys, forming 

“Nature is painting 

for us, day after day, 

pictures of infinite 

beauty.”

–John Ruskin, Art 

Critic, 1819-1900

“Desert pavements are 

prominent features 

in arid environments 

and consist of a surface 

layer of closely packed 

gravel that overlies a 

thin, gravel-poor soil 

horizon.”

Photo 3-17 Sunbeam Cave Inventory, Beaver Dam Wash NCA Photo 3-18 Typical Desert Pavement in 

Beaver Dam Wash NCA
358 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 359

SOIL RESOURCES

surrounding soils by affecting runoff patterns and surface water flows. 

Rock Land (Photo 3-19) consists of 60 to 

80% rock outcrop and 20 to 40% shallow soils over bedrock. Slopes are gently 

sloping to steep. The vegetation is mainly 

shrubs and forbs at lower elevations, and 

sparse pinyon pine and Utah juniper at 

intermediate elevations. Erosion is moderate, and the sediment production is low 

to medium, depending upon the amount 

and kind of vegetation. 

Rough Broken Land is mainly found on 

the rugged landforms along the channel of the Beaver Dam Wash. The stream 

terraces are deeply dissected by narrow 

ephemeral drainages that convey runoff 

to the stream channel. The surface of 

this land type generally has a pavement 

of gravel, cobbles, and stones that covers 70 to 80% of the surface. Vegetative 

cover consists of creosote bush-bursage 

desert shrubs, as well as native and exotic 

grasses and forbs.

Riverwash consists of stratified, dominantly coarse-textured, gravelly, cobbly, 

or stony materials in the warm desert 

washes and narrow drainage ways of the 

NCA. The material varies considerably 

over a short distance and sheet washes 

during periods of high runoff. Sparse 

vegetation occurs on higher areas 

that have not been flooded for 

several years.

3.5.2 Soil Types

Soils are grouped based on the physical, 

chemical, and mechanical characteristics 

that contribute to watershed functions, 

such as soil productivity, salinity, and 

water and wind erosion potential. These 

groups are used to assess impacts on soils 

from various uses, to evaluate the potential for restoration of ecological sites, to 

set the parameters for watershed management, and to determine the benefits and 

prioritization of restoration projects.

Soil types in the NCA are variable, reflecting the interactions between topography, elevation, parent material, and 

time. Topography ranges from nearly level valley bottoms to vertical cliffs. Parent 

materials for soils include sedimentary 

rocks (e.g., limestone, mudstone, shale, 

gypsum, and sandstone), igneous rocks 

(e.g., rhyolite and dacite), and metamorphic rocks (e.g., gneiss). Many alluvial 

soils have formed from mixes of these 

various parent materials. 

Soil scientists have mapped 10 dominant 

soil types in the NCA (Mortensen 1977) 

(Map 3-5). These are briefly described 

below.

The Cave Series (Photo 3-20) covers 

nearly two thirds of the NCA, at 

elevations between 2,400 to 4,200 

feet ASL. These shallow, well-drained 

soils typically top a 10 to 20 inch deep 

carbonate-cemented hardpan. The parent 

materials are generally gravelly alluvium 

from limestone, dolomite, quartzite, 

gneiss, and shale. The Cave Series soils 

support Mojave Desert shrubs. Runoff is 

slow and the hazard of erosion is slight 

to moderate.

Approximately 1250 acres of the NCA 

are covered by Welring and Tortugas very 

gravelly loams. These soils are characterized by very steep slopes (20-70%) 

and are predominately weathered from 

limestone formations. Both of these soils 

are shallow with root restrictive layers or 

bedrock within 10 to 20 inches of the surface. Erosion hazard is moderate to high. 

Quazo and Motoqua soils are intermingled on approximately 1000 acres of the 

NCA. They occur on landforms with steep 

slopes (30-70%), low organic matter, and 

shallow depths (8 to 20 inches), with the 

Motoqua being slightly shallower. Erosion 

hazard is high for both of these soil types. 

Volcanic rocks such as rhyolite, andesite, 

and dacite are the most common parent 

material for both soil types. 

Renbac soils are found in combination 

with Rock Land and cover less than 900 

acres of the NCA (Photo 3-21). They occur on landforms with 2-30% slopes and 

result from the weathering of sandstone, 

shale, and other sedimentary parent materials. These soils are low in organic matter, shallow (ranging from 8 to 17 inches 

in depth), and have a slight to moderate 

erosion hazard.

3.5.3 Sensitive and Fragile Soils

Sensitive and fragile soils are those identified as having characteristics that make 

them extremely susceptible to erosion or 

more difficult to reclaim after surface-disturbance events. Slope steepness also increases the erosion potential of these soils 

because it increases the rate at which water 

SOIL RESOURCES

What Is Soil?

By definition soil is composed 

of both abiotic components,

such as sand, silt, and clay 

from the weathering

and erosion of geological 

sources; and biotic

material—organic matter 

from the decay of plants,

animals, and other organisms.

(National Science Teachers 

Association 2014)

“Soils are grouped 

based on the 

physical, chemical, 

and mechanical 

characteristics that 

contribute to watershed 

functions, such as soil 

productivity, salinity, 

and water and wind 

erosion potential.”

Photo 3-20 Cave Series Soils, Beaver Dam Wash NCA Photo 3-21 Renbac-Rock Land Association 

Soils, Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Photo 3-19 Rock Land, Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA
LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

GTON CO

N E V

A D A

U T A

H

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

Red

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n F l a t

West Mountain

Peak

Canyon

Indian

Hell Hole

Pass

Castle Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

Gravel Pit

B

E A V

E

R

D

A

M

M

O

U

N

T

A I N

S

Apex Mine

Jarvis Peak

Utah

Hill

B u l l d o g

C a n y o n

Bulldog Pass

Powerline

Scarecrow Peak

Catclaw Canyon

T 40 S

T 41 S

T 41 S

T 42 S

T 42 S

T 43 S

R 20 W

R 19 W

MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

Bentley

Spring

Bentley

Wash

Jackson Spring

Cole

Spring

Wash

Jackson

Well

Badger

Spring

Reber Wash

Reber

Spring

Crazy Spring

Sam Spring

Middle Spring

Indian

Spring

Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Spring

Wash

Burgess

Creek Welcome

Castle Cliff

Wash

Summit

Spring

Manganese

Rods

Spring Wash

Wash

Well

Well

Pahcoon

Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

W a s h

Cedar

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

To St. George,

Utah

To Beaver Dam,

Arizona

Old Hwy 91

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W R 017 W

Soils

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service: Soil Survey

Geographic (SSURGO) database for Washington County Area, Utah

Cave very gravelly sandy loam, 7 to 30 percent slopes

Cave very gravelly sandy loam, low rainfall, 2 to 7 percent slopes

Chilton gravelly loam, 5 to 30 percent slopes

Curhollow-Rock outcrop complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes

Motoqua-Mokiak very cobbly sandy loams, 30 to 70 percent slopes

Quazo-Motoqua very gravelly sandy loams, 30 to 70 percent slopes

Renbac-Rock land association

Riverwash

Rock land

Rock land, stony

Rock outcrop

Rough broken land

Tobler silty clay loam

Welring-Tortugas very gravelly loams, 20 to 70 percent slopes

Water

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

360 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 361

SOIL RESOURCES

will flow overland, transport soil particles, 

and create gullies and rills. Approximately 

30% of the land base of the NCA is comprised of miscellaneous landforms that are 

characterized by steep slopes, sparse vegetation, rocky outcrops, and gravel beds. 

During precipitation events, runoff flows 

from these landforms can erode soils. Fine 

or coarse soil textures, shallow depths, 

water holding capacity, and the degree of 

landform slope all contribute to a soil’s 

potential for erosion.

Because vegetative cover is sparse on 

most of these soils, soil particles may not 

be “anchored” in place and may easily 

be eroded by wind or water. As a result, 

storm events quickly erode rills and 

gullies on these landforms. In the NCA, 

approximately 2,000 acres would be rated 

as having a severe soil erosion hazard, 

approximately 30,000 acres would be 

evaluated as having a moderate erosion 

hazard, and approximately 20,000 acres 

would be considered to have a slight 

erosion hazard.

3.5.3.1 Biological Soil Crusts

Biological soil crusts (also called cryptogamic or cryptobiotic soils) in arid 

regions like the Mojave Desert are 

composed primarily of cyanolichens and 

cyanobacteria (Photo 3-22). These crusts 

are important soil stabilizers or “living 

mulches” that retain soil moisture and 

discourage the growth of annual invasive 

weeds. Because plant cover is sparse, 

biological soil crusts are a critical source 

of organic matter for desert soils, and 

an important food source for organisms 

that live below the soil surface and help 

to keep nutrients available for plants by 

decomposing plant litter. Cyanolichens, 

cyanobacteria, and other living organisms 

in biological soil crusts are concentrated 

within the top 1/8 inch of the soil (Photo 

3-23) and fix nitrogen in a form usable by 

plants, an especially important function 

in desert ecosystems where nitrogen often 

limits plant growth (Belnap 2002).

Crusts generally cover all soil spaces 

between plants, creating a continuous 

surface that may be very difficult to 

distinguish from bare ground. Immature 

crusts are generally flat and the same 

color as the soil, while mature crusts 

may have more surface texture and be a 

darker color due to the higher densities 

of cyanobacteria and other organisms.

Biological soil crusts can be indicators of 

ecological health, as well as indicators of 

physical disturbance. Repeated disturbance or trampling of biological crusts 

can permanently destroy the living filaments of the organisms, preventing the 

recovery of the crusts. Blowing dust from 

disturbed soils can cover nearby crusts, 

depriving them of needed sunlight, 

ultimately leading to the death of the living organisms that comprise the crusts. 

Without these crusts, soil fertility, stability, and moisture retention capacity can 

be lost. Restoration of biological crusts 

so that they can stabilize soil can take 

up to 250 years in arid lands, assuming 

that they are not again disturbed (Belnap 

2002). Large areas of bare ground, rills, 

MAP 3-5

Don’t Bust the Crust!

Biking and driving: Stay on 

established roads and trails. 

Do not skirt barriers 

or fences.

Camping: Use designated 

campsites. Otherwise 

establish camp in areas where 

living crusts do not form, 

such as slickrock, sandy areas, 

or under groves of trees.

Hiking: Stay on established 

trails. Where trails do not 

exist, hike in washes or 

on rocks.

Photo 3-22 Biological Soil Crust, Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA Photo 3-23 Close-up of Biological Soil Crust
362 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 363

or gullies are a few of the key indicators 

used in evaluating whether soil quality 

and function are being compromised.

3.6 NATIVE VEGETATION 

COMMUNITIES

3.6.1 Ecosystems

The NCA is within a transition zone 

(ecotone) between the Mojave Desert 

and Great Basin ecoregions. Ecotones are 

places where plants and animals characteristic of different ecoregions mix and 

interact, creating unique communities 

that are often species-rich. A number of 

ecosystems and ecotones, described in 

greater detail below, can be found within 

the boundaries of the NCA.

3.6.1.1 Mojave Desert Ecosystem

The Mojave Desert ecosystem covers 

approximately 35% (22,040 acres) of 

the NCA, at its lowest elevations (Photo 

3-24). Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) 

and white bursage (Ambrosia dumosa) 

dominate, with bursage more prevalent in 

warmer and drier sites. Other common 

species include Mormon tea (Ephedra nevadensis), broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia 

sarothrae), blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima), rubber rabbitbrush (Ericameria 

nauseosa), and native grasses like big galleta (Pleuraphis rigida), and bush muhly 

(Muhlenbergia porteri). Creosote bush 

communities are typically very open and 

species-poor, with considerable amounts 

of bare ground. Grasses in this ecosystem 

are relatively rare while cacti (Cactaceae) 

are relatively common. 

3.6.1.2 Mojave-Great Basin Ecotone

The Mojave-Great Basin ecotone contains 

vegetation-type representatives from 

both the Mojave Desert and Great Basin 

ecosystems (Photo 3-25). Soil and vegetation vary widely within the transition 

area, although it more closely resembles 

the Mojave Desert than the Great Basin. 

Annual precipitation ranges from 10 to 

12 inches, with most occurring from 

November through April. Summers are 

hot and dry with many days reaching 

above 100° F. Blackbrush communities typically grow on alluvial fans and 

bajadas in this zone above the creosote 

bush communities and below the pinyonjuniper communities at higher elevations.

3.6.1.3 Big Sagebrush-Steppe 

Ecosystem

The Great Basin ecoregion includes species associated with a cold desert and 

an annual precipitation regime of 12-24 

inches. A big sagebrush-steppe ecosystem covers much of this ecoregion, with 

NATIVE VEGETATION COMMUNITIES NATIVE VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

native grasses, forbs, and biological soil 

crusts filling interspaces.

3.6.2 NCA Vegetation Communities 

Vegetation in the NCA is divided into the 

communities shown in Table 3-5.

Map 3-6 shows the distribution of each 

vegetation community within the NCA. 

In 2011, a Landscape Conservation 

Forecasting process was completed for 

the NCA by The Nature Conservancy 

in partnership with BLM, UDWR, and 

USFWS. High resolution imagery, field 

studies, computer modeling, and collaboration among ecologists, biologists, and 

other resource specialists were employed 

to assess the current ecological health 

of the native vegetation communities 

within the NCA. For each vegetation 

community, the assessment developed a 

numerical ecological departure score that 

reflected the degree to which the communities of the NCA were “out of balance”, 

or dissimilar to the reference-baseline or 

Natural Range of Variability (NRV). The 

ecological departure score reflected the 

dissimilarity between: (1) the amounts 

of specific vegetation classes expected 

to be present under reference (or preEuropean settlement) conditions; and (2) 

the amounts of vegetation classes that are 

currently observed in the NCA. A majority of the ecological systems in the NCA 

had departure values at the maximum 

of 100%; that is, total dissimilarity from 

these systems’ NRV. The primary cause of 

ecological departure was due to the nearly complete presence of invasive annual 

grasses (Bromus spp.) and exotic forbs in 

burned, re-burned, and unburned areas 

of the NCA (The Nature Conservancy 

2011). Map 3-7 displays the percentages 

Ecotone

An ecotone is a transitional 

area between different 

vegetation communities or 

regions where the species of 

each community or region 

integrate. Ecotones can 

occur on many scales and 

exhibit diverse patterns. The 

integration of species can 

cover large regional areas or 

occur within a small pocket, 

and can be evenly mixed or 

appear as a distinct line.

(Encyclopedia Britannica 

2014)

“[Vegetation] 

communities are 

characterized by the 

gross structure, or life 

form, of the prominent 

species in a particular 

habitat.”

–Renée Van Buren, 

Utah Valley University 

Faculty

Vegetation 

Community

Acres Percent

CreosotebushWhite Bursage 

Scrub

22,041 34.87%

Blackbrush (Mesic) 33,628 53.20%

Blackbrush 

(Thermic)

3,653 5.78%

Big Sagebrush 

Steppe (Upland)

14 0.022%

Pinyon-Juniper 

Woodland

270 0.43%

Mountain 

Mahogany 

0.5 0.0008%

Mountain Shrub 143 0.23%

Warm Desert 

Riparian

114 0.18%

Warm Desert 

Riparian Wash

3,345 5.29%

Table 3-5 Vegetation Communities

Photo 3-24 Mojave Desert Ecosystem Featuring Creosote Bush and White Bursage Photo 3-25 Mojave-Great Basin Ecotone Featuring Blackbrush
LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

N E V A D A

U T A H

U

T

A

H

A

R

I

Z

O

N

A

Red

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Canyon

P a h c o o n

F l a t

We

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t

M

o

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ta

i

n

Peak

Canyon

Indian

He

ll

H

o

l

e

Pa

ss

C

a

s

t

le

Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

G

r

a

v

e

l

P

i

t

B E A V E R

D A M

M O U N T A I N S

A

p

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Ut

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Hill

B

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C a n y o n

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Pa

ss

Pow

e

rl

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n

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Sc

a

re

cro

w

Pe

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k

Catclaw

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T

4

0

S

T

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T

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2

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4

2

S

T

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R 20 W

R 19 W

M

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JOSHUA

TREE

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B

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Ja

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Manganese Rods Spring

Wash

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We

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ToSt.George,

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ToBeaverDam,

Arizona

Old Hwy

9

1

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R020WR019WR018WR017W

ExoticAnnualsPercentCover

BeaverDamWashNCA

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLM

standardsforaccuracyandcontent.

Differentdatasourcesandinput

scalesmaycausesomemisalignment

ofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLM

foruseofthedataforpurposesnot

intendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

Source:TheNatureConservancy:LandscapeConservationForecastingfor

WashingtonCounty'sNationalConservationAreas,BiophysicalSetting

Dataset,September2011

ExoticAnnualGrassPercentCover

NoneListed

0-20%

>5%

>=5%

5-20%

5-30%

>10%

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NationalConservationAreaBoundary

FieldOfficeBoundary

StateBoundary

LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

N E V A D A

U T A H

U

T

A

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A

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O

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A

Red

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Canyon

P a h c o o n

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M

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Indian

He

ll

H

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Pa

ss

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t

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G

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T

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T

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2

S

T

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2

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R 20 W

R 19 W

M

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J

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DESERT

JOSHUA

TREE

SCENIC BACKWAY

B

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n

t

ley

Sp

r

i

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Bentley

Wash

Ja

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Manganese Rods Spring

Wash

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We

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T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R020WR019WR018WR017W

Vegetation

BeaverDamWashNCA

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLM

standardsforaccuracyandcontent.

Differentdatasourcesandinput

scalesmaycausesomemisalignment

ofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLM

foruseofthedataforpurposesnot

intendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

Source:TheNatureConservancy:LandscapeConservationForecastingfor

WashingtonCounty'sNationalConservationAreas,BiophysicalSetting

Dataset,September2011

BigSagebrushSteppe-upland

Blackbrush-mesic

Blackbrush-thermic

Creosotebush-WhiteBursageScrub

MountainShrub

Pinyon-Juniper

RockorBarren

WarmDesertRiparian

WarmDesertRiparian-Wash

NationalConservationAreaBoundary

FieldOfficeBoundary

StateBoundary

364 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 365

MAP 3-6 MAP 3-7
366 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 367

NATIVE VEGETATION COMMUNITIES NATIVE VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

of exotic invasive annual species by vegetation community within the NCA. 

A Mesic Blackbrush community covers 

approximately 53% of the land base of 

NCA (Photo 3-26). The dominant shrubs 

are blackbrush, which can comprise 90-

95% of the community, and Joshua trees 

(Yucca brevifolia). Codominant shrub 

species include Mormon tea, big rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus), spiny 

hopsage (Grayia spinosa), Anderson 

wolfberry (Lycium andersonii) and banana yucca (Yucca baccata). Utah juniper 

(Juniperus osteosperma) is often associated with mesic blackbrush at higher 

elevations. This community changes little 

over many decades, exhibiting very low 

reproductive rates and very slow growth. 

Currently the majority of this community has at least 10% or more of invasive 

brome grass species (e.g., cheatgrass 

(Bromus tectorum), red brome (Bromus 

rubens)), and filaree (Erodium spp.) composition and less than 10% blackbrush.

Joshua tree forests in this ecozone are at 

the northernmost extent of their range 

in Utah. The 1,042 acre Joshua Tree NNL 

is located entirely within the boundaries 

of the NCA. This exemplary Joshua tree 

forest was added to the national system of 

Natural Landmarks in 1966 by the NPS 

to acknowledge its importance in the 

natural resource heritage of this nation.

The Blackbrush-Joshua Tree community 

is one of the most flammable native plant 

assemblages in the Mojave Desert (Photo 

3-27). The historical fire regime of this 

community was one of infrequent fire 

return intervals (averaging about 75 years 

between fires), with high variation of fire 

occurrence due to year-to-year variation 

of drying shrub foliage, shrub mortality, and forbs. This community will not 

re-establish as a mature community for 

hundreds of years after wildfires. 

In the NCA, there are approximately 

3,650 acres of thermic blackbrush 

growing mid-slope on the Beaver Dam 

Mountains. This community grows where 

precipitation is less than 10 inches annually; the dominant shrubs are blackbrush, 

white bursage, and Joshua trees. Utah 

juniper is never present in a thermic 

blackbrush community. This community 

has been substantially invaded by brome 

grasses and filaree.

The Creosotebush-White Bursage 

Scrub community covers 22,041 acres 

or 34.87% of the land base of the NCA 

(Photo 3-28). These desert shrubs grow 

at the lowest elevations and are typically found below the blackbrush zone 

on well-drained alluvial flats, at elevations ranging from 5,000-6,000 feet. 

Creosotebush and white bursage dominate, with bursage more prevalent in drier, warmer sites. Invasive brome grasses 

and other exotics are found throughout 

this community. 

Sagebrush communities are the most 

widespread of the “typical” Great Basin 

plant communities. In the NCA, there 

are 14 acres of big sagebrush (Artemisia 

tridentata), found at elevations generally 

above 8,000 feet. Major shrubs include 

Basin big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata 

ssp. tridentata), blackbrush, shadscale 

(Atriplex confertifolia), and Mormon 

tea. Common associates include winterfat (Eurotia lanata), spiny hopsage, 

blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis), needleand-thread (Hesperostipa comata), wild 

ryes (Elymus spp.), and Indian ricegrass 

(Acnatherum hymenoides).

A Pinyon-Juniper Woodland covers less 

than 0.4% of the NCA and is typically 

found between 5,500-8,000 feet ASL, 

often on steep, rocky slopes. The species of 

pinyon most often present is the single leaf 

pinyon (Pinus monophylla), while Utah juniper is the most common juniper present, 

with one-seed juniper (Juniperus monosperma) occasionally found. Utah juniper 

is a climax species in a number of pinyonjuniper, sagebrush (Artemisia spp.), grassland, and shrub-steppe communities. 

Understory layers can include shrubs like 

cliffrose (Purshia spp.), Mormon tea, and 

“Sage-brush is a 

very fair fuel, but 

as a vegetable it is a 

distinguished failure. 

Nothing can abide 

the taste of it but 

the jackass and his 

illegitimate child 

the mule.”

–Mark Twain, Author 

and Humorist, 

1835-1910

“The Blackbrush-Joshua 

Tree community 

is one of the most 

flammable native plant 

assemblages in the 

Mojave Desert.”

Photo 3-27 Typical Fire Damaged Mesic Blackbrush Community

Photo 3-28 Creosote-White Bursage Scrub Community

Photo 3-26 Mesic Blackbrush Community
368 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 369

NATIVE VEGETATION COMMUNITIES FIRE AND FUELS MANAGEMENT

community. Gravels and desert shrub 

species dominate, with shrub cover increasing over time between flood events.

A number of factors have influenced the 

ecological departure from NRV in native 

vegetation communities of the NCA. 

Livestock grazing affects the composition 

and production of native plant communities through selective foraging. It is 

generally agreed that present-day Mojave 

Desert communities did not evolve with 

significant selective grazing pressure from 

large-bodied herbivores (c.f., Beever et al. 

2003, Grayson 1987) and desert vegetation is very slow to recover if overgrazed 

(Chambers 2013, Abella et al. 2007).

Surface disturbances, such as those created by utility line construction or crosscountry travel by motorized vehicles, can 

damage native plants and biological soil 

crusts. Soil compaction resulting from 

surface disturbances inhibits water infiltration and impedes the re-establishment 

of native plants. Abella (2010) estimates 

that without active restoration, it can take 

215 years for perennial and annual plant 

cover to re-establish in the Mojave Desert 

after surface disturbances.

3.7 FIRE AND FUELS 

MANAGEMENT

3.7.1 Natural Fire Regime

A natural fire regime is a general classification of the role that fire would play 

across a landscape in the absence of 

modern human-caused changes, such as 

mechanical treatments or the introduction of non-native species. Natural or 

historical fire regimes have been divided 

into five classifications based on the average number of years between fires (fire 

frequency) combined with the severity 

(amount of replacement) of the fire on 

the dominant over-story vegetation. 

Large-scale or frequent wildland fires 

were not part of the natural fire regime 

of the Mojave Desert, as desert shrublands are not fire-adapted species (Paysen 

et al. 2000). Historically, wildfire was a 

rare occurrence because Mojave Desert 

ecozones did not produce enough vegetation to “carry” a fire, species like creosote 

bush were naturally fire-resistant, and 

the gaps between the shrubs impeded the 

spread of fires. Invasive annual brome 

grasses today fill in the gaps between the 

desert shrubs, creating a continuous and 

highly flammable fine fuel source that has 

completely altered the intensity and fire 

return intervals in the Mojave Desert.

Brome grasses are believed to have first 

been introduced to the Mojave Desert 

as early in the 18th century, with the 

establishment of the Spanish missions 

in California and the introduction of 

domestic livestock. After 1828, large 

herds of cattle, horses, and sheep were 

driven annually from southern California 

to Santa Fe, New Mexico through southwestern Utah on the Old Spanish Trail. 

This initial herding of domestic livestock 

through the region very likely introduced the brome grasses to southwestern 

Utah. Subsequent overgrazing of public 

rangelands by domestic cattle, sheep, and 

native grasses. Cheatgrass has invaded 

between 5 and 30% of this community, 

particularly in areas that have burned 

recently in wildfires. Grasses are the 

most common understory component. 

Predominant (or formerly predominant) grasses include grama (Bouteloua

spp.), Arizona fescue (Festuca arizonica), 

prairie junegrass (Koeleria macrantha), 

Indian ricegrass, needlegrass (Nasella 

spp.), dropseed (Sporobolus spp.), and 

squirreltail (Elymus elymoides). Shrubs 

may include sagebrush, cliffrose, serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.), rabbitbrush 

(Ericameria and Chrysothamnus spp.), 

shadscale, and winterfat.

Understory plants are most common 

along the edges of the zone. Bare ground 

is very common. The natural fire regime 

of these pinyon-juniper areas ranges from 

frequent to infrequent fire return intervals of 30 to 100 years with mixed to local 

stand replacement fire severity. 

The Mountain Shrub community covers only 143 acres in the NCA and is 

comprised of either Stansbury cliffrose 

(Purshia mexicana) or snowberry 

(Symphoricarpos spp.) as the dominant 

shrubs. The snowberry is usually dominant at higher elevations on moderate to 

steep slopes with deep mesic soils above 

8,000 feet elevation. Other shrubs, grasses, 

and forb species can also be abundant 

(Photo 3-29). Cliffrose is generally found 

at lower elevations and often in the pinyon 

and juniper woodlands on moderate to 

steep slopes.

A Warm Desert Riparian community covers approximately 114 acres (0.18%) of the 

public lands of the NCA at elevations typically below 4,000 feet. Mesquite (Prosopis 

spp.) bosques are found at elevations 

lower than 3,600 feet along intermittent 

drainages. Dominant species are willows 

(Salix gooddingii), Fremont’s cottonwood 

(Populus fremontii), and rushes (Carex 

spp.) and cattails (Typha spp.).

Approximately 3,345 acres of the Warm 

Desert Riparian Wash Community are 

present in the NCA, within deeply incised 

ephemeral drainages (Photo 3-30). Flashflooding is the major disturbance in this 

“Fire regimes can be 

strong forces in the 

evolution of species 

traits. When fire 

regimes are rapidly 

altered, individual 

species and species 

assemblages may be 

significantly affected.” 

(Brooks n.d.)

Bigtooth Maple

Acer grandidentatum is 

a beautiful maple with 

large, bright green, handsized leaves. Its red stems 

are striking as are the 

characteristic wing-like 

samaras (fruits borne 

in pairs).

Photo 3-30 Warm Desert Riparian Wash 

Community

Photo 3-29 Bigtooth Maple in Mountain 

Shrub Community
370 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 371

FIRE AND FUELS MANAGEMENT FIRE AND FUELS MANAGEMENT

fires occurred each year and consumed 

an average of 3,530 acres annually. This 

average is skewed by the large fires in 

2005 and 2006 that were fueled by dense 

stands of invasive grasses that sprouted 

after above-average fall and winter precipitation. Approximately 34,200 acres of 

the NCA were burned or re-burned in 14 

fires. Fire frequencies have departed from 

historic frequencies by multiple return 

intervals, vegetation attributes have been 

significantly altered from the historical 

range, and the risk of losing key ecosystem components is high.

3.7.4 Wildland Fire Suppression

Currently, all fires within the NCA are 

targeted for full suppression based on 

goals for the specific fire management 

unit and recommendations developed 

by the Desert Tortoise Management 

Oversight Group (MOG), an interagency 

and interstate working group that provides recommendations related to actions 

that will assist the recovery and delisting 

of the threatened Mojave desert tortoise. 

horses in the late 19th and early 20th 

centuries contributed to their spread.

By the early decades of the 20th century, 

invasive annual grasses were already 

widespread in today’s NCA. Woodbury 

and Hardy (1948, 171) noted that “the 

ever-present annual cheatgrass” was the 

most abundant annual that they encountered during their tortoise research 

on the Beaver Dam Slope in the 1930s. 

Today, the invasive grasses are even 

more prevalent and profoundly influence 

the wildfire cycle. When above-average 

precipitation has stimulated annual plant 

growth, the potential for large-scale fires 

to occur is ever-present as temperatures rise and the grasses cure. Fire size, 

frequency, and intensity has increased 

throughout the Mojave Desert—in 2005 

alone, wildfires consumed 2.5% of the 

entire land area of the Mojave Desert and 

26% of the designated critical habitat of 

the Beaver Dam Slope Sub-unit of the 

Northeastern Mojave Recovery Unit 

(Engel and Abella 2011). 

Fire in desert shrublands is generally 

viewed as detrimental because it may 

take decades or centuries for the native 

vegetation to recover. Some native species re-sprout after fire, but blackbrush, 

Joshua trees, cacti and other Mojave 

Desert species are generally slow to 

recover or re-establish after fire, and 

recurrent fires can prevent their re-establishment (Brown and Minnich 1986). 

Many Mojave Desert shrubs are very 

slow-growing as a result of adaptations 

made to survive long drought periods. 

Their drought-tolerant features and high 

dead-to-live woody material ratio make 

them particularly vulnerable to fire. 

Invasive annual grasses, however, benefit 

from wildfires, re-spouting quickly and 

colonizing areas where native species 

have been lost. Many ecologists believe 

that invasive species are the primary 

threat to the persistence of ecosystems in 

the Mojave Desert (Abella et al. 2011).

3.7.2 Fire Regime Condition Classes

Fires are typically categorized on the 

basis of condition class, occurrence, 

size class, and regime. The fire season 

for Washington County is usually midMay to mid-October. The most critical 

fire conditions correspond with the hot 

summer period that is characterized by 

low relative humidity, “dry-lightening” 

events, and thunderstorms.

The fire regime condition classes 

(FRCCs) reflect the frequency and severity of burns. Historically, the most prolific 

fire spread events have been wind-driven, 

especially in the brush plant cover types 

associated with annual invasive grasses. 

Plume-dominated fires have occurred 

particularly during very dry years in the 

mountain shrub vegetation type and in 

the older stands of pinyon-juniper. Table 

3-6 defines the condition classes in terms 

of the relative risk of losing one or more 

key components that define an ecological 

system, based on five ecosystem attributes: disturbance regimes (patterns 

and frequency of insect, disease, fire), 

disturbance agents, smoke production, 

hydrologic function (sedimentation, 

stream flow), and vegetation attributes 

(composition, structure, and resilience 

to disturbance agents). A 2004 evaluation rated a majority of the NCA as being 

FRCC 3; this evaluation has not been 

updated to reflect current conditions and 

the impacts of the recent large fires.

3.7.3 Fire Occurrence

Map 3-8 and Map 3-9 depict fire occurrences in the NCA between 1993 and 

2012. As these maps show, wildland 

fires have burned approximately 50% of 

the NCA and consumed nearly 80% of 

the blackbrush-Joshua tree community. 

Table 3-7 provides additional data on 

fire occurrence.

Prior to 2000, wildfires were typically 

less than 100 acres in size and the fire 

return interval low. During the period 

between 2000 and 2009, an average of 1.7 

“Currently, all fires 

within the Beaver Dam 

Wash NCA are targeted 

for full suppression.”

“One way invasions can 

affect native ecosystems 

is by

changing fuel 

properties, which then 

affect fire behavior,

and can ultimately 

alter fire regime 

characteristics

such as frequency, 

intensity, extent, type, 

and seasonality

of fire. If changes in fire 

regime subsequently

promote the 

dominance of the 

invaders, then an 

invasive

plant/fire regime cycle 

can be established.” 

(USGS 2004)

Condition Class Fire Regime Example Management Options

Condition Class 1 Fire regimes are within a historical range and the risk of losing key 

ecosystem components is low. Vegetation attributes (species composition and structure) are intact and functioning within a historical 

range. Where appropriate, these areas can be maintained within the 

historical fire regime by treatments such as fire use.

Condition Class 2 Fire regimes have been moderately altered from their historical 

range. The risk of losing key ecosystem components is moderate. 

Fire frequencies have departed from historical frequencies by one or 

more return intervals (either increased or decreased). This results in 

moderate changes to one or more of the following: fire size, intensity, 

severity, and landscape patterns. Vegetation attributes have been 

moderately altered from their historical range. Where appropriate, 

these areas may need moderate levels of restoration treatments, such 

as fire use and hand or mechanical treatments, to be restored to the 

historical fire regime.

Condition Class 3 Fire regimes have been significantly altered from their historical 

range. The risk of losing key ecosystem components is high. Fire 

frequencies have departed from historical frequencies by multiple 

return intervals. This results in dramatic changes to one or more of 

the following: fire size, intensity, and severity, and landscape patterns. Vegetation attributes have been significantly altered from their 

historical range. Where appropriate, these areas may need high levels of restoration treatments, such as hand or mechanical treatments, 

before fire can be used to restore the historical fire regime.

Year Number of 

Fire Starts

Acreage* 

burned

2000 1 96

2001 1 0.1

2002 0 0

2003 3 1,094

2004 1 0.1

2005 7 20,664

2006 8 13,406

2007 1 0.5

2008 0 0

2009 1 1

2010 0 0

2011 1 0.9

2012 3 365

2013 0 0

2014 0 0

*Acreage is counted individually for each 

fire. Acres that burned more than once in 

these years are therefore counted multiple 

times.

Table 3-6 Fire Regime Condition Class Definitions

Table 3-7 Fire Occurrence Data
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372 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 373

MAP 3-8 MAP 3-9
LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

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N E V

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U T A

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A R I Z O N A

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Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

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This product may not meet BLM standards

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sources and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of the

data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Fire Management Category

Category A - Wildland fire is not desired at all

Category C - Wildland fire is managed to meet multiple objectives

and prescribed fire is permitted in this category

374 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 375

NOXIOUS WEEDS AND INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT MAP 3-10

Prior to 2005, the MOG recommended 

that fires in tortoise habitat be fought 

using Minimum Impact Suppression 

Tactics (MIST), aerial fire fighting methods, and back burning (a.k.a. “burnouts” 

and “blacklines”) to control fires with as 

little ground disturbance as possible.

During the 2005 and 2006 fire seasons, 

many acres of tortoise habitat were damaged or lost not only to wildfires but also 

to back burning operations during fire 

suppression. While back burning helped 

to quickly control fires, it also caused 

potentially unnecessary and permanent 

loss of habitat since desert shrubs do not 

recover quickly from single fire episodes 

and may never recover from multiple 

burns. After 2006, the MOG issued new 

guidelines for fire fighting in desert tortoise habitat, recommending that full and 

immediate suppression tactics be used 

in an effort to contain fires to the smallest possible size. The use of mechanical 

equipment, such as bulldozers to create 

fire breaks and off-road travel by engines, 

were evaluated as being less impacting 

than back burning if there are no other alternatives for containing any given fire to 

a small size. Map 3-10 displays the current 

fire management response for the NCA.

3.8 NOXIOUS WEEDS 

AND INVASIVE SPECIES 

MANAGEMENT

The presence of noxious weeds and 

invasive species can be used as indicators 

of healthy ecosystems as their presence 

is often related to disturbances and loss 

of native species in those systems. The 

State of Utah has categorized noxious 

weeds into three classes—Class A: Early 

Detection Rapid Response (EDRR), Class 

B: Control, and Class C: Containment. 

The State of Utah and Washington 

County have also listed the following species, found in many areas of the county, 

as noxious weeds:

▶ Scotch Thistle (Onopordum 

acanthium)

▶ Perennial Pepperweed (Lepidium 

latifolium)

▶ Hoary Cress (Cardaria draba)

▶ Silverleaf Nightshade (Solanum 

elaegnifolium)

▶ Yellow Starthistle (Centaurea 

solstitialis)

▶ Russian Knapweed (Centaurea 

repens)

▶ Poison Milkweed (Asclepias 

subverticillata)

▶ Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)

▶ Saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima)

Although the entire land base of the NCA 

has not yet been systematically inventoried for the presence of noxious weeds, 

Scotch thistle and saltcedar are known to 

occur in the NCA. Scotch thistle is designated as a Class B: Control species that 

poses a threat to native vegetation and 

should be considered a high priority for 

control. The identified Scotch thistle infestation in the NCA is approximately 0.5 

acre in size and has been actively treated 

by BLM to control its spread.

Saltcedar (Photo 3-31) is designated as 

a Class C: Containment species that is 

not native to the state of Utah and is 

widespread. Containment focus is on 

preventing expansion of the infestations. 

Saltcedar

Tamerix ramosissima

was brought into the 

eastern United States as an 

ornamental shrub in the 

1800s. In 1823, saltcedar 

was available for sale in 

New York. By 1870, it was 

listed for sale in California, 

having completed its journey 

across the states. The U.S. 

Department of Agricultural 

released saltcedar for general 

cultivation in 1870 to serve as 

windbreaks, shade, fuelwood, 

and ornamentals.

Photo 3-31 Saltcedar in Wash within Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA
376 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 377

VEGETATION RESOURCE USES: LIVESTOCK GRAZING VEGETATION RESOURCE USES: LIVESTOCK GRAZING

contentious process. As late as 1941, 31 

stockmen continued to graze 30,000 

sheep, 5,000 cattle, and 300 horses on 

the Beaver Dam Slope (Grazing Service 

Files, CCC projects-1941). Yearlong 

grazing continued even after BLM was 

established as a new agency by Congress 

in 1949 (integrating the Grazing Service 

with the General Land Office) to oversee 

the administration of grazing districts 

and other public lands.

By the late 20th century, the public 

rangelands and riparian areas of the 

Beaver Dam Slope and other areas of 

Washington County were still in generally “poor condition” and required “the 

adjustment of livestock grazing to the 

capability of the range to produce forage 

on a sustained yield basis” (BLM 1978). 

Overgrazing by domestic cattle and sheep 

was implicated as a factor that allowed 

the brome grasses to become the dominant annuals in the Mojave Desert ecosystem and contributed substantially to 

the reduction and loss of native perennial 

grasses in the desert (USFWS 1994).

 In 1974, a number of conservation groups 

filed suit in federal court, demanding that 

BLM take actions to remediate poor range 

conditions on approximately half of the 

public rangelands in Washington County, 

Utah, and in some areas of the Arizona 

Strip. The agency’s response to this 

litigation was to prepare the Hot Desert 

Grazing Management Environmental 

Statement (1978) in which new grazing 

systems and reduced stocking rates were 

proposed to lessen the impacts of grazing 

on public rangeland. 

In 1980, USFWS initially listed the population of desert tortoises on the Beaver 

Dam Slope as an endangered species 

and designated critical habitat for this 

species. The new grazing systems for 

allotments within desert tortoise habitat had to ensure that adequate annual 

forage would be available for the desert 

tortoise in spring, especially during low 

rainfall years, and to allow perennial native grasses preferred by tortoises, such 

as bush muhly and Indian ricegrass, to 

increase in cover and vigor. Allotment 

Management Plans (AMPs) were prepared in the 1980s for the allotments on 

the Beaver Dam Slope to describe the 

desired future resource conditions and 

manner of grazing use that would achieve 

these goals. 

In 1999, the SGFO RMP administratively 

designated the Beaver Dam Slope ACEC, 

Scattered infestations of saltcedar can be 

found near springs and riparian areas 

within the NCA.

Invasive species that are widespread in 

the NCA, and elsewhere in Washington 

County, include the annual brome grasses 

(red brome and downy brome, commonly 

called cheatgrass) and filaree. As described 

above under section 3.7, the invasive 

brome grasses were well established by 

the 1930s, as a result of overgrazing of the 

public rangelands, drought, fires, and dispersal of seeds by wind, wildlife, vehicles, 

and other human-related activities. Map 

3-7 displays the percent cover of exotic annuals within the NCA.

3.9 VEGETATION RESOURCE 

USES: LIVESTOCK GRAZING

3.9.1 Livestock Grazing 

Management

Domestic sheep, cattle, and horses have 

grazed the public rangelands on the 

Beaver Dam Slope since the mid-19th 

century. The public rangelands were 

treated as a "commons"; the first stockman to move onto the range each season 

secured the use of new forage growth. 

Some sheep herders regularly trailed 

their herds from one area of forage and 

water to another throughout the year. 

Herders who followed this practice were 

called “tramp” operators in the 1930s 

and they continued to move their flocks 

to the most productive areas, creating 

conflicts with cattlemen who also relied 

on public rangelands for their herds. 

Congress passed the Taylor Grazing Act 

in 1934 to bring order to the use of public 

rangelands and prevent further soil 

and vegetation loss to overgrazing. The 

Department of the Interior established 

the Grazing Service to implement the 

provisions of the Taylor Grazing Act and 

oversee the creation of grazing districts 

and the equitable allocation of forage 

on public rangeland to qualified grazing 

users (who held either base property or 

water rights to augment the public range 

in their grazing operations). During this 

same period, the Civilian Conservation 

Corps (CCC) assisted the Grazing Service 

to develop stock drives, fenced pastures, 

water reservoirs, and other range improvements intended to benefit stockmen 

and lessen the impacts of grazing on the 

public rangelands (Photo 3-32).

The establishment of grazing districts 

and allocations of allotments to qualified individual operators was a slow and 

“Well, it’s a little odd, 

the path I took, because 

when I was young, I 

wanted to be a cattle 

rancher. That was what I 

knew and that was what 

I liked.”

–Sandra Day O’Connor, 

Former Associate 

Justice of the Supreme 

Court of the United 

States, 1930-

“There’s nothing like 

sitting back and talking 

to your cows.”

–Russell Crowe, Actor, 

1964-

Photo 3-32 Zella Tank Corral, Beaver Dam Slope Allotment, Beaver Dam Wash NCA Photo 3-33 Stock Tank in Castle Cliffs Allotment, Beaver Dam Wash NCA
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ProducedbyBLM

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378 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 379

VEGETATION RESOURCE USES: LIVESTOCK GRAZING MAP 3-11

to implement management recommen-

dations from the Mojave Desert Tortoise 

Recovery Plan (USFWS 1994). The 48,590 

acre ACEC encompassed a majority of 

the designated critical tortoise habitat 

in the Northeastern Mojave Recovery 

Unit of Utah and proposed manage-

ment direction to assist the recovery and 

delisting of desert tortoise. The RMP did 

not close the ACEC to livestock grazing, 

as was recommended in the recovery 

plan; instead, livestock grazing within 

designated critical habitat in the ACEC 

was seasonally restricted to the period 

when tortoises are not active (between 

November 1 and March 15). This season-

al restriction lessened potential compe-

tition between tortoises and cattle for 

spring forage and reduced the threat that 

juvenile tortoises and occupied shallow 

dens might be trampled by livestock.

3.9.2 NCA Grazing Allotments

The NCA includes portions of four 

grazing allotments: Beaver Dam Slope, 

Scarecrow Peak, Castle Cliffs, and 

Cedar Pockets (Map 3-11). Table 3-8

and Table 3-9 provide additional data, 

including acreage, seasons of use, and 

permitted grazing use for these allot-

ments. Livestock grazing on the Cedar 

Pockets allotment is administered by 

BLM’s Arizona Strip Field Office. Twelve 

livestock operators are licensed to graze 

the four allotments, with various levels of 

permitted use.

“Never kick a cow chip 

on a hot day.”

–Anonymous

Allotment 

Name

Acres in NCA Total Acres in Allotment

BLM State Private Total BLM State Private USFS Total

Beaver 

Dam Slope

30,470 2,282 207 32,959 54,950 6,085 207- 61,242

Castle 

Cliffs

8,310 1,156 116 9,582 11,863 2,188 480- 14,531

Scarecrow 

Peak

21,131 3,003 1,288 25,422 71,451 5,488 1,665 165 78,769

Cedar 

Pockets

2,066-- 2,066 9427 102 38- 9567

Allotment Name Number of 

Cattle per 

Operator

Season of Use 

(Total)

Active Federal 

AUMs

Percent Public 

Land

Beaver Dam Slope 128 11/01 to 05/31 830 93

38 11/01 to 05/31 244 92

147 11/01 to 05/31 933 91

78 11/01 to 05/31 489 90

33 11/01 to 05/31 209 91

Scarecrow Peak 286 11/01 to 05/31 1,820 91

331 11/01 to 05/31 2,215 96

18 11/01 to 05/31 120 96

51 11/01 to 05/31 348 98

12 11/01 to 05/31 77 92

Castle Cliffs 88 11/16 to 05/31 514 90

Cedar Pockets 50 10/16 to 05/31 375 100

Note: These allotment numbers reflect the entire allotment. Allotments have area both inside 

and outside the NCA.

Table 3-9 Allotment Acreage and Land Status

Table 3-8 Seasons of Use and Permitted Grazing Use
380 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 381

VEGETATION RESOURCE USES: LIVESTOCK GRAZING VEGETATION RESOURCE USES: LIVESTOCK GRAZING

muhly, have disappeared from the study 

plot areas. The AMP needs to be revised 

to reflect the changed conditions of the 

vegetation communities on the Beaver 

Dam Slope.

Frequency and cover are the two biotic 

components used for monitoring longterm trend in the allotments. Cover data 

is collected using the point intercept 

method and frequency data is collected 

using the nested plot frequency method. 

Updated long-term trend methods were 

implemented in 2012 to remain consistent with the BLM H-4400-1Utah 

Monitoring Manual for Upland Rangelands

and to have uniformity of methodology 

throughout all the BLM offices in the state. 

Updated methods implemented include 

using larger quadrat sizes in the nested 

plot frame and also recording two additional cover points per quadrat. 

Cover and frequency data are used to 

determine the nature of potential change 

at a study plot. Recent species frequency 

data were not included in the tables 

below due to the change in monitoring 

methodology. As a result of this change, 

the nested plot frequency data collected 

in 2012 and 2013 became the new “baseline data” for comparative purposes as 

it relates to future monitoring. The new 

baseline data could not be compared to 

the nested frequency data that had been 

collected by BLM in past as the methodologies were different.

Historical frequency data collected for the 

Beaver Dam Slope Allotment appeared to 

show relatively stable trends, though 2008 

trend studies showed a decrease in live 

cover of key plant species and an increase 

in bare ground cover as a result of recent 

wildfires that have damaged much of the 

allotment. These wildfires have made 

vegetation conditions difficult to evaluate 

as four of the six historical study site plots 

were burned. Data from the two unburned 

sites are shown below in Table 3-10 and 

Table 3-11.

The Beaver Dam Slope, Castle Cliffs, and 

Scarecrow Peak Allotments are managed 

as Category I (“Intensive” management) 

allotments. Category I allotments are defined as having the potential for intensive 

livestock grazing management systems, 

high forage values, or the majority of land 

under public ownership. This allotment 

category may also be labeled “Improve” 

allotments, meaning that these allotments have management and resource 

concerns and, therefore, receive priority 

for range project implementation and 

monitoring by BLM. The Cedar Pockets 

Allotment is managed as a Category M 

(Maintain) allotment, requiring a less 

intense level of livestock management. 

3.9.2.1 Beaver Dam Slope Allotment 

Approximately 33,000 acres of the approximately 61,200 acre Beaver Dam 

Slope Allotment (Photo 3-34) are located 

in the western portion of the NCA. Old 

Highway 91 forms the eastern boundary 

of the allotment, and the Arizona and 

Nevada state lines bound it to the south 

and west, respectively (Map 3-11). 

The allotment is currently divided into 

three pastures and operates under a restrotation grazing system. The 10 year federal grazing permits authorize 424 cattle to 

graze the allotment from November 1 to 

May 31 (except within the ACEC, where 

livestock must be removed by March 15), 

grazing the Beaver Dam Slope Pasture in 

winter, and Santa Clara Slope and Indian 

Springs Pastures in spring. Permitted use 

continues to be 2,709 active AUMs and 

257 exchange of use AUMs. In recent 

years, actual use in the Beaver Dam Slope 

Allotment has been less than the permitted use due to drought, wildfire, and 

re-vegetation efforts following wildfires. 

Average use over the last decade was 1,463 

AUMs or approximately 54% of permitted 

use. There were no years where actual use 

exceeded permitted use, and the highest use occurred in 1998-1999 when use 

totaled 2,058 AUMs. (Refer to Appendix 

J for a table displaying actual use for all 

NCA allotments).

An AMP was developed in the early 

1980s and finalized in 1987. It identified the grazing management system 

to be followed and key species to be 

monitored, including species that were 

palatable to livestock as well as those that 

were beneficial for desert tortoise. Over 

time, and as a consequence of drought, 

wildfires, and other factors, those species 

identified as being beneficial for tortoises, 

particularly the perennial grass bush 

“I don’t want any 

vegetables, thank you. I 

paid for the cow to eat 

them for me.”

–Douglas Copeland, 

Author, 1961-

“The Beaver Dam 

Slope, Castle Cliffs, 

and Scarecrow Peak 

Allotments are 

managed as Category 

I (“Intensive” 

management) 

allotments.”

Percent Cover 1984 1989 1992 1996 2008

Bare Ground 23 43 26 34 42

Litter 24 22 40 38 37

Small Rock 24 31 40 25 19

Large Rock 1 2 2 1 1

Percent Species Frequency 1984 1989 1992 1996 2008

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) 17 15 14 12 6

Blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) 42 30 37 33 33

Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis) 3 3 5 5 4

Turpentine Bush (Ericameria laricifolia) 8 11 8 10 1

Prickly Pear Species (Opuntia spp.) 12 7 13 16 13

Percent Cover 1989 1992 1996 2008

Bare Ground 35 32 13 19

Litter 14 14 22 22

Small Rock 40 44 38 46

Large Rock 6 7 5 3

Percent Species Frequency 1989 1992 1996 2008

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) 7 7 7 8

Blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) 54 51 59 55

Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis) 3 4 6 5

Table 3-10 Frequency Data from Study Site #6 Santa Clara Slope Pasture

Table 3-11 Frequency Data from Study Site #1 Beaver Dam Slope Pasture

Photo 3-34 Livestock in Beaver Dam Slope Allotment, Beaver Dam Wash NCA
382 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 383

VEGETATION RESOURCE USES: LIVESTOCK GRAZING VEGETATION RESOURCE USES: LIVESTOCK GRAZING

seeded, and natural regeneration of native shrubs has progressed slowly, if at all; 

invasive annual grasses are widespread. 

With 514 AUMs allotted for grazing use 

in the Castle Cliffs Allotment, average 

use over the last decade was 373 AUMs, 

or approximately 73% of permitted use, 

due to drought, wildfires, and vegetation 

treatment efforts. There were no years 

where actual use exceeded permitted 

use, and the highest season of use was 

1998-1999 when the permittees used 431 

AUMs (refer to Appendix J for actual 

Vegetation cover is measured using two 

techniques; foliar canopy cover and basal 

cover. Foliar canopy cover measurements can be inconsistent due to several 

variables including the phenology of 

plant species and season of sampling, 

while basal cover is less responsive to 

these variations in growth rates. For this 

reason, basal canopy is used in conjunction with foliar canopy cover of shrubs 

and trees to estimate the percent cover by 

each species and the species composition 

based on related cover values. Table 3-12

through Table 3-15 show data recorded in 

2012 from all trend sites in this allotment 

located within the NCA.

3.9.2.2 Castle Cliffs Allotment

The Castle Cliffs Allotment is located 

approximately 18 miles west of St. George 

and lies southwest of the Beaver Dam 

Mountains (Map 3-11). It is comprised 

of approximately 14,531 acres, of which 

approximately 11,863 acres are BLMadministered, 2,188 acres are owned 

by the State of Utah, and 480 acres are 

private. An AMP (1989) identifies a 

grazing management system in which 

use occurs in four pastures, the Black 

Warrior, Desert, Bulldog, and Summit 

Pastures, under a modified deferred rest 

rotation system. The current 10 year 

grazing permit authorizes up to 514 

federal AUMs and 88 total cattle to graze 

the allotment from November 16 to May 

31 (except within the Beaver Dam Slope 

ACEC where livestock must be removed 

after March 15). Under the existing AMP, 

utilization of key species must not exceed 

60% of annual growth.

This allotment contains the Woodbury 

Desert Study Area, which overlaps a 

portion of the Joshua Tree NNL. The 

Woodbury Desert Study Area was fenced 

in the 1980s to serve as a vegetation 

study plot, which allows comparisons to 

be made between grazed and ungrazed 

vegetation communities in this allotment. 

In 2006, a large wildfire damaged or 

destroyed much native vegetation in the 

Woodbury Desert Study Area. 

A majority of the acreage of the Castle 

Cliffs Allotment has been burned and 

re-burned by wildfires over the last two 

decades (Photo 3-35). Areas within the 

allotment above 4,000 feet elevation were 

aerially seeded with native and nonnative species (e.g., forage kochia (Bassia 

prostata)) with moderate to poor revegetation success. Areas within the allotment below 4,000 feet elevation were not 

“I do not believe there 

ever was any life more 

attractive to a vigorous 

young fellow than 

life on a cattle ranch 

in those days. It was a 

fine, healthy life, too; 

it taught a man selfreliance, hardihood, 

and the value of instant 

decision...I enjoyed the 

life to the full.”

–Theodore Roosevelt, 

26th President of 

the United States, 

1858-1919

“A majority of the 

acreage of the Castle 

Cliffs Allotment has 

been burned and reburned by wildfires over 

the last two decades.”

Percent Cover 2012

Bare Ground 41.5

Litter 46.6

Rock 7.9

Biological Crusts 0

Species Canopy Cover 4.3

Species Percent Canopy Cover 2012

Red Filaree (Erodium cicutarium) 61.5

Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia) 35.9

Desert marigold (Baileya 

multiradiata)

2.6

Percent Cover 2012

Bare Ground 26

Litter 24.8

Rock 24.9

Biological Crusts 3.1

Species Canopy Cover 20.3

Species Percent Cover 2012

White Bursage (Ambrosia dumosa) 2.4

Four-wing Saltbush (Atriplex 

canescens)

1.8

Blackbrush (Coleogyne 

ramosissima)

85.9

Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis) 1.8

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) 7.7

Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia) 0.6

Percent Cover 2012

Bare Ground 30.8

Litter 38.9

Rock 18

Biological Crusts 0

Species Canopy Cover 11.4

Species Percent Cover 2012

Four-wing Saltbush (Atriplex 

canescens)

4.5

Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia) 3.0

Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) 1.5

Red Filaree (Erodium cicutarium) 1.5

Broom Snakeweed (Gutierrezia 

sarothrae)

71.6

Antelope Bitterbrush (Purshia 

tridentata)

7.5

Turpentine Broom (Thamnosma 

montana)

9.0

Percent Cover 2012

Bare Ground 25.5

Litter 29.6

Rock 20.5

Biological Crusts 0

Species Canopy Cover 23.2

Species Percent Cover 2012

Four-wing Saltbush (Atriplex 

canescens)

1.1

Blackbrush (Coleogyne 

ramosissima)

40.0

Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis) 4.3

Littleleaf Ratany (Krameria erecta) 2.2

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) 28.7

Turpentine Broom (Thamnosma 

montana)

4.9

Banana Yucca (Yucca baccata) 12.4

Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia) 6.5

Table 3-12 Data from Beaver Dam Slope 

Pasture East

Table 3-13 Data from Beaver Dam Slope 

Pasture West

Table 3-14 Data from Indian Springs 

Pasture South

Table 3-15 Data from Santa Clara Slope 

Pasture South

Photo 3-35 Fire Damaged Castle Cliffs Allotment, Beaver Dam Wash NCA
384 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 385

approximately one mile north of Veyo, 

Utah. The Beaver Dam Wash lies along the 

eastern edge of Dodge Spring Pasture and 

bisects the Joshua/Catclaw and Terry Utah 

Pastures. Livestock use in all four pastures 

is allowed from November 1 to March 15; 

cattle are then removed from the portion of the Terry Nevada and Terry Utah 

Pastures within the Beaver Dam Slope 

ACEC and relocated to the northern portion of the Terry Nevada, Joshua/Catclaw, 

and Dodge Spring Pastures each year. As 

this grazing system does not follow the 

approved 1982 Scarecrow Peak AMP, that 

plan needs to be revised to reflect the system that is currently being followed. 

Wildfires in 2005 and 2006 damaged 

native vegetation communities on 

approximately 80% of the allotment. As 

no re-seeding or other vegetation restoration treatments were undertaken 

by BLM below 3,800 feet in elevation 

after the fires, livestock were removed 

for one year before grazing was allowed 

to resume. Fire damaged areas above 

3,800 feet elevation in the Dodge Spring 

and Joshua/Catclaw Pastures were aerial 

seeded with a native species, sideoats 

grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), and a 

non-native species, forage kochia.

Species frequency data (Table 3-20) were 

collected at the key area in the Terry 

Utah pasture of the Scarecrow Peak 

Allotment in the early spring of 2012 

and again in 2014. While the key area is 

not within the NCA boundaries, it does 

use data). Table 3-16 through Table 3-19

show 2012 or 2013 data from all the 

trend sites in the Castle Cliffs Allotment 

located within the NCA, including the 

Woodbury Desert Study Area.

3.9.2.3 Scarecrow Peak Allotment

Scarecrow Peak Allotment (Photo 3-36) 

is located immediately west of the Beaver 

Dam Slope Allotment and includes approximately 51,290 acres in Utah and 

27,480 acres in Nevada (Map 3-11). There 

are four grazed pastures in this allotment: the Dodge Spring Pasture, Joshua/

Catclaw Pasture, Terry Utah Pasture, 

and Terry Nevada Pasture. Additionally, 

this allotment includes one springtime 

holding pasture outside of the NCA, 

VEGETATION RESOURCE USES: LIVESTOCK GRAZING VEGETATION RESOURCE USES: LIVESTOCK GRAZING

“The cock is crowing, 

 The stream is flowing, 

 The small birds twitter, 

 The lake doth glitter 

The green field sleeps in 

the sun; 

 The oldest and 

youngest 

 Are at work with the 

strongest; 

 The cattle are grazing, 

 Their heads never 

raising; 

There are forty feeding 

like one!”

–William Wordsworth, 

Poet, 1770-1850

“Wildfires in 2005 

and 2006 damaged 

native vegetation 

communities on 

approximately 80% 

of the Scarecrow Peak 

Allotment.”

Percent Cover 2012

Bare Ground 6.1

Litter 58.5

Rock 9.5

Biological Crusts 0

Species Canopy Cover 25.6

Species Percent Cover 2012

Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis) 10

Narrowleaf Yerba Santa 

(Eriodictyon angustifolium)

15

Broom Snakeweed (Gutierrezia 

sarothrae)

36.5

Desert Almond (Prunus 

fasciculate)

27.5

Antelope Bitterbrush (Purshia 

tridentata)

2.0

Turpentine Broom (Thamnosma 

montana)

9.0

Percent Cover 2012

Bare Ground 12.6

Litter 51.5

Rock 27.9

Biological Crusts 0.1

Species Canopy Cover 7.3

Species Percent Cover 2012

Low Woollygrass (Dasyochloa 

pulchella)

7.7

Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis) 7.7

Broom Snakeweed (Gutierrezia 

sarothrae)

65.4

Popcorn Flower Species 

(Plagiobothrys spp.)

7.7

Mexican Bladdersage (Salazaria 

mexicana)

7.7

Turpentine Broom (Thamnosma 

montana)

3.9

Percent Cover 2012

Bare Ground 25.9

Litter 40.4

Rock 25.3

Biological Crusts 0.3

Species Canopy Cover 8.3

Species Percent Cover 2012

Four-wing Saltbush (Atriplex 

canescens)

1.2

Red Filaree (Erodium cicutarium) 91.6

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) 3.6

Prickly Pear Species (Opuntia spp.) 1.2

Percent Cover 2013

Bare Ground 36.2

Litter 16.5

Rock 36

Biological Crusts 0

Species Canopy Cover 4.8

Species Percent Cover 2013

Woolly Plantain (Plantago 

patagonica)

71

White Bursage (Ambrosia dumosa) 15.7

Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis) 5.3

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) 2.6

Percent Cover 2012 2014

Bare Ground 35.3 39.3

Litter 21.6 19.1

Rock 12.9 8

Biological Crusts 0.3 0

Species Canopy Cover 28.5 29.7

Species Percent Cover 2012 2014

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) 41.7 43

Ratany Species (Krameria spp.) 13.8 9.7

Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia) 11.3 14.3

Blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) 8.8 10.1

Species Nested Frequency 24” X 24” Quadrat 2012 2014

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) 28 30

Ratany Species (Krameria spp.) 13 6

Bush Muhly (Muhlenbergia porteri) 1 2

Blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) 8 10

Table 3-16 Summer Pasture Data

Table 3-17 Black Warrior Pasture Data

Table 3-18 Desert Pasture Data

Table 3-19 Woodbury Exclosure Data

Photo 3-36 Livestock in Scarecrow Peak Allotment at Water Trough, Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Table 3-20 Terry Utah Pasture Data
386 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 387

serve as a representative of the pasture as 

a whole. The data indicates static trend in 

that pasture.

The average actual use of this allotment 

during the past 10 years has been approximately 2,549 AUMs, or 56% of permitted use (refer to Appendix J for actual 

use data). This use reflects how impacts 

from extended and repeated periods of 

drought and the loss of forage to wildfires 

influence the viability of livestock grazing 

in the northeastern Mojave Desert.

3.9.2.4 Cedar Pockets Allotment

The approximately 9,570 acre Cedar 

Pockets Allotment is located in southwest Utah on the east side of the Beaver 

Dam Mountains (Map 3-11). This allotment is managed by BLM’s Arizona 

Strip Field Office because it is contiguous 

to the Highway Allotment in Arizona. 

Currently, a single operator is authorized 

for 375 AUMs for use between October 

16 and May 31 in this allotment. The 

grazing system is a deferred system, and 

allowable utilization is 45% of the annual 

growth of perennial forage plants by 

livestock. Actual use reports extend back 

to 1977, though records for 1988 to 1996 

are missing. The maximum actual use recorded from 1977 to 2013 was 340 AUMs 

in 1981. The average annual actual use for 

the past ten years in approximately 214 

AUMs which is 51% of permitted use. 

Vegetation in this allotment was formerly 

dominated by blackbrush and Joshua 

trees at higher elevations, and typical 

Mojave Desert vegetation at the lower 

elevations. Recent fires in 2000 and 2006, 

however, have converted the entire area 

into annual grasslands with some shrubs 

and perennial grasses (Photo 3-37). Key 

species for this allotment are Mormon 

tea, winterfat, Indian ricegrass, bush 

muhly, and galleta (Pleuraphis spp.).

The Cedar Pockets Allotment long-term 

trend monitoring data (Table 3-21) is 

collected by BLM’s Arizona Strip Field 

office using the pace frequency and point 

intercept methods. The first readings 

established a baseline for comparison to 

all future readings. Trend is considered as 

being upward when the species increases 

by 10% between the first and last readings. The trend of a species is static or not 

apparent if it shows a percent change of 

0 to 10% or 0 to -10% between readings. 

A downward trend is a reading of more 

than -10% from the first reading. Overall 

trend at the key area is the direction of 

change in frequency observed between 

the initial reading (base year) and the 

current reading.

3.10 VEGETATION RESOURCE 

USES: PLANT MATERIALS

Various native plant materials are typically made available by BLM for harvesting 

or collection from public lands for commercial purposes and personal use. These 

include Christmas trees, fuel (fire) wood, 

poles and posts, and live plants, as well as 

seeds, nuts, and other plant materials. For 

commercial uses, contracts or permits are 

issued to authorize the harvesting or collection of vegetative products from public 

lands. For personal use, a permit may or 

may not be required depending on the 

material. Areas of public land where the 

removal of vegetation for any purpose is 

not desired can be closed through land 

use planning. Management of these resources in the NCA is described below.

3.10.1 Woodland Products

The public lands of the NCA are not 

currently forested by pinyon-juniper 

woodlands of sufficient size to be harvested in commercial quantities or for 

sustainable personal use as Christmas 

trees, fuelwood, and posts. Prior to 2003, 

approximately 270 acres of the NCA were 

covered by woodlands; however, wildfires in 2003, 2005, and 2006 destroyed 

a substantial portion of the woodlands 

(Photo 3-38). The SGFO RMP (1999, 

2.36) closed the Beaver Dam Slope ACEC 

to all fuelwood harvesting. As the acreage of the ACEC overlaps a majority of 

VEGETATION RESOURCE USES: LIVESTOCK GRAZING VEGETATION RESOURCE USES: PLANT MATERIALS

“Once upon a time 

there was a piece of 

wood. It was not an 

expensive piece of 

wood. Far from it. Just 

acommon block of 

firewood, one of those 

thick, solid logs that are 

put on the fire in winter 

to make cold rooms 

cozy and warm.”

–Carlo Collodi, Author 

of The Adventures of 

Pinocchio, 1826-1890

“Recent fires in 

2000 and 2006 

have converted the 

entire Cedar Pockets 

Allotment into annual 

grasslands with some 

shrubs and perennial 

grasses.”

Percent Cover 1984 1988 2010

Bare Ground 12 24 59

Litter 65 68 27

Rock 21 6 12

Biological Crusts 0 0 0

Species basal Cover 2 2 1

Species Pace Frequency 1984 1988 2010

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) 2 11 1

Blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) 19 7 0

Bush Muhly (Muhlenbergia porteri) 3 2 0

Mormon Tea (Ephedra nevadensis) 17 8 4

Sand Dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus) 1 0 4

Table 3-21 Data from Terry Utah Pasture

Photo 3-37 Fire Damaged Cedar Pockets Allotment, Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Photo 3-38 Fire Damaged Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands, Beaver Dam Wash NCA
LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

GTON CO

N E V

A D A

U T A

H

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

Red

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n F l a t

West Mountain

Peak

Canyon

Indian

Hell Hole

Pass

Castle Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

Gravel Pit

B

E A V

E

R

D

A

M

M

O

U

N

T

A I N

S

Apex Mine

Jarvis Peak

Utah

Hill

B u l l d o g

C a n y o n

Bulldog Pass

Powerline

Scarecrow Peak

Catclaw Canyon

T 40 S

T 41 S

T 41 S

T 42 S

T 42 S

T 43 S

R 20 W

R 19 W

MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

Bentley

Spring

Bentley

Wash

Jackson Spring

Cole

Spring

Wash

Jackson

Well

Badger

Spring

Reber Wash

Reber

Spring

Crazy Spring

Sam Spring

Middle Spring

Indian

Spring

Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Spring

Wash

Burgess

Creek Welcome

Castle Cliff

Wash

Summit

Spring

Manganese

Rods

Spring Wash

Wash

Well

Well

Pahcoon

Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

W a s h

Cedar

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

To St. George,

Utah

To Beaver Dam,

Arizona

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W R 017 W

t

Dead and Downed Pinyon-Juniper Harvest Area

Open Yearround

Closed Nov.1- Apr.15

Closed Nov.1- Apr.15 and May 1-July 30

Post Sale Areas

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

State

Fuelwood Harvest Areas

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

?ç

Old Hwy 91

388 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 389

the NCA, fuelwood harvesting has been 

administratively restricted to a very small 

area in the northeast corner of the NCA 

and very little, if any, harvesting of woodland products has occurred in this area 

since 1999 (Map 3-12). 

In 2009, Congress identified three large 

areas of the NCA as “Designated Road 

Areas” (OPLMA Section 1975 (e)). In 

these areas, all motorized vehicle travel 

is limited to the specific routes shown 

on the legislative map of the NCA (Map 

3-26). The pinyon-juniper woodlands 

that are outside of the boundaries of the 

Beaver Dam Slope ACEC are now within 

one of the designated road areas. As 

Congress did not identify any roads as 

being open for motorized vehicle travel 

to these woodlands, vehicle access to the 

fuelwood harvesting locations has been 

effectively eliminated.

3.10.2 Desert Vegetation Sales

Historically, there has been considerable 

demand for live Mojave Desert shrubs, 

cacti, yuccas (Photo 3-39), and desert 

wildflowers, for xeriscaping, crafts, and 

other purposes. Yuccas have long been 

harvested for fibers and, along with 

other desert plants, for use in the manufacture of herbal medicines, soaps, and 

other products. The SGFO RMP (1999, 

2.22) restricted authorizations to collect 

live desert plants to designated salvage 

areas only (i.e., locations where the 

plants would be destroyed due to project 

development). Exceptions to that decision included specific authorizations for 

the collection of native plants and plant 

materials for scientific purposes and 

by Native Americans for ceremonial or 

religious purposes. These authorizations 

excluded all federally-listed plant species 

from any type of collection.

3.10.3 Native Seed Collection

The SGFO RMP (1999, 2.37) restricted 

the collection of native seeds (Photo 

3-40) for commercial and personal use 

within designated critical habitat for 

the Mojave desert tortoise and within 

the Beaver Dam Slope ACEC, effectively closing all but a small area of the 

public lands of today’s NCA to collection. Where seed collection permits are 

issued for areas that are open to this 

activity, hand collection must be used 

(mechanical collection is prohibited) 

and the amount of seed that can be taken 

from any one area or species is limited 

to no more than 25% of the available 

seed. Restrictions are also placed on 

collecting seeds from areas where native 

vegetation communities are recovering from drought or wildfires, and areas 

where post-fire ES&R projects have been 

implemented.

VEGETATION RESOURCE USES: PLANT MATERIALS MAP 3-12

Ethnobotany

Generations of Native 

Americans have used desert 

plants for myriad purposes: 

food, shelter, tools, clothing, 

and medicine. For Mojave 

Desert peoples, banana 

yucca was an important 

source of strong fiber for the 

construction of sandals and 

baskets. Some groups used 

the fruit of the Joshua tree for 

food, boiling or pit-roasting 

them like agave hearts 

(Rhode 2002).

Photo 3-39 Banana Yucca in Bloom, Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA

Photo 3-40 Joshua Tree Fruit, Beaver Dam 

Wash NCA
390 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 391

female then lays and incubates two to 

four eggs; the young hatch after twelve or 

thirteen days. The hatchlings are tended 

by both parents and leave the nest after 

about two weeks (UDWR 2010a). 

3.11.1.2 Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo 

The Western yellow-billed cuckoo (Photo 

3-42) was listed as a threatened species 

(USFWS 2014) due to declining populations attributed to habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. Cuckoos are 

usually found in large tracts of dense 

cottonwood or willows in riparian areas 

(UDWR 2010b). Population status and 

trends in Washington County and the 

NCA are unknown; however, birds have 

been observed along the Virgin River and 

some of its tributaries. 

Cuckoo nesting behavior may be closely 

tied to food abundance, and in years of 

low food abundance cuckoos may forego 

nesting. While nesting habitat for yellowbilled cuckoos is present along the Beaver 

Dam Wash in the NCA, and one breeding 

record exists for this species from Beaver 

Dam Wash outside of the NCA (UDWR 

2010b), no birds have been observed 

nesting there. The birds are migratory, 

arriving in Utah in late May or early June 

and breeding in late June through July 

(Parrish et al. 2002). Cuckoos typically 

start their southerly migration by late 

August or early September. 

Western yellow-billed cuckoos feed 

almost entirely on large insects, including caterpillars, grasshoppers, cicadas, 

beetles, and katydids. They may also 

occasionally consume lizards, frogs, and 

eggs of other birds, and may rarely feed 

on berries and fruits (UDWR 2010b). 

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

3.11 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

Special status species are defined by BLM 

as any of the following: (1) species listed 

under the federal ESA as threatened or 

endangered by the USFWS; species that 

are candidates and proposed for listing 

under the ESA; species that have been 

delisted under ESA within the past 5 

years; species identified by the USFWS as 

“sensitive” or a “species of concern”; and 

(2) species designated by the appropriate 

BLM State Director as sensitive species 

that require special management consideration to promote their conservation 

and reduce the likelihood of future listing 

under the ESA.

Species that are listed as threatened and 

endangered under the ESA will often 

have critical habitat designated by the 

USFWS and a recovery plan prepared 

by the USFWS, in cooperation with 

researchers who have specialized expertise with that particular species and its 

habitat. BLM works cooperatively with 

USFWS to manage suitable habitat for 

those listed species for which no critical 

habitat has yet been identified 

or designated.

Because the NCA lies within physiographic and ecoregional transition zones, 

many plant and animal species found 

here are at the extremes of their historic 

ranges. Such species tend to have less stable populations than those closer to the 

center of their range. The unique qualities of transitional habitats make them an 

important research area for special status 

species. The diverse ecological zones 

represented in the NCA include relatively 

large areas of undisturbed habitats that 

provide opportunities for species reintroductions as well as the establishment of 

new populations of special status species.

The following sections address those 

species in the NCA that are currently 

being managed under the protections of 

the ESA. Species that are identified by the 

Utah BLM State Director as sensitive species are described in section 3.11.2.

At this time, there are no special status 

plant species known to occur in 

the NCA.

3.11.1 Special Status Wildlife 

Species: Threatened, Endangered, 

Candidate, and Species Proposed 

for Listing under ESA

Four species are currently listed under 

the ESA that occur or have the potential 

to occur in the NCA. Information on 

each species is summarized below in 

Table 3-22.

3.11.1.1 Southwestern Willow 

Flycatcher 

The Southwestern willow flycatcher 

(SWFL) (Photo 3-41) was listed as a 

federally endangered species in 1995 

(USFWS 1995), and received additional 

protection through critical habitat designation in 1997 (USFWS 1997). The NCA 

does not contain lands that are within 

SWFL designated critical habitat. A recovery plan for SWFL was developed by 

USFWS, other federal and state agencies, 

and interest groups in 2002 

(USFWS 2002).

The SWFL prefers riparian habitats with 

dense growth of willows (Salix spp.), 

arrowweed (Pluchea spp.), buttonbush 

(Cephalanthus spp.), tamarisk (Tamarix 

spp.), Fremont’s cottonwood, and other 

riparian plants. Preferred trees and 

shrubs are generally 12-20 feet or more 

in height and have a high canopy cover 

(USFWS 1995a). Habitat suitable for 

SWFL occupancy is found in the riparian 

zone along Beaver Dam Wash and there 

is some potential that this habitat would 

be suitable for nesting. One SWFL sighting was reported on private lands at Lytle 

Ranch in Beaver Dam Wash in 1985, but 

no others have been documented since.

This flycatcher eats insects, seeds, and 

berries. Breeding occurs during late 

spring or early summer, with peak breeding activity occurring in June. Nests are 

generally constructed in a vertical fork 

of a willow or other riparian tree. The 

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus americanus 

occidentalis is a member of 

the cuckoo family, which 

also includes roadrunners. 

Most species of cuckoos are 

arborial, like the yellow-billed 

cuckoo, with a minority 

being terrestrial, like the 

roadrunner. A distinguishing 

feature of most cuckoos 

is their long tail, which 

terrestrial species use for 

steering and arborial species 

use as a rudder during flight.

Southwestern Willow 

Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii extimus

is a passerine bird or 

member of the passeriformes 

order of birds. A notable 

characteristic of passerines is 

their toes, which are arranged 

to facilitate perching. 

Empidonax flycatchers 

are difficult to tell apart in 

the field so biologists use 

their songs to distinguish 

between them. The most 

distinguishing characteristic 

between the southwestern 

willow and other willow 

flycatchers is their song, a 

sneezy “fitz-bew” (USFWS).

Species Status Occurrence

Southwestern willow flycatcher

(Empidonax traillii extimus)

Endangered Verified

Western yellow-billed cuckoo

(Coccyzus americanus occidentalis)

Threatened Verified

California condor

(Gymnogyps californianus)

Endangered Possible (unverified)

Mojave/Agassiz’s desert tortoise

(Gopherus agassizii)

Threatened Verified

Table 3-22 Threatened and Endangered Species

Photo 3-41 Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, 

Federally-Listed Endangered Species

Photo 3-42 Western Yellow-Billed Cuckoo, 

Federally-Listed Threatened Species

© Rick Fridell
392 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 393

temperature extremes of the Mojave 

Desert. Dens and burrows are dug into 

the banks of shallow ephemeral drainages; these are susceptible to surface 

disturbances that can collapse the 

entrances, trapping and suffocating the 

occupants. Woodbury and Hardy (1948) 

observed large communal winter tortoise 

dens and considered this to be a unique 

adaptation of the Slope’s tortoise population. According to Coombs (1977, 88), 

the winter dens were permanent structures, excavated 10-30 feet under the 

caliche layer, in south-facing banks of 

ephemeral washes.

Individuals generally remain in winter 

dens between October and mid-March, 

emerging to feed and mate during 

the late winter and early spring when 

daily high temperatures are in the 70s. 

Tortoises are active above ground during 

the spring, then retreat to summer burrows and shaded shrub cover to escape 

the intense summer heat of the Mojave 

Desert. During the summer months, 

tortoise activity periods occur at sunrise 

and sunset when the animals leave their 

shelters to feed.

Desert tortoises also retreat to their dens 

or burrows to lower their metabolic rates 

and minimize water loss. Adult tortoises 

lose water so slowly that they can survive for more than a year without access 

to “free” water (water not derived from 

plants). While in burrows, individuals 

consume very little food. Desert tortoises 

can tolerate extreme water and caloric 

imbalances, allowing them to survive lean 

years and exploit resources that may only 

be periodically available. During years of 

average or better than average precipitation and forage production, desert tortoises can balance their water budgets and 

have a positive energy balance, affording 

an opportunity for growth and reproduction. The mechanisms by which desert 

tortoises maintain their energy and water 

balances during periods of fluctuating resource availability are still not completely 

understood (USFWS 1994).

Slow to mature, desert tortoises do not 

reach sexual maturity until they are 

between the ages of 13-20 years (USFWS 

1994). Mating generally occurs in the 

spring or fall, but may take place whenever tortoises are active. Females lay 

3.11.1.3 California Condor 

The California condor (Photo 3-43) was 

listed federally endangered on March 

11, 1967 and noted to only occur in 

California (USFWS 1976). By 1987, 

the last wild condor was captured and 

taken to the San Diego Wild Animal 

Park. Beginning with the first successful breeding of California condors in 

1988, the population grew to 121 in 1996, 

including 104 in the captive flock, and 

17 in the wild. On October 16, 1996, 

USFWS announced plans to reintroduce 

California condors into northern Arizona 

and designate these birds as nonessential 

experimental populations, as provided by 

Section 10j of the ESA (USFWS 1996b). 

A portion of Washington County is 

within the experimental population area 

(USFWS 1996b; USOFR 1997); however, 

California condors observed in NCA 

would be outside the boundary of the 

experimental non-essential population 

areas, and subject to the full protection of 

the ESA. 

3.11.1.4 Mojave Desert Tortoise 

Since 1971, the population of desert 

tortoise (also known as Agassiz’s land 

tortoise) on the Beaver Dam Slope 

(Slope) of southwestern Washington 

County, Utah, has been considered to 

be declining and in need of protection 

(Photo 3-44). On August 20, 1980, 

USFWS listed this population as a 

threatened species and designated 

approximately 25,000 acres of critical 

habitat on the Slope (USFWS 1980).

In 1990, USFWS listed all desert tortoise populations north and west of the 

Colorado River as “threatened”. In 1994, 

critical habitat was designated and a 

recovery plan developed for this species 

that established recovery units throughout 

its range. In 2011, the recovery plan was 

revised and recovery unit boundaries were 

adjusted to include all potential tortoise 

habitats within the range of the species. 

The NCA is within the Utah-Arizona 

portion of the Northeast Mojave Recovery 

Unit, a recovery unit that includes habitat 

in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Map 3-13

displays the designated critical habitat for 

Mojave desert tortoise in the NCA; Map 

3-14 displays a model of habitat quality 

variations within the NCA.

Because it can live over 50 years, the desert tortoise is an “indicator species” that 

is useful for evaluating the health of the 

Mojave Desert ecosystem. Over millions 

of years of evolution, the species has successfully adapted to changing environmental conditions and has been able to 

flourish, even in the highly variable and 

harsh environment of the Mojave Desert.

Desert tortoises spend the majority of 

their lives underground in winter dens, 

summer burrows, pallets or soil depressions, or openings in rock or caliche 

(Photo 3-45). In each of these shelter 

types, tortoises are protected from the 

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

California Condor

With a face only a mother 

could love, Gymnogyps 

californianus is a member 

of the vulture order. Like 

other vultures, condors 

are scavengers, feeding 

on dead mammals. The 

young, however, are fed by 

regurgitation. A wing span 

of nine to ten feet allows 

condors to soar on air 

currents to heights of 15,000 

feet and travel hundreds of 

miles in one flight.

“...when the last 

individual of a race of 

living things breathes 

no more, another 

heaven and another 

earth must pass before 

such a one can 

be again.”

–Charles William 

Beebe, American 

Naturalist, Explorer, 

Author, 1877-1962

Photo 3-43 California Condor, Federally-Listed Endangered Species Photo 3-44 Mojave Desert Tortoise, Federally-Listed Endangered Species

Photo 3-45 Desert Tortoise Den, Woodbury 

Study Area, Beaver Dam Wash NCA

© Cameron Rognan
LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

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State

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BeaverDamWashNCA

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

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Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

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Source:U.S.DepartmentofInterior,U.S.FishandWildlifeService,Critical

HabitatforDeser

tTortoise,2010

LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

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0-5%

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ProducedbyBLM

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andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLMforuseof

thedataforpurposesnotintendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

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Source:UtahDepartmentofNaturalResourcesinCooperationwithTheNature

Conservancy,Modelin

gDesertTortoiseHabitatforWashingtonCounty's

NationalConservationAreas,Jones&Edwards,2013

394 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 395

MAP 3-13 MAP 3-14
396 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 397

forbs and perennial grasses have been 

replaced by invasive exotic species. The 

exotic forbs and grasses today make up 

a substantial portion of the diet of some 

desert tortoise populations. Where exotic 

grasses have reduced the availability of 

annual forbs, the overall nutritional quality of desert tortoise diets may be affected 

due to the lower nutritional value of these 

grasses (Hazard et al. 2011).

Several studies have shown that calcium, 

nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, and 

potassium are important nutrients in desert tortoise physiology (Oftdal et al. 2002; 

Hazard et al. 2011). Calcium, nitrogen, 

and phosphorus, as well as protein, are 

important to juvenile desert tortoises for 

growth and development. Native plants 

are typically high in potassium and low 

in nitrogen. When consuming plants 

with high potassium concentrations, desert tortoises must excrete excess potassium in order to maintain electrolyte balance and avoid potentially toxic effects. 

Unlike chuckwalla and desert iguanas, 

desert tortoise can only excrete excess 

salts through the production of uric acid, 

which depletes their metabolic water and 

nitrogen and can potentially impact their 

growth and reproduction.

egg clutches at the mouth of their dens, 

where the sun incubates the eggs for 

90-120 days. The clutches are vulnerable 

to predation by Gila monsters, kit foxes, 

various snakes, and coyotes; predation 

typically results in the loss of 60-90% of 

the eggs laid by the female.

Hatchling tortoises (Photo 3-46) are about 

two inches in diameter and have a soft shell 

for the first three years of life, making them 

vulnerable to all predators. Less than 5% 

of all hatchlings survive to maturity (age 

20), at which time they are about 15 inches 

long and weigh approximately 15 pounds. 

Adults are generally protected against nonhuman predators by their external shells 

and their use of burrows and dens for shelter from most environmental hazards.

Desert tortoises are “dietary specialists”, foraging selectively on forbs (Photo 

3-47), grasses, shrubs, and succulent 

plants (cf. Jennings 1997; Minden 1980; 

Grover and DeFalco 1995). They must 

respond to the extreme seasonal and 

annual variability in the biomass and diversity of the annual plants that are their 

primary food source (Oftedal, Hillard, 

and Morafka 2002, 341). During drought 

periods in the Mojave Desert, for example, very little or no annual germination 

may occur, while during “El Nino” cycles, 

winter annuals may sprout profusely. 

Tortoises alter their diets in response to 

these natural fluctuations in species availability and also selectively forage based 

on the palatability and nutrient content 

of the available species (Jennings 2002, 

357). Plants containing essential dietary 

nutrients for growth and reproduction, 

such as water, protein, fiber, nitrogen, 

phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium, 

are selectively consumed, while those that 

contain high concentrations of potassium 

are generally avoided. Since tortoises 

lack salt glands, they can only excrete 

high levels of potassium through urine, 

which depletes both water and nitrogen 

from their systems (Oftedal, Hillard, and 

Morafka 2002, 342).

According to Minden’s studies (1980, 

16) on the Slope during the spring of 

1980, the small forb Astragalus nuttalianus (locoweed) was the preferred spring 

forage for tortoises. Tortoises were also 

observed consuming Indian ricegrass 

and the invasive brome grasses (Photo 

3-48). Woodbury and Hardy (1948) and 

Coombs (1977) observed that desert 

tortoises selectively grazed on the once 

abundant native perennial grass bush 

muhly or “mesquite grass” despite its 

relative rarity in the native plant community after years of overgrazing by 

domestic livestock. Coombs (1977, 126) 

stated that bush muhly and other perennial grasses may have been the most 

important plants for desert tortoises as 

they retained moisture long after the annual grasses had cured, and “greened up” 

again after summer rain.

Spring is a critical time for tortoises to 

replenish fat reserves used during hibernation. Annual forbs are particularly 

important for tortoises in the spring as 

essential nutrients, particularly minerals, 

can be more readily obtained from them 

(Hazard et al. 2011). Until the 1970s, domestic sheep trailing and overgrazing in 

general on the Slope significantly reduced 

the availability of spring annuals for tortoises. As Woodbury and Hardy observed 

during the decade that they conducted 

tortoise studies on the Slope in the 1930s 

and 40s, “tortoises only had a few days of 

the 30-40 day green period when sheep 

swept the carpet clean” (Coombs 

1977, 132). 

Perennial grasses may be more important 

as a late summer source of water and 

nutrients. Without the perennial grasses, 

tortoises can become dehydrated in summer resulting in a buildup of electrolytes, 

especially potassium ions (Coombs 1977; 

Woodbury and Hardy 1948). During 

years with a poor crop of spring annuals, perennials may be the main source 

for meeting these demands. In many 

areas of the Mojave Desert, native annual 

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

“In many areas of 

the Mojave Desert, 

native annual forbs 

and perennial grasses 

have been replaced by 

invasive exotic species. 

The exotic forbs and 

grasses today make up 

a substantial portion of 

the diet of some desert 

tortoise populations.”

“Hatchling tortoises 

are about two inches 

in diameter and have 

a soft shell for the 

first three years of 

life, making them 

vulnerable to all 

predators. Less than 5% 

of all hatchlings survive 

to maturity.”

Photo 3-46 Desert Tortoise Hatchling, Red 

Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-47 Desert Tortoise Foraging on 

Cryptantha, Red Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-48 Desert Tortoise with Vegetation in Mouth, Red Cliffs NCA

© Cameron Rognan

© Cameron Rognan
398 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 399

The desert tortoise requires very little 

forage and survives on approximately 

23 pounds of vegetation per year. Larger 

grazing animals, such as domestic cattle, 

utilize substantially more forage. For 

example, a cow with a calf needs 10,000 

pounds of forage per year, consuming 

more in one day than a tortoise does all 

year. Coombs (1977, 133) conducted 

a study of the dietary overlap between 

cattle and tortoises, using fecal samples 

to make the dietary determinations. The 

results of this study indicated a “total of 

37.69 percent of species overlap in the 

diet, based on the volume and number 

of a species utilized in the food diet”. In 

good precipitation years, the production of annuals on the Slope can exceed 

500 pounds per acre. During these good 

production years, it would appear that 

enough forage would be available for 

both the desert tortoise and livestock. 

Recent research has suggested, however, 

that even if forage is periodically abundant, the quality of the forage may not be 

adequate to meet the tortoise’s nutritional 

needs, particularly after the plants have 

dried. Few forage species individually 

supply a complete balance of nutrients 

for tortoises; if desert tortoises are to 

survive and recover in numbers, it is 

necessary to ensure that a wide variety of 

native species continue to be present in 

the Mojave Desert and available to desert 

tortoises in order to meet their nutritional needs as well as those of other native 

wildlife species.

Soil physical properties, landforms, slope, 

aspect, and vegetative community characteristics combine to create habitat that 

is suitable for desert tortoises. Since the 

desert tortoise typically spends 98% of its 

life underground, soil must be suitable 

for digging burrows to an average depth 

of 20 inches, as well as sufficiently free 

of rocks to permit digging yet compact 

enough to maintain a strong arch-shaped 

opening (Photo 3-50). Rock content, soil 

texture, pH, and depth to a restrictive 

layer (e.g., hardpan) are all physical characteristics of soil that would contribute to 

its suitability for tortoise burrowing. Soil 

temperature may also be an important 

consideration since a soil that is either 

too hot or cold on an average annual basis would not help the tortoise to regulate 

is body temperature.

Landforms, and their slope and aspect, 

create micro-environments that have 

varying degrees of suitability as habitat 

for desert tortoise. Dissected landforms, 

cut by drainages, create more diverse 

micro-environments. Slope and aspect of 

the landforms also influence the quality 

of the habitat, with south-facing slopes 

being hotter and drier than those that are 

north-facing. (Photo 3-51)

Vegetation classes with a more developed vertical structure of Mojave Desert 

shrubs provide shade to tortoises and are, 

therefore, considered to be of greater importance in habitat suitability. Creosotebursage and blackbrush communities 

have been given the highest rankings 

for desert tortoise habitat suitability. 

Vegetation classes that provide more 

forage in the form of herbaceous native 

vegetation are also considered to be a 

characteristic of habitat suitability. Brome 

grasses and other non-native species also 

impact habitat suitability if the other 

parameters of shrub structure and native 

forage species are not present.

Population Trends

Tortoise research began on the Slope 

in the 1930s and has continued until 

the present day, making it one of the 

longest continuously studied species in 

the Western hemisphere. Based on the 

time depth of these studies, it is clear 

that tortoise population densities were 

much higher in the past than they are 

today (cf. USFWS 2008, 2009, 2010). As 

examples, Woodbury and Hardy (1948, 

187) described their study area between 

1930 and 1935 as consisting of 1,200 

acres that represented the “home area of 

a semi-isolated colony of approximately 

Where tortoises have a wide array of species available to them, they will generally, 

but not always, selectively choose plants 

or plant parts that are higher in water 

and nitrogen (high in the Potassium 

Excretion Potential Index (PEP))and 

allow them to excrete excess potassium 

(Oftdal et al. 2002) (Photo 3-49). Data on 

cured perennial grasses indicate that they 

become high in the PEP index only after 

winter rains have leached out residual potassium, making them an important food 

source in the year following germination.

Bush muhly is a remarkable exception 

in that, unlike other perennial grasses, it 

continues to be high in the PEP index in 

summer and fall. Woodbury and Hardy 

(1948) and Coombs (1977, 126) concluded that bush muhly “is or once was” the 

most important food source for tortoises 

in Utah. Their observations led Coombs 

(1979) to assert that the reduction in the 

availability of bush muhly—once abundant throughout the range of the desert 

tortoise but, as a consequence of overgrazing by domestic livestock, severely 

depleted over time—was a causal factor 

in the obvious declines in desert tortoise 

numbers on the Slope.

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

“The desert tortoise 

requires very little 

forage and survives 

on approximately 23 

pounds of vegetation 

per year.”

“Since the desert 

tortoise typically 

spends 98% of its life 

underground, soil must 

be suitable for digging 

burrows to an average 

depth of 20 inches, 

as well as sufficiently 

free of rocks to permit 

digging yet compact 

enough to maintain 

a strong arch-shaped 

opening.”

Photo 3-49 Tear Drop-Shaped Desert Tortoise 

Excrement, Red Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-50 Desert Tortoise Den with 

Characteristic Arch-Shape

Photo 3-51 East facing Desert Tortoise Dens in Wash, Beaver Dam Wash NCA
400 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 401

and decreasing the effects of trampling on 

burrows and juvenile tortoises.

The level of tortoise predation in the 

NCA is not conclusively known. The 

large utility transmission lines that cross 

public lands along the boundaries of the 

NCA would provide roosting and nesting opportunities for raven, a tortoise 

predator. Raven predation on tortoises is 

typically more frequent near urban areas 

where the birds forage in landfills and 

roost or nest on power transmission towers and poles. During a three year monitoring study along the unimproved road 

that travels northwesterly from Castle 

Cliff along the NCA boundary during 

2005-2008, 39 ravens and 53 raptors (six 

total species of raptors) were observed 

(JBR Environmental 2009, 1). None were 

noted to be perched on power poles or 

other man-made features.

Fire has significantly impacted tortoise 

habitat within the NCA, with the damage becoming more severe as non-native 

grasses expand. Since 2000, wildfires have 

burned or re-burned nearly 50% of the 

NCA (Photo 3-52). The burned areas are 

of decreased value to desert tortoise since 

invasive annual grasses that do not satisfy 

the nutritional requirements of tortoises 

have replaced their preferred food source 

of native forbs and bunchgrasses. Native 

shrub cover has also decreased significantly, reducing an important source of 

shade during the summer. Given that 

the heat of the mid-day summer sun can 

be deadly to tortoises if they are caught 

300 tortoises”. From these data, they 

concluded there were 2,000 or more 

tortoises in the estimated 70 square mile 

area of the Slope, and described the area 

as being potentially good habitat but for 

the impacts to the native vegetation communities as a direct result of overgrazing 

by sheep and other livestock. 

However, Hardy reported to Coombs 

(1977) that young tortoises had been 

“uncommon” in his study area in 1948, 

signaling that the tortoise reproduction 

and/or survival rates were already being 

impacted by conditions on the Slope. 

Woodbury and Hardy (1948) further 

observed that the gender ratios of their 

tortoise study population were skewed 

in favor of males. They attributed the 

skewed ratios to the influence of tortoise 

collection by sheepherders and others, 

with more females than males being 

removed from the local population. The 

home ranges of the female tortoises were 

smaller and more closely tethered to 

winter dens, making them more vulnerable to capture once the collectors located 

a den.

In the mid-1970s, Coombs (1977) estimated the tortoise population at approximately 350 animals, or about 27 tortoises 

per square mile of habitat. He considered 

this “a figure 5.7 times lower than what the 

area might be capable of sustaining.” In his 

view, the distribution of winter dens influenced the limitations on tortoise distribution, as did the gender structure of the 

local population which he determined to 

be 64.7% male and 35.3% female (Coombs 

1977, 82). Using these data, Coombs 

argued that the tortoise habitat quality on 

the Slope should be capable of supporting 

154 tortoises per square mile, or one tortoise for every 4 acres. Other researchers 

developed different estimates of tortoise 

densities on the Slope, with Minden 

(1980) reporting as many as 178 tortoises 

per square mile, while Walker (1986) 

concluded there were no more than 34-47 

tortoises per square mile. Concurrently, 

the tortoise population dropped from an 

estimated 2,000 individuals in the 1940s 

(Coombs 1974) to only 350 native and 68 

feral captives.

Coombs (1974) reported on the efforts by 

UDWR to augment the declining tortoise 

populations and adjust the male/female 

population ratios through the reintroduction of 68 captive female tortoises to the 

area of Castle Cliff Wash, in the NCA. As 

no wild tortoises appeared to be present in this area, it was believed that the 

captive transplants would not disrupt 

the gene pools or spread infections to 

tortoises in adjacent areas. The captive 

tortoises were not tested for diseases, so 

it is possible that a highly contagious tortoise Upper Respiratory Disease (URD) 

could have been introduced to the local 

tortoise populations through this wellintended human intervention (Minden 

1980; Minden and Keller 1981; Fridell 

and Coffeen 1986).

Beginning in the spring of 2001, USFWS 

began annual tortoise population monitoring studies across the species’ range to 

determine trends in populations. Tortoise 

populations in the Beaver Dam Slope 

Subunit (in Utah and Arizona) of the 

Northeastern Mojave Recovery Unit have 

been estimated annually based on a line 

distance sampling. Table 3-23 displays 

desert tortoise population and density 

estimates from 2008 to 2012.

The apparent increase in the number and 

density of tortoises detected may be a 

result of improved training of field crews 

by the USFWS, increasing the reliability 

of the monitoring studies. However, these 

data may also represent actual increases 

in the tortoise populations in this subunit 

as a result of BLM’s implementation of 

management recommendations from the 

1994 recovery plan. Tortoise numbers may 

also have been influenced by the temporary closure of public lands to livestock 

grazing following the large-scale wildfires 

of 2005 and 2006, reducing competition 

between tortoises and livestock for forage 

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

“Fire has significantly 

impacted tortoise 

habitat within the 

Beaver Dam 

Wash NCA.”

“The level of tortoise 

predation in the Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA is not 

conclusively known.”

Year No. Of Tortoises 

Observed (N)

Tortoise 

Density 

(Per Km2)

Estimated No. Of 

Tortoises 

(N Est.)

95% Confidence Interval

Lower Limit Upper Limit

2008 4 1.1 778 295.8 2,046.6

2009 10 3.2 2,251 901.9 5,620.3

2010 23 3.3 2,323 1,342.8 4,018.4

2011 23 3.3 2,407 1,184 4,893

2012 38 5.4 4,059 2,279 7,230

Sources: USFWS 2010 (a); USFWS 2010 (b); USFWS 2012 (a); USFWS 2012 (b)

Table 3-23 Tortoise Populations and Densities in the Beaver Dam Slope Subunit

Photo 3-52 Fire Damaged Landscape in Castle Cliffs Wash Area, Beaver Dam Wash NCA
402 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 403

snakes. It nests in abandoned burrows 

dug by ground squirrels or badgers; 

when these are not available, the owls 

will sometimes excavate their own nest 

burrows. Usually five to nine eggs are 

incubated by the female parent for 27-30 

days, during which time she remains 

in the nest and is brought food by the 

male. The young are tended by both 

parents and fledge after about 40-45 days 

(UDWR 2010b). No special use areas 

for burrowing owls have been identified 

in the NCA, although good habitat is 

present. Population trends or numbers 

are unknown.

Ferruginous Hawk

Ferruginous hawks (Buteo regalis) are 

distributed throughout most of the state 

of Utah (Photo 3-54). Their numbers are 

directly correlated with the available prey 

base, so populations are highly variable. 

They nest in flat and rolling terrain in 

grassland or shrub steppe, and avoid high 

elevations, forests, and narrow canyons. 

Ferruginous hawks have been seen in 

and near Beaver Dam Wash within the 

boundaries of the NCA; population 

trends or numbers are not known.

Northern Goshawk

The northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) 

occurs as a rare, permanent resident in 

Washington County that prefers mature 

mountain forests and riparian habitats. 

Nests are constructed in trees in mature 

forests; nests previously used by northern 

goshawks or other bird species are often 

reused. Females lay and then incubate a 

single clutch of two to four eggs which 

hatch in 32-34 days. Young are able to fly 

at about 5-6 weeks of age, but they are 

still dependent on their parents for food 

until they reach about 10 weeks of age. 

Major prey species include rabbits, hares, 

squirrels, and birds (UDWR 2010b). The 

northern goshawk has been sighted in 

Beaver Dam Wash at Lytle Ranch; population trends or numbers within the NCA 

are not known.

Short-eared Owl

The short-eared owl (Asio flammeus), 

a rare, winter resident of Washington 

County, has been sighted along Beaver 

Dam Wash within the NCA. It is a medium-sized owl that frequently flies during 

daylight, especially at dusk and dawn, as 

it forages for rodents. This owl is usually 

found in grasslands, shrublands, and other 

open habitats. It is nomadic, often choosing a new breeding site each year based 

on local rodent population densities. In 

winter, some birds migrate south though 

many remain in the vicinity of their breeding grounds as year-round residents.

3.11.2.3 Other Bird Species

American White Pelican

During spring and fall migration periods, American white pelicans (Pelecanus 

erythrorhynchos) can be observed at 

reservoirs and wetlands throughout 

Washington County. American white 

pelicans are highly social birds and are 

both diurnal and nocturnal foragers, 

consuming fish as their primary food 

source (UDWR 2010b). In April of 2004, 

birdwatchers counted 37 American white 

pelicans in Beaver Dam Wash on the 

private lands of Lytle Ranch. There are no 

other recorded sightings for this species 

in the NCA.

without shade, the lack of shrubs restricts 

tortoises to areas closer to dens.

3.11.2 Utah BLM Sensitive Species

This category of species includes those 

that are on the Utah BLM State Director’s 

Sensitive Species list. The public lands that 

provide habitats for sensitive species are 

managed to help ensure that these species 

do not require future listing under the 

ESA. The species that have been observed 

in the NCA, or that could potentially be 

found here, are described below.

3.11.2.1 Fish 

Virgin Spinedace 

The Virgin spinedace (Lepidomeda 

mollispinis) is a small minnow that was 

formerly found throughout the Virgin 

River system of Utah, Nevada, and 

Arizona. In the 1980s, however, spinedace populations began to decline due to 

habitat fragmentation, stream flow alterations, and the introduction of nonnative 

fishes. On May 18, 1994, this species was 

proposed for listing as a threatened species (USFWS 1994b) and critical habitat 

identified. In 1995, the Virgin Spinedace 

Conservation Agreement was executed 

by state, local, and federal agencies to 

provide protection to the Virgin spinedace and habitat, so that federal listing 

would not be required (UDWR 2002).

Virgin spinedace are opportunistic feeders that eat insects, insect larvae, other 

invertebrates, and plant matter. The 

species spawns during spring and late 

summer, usually during periods of high 

flows. Virgin spinedace prefer the clear, 

slow-moving water of creeks and small 

streams and are usually found in areas 

with abundant cover. Within the NCA, 

this native fish is found in the Beaver 

Dam Wash.

Desert Sucker

The desert sucker (Catostomus clarki) is 

found in the Virgin River and its major 

tributaries, including the Beaver Dam 

Wash. Desert suckers are bottom dwelling fish that primarily eat algae, although 

insects and other invertebrates are also 

occasionally consumed. Spawning occurs 

in riffles during the winter and spring 

(UDWR 2010b). 

3.11.2.2 Raptors

Bald Eagle

The American bald eagle (Haliaeetus 

leucocephalus) was first protected under 

the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection 

Act of 1940, and was later listed as 

an endangered species in most of the 

lower 48 states in 1967 (USFWS 1967). 

Since 1967, bald eagle populations have 

increased in numbers and expanded in 

range. In 2007, the bald eagle was delisted 

by USFWS. Fish and waterfowl are the 

primary sources of food for bald eagles 

but they will also feed on carrion, rabbits, 

and small rodents (UDWR 2010b). Bald 

eagles have been sighted in Beaver Dam 

Wash; population trends or numbers 

within the NCA are not known.

Burrowing Owl

The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), 

an uncommon permanent resident in 

Washington County, prefers open areas 

within deserts, grasslands, and sagebrush 

steppe communities (Photo 3-53). This 

small owl consumes a varied diet of small 

mammals, birds, frogs, toads, lizards, and 

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis is the largest of 

the buteo hawks. Soaring on 

broad wings held in a shallow 

V, the Ferruginous hawk 

swoops down to catch ground 

squirrels, snakes, young 

jackrabbits, and other small 

to medium sized prey. But it 

employes a variety of hunting 

techniques, including soaring 

high, flying low, sitting on 

a perch, or searching the 

ground by foot. (Audubon 

2015)

Burrowing Owl

Cowsboys sometimes called 

Athene cunicularia “howdy 

birds” because they seemed 

to nod in greeting from the 

entrances to their burrows. 

Less than 12 inches in height 

and standing on long legs, 

this owl has an undeniable 

charm. (Audubon 2015)

Photo 3-53 Burrowing Owl, Utah BLM 

Sensitive Species

Photo 3-54 Ferruginous Hawk, Utah BLM 

Sensitive Species

© Cameron Rognan © Cameron Rognan
404 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 405

migrating birds are extremely high, and 

birds rest and feed, before continuing 

their migration journey. 

Upland areas adjacent to riparian/aquatic 

areas are also critical to migratory birds. 

These habitats provide cover and important forage species, including mesquite, 

desert willow (Chilopsis linearis), pinyon 

pine, juniper, desert almond (Prunus 

fasciculate) (Photo 3-57), four-winged 

saltbush (Atriplex canescens), quail bush 

(Atriplex lontiformis), Anderson wolfberry, brittlebush (Encelia spp.) (Photo 

3-58), live oak (Quercus turbinella), Utah 

serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis), 

buck brush (Ceanothus greggii), manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.), squaw bush 

(Rhus trilobata) (Photo 3-59), and bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata).

In 2005, the Intermountain West Joint 

Venture partners within Utah developed 

a coordinated implementation plan for 

bird conservation in Utah that identified habitat priorities. The Beaver Dam 

Wash within the NCA was identified as 

a Bird Habitat Conservation Area, to be 

protected in the future for its important 

habitat values.

3.11.2.5 Mammals

Allen’s Big-Eared Bat

Allen's big-eared bat (Idionycteris phyllotis) is one of the most poorly known bat 

species in North America. It was not discovered in the United States until 1955, 

and it was not identified in Utah until 

1969. The species is only found in the 

southern portion of the state. Preferred 

habitats include rocky and riparian areas 

in woodland and scrubland regions. 

Little is known about the breeding activity of the species, but females have been 

observed with a single offspring during 

the late spring and early summer. Allen's 

big-eared bat is an insectivore, capturing its prey in flight or plucking insects 

from vegetation. The species is nocturnal, 

roosting in caves or rock crevices during 

the day (UDWR 2010b). Little is known 

of the local distribution of this species.

Big Free-tailed Bat

The big free-tailed bat (Nyctinomops nacrotis) is rare in Utah, occurring primarily 

in the southern half of the state. It prefers 

rocky and woodland habitats and roosts 

in caves, mines, old buildings, and rock 

crevices. Big free-tailed bats eat insects, 

primarily moths. Females may give birth 

to a single offspring during late spring or 

early summer each year (UDWR 2010b). 

This bat has been observed in the NCA, 

but population numbers or trends 

are unknown. 

Fringed Myotis

The fringed myotis (Myotis thysandes) 

is a small brown bat that occurs in most 

of the western United States, but is not 

common in Utah. It lives in caves and 

mines in colonies of several hundred 

individuals. Females generally give birth 

to a single offspring during the summer. 

Beetles are the major prey animal of the 

Lewis’s Woodpecker

Lewis’s woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) is 

a habitat specialist, with primary breeding habitat in forests and riparian areas. 

Winter habitat includes open woodlands 

and lowland riparian areas (Photo 3-55). 

Lewis’s woodpecker is a cavity nester that 

nests in dead or dying trees, often using 

previously excavated holes. The diet of 

this woodpecker is primarily composed 

of insects during the breeding season, 

and nuts and berries during the fall and 

winter (UDWR 2010b). Lewis’s woodpeckers have been reported in Beaver 

Dam Wash at Lytle Ranch; population 

trends or numbers are not known.

Long-billed Curlew

Long-billed curlews (Numenius americanus) are present around major water 

sources in Washington County during 

spring and fall migrations (Photo 3-56). 

The birds consume crustaceans, mollusks, worms, toads, the adults and larvae 

of insects, and sometimes berries. They 

nest on the ground in dry grasslands 

where sufficient cover and abundant prey 

exist (UDWR 2010b). Long-billed curlews have not been documented within 

the NCA, but are probably occasional 

visitors to Beaver Dam Wash during the 

winter months.

3.11.2.4 Migratory Birds and Birds of 

Conservation Concern

Appendix G provides a listing of 133 

species of Migratory Birds and Birds of 

Conservation Concern that are known to 

utilize the Beaver Dam Wash NCA. 

In the arid Southwest, riparian habitats are among the most productive 

habitats for bird breeding, wintering, 

and migration, and have some of the 

highest densities of breeding birds in 

North America. Approximately 60% 

of the Birds of Conservation Concern 

may use riparian/aquatic habitat here in 

Washington County (BLM 1999b). Many 

of the Birds of Conservation Concern use 

Washington County as “stop over” or migration habitat, as the birds move through 

the area in early spring (March and April) 

and again in the fall (September through 

December). The energy demands on 

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

Squaw Bush

Rhus trilobata provides 

both food and shelter for 

many upland game birds, 

songbirds, and small and 

large mammals. It is of 

special value to native bees, 

which nest beneath, within, 

or harvest parts of the plant 

to construct their nests. 

(Wildflower Center 2015)

Lewis’s Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis seldom 

excavates wood for boring 

insects. Instead, it gleans 

insects from the tree 

surface, or most commonly, 

flycatches. It spends long 

periods of time watching for 

flying insects from the top 

of a pole or dead tree, and 

then flies out to catch them in 

flight. (Cornell 2015)

Photo 3-55 Lewis’s Woodpecker, Utah BLM 

Sensitive Species

Photo 3-56 Long-Billed Curlew, Utah BLM 

Sensitive Species

Photo 3-58 Bird Cover and Forage: 

Brittlebrush in Seed

Photo 3-59 Bird Cover and Forage: Squaw 

Bush with Immature Fruit

Photo 3-57 Bird Cover and Forage: Desert 

Almond with Fruit

© Alan D. Wilson

UDWR
406 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 407

and individuals are often seen foraging 

near trees. The species is nocturnal, and 

individuals typically do not leave their 

roosts until well after sunset (UDWR 

2010b). Habitat for this bat is available in 

the Beaver Dam Mountains in the NCA 

and along Beaver Dam Wash.

Western Red Bat

The western red bat (Lasiurus blossevillii) 

is extremely rare in Utah, being known 

from only a few locations in the state. 

Western red bats are normally found near 

water, often in wooded areas. Some individuals may hibernate during cold times 

of the year, but most members of the 

species migrate south to warmer climates 

for the winter. This species is nocturnal 

and daytime roosting usually occurs 

in trees. Females may give birth to one 

litter of two to four offspring during late 

spring. Western red bats eat insects, often 

foraging near riparian areas (UDWR 

2010b). The area around the Welcome 

Spring complex in the NCA offers the 

best opportunities for western red bats to 

be found in the NCA; population trends 

or numbers are currently unknown. 

3.11.2.6 Reptiles

Common Chuckwalla

Common Chuckwallas (Sauromalus ater) 

(Photo 3-63) are predominantly found 

near cliffs, boulders, or rocky slopes, 

where they use rocks as basking sites and 

rock crevices for shelter. Chuckwallas are 

primarily herbivorous, although insects 

are also consumed. Female chuckwallas lay one clutch of 5-15 eggs during 

the summer months. Chuckwallas are 

fairly large lizards, sometimes reaching 

over eight inches in length, not including the tail (UDWR 2010b). Chuckwalla 

are present in the NCA, but population 

trends or numbers are not known.

Desert Iguana

Desert iguanas (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) 

(Photo 3-62) are pale gray with brown 

patches or bars on their sides, long 

tails, and a row of raised (keeled) scales 

running down the ridge of their backs 

(UDWR 2010b). Their preferred habitat 

is the creosote bush-bursage community. 

This species is primarily a plant eater, 

feeding preferentially on the creosote 

bush, but is also known to eat insects and 

carrion. They are tolerant of extremely 

fringed myotis. The species is nocturnal, 

and individuals hibernate during the 

cold winter months (UDWR 2010b). The 

fringed myotis has been sighted in the 

NCA, but population numbers or trends 

are unknown.

Kit Fox

The kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) is known 

to occur in the NCA (Photo 3-60) where 

it has been observed to den with desert 

tortoise. Its prey base includes small 

mammals (primarily rabbits and hares), 

birds, invertebrates, and plant matter. It 

is mainly nocturnal, but individuals may 

be found outside of their dens during the 

day. The kit fox can be distinguished from 

other Utah foxes because of the black 

tip on its tail (red fox tails are tipped in 

white) and the lack of a median black 

stripe along the length of the tail, as is 

found on the common gray fox (UDWR 

2010b). Population trends or numbers of 

kit fox in the NCA are unknown.

Spotted Bat

The spotted bat (Euderma maculatum) 

occurs state-wide in Utah, but has probably never been abundant in any particular location. Spotted bats are found in 

various habitats, from desert to montane 

coniferous stands. It is likely that some 

spotted bats migrate south for the winter, 

or to lower elevation locations (Snow 

1974). Poche (1981) found that spotted 

bats in Washington County hibernated 

when temperatures fell too low for activity. When hibernating, spotted bats arouse 

easily, making them vulnerable to outside 

disturbances (Poche 1981). The Beaver 

Dam Wash offers the best opportunities 

for spotted bats within the NCA, but its 

presence in the NCA has yet to 

be confirmed.

Townsend’s Big-eared Bat

Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus 

townsendii) (Photo 3-61) can occur 

in many types of habitat, but the species is often found near forested areas. 

Caves and mines are frequently used 

for day roosting and winter hibernation. Consequently, human disturbances 

of caves and the closures of abandoned 

mines may constitute threats to the species. Females congregate into nursery 

colonies and typically give birth to one 

offspring each year. Townsend's big-eared 

bats eat flying insects, particularly moths, 

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

Desert Iguana

Dipsosaurus dorsalis are fast 

runners and will sometimes 

run bipedally, or on their 

hind legs only.

Townsend’s Big-eared Bat

Corynorhinus townsendii 

emerge an hour after sunset 

to feed through the night. 

They will hunt alone or 

in small groups, preying 

on a variety of insects. 

Accomplished fliers, they can 

be swift and agile or slow 

and hovering.

Photo 3-60 Kit Fox, Utah BLM Sensitive Species

Photo 3-61 Townsend's Big-eared Bat, Utah 

BLM Sensitive Species

Photo 3-62 Desert Iguana, Utah BLM Sensitive Species

Photo 3-63 Common Chuckwalla, Utah 

BLM Sensitive Species

© Cameron Rognan

© Cameron Rognan © Cameron Rognan
408 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 409

as kangaroo rats and pocket mice) and 

lizards; birds and snakes are also occasionally consumed. Sidewinders subdue their 

prey by injecting venom through large 

fangs located at the front of the upper 

jaw. This species is known to occur in the 

NCA but specifics on population trends or 

numbers are not known. 

Speckled Rattlesnake

Rocky desert areas are the preferred 

habitat of this snake, whose prey base 

includes lizards, birds, and small mammals (UDWR 2010b). The speckled 

rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii) is active 

from April to October; during the winter 

months it hibernates in dens, often with 

other rattlesnakes. Females give birth 

to live young during the late summer or 

early fall. Speckled rattlesnakes are present in the NCA, but population trends or 

numbers are not known.

Western Banded Gecko

The western banded gecko (Coleonyx 

variegates) (Photo 3-65) eats small invertebrates, primarily insects and spiders. 

Females may lay several clutches of eggs 

each year during the spring and summer. 

The average clutch size is two eggs, and 

eggs hatch in about six weeks. Western 

banded geckos are excellent climbers that 

can be found in many types of habitat. 

Members of the species are nocturnal and 

become inactive during the day, as well as 

during the very cold and very hot times 

of the year (UDWR 2010b). Western 

banded geckos are present in the NCA 

(Utah Natural Heritage Program 2011). 

Specific population trends or numbers 

are not known.

Western Thread-snake 

The western thread-snake (Leptotyphlops 

humilis) is a secretive burrowing species, 

often living in moist loose soil. Because 

the species spends so much time under 

the ground, the western thread-snake's 

eyes are vestigial. It eats small invertebrates, such as spiders, insects, and 

centipedes, and insect larvae. Females lay 

a clutch of 2-6 eggs in later summer, and 

then stay with the eggs until after hatching. The species is nocturnal—individuals are only active on the surface at night 

(UDWR 2010b). Western thread-snakes 

are present in the NCA (Utah Natural 

Heritage Program 2011), but population 

trends or numbers are not known.

Zebra-Tailed Lizard

Zebra-tailed lizards (Callisaurus draconoides) typically have grayish backs, 

yellow colored sides, and long slender 

legs that are well suited for running at 

high speeds (UDWR 2010b). This species 

prefers sparsely vegetated desert areas 

with hard packed soils. Their diet consists 

of insects, spiders, lizards, and occasionally plants. Females lay one to five 

high temperatures and remain active in 

hot weather, although at times they may 

seek shelter in rodent burrows. Females 

lay a clutch of 3-8 eggs during the summer. Desert iguanas are present in the 

NCA; however, population trends and 

numbers are unknown. 

Desert Night Lizard

The desert night lizard (Xantusia vigilis) 

is a slim lizard with olive, gray, or brown 

coloration, and black speckled markings 

on its back. Individuals often have a lightcolored stripe edged with black that runs 

from eye to shoulder (UDWR 2010b). 

This lizard breeds in May and June and 

females give birth to live young (usually 

one to three at a time) in late summer or 

early fall. The desert night lizard eats a 

variety of insects and other small invertebrates. This species is present in the 

NCA, but population trends or numbers 

are not known.

Gila Monster

Gila monsters (Heloderma suspectum) 

are large stocky lizards with short thick 

tails and large heads. The scales on the 

backs of these lizards resemble a beadwork pattern of black, orange, pink, 

and yellow. Their preferred habitats are 

large rocky shelves, sandy areas, and 

creosote-bursage vegetation (UDWR 

2010). Gila monsters are most active 

during the spring and summer months, 

although they do spend about 95% of 

the active season in burrows or under 

rocks (WildEarth Guardians and Beck 

2010). Females typically lay one clutch 

of 1-12 eggs during mid-summer. The 

diet of the Gila monster is composed of 

eggs (of ground nesting birds, lizards, 

and snakes), small mammals, lizards, and 

insects (UDWR 201). The Beaver Dam 

Mountains, Bulldog Canyon, and areas 

adjacent to the Welcome Springs complex 

have the highest likelihood of supporting 

populations of these reptiles. Within the 

NCA, population trends and numbers for 

Gila monsters are currently unknown.

Mojave Rattlesnake

The Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) (Photo 3-64) is greenish, brownish, 

or yellowish in color, with well-defined 

darker colored patches of diamonds, 

ovals, or hexagons running down its back 

(UDWR 2010b). The species is primarily nocturnal to avoid the heat of the day, 

and consumes a variety of small mammals (such as kangaroo rats, rabbits, and 

mice), as well as lizards and occasionally 

other snakes. Females are live-bearing, 

giving birth to as many as seventeen 

offspring during late summer. The 

NCA provides the desert scrub habitat 

preferred by Mojave rattlesnake; these 

snakes are present in the NCA, but population trends or numbers are not known.

Sidewinder

Sidewinders (Crotalus cerastes) are venomous snakes that can be easily identified by 

their characteristic side-winding, s-shaped 

motion. They are generally light-colored, 

with slightly darker spotting patterns 

of tan, gray, or yellow (UDWR 2010b). 

Sidewinders prefer sandy open terrain. 

They are mainly nocturnal, avoiding the 

extreme heat of the day, and are also inactive during cold weather. When inactive, 

sidewinders take refuge in the burrows 

of tortoises or small mammals. Females 

give birth to 5-18 live young during the 

fall. Sidewinders eat small mammals (such 

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

Western Banded Gecko

Coleonyx variegates will 

wave its tail at a predator 

in order to divert attention 

away from its head and body. 

The tail will break off easily 

and continue to wiggle, 

distracting the predator so 

the gecko can escape. While 

the tail will rapidly regrow, 

it now lacks the structures 

that first enabled it to break 

off. (Arizona-Sonoran Desert 

Museum 2015) Southwestern Speckled 

Rattlesnake

Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus

is a venomous pit viper 

usually found in rocky, 

boulder strewn areas. They 

are primarily nocturnal, but 

can be active at dawn and 

dusk during periods of high 

daytime heat. They may 

also be active during the 

day when the temperature 

is more moderate. Speckled 

rattlesnakes are ambush 

hunters, feeding on small 

mammals, lizards, and birds. 

(California Herps 2014) 

Photo 3-64 Mojave Rattlesnake, Utah BLM 

Sensitive Species

Photo 3-65 Western Banded Gecko, Utah BLM Sensitive Species

© Cameron Rognan © Cameron Rognan
410 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 411

3.12.1 Ungulate Species

3.12.1.1 Desert Bighorn Sheep

The desert bighorn (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) is a subspecies of bighorn sheep that 

are found in seven states across the desert 

southwest. These sheep are well adapted 

to the extremes of desert heat and cold, 

and prefer rocky, mountainous terrain. 

Declining numbers of desert bighorns 

have prompted state wildlife agencies to 

aggressively strive to increase populations 

in suitable habitats.

In 1985, UDWR began bighorn sheep 

reintroductions in the Beaver Dam 

Mountains and the Utah portion of the 

Beaver Dam Mountains Wilderness, 

transplanting 25 sheep. One requirement 

for the reintroductions was the elimination of domestic sheep and goats grazing 

on the public land allotments within a 9 

mile radius of the reintroduction area, to 

prevent the spread of diseases to the wild 

bighorn populations (UDWR 2008).

The NCA contains approximately 8,600 

acres that are suitable as year-long crucial 

habitat for bighorn sheep (Map 3-15). 

This is only a small portion of the total 

herd management unit, which extends 

east and north of the NCA. The current 

population of this herd is estimated to 

be 60 animals, less than half of UDWR’s 

minimum population viability estimate, 

but appears to be stable. Applications for 

bighorn sheep hunting licenses greatly 

exceed the availability of permits issued 

by UDWR. Public demand for bighorn 

sheep viewing and wildlife photography 

locations is also high (UDWR 2008).

Public lands provide crucial habitat for 

bighorn sheep herds, and can be prime 

locations for the construction of bighorn 

sheep-specific water developments. In 

designated wilderness, such as the Beaver 

Dam Mountains Wilderness of Utah and 

Arizona, and within the NCA, management of the public lands emphasizes conservation, protection, and enhancement 

of natural resources; this emphasis serves 

to protect bighorn sheep populations 

and habitats from threats related to OHV 

recreation uses, energy development 

projects, mining, and land disposals. Big 

and small game habitat improvements, 

transplants, big game surveys, special 

status species surveys and coordination, 

and the maintenance of a special status 

species database are only a few of the 

management practices that have been 

implemented in the NCA. 

3.12.1.2 Mule Deer

UDWR has divided Washington County 

into two large Deer Herd Units, one of 

which, the Pine Valley Herd Unit (#30) 

encompasses all areas northwest of I-15 

and includes all of the Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA and most of the Red Cliffs NCA 

(UDWR 2012).

The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) 

population targets from UDWR’s current 

management plan for this herd unit have 

been reduced by 20%, reflecting habitat 

impairment from drought as well as the 

large scale wildfires that have burned so 

much of the western third of Washington 

County. Habitat condition for the entire Pine Valley Herd Unit is currently 

classified by UDWR as “fair”, based on 

data collected from 22 vegetation transects conducted in 2013 (Jason Nicholls, 

UDWR, pers. comm. to Dave Corry, 

September 2013).

The current UDWR estimate of the deer 

population in the Pine Valley Herd Unit 

is approximately 13,000 deer. The number of mule deer that utilize the NCA 

would be a small fraction of that estimate, as the majority of the deer herds 

are on public lands to the north and west 

of the NCA. The NCA encompasses approximately 2,737 acres of crucial winter 

habitat and 115 acres of crucial summer 

fawning habitat (Map 3-16). A number 

of artificial water sources have been 

developed within and near the NCA that 

enhance mule deer habitat (Photo 3-67).

clutches of 4-5 eggs each year, with more 

clutches laid in the southern portions of 

the species' range. Zebra-tailed lizards 

(Photo 3-66) are present in the NCA 

(Utah Natural Heritage Program 2011), 

but population trends or numbers are 

not known. 

3.11.2.7 Amphibians 

Arizona Toad

This species inhabits streams, washes, irrigated crop lands, reservoirs, and uplands 

adjacent to water. It is inactive in cold 

weather, and, while the newly metamorphosed young are active during daylight 

hours, the adults are mainly nocturnal. 

The Arizona toad (Bufo microscaphus) 

lays eggs on the bottoms of shallow, slowmoving streams. The diet of adults consists 

mainly of insects and snails, whereas 

larvae (tadpoles) consume plant matter 

and organic debris. Adults are typically 

2-3.25 inches long, and range in color 

from greenish gray to brown, with a lightcolored stripe across the head (UDWR 

2010b). Arizona toad can be found near 

wetlands and seeps, such as Welcome 

Spring and Lytle ranch. Population trends 

or numbers are not known.

3.12 OTHER FISH AND WILDLIFE 

SPECIES

Public lands provide habitats for migratory birds, upland game birds and waterfowl, as well as sport fish and large and 

small game species. In cooperation with 

UDWR, USFWS, and wildlife advocacy 

groups, BLM manages habitats and fisheries to maintain or increase population 

numbers and to reestablish populations 

of native species that were historically 

present. Wildlife habitat needs vary significantly by species. It is generally true 

that healthy and sustainable wildlife populations can be supported where there is 

a diverse mix of vegetation communities 

to supply structure, forage, cover, and 

other specific habitat requirements.

OTHER FISH AND WILDLIFE SPECIES OTHER FISH AND WILDLIFE SPECIES

Zebra-tailed Lizard

 It’s difficult to get a good look 

at Callisaurus draconoides

as it is a fast runner and 

doesn’t hestitate to bolt at the 

slightest movement. Catch it 

basking on rocks, even in the 

hottest part of the day.

“Public lands provide 

crucial habitat for 

bighorn sheep herds.”

Photo 3-66 Zebra-Tailed Lizard, Utah BLM 

Sensitive Species

Photo 3-67 Wildlife Catchment (Artificial Water Source), Beaver Dam Wash NCA

© Cameron Rognan
LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

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412 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 413

MAP 3-15 MAP 3-16
414 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 415

USFWS determined that listing was not 

warranted (USFWS 2011).

3.13 HERITAGE RESOURCES

Conservation, protection, and enhancement of cultural and historical resources 

(collectively referred to here as “heritage 

resources”) were identified as one of the 

purposes for the Congressional designation of the NCA, through OPLMA. These 

resources are also protected under many 

other federal historic preservation laws, 

most notably ARPA and the National 

Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and 

federal regulations that implement 

these laws.

Heritage resources include the physical 

remains of past human activities that 

provide tangible evidence of, and scientific information about past cultures and 

time periods. By definition, the physical remains can include pottery (Photo 

3-70), basketry, bottles, weapons, weapon 

projectiles, tools, structures or portions 

of structures, pit houses, rock paintings 

and carvings, intaglios, or graves. Under 

the definitions included in ARPA, the 

term “archaeological resource” refers to 

any material remains of human life or activities that are at least 100 years old, and 

that may be of archaeological interest, as 

further defined at 43CFR7.3. 

Heritage resources have also been more 

broadly defined to include areas where 

significant events occurred (although evidence of the event may no longer remain) 

and places that may be of traditional 

cultural importance or religious significance to human societies. In these 

contexts, natural landscapes with particular cultural importance are also included 

within the definition of cultural resources 

and generally called Traditional Cultural 

Properties (TCPs).

Cultural landscapes are another concept 

of heritage resources, derived from the 

notion that human societies have always 

been intrinsically anchored to the land, 

that their relationship and knowledge 

of the land is shared among them today, 

and that it is transferred over generations. The imagery of the land that is held 

by a people is seen as being a result of 

their past experiences with the land and 

other cultural perspectives of the people 

themselves. Some also have ties to natural 

features, hunting and plant collecting 

areas, campsites, rock art, and other areas 

that they consider sacred. 

3.13.1 Cultural History Overview

The following summarizes the broad expanse of human history in southwestern 

Utah, divided into a series of developmental stages or “phases” that are determined by changing technologies or socioeconomic systems. For more detailed 

descriptions of regional cultural history, 

the reader is referred to other published 

sources (e.g. (Talbot and Richens 2009, 

Altschul and Fairley 1989).

3.13.1.1 Paleo-Indian (15000-7000 B.C.)

Few archaeological sites or artifacts from 

this earliest period of human occupation 

in North America have, to date, been discovered in southwestern Utah. Elsewhere, 

Paleo-Indian groups were present prior 

to 15000 B.C. and engaged in a distinctive 

“big game” hunting lifestyle that spanned 

the Late Pleistocene and early Holocene.

3.13.1.2 Archaic (7000-300 B.C.)

Throughout the long expanse of this 

phase, aboriginal groups adapted to 

periods of climatic variability and to the 

extinction of Late Pleistocene megafauna 

through changes in their subsistence 

3.12.2 Other Mammals

3.12.2.1 Mountain Lion 

Mountain lion (Puma concolor) are likely 

to be present in the NCA, although precise 

population numbers for this area are 

currently unavailable. These large predators typically occur in low densities and 

have large home ranges, 54 square miles 

for females and over 100 square miles for 

males. They are active year-round, and 

target mule deer, as well as other small and 

medium sized mammals, as prey. Males 

are solitary except during brief breeding 

periods lasting about a week. UDWR issues hunting permits for mountain lion in 

the NCA. The number of permits issued is 

based, in part, on mule deer and bighorn 

sheep population estimates.

3.12.2.2 Coyote

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are found 

throughout Washington County and have 

been regularly observed in the NCA. 

These mid-sized omnivores consume 

rodents, rabbits, eggs, tortoises, carrion, 

insects, and fruit. The availability of food 

appears to influence the home range and 

social organizations of this very adaptable species.

3.12.3 Upland Game Birds

3.12.3.1 Gambel’s Quail

Nearly 95% of the NCA has been identified by UDWR as crucial year-round 

habitat for Gambel’s quail (Cailipepla 

gambelii) . This species once had a wider 

range within Utah, but is currently limited to Washington County. Food sources 

include filaree (Erodium cicutarium) and 

a variety of seeds. Quail are a popular 

target for hunting. Quail Unlimited has 

worked with BLM to install a number of 

guzzlers for quail within the NCA, including locations in Bulldog Canyon and 

lower Welcome Spring Wash. Quail also 

make use of overflow from cattle tanks, 

along with the natural water sources 

available at Welcome Spring and on the 

private land at Lytle Ranch. Population 

trends and numbers are not known, 

although anecdotal information suggests 

that the population is robust.

3.12.3.2 Mourning Dove

Mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) 

(Photo 3-68) are common year-round 

residents of the NCA, and one of the 

preferred upland game birds for hunters. 

These small light gray or brownish doves 

form monogamous pairs and may produce as many as six broods each year.

3.12.4 Amphibians

3.12.4.1 Northern Leopard Frog

Northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) (Photo 3-69) have been observed 

just outside the NCA at Jackson Well 

(Utah Natural Heritage Program 2011). 

The species was formerly widespread 

throughout the West but its numbers 

have declined due to habitat loss and 

mortalities linked to chytrid fungus 

(USFWS 2014). In 2009, environmental 

groups petitioned USFWS and requested 

that the species be considered for listing 

under the ESA (USFWS 2009). In 2011, 

OTHER FISH AND WILDLIFE SPECIES HERITAGE RESOURCES

Northern Leopard Frog

Rana pipiens is named for 

the dark colored spots on its 

back and legs. If you did frog 

dissections in high school 

back in the 1970s, it was 

probably a northern leopard 

frog. This species was once 

abundant, but since the 1970s 

populations have declined. 

Declines are probably a 

combination of ecological 

factors (and not just because 

of dissections). (National 

Geographic 2014)

Mountain Lion (Cougar)

Puma concolor is a solitary 

feline, avoiding other cats 

unless seeking a mate. They 

are equally shy of humans 

and are rarely seen. Mountain 

lions can travel large 

distances in search of food, 

and hunt at night or in the 

twilight hours of dawn 

or dusk.

Photo 3-68 Mourning Dove Photo 3-69 Northern Leopard Frog Photo 3-70 Virgin Anasazi Corrugated Pot

© Cameron Rognan
416 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 417

the fundamental attributes that define 

the Formative phase: cultivation of maize 

and other domesticated crops (Figure 

3-2), permanent habitation sites, ceramic 

production, and the use of bow and arrow technology.

The initial phase, Basketmaker II, has 

been dated as beginning around 300 

B.C., when small-scale horticulture first 

appears on the Colorado Plateau but 

prior to the development of ceramics and 

sedentary villages. Bell-shaped storage 

cists and large circular pit houses were 

constructed in small habitation sites, and 

coiled baskets, fiber and hide containers, 

snares, and nets typify the artifact assemblages from this phase.

The Basketmaker III phase is characterized by the longer term occupation of 

habitation sites and greater reliance on 

horticulture. Typical habitation sites of this 

period in southwestern Utah 

included one to five circular 

pithouses and several storage cists 

(Dalley and 

McFadden 

1985). The 

bow and 

arrow, 

two-handed manos and trough metates, 

and plain gray sand-tempered pottery occasionally decorated with black 

painted designs all came into use during 

Basketmaker III times.

The Pueblo I phase, dating from about 

A.D. 800 to A.D. 1000, was characterized 

by larger and somewhat more formal 

pithouse villages, comprised of semi-subterranean structures for habitation and 

storage (Dalley and McFadden 1985). 

Ceramic production also appears to have 

increased during this period.

A large number of Pueblo II sites are 

preserved in southwestern Utah, suggesting that human populations may have 

increased during this period. Habitation 

sites were located in upland areas and 

along all the major stream channels where 

arable lands would have supported dry 

farming, native plant collection, and hunting. Many archaeologists believe that subsistence strategies during this time varied 

along a continuum from full-time sedentary horticulturalists to full-time mobile 

hunters and collectors (Lyneis 1995, 1996). 

Site types reflect this continuum, ranging 

from large farmsteads near permanent 

water sources that were occupied yearround, to rock shelters and open activity 

sites in upland zones used only for seasonal hunting and collecting. Some of the 

Ancestral Puebloan groups appear to have 

been more reliant on cultivated crops than 

other contemporary groups. 

Few sites dating to the Pueblo III phase 

(A.D. 1150-ca. 1300) have, to date, 

been identified in southwestern Utah. 

Archaeologists believe that climate 

change (prolonged periods of drought, 

followed by catastrophic flooding events 

along the Virgin River and its tributaries) made irrigation-based horticulture 

and dry land farming unsustainable in 

the arid lands of Washington County. 

The paucity of Pueblo III sites has led 

most researchers to conclude 

that the Ancestral Puebloan 

horticulturalists had abandoned 

strategies and technologies. Many researchers divide the Archaic into three 

distinct intervals, the Early, Middle, and 

Late Archaic, defining the intervals by 

diagnostic projectile point types.

During the Early Archaic, climate 

change toward drier conditions appears 

to have encouraged human groups 

to adopt a highly generalized mobile 

hunting and gathering strategy. Artifact 

assemblages shifted to include more 

digging tools, grinding stones, and 

basketry for plant processing and 

storage. Hunting implements diversified 

to include snares and small projective 

points, signaling that small mammals 

were now an important food source. 

Dart points, propelled by a wooden 

throwing device called an atlatl, 

improved the success of hunters.

The Middle Archaic appears to have been 

a period of slight cooling and more effective annual precipitation, factors that may 

have contributed to population increases. 

Subsistence strategies continued to focus 

on a generalized hunting and plant collection strategy, with some groups moving into higher elevation zones to exploit 

pinyon pine nuts, Indian ricegrass, and 

mule deer.

These trends accelerated in the Late 

Archaic, when the regional climate 

became significantly cooler and 

wetter. This period appears 

to have supported higher 

population numbers based 

on the number of sites that 

have been dated to the Late 

Archaic period. Archeological 

evidence from this period 

suggests that many groups 

were exploiting lowland and 

upland zone resources.

A small number of Middle and 

Late Archaic period sites have 

been archaeologically excavated in the designated utility 

corridor that bisects the NCA 

but is outside of its boundaries. 

The data recovery was conducted as 

mitigation for impacts associated with 

the installation of one of the first major 

interstate power transmission lines in the 

early 1970s (Moffitt, Rayl and Metcalf 

1978). The excavated sites contained 

evidence of habitation structures, small 

roasting features, grinding slabs, milling 

stones, storage cists, and basketry fragments. Botanical and faunal materials 

that were recovered indicated that the 

Archaic inhabitants of these sites collected native seeds and pinyon pine nuts, 

and hunted small and medium-sized wild 

game including rabbits, mule deer, and 

desert bighorn sheep (ibid).

3.13.1.3 Formative (700 B.C.-

approximately A.D. 1250) 

This cultural phase was preceded by a 

transition that began around 300 B.C., 

during which mobile hunting and gathering subsistence strategies were gradually replaced by highly variable degrees 

of reliance on cultivated plants, such as 

maize, beans, and squash (Allison 1990, 

2000). Most researchers subdivide the 

Formative Period into five temporal 

phases: Baseketmaker II, Basketmaker 

III, Pueblo I, Pueblo II, and Pueblo III 

(Altschul and Fairley 1989). By A.D. 500, 

however, many aboriginal groups (labeled “Ancestral Puebloans”, or “Virgin 

(Branch) Anasazi” locally) had adopted 

HERITAGE RESOURCES HERITAGE RESOURCES

“Archaeologists believe 

that climate change 

made irrigationbased horticulture 

and dry land farming 

unsustainable in 

the arid lands of 

Washington County.” 

“By A.D. 500, 

many aboriginal 

groups had adopted 

the fundamental 

attributes that define 

the Formative phase: 

cultivation of maize 

and other domesticated 

crops, permanent 

habitation sites, ceramic 

production, and the 

use of bow and arrow 

technology.”

Figure 3-2 Formative Stage Horticulture
418 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 419

observed the Southern Paiute living along 

the Santa Clara River and Beaver Dam 

Wash with cultivated fields of corn, sunflowers, and squash.

By 1829, a long distance pack trail system 

had been pioneered by New Mexicans 

between the trade centers of Taos and 

Santa Fe to the Spanish missions in 

California. In Washington County, the 

primary trail followed the Santa Clara 

River south from Mountain Meadows to 

Camp Springs, diverted west over Utah 

Hill and south to the Virgin River, near 

Beaver Dam, Arizona. From 1829 until 

about 1850, mule pack trains carried 

New Mexico woolen goods to California 

along this long distance pack trail that 

was labeled by John C. Fremont as the 

“Old Spanish Trail." (Information on the 

OST and its Congressional designation as 

a National Historic Trail is presented in 

section 3.14.2). In California, these goods 

were traded for large herds of horses 

and mules that were driven back to Santa 

Fe for sale.

Various Southern Paiute bands were 

present in southern Utah in the 17th 

and 18th centuries when the first AngloEuropeans began to explore and settle 

the Intermountain West and Great Basin. 

Linguistic evidence suggests that the 

Southern Paiute had moved into the 

western Great Basin from a homeland 

in north-central California by the 10th 

century. By 1776, when Dominguez and 

Escalante came into contact with the 

Southern Paiute during their journey of 

exploration through the region, Paiute 

bands had established a new homeland in 

southern Utah. Many other early explorers noted the settled villages and cultivated fields of the Southern Paiute along 

the Virgin River and its major tributaries, particularly the Santa Clara River. 

Through their contacts with the EuroAmericans, the Southern Paiute 

gained access to firearms and 

metal tools, but also contracted new diseases, including 

small pox and influenza, 

that quickly decimated 

local populations. The 

mule and horse herds 

driven by New Mexico 

traders on the OST 

destroyed Paiute 

fields and 

depleted 

their scarce water 

sources. The New 

Mexico traders, aided by 

raiding Ute and Navajo parties, also 

captured Southern Paiute children and 

young women to sell in Santa Fe and the 

southwestern Utah and adjacent areas 

of southern Nevada and northwestern Arizona. The material culture that 

identified the Formative horticulturalists disappears from the archaeological 

record of southwestern Utah by the late 

13th century.

Alternatively, the Ancestral Puebloans 

may have remained in southwestern Utah 

while adopting a mobile hunting and 

gathering way of life similar to that of 

the Archaic Period, thereby leaving less 

evidence of their presence in the archaeological record. As the Numic-speaking, 

hunting and gathering Southern Paiute 

bands were also living in this region by 

at least the 10th century, it is unclear 

whether resource competition may also 

have been a causal factor in the abandonment of the region by the Ancestral 

Puebloan horticulturalists.

3.13.1.4 Late Prehistoric Period (A.D. 

1250-1500)

Artifacts and sites of this period reflect 

the occupations of the Southern Paiute, 

who traveled in extended family groups 

in a seasonal round of hunting and seed/

plant collection. Seasonal movements 

would begin in the spring at lower elevations as plant and animal foods became 

available, and continued throughout the 

year at higher elevations. Family groups 

would aggregate into larger bands for early fall pine nut harvests, communal rabbit 

drives, and big game hunts. Following 

these communal activities, smaller 

extended family units would travel to 

winter base camps, caching surplus foods 

in protected locations.

The material culture of the Numicspeakers reflected the mobility of their 

ways of life. Temporary brush shelters 

and wind breaks provided refuge, as did 

caves and rock alcoves. Baskets were 

used as headgear, containers, and cooking vessels, although some ceramic 

vessels were constructed and used for 

cooking and storage. Groundstone and 

other non-portable items were cached at 

favored collection areas for annual reuse.

In southwestern Utah, the Southern 

Paiute also relied on small-scale horticulture, growing corn, squash, melons, 

and sunflowers in fields along the Virgin 

River, Santa Clara River, Beaver Dam 

Wash, and other tributaries of the Virgin 

River. They constructed extensive dam 

and ditch irrigation systems to divert 

water to their fields. Each spring, the 

Southern Paiute planted their fields and 

left them in the care of a few members of 

their extended family groups. While the 

crops grew, the remainder of the family 

could hunt game and collect seasonally 

ripening native seeds and nuts in upland 

areas of their traditional homeland.

3.13.1.5 Proto-Historic Period (A.D. 

1500-1850)

The Proto-Historic Period began about 

A.D. 1500 when local groups were being indirectly influenced through trade 

and exchange with the Spanish Colonial 

settlements in Mexico and California. 

The first well-documented direct contact 

between the Southern Paiute of southwestern Utah and Euro-Americans appears to have occurred during the single 

exploratory trek of two Franciscan friars 

in 1776. Friars Dominguez and Escalante 

attempted to find a route from Santa Fe, 

New Mexico to Monterrey, California, 

and traveled into Washington County on 

their return journey.

Other Euro-Americans (Figure 3-3) 

continued to follow the path pioneered 

by Dominquez and Escalante. In 

1826, American fur trapper and explorer Jedediah Smith traveled through 

Washington County and the Virgin River 

Gorge seeking a route to California from 

northern Utah (Alder and Brooks 1996). 

On a second trip in 1827, Smith avoided 

the difficult route through the Gorge by 

traveling up the Santa Clara River, crossing over Utah Hill to the Beaver Dam 

Wash which he followed south to its 

confluence with the Virgin River. Smith 

HERITAGE RESOURCES HERITAGE RESOURCES

“I wanted to be the 

first to view a country 

on which the eyes of a 

white man had never 

gazed and to follow the 

course of rivers that run 

through a new land.”

–Jedidiah Smith, 

American Explorer, 

1799-1831

“In 1826, American fur 

trapper and explorer 

Jedediah Smith traveled 

through Washington 

County and the Virgin 

River Gorge seeking 

a route to California 

from northern Utah.”

Figure 3-3 Euro-American 

Explorers and Traders

Euro-American Explorers

Mule Pack Train
420 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 421

During field investigations, heritage 

resources are documented and evaluated 

for eligibility for listing on the NRHP. 

Consultations with the UTSHPO confirm 

the eligibility determinations and assessment of project effect on NRHP-listed or 

eligible properties (aka “historic properties”) that are made by BLM for each 

heritage resource. When project-related 

adverse effects to historic properties 

cannot be avoided, they are mitigated 

to the extent possible through agreedupon “treatments,” such as archaeological 

excavations conducted under a research 

design to recover important scientific 

data from a site, which are developed in 

consultation with UTSHPO, Tribes, and 

other interested parties.

Class I inventories are broad overviews of 

prior heritage resource research conducted within a BLM administrative area, and 

are often used by BLM to inform land 

use planning processes. The most recent 

Class I inventory for Washington County 

was completed in 1986 (Thompson and 

Thompson 1986); BLM is currently completing a new Class I overview for the 

Beaver Dam Wash and Red Cliffs NCAs.

To date, approximately 4,400 acres (7% 

of the land base) of the Beaver Dam 

Wash NCA have been intensively inventoried to identify and document heritage 

resources. Prior field investigations were 

conducted at Class II (statistically based 

sample) and Class III (systematic intensive) levels, as part of research studies 

and to fulfill NHPA compliance requirements for surface-disturbing projects 

(e.g., fence lines, post fire stabilization projects). More extensive Class III 

inventory efforts have been completed 

within the two designated utility corridors (Navajo-McCullough and the 

Intermountain Power Plant (IPP) corridors) that bound the NCA but are not 

within its land base. These field inventories and related archaeological data 

recovery projects were completed prior to 

the installation of major interstate power 

transmission lines and fiber-optic lines in 

these corridors, in compliance with the 

mandates of Section106 of the NHPA.

What these prior inventories have shown 

(Table 3-24) is that many of the heritage 

resources previously documented in the 

NCA date to the late 19th and early 20th 

century and are travel and transportation related. A detailed description of two 

early and important historic roads that 

traverse the NCA is presented below in 

sections 3.13.3 and 3.13.4.

California mission settlements. All of 

these factors contributed to declines in 

Paiute numbers and displacement of family groups from their traditional hunting 

and resource collection areas.

3.13.1.6 Historic Period (A.D. 

1852-Present Day)

The first permanent settlement of 

Washington County by Euro-Americans 

was directed by the leadership of the 

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints 

(a.k.a. Mormons) as part of a wide-ranging colonization strategy for the selfproclaimed “State of Deseret”. In 1847, 

the first groups of Mormon immigrants 

had settled in the valley of the Great 

Salt Lake. During subsequent decades, 

thousands of Mormon converts came to 

Utah under Church-sponsored programs. 

Church leadership focused on establishing settlements between Salt Lake City, 

Utah and San Bernardino, California 

to create a “Mormon Corridor to the 

Pacific” that would control access along 

the major travel routes and facilitate both 

trade and immigration.

Settlement of the Southern Indian 

Mission in 1852 and the Santa Clara 

Mission in 1854 initiated Mormon colonization in today’s Washington County. 

They established agricultural communities along the Virgin River, its major 

tributaries, and primary travel routes 

(including the OST). A majority of the 

permanent settlements were along the 

same river and stream channels where 

the Southern Paiute had historically cultivated their crops. The Southern Paiute 

were displaced to marginal farming areas; 

many returned to a more generalized 

hunting and wild food collection strategy 

when they no longer had access to perennial water sources for crop production. 

After the initial settlement period, local 

communities were sustained by the cultivation of crops and livestock production. 

The public rangelands of Washington 

County provided the land base for livestock grazing operations.

3.13.2 Identification of Heritage 

Resources in the NCA

Compliance with the NHPA requires that 

federal agencies take into account the 

potential effects of their projects, activities, and programs on heritage resources 

listed, or eligible for listing, on the 

NRHP. To satisfy this legal requirement, 

heritage resources must be identified 

through literature reviews, consultations with American Indian Tribes, the 

State Historic Preservation Officer, other 

knowledgeable parties, and through field 

investigations by qualified archaeologists, historians, ethnographers, or other 

researchers with specialized expertise. 

HERITAGE RESOURCES HERITAGE RESOURCES

“Compliance with 

the National Historic 

Preservation Act 

requires that federal 

agencies take into 

account the potential 

effects of their projects, 

activities, and programs 

on heritage resources 

listed, or eligible for 

listing, on the National 

Register of Historic 

Places.” 

“The first permanent 

settlement of 

Washington County 

by Euro-Americans 

was directed by the 

leadership of the 

Church of Jesus Christ 

of Latter Saints as part 

of a wide-ranging 

colonization strategy 

for the self-proclaimed 

State of Deseret.”

Site No. 

42WS

Site Type Oldest 

Date

Historic Theme Architectural Features

5032 Old Mormon 

Road/ Old 

Southern Road

1850 Settlement/Territorial 

(1847-1896)

Stone Cribbing

5029 Arrowhead 

Trails HighwayService Station

1917 Settlement Expansion

(1896-1919)

Concrete and Rock 

Foundation, Concrete 

Pad, Concrete Blocks, 

Rock-Edged Earthen 

Platforms

5028 Trash Scatter 1930 Great Depression

(1929-1939)

None

5030 Telephone Line 1928 Great Depression

(1929-1939)

Wooden Utility Poles

Photo 3-71 Name Petroglyph on Sandstone ca. 1877, Red Cliffs NCA Table 3-24 Historic Period Sites Recorded in the NCA
422 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 423

(Photo 3-72) and is the only paved road 

that crosses the NCA, offering visitor 

access to its special resource values and 

scenic vistas.

3.13.5 Site Monitoring

Specific sites in the NCA are regularly 

monitored by BLM personnel and by 

trained volunteer site stewards (Photo 

3-73) to assess the condition of the site 

and identify factors (e.g., erosion, grazing, recreation uses, and vandalism) that 

are negatively impacting that resource. 

Actions are taken to conserve and protect 

heritage resources that are being impacted and can include stabilization, 

the installation of protective fencing or 

barriers, trail re-alignment, or changes to 

authorized uses that are having negative 

effects on the site.

3.14 SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS

3.14.1 Special Designations Not 

Present in the NCA

3.14.1.1 Wilderness

The National Wilderness Preservation 

System was established by the Wilderness 

Act of 1964 to ensure that an increasing 

population does not occupy and modify 

all areas of the United States. Congress 

designates wilderness areas to protect 

and preserve the lands in their natural 

state; as such, wilderness areas provide a 

contrast to lands where human activities 

dominate the landscape.

There are no Congressionally-designated 

wilderness areas in the NCA. The Beaver 

Dam Mountains Wilderness (Utah portion) is located immediately to the south 

of the NCA but is not included within 

3.13.3 Arrowhead Trails Highway

The first interstate automobile route 

through Utah crossed the NCA and was 

called the Arrowhead Trails Highway. 

First envisioned in 1914 by entrepreneurs in Las Vegas, Nevada to encourage automobile tourism in southern 

California, Nevada, and Utah, the 

Arrowhead Trail would cross three states 

and be promoted by the Automobile 

Club of Southern California and other 

touring clubs. These clubs published 

road maps and tour guides that described the road conditions and tourist attractions along the Arrowhead 

Trails Highway. By 1923, the Lincoln 

Highway Association map showed 

it as the primary auto road between 

Salt Lake City, Utah and Los Angeles, 

California. In Washington County, Utah, 

the Arrowhead Trails Highway traveled on the Beaver Dam Slope, through 

the Beaver Dam Mountains, across the 

Shivwits Reservation, and followed the 

Santa Clara River south to Santa Clara 

and St. George (Figure 3-4).

Boosters of the new highway, including renowned race car driver Charles 

Bigelow, solicited support from politicians, government officials, and local 

communities from Salt Lake, Utah to Los 

Angeles, California. At first, local communities and private businesses were 

primarily responsible for improvements 

to existing roads that would be linked 

together to form the new automobile 

highway. In 1918, prison work crews and 

laborers from St. George and Santa Clara 

used horse teams and “Fresno scrapers” 

to improve the route over Utah Hill and 

through the Beaver Dam Mountains, just 

north of the boundaries of the NCA. As 

few segments of the route were engineered roadways, even the most adventurous auto tourists faced mechanical 

breakdowns, flat tires, and overheated 

engines when traveling the Arrowhead 

Trails Highway. Service stations sprang 

up along remote areas of the route to 

supply water, gasoline, tire repairs, and 

overnight cabins and camping areas.

3.13.4 U.S. Highway 91

U.S. Highway 91was the first paved 

interstate highway constructed through 

southern Utah during the 1920s and it, 

too, crossed the NCA. In 1926, a federal 

system of numbered highways was initiated and the Arrowhead Trails became 

U.S. Highway 91. This became the 

primary north-south auto route through 

Washington County, with various segments being paved as state highway funds 

were made available. By 1931, the entire 

length of the highway was paved through 

the county. Use of U.S. Highway 91 

continued until 1971, when I-15 through 

the Virgin River Gorge was completed. 

During its heyday as the main northsouth transportation route in Washington 

County, service stations and overnight 

tourist camps were located at regular 

intervals along the roadway, including 

one within the boundaries of the NCA. 

Today, it is known as Old Highway 91 

HERITAGE RESOURCES SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS

“Specific sites in the 

NCA are regularly 

monitored by BLM 

personnel and by 

trained volunteer site 

stewards.”

“The first interstate 

automobile route 

through Utah crossed 

the NCA and was called 

the Arrowhead Trails 

Highway.”

Figure 3-4 Arrowhead Trails Highway Map ca. 1930's (Automobile 1937) Photo 3-72 Old Highway 91 (U.S. Highway 91), Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Photo 3-73 Site Stewards in Training
424 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 425

its boundaries. Congress designated this 

wilderness area in 1984 through P. L. 98-

406. The Joshua Tree Instant Study Area 

unit was not recommended for wilderness designation by BLM in 1991 and was 

released from further wilderness consideration by OPLMA.

3.14.1.2 Wild and Scenic Rivers

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, 

as amended, was passed to protect free 

flowing rivers or river segments and their 

related outstandingly remarkable values 

(e.g. scenic, recreational, geologic, fish 

and wildlife, historic, or cultural values). 

Rivers are added to the National Wild 

and Scenic Rivers System through federal 

legislation, after a study of the river’s eligibility and suitability for designation by 

one or more of the four federal agencies 

responsible for managing wild and scenic 

rivers. Eligibility is an evaluation of 

whether a candidate river is free-flowing 

and possesses one or more outstandingly 

remarkable values. A suitability analysis 

is designed to determine if the river segment should be protected, and if yes, if 

designation is the best method of protection. If a river is found to be both eligible 

and suitable, it can be considered by 

Congress for inclusion into the National 

Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

During the early to mid-1990s, the SGFO 

conducted a comprehensive survey of all 

rivers and river segments in Washington 

County. Seventy segments totaling 108 

miles were surveyed between 1989 and 

1994. That survey was reviewed and updated in 1999 as part of the planning effort for the SGFO RMP. A second update 

was done in 2001 in conjunction with the 

Zion National Park General Management 

Plan revision. In preparing the General 

Management Plan, the NPS evaluated 

the Virgin River and its tributaries to 

determine eligibility and suitability for 

inclusion into the Wild and Scenic River 

System. As part of that process, several 

BLM-managed segments of the Virgin 

River and LaVerkin Creek that flow 

into and out of Zion National Park were 

re-evaluated.

There are no Congressionally-designated 

wild, scenic, or recreational river segments that flow through the NCA. Three 

segments of Beaver Dam Wash that are 

partially or entirely within the NCA were 

evaluated for eligibility and suitability 

for inclusion into the National Wild and 

Scenic River System, but were not designated as such (Photo 3-74) (Table 3-25). 

Congressional designation could occur at 

some future time.

SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS

3.14.2 National Historic Trails (Old 

Spanish National Historic Trail)

The National Trail System Act of 1968, 

as amended, established the system of 

Congressionally-designated National 

Historic Trails (NHT) to identify and 

protect historic routes, their historic 

remnants, and artifacts for public use 

and enjoyment. National Historic Trails 

are extended, long distance trails that 

follow as closely as possible original trails 

or routes of travel that are of national 

historical significance.

In 2002, Congress designated several 

branches of the OST as America’s 15th 

National Historic Trail (P. L. 107-325), 

through an amendment to the National 

Trail System Act. This designation 

acknowledged the significant role that 

this pack trail network played in the 

exploration and settlement of the interior Mountain West and southern 

California. Trail branches cross northern 

New Mexico, southwestern Colorado, 

nearly the entire length of Utah, southern 

Nevada, and southern California. The 

period of significance for the OST was 

defined as between 1829 and 1848.

This long distance trail was primarily a 

pack trail between the Mexican frontier 

outposts of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and 

Mission San Gabriel, California, between 

1829 and approximately 1848. A travel 

route between the two Spanish settlements was not pioneered until 1829, 

when Santa Fe merchant Antonio Armijo 

led 60 men and 100 mules on journey of 

exploration. Armijo’s group left Abiquiú, 

New Mexico, in November of 1829 with 

a mule pack train loaded with woven 

woolen goods to sell in California. They 

followed a route that took them through 

the Four Corners area to the Colorado 

River, southeastern Utah, and across 

northeastern Arizona to the Virgin 

River in Washington County, just west 

of Hurricane, Utah. The party continued south to a campsite near Littlefield, 

Arizona, ultimately traveling along 

the Virgin River to its confluence with 

the Colorado River east of Las Vegas, 

Nevada. Traveling southwesterly across 

the Mojave Desert of Nevada, the Armijo 

party arrived in Santa Barbara, California 

three months later. On their return trip 

to New Mexico, driving horses and mules 

purchased in California, they followed 

the route described by the DominquezEscalante party in 1776 through southern 

Utah, arriving in Santa Fe 40 days later. 

Armijo’s party pioneered a new trail and 

demonstrated the feasibility of commercial trade between New Mexico 

and California.

In the late 1820s and early 1830s, 

American explorer Jedidiah Smith and 

Antonio Armijo

Armijo was only 25 years old 

when he left New Mexico 

for California to sell or trade 

woolen goods. He returned 

to New Mexico with horses 

and mules, but eventually 

headed back to California to 

ranch. He married, had seven 

children, and died at age 46 

in 1850. (OST Association 

n.d.)

“Three segments of 

Beaver Dam Wash 

that are partially or 

entirely within the 

NCA were evaluated 

for eligibility and 

suitability for inclusion 

into the National 

Wild and Scenic River 

System, but were not 

designated as such.”

Segment Description Eligible Date Suitable Date Suitability 

Evaluation 

Document

Segment B Ephemeral and intermittent flow from East 

Fork of Beaver Dam 

Wash to just north of 

Lytle Ranch

No 7/94 No 3/99 SGFO RMP

Segment C Perennial flow from 

just north of Lytle 

Ranch to just south of 

Lytle Ranch

Yes 8/98 No 3/99 SGFO RMP

Segment D Ephemeral and intermittent flow from 

below Lytle Ranch to 

Utah/Arizona border

No 7/94 No 3/99 SGFO RMP

Table 3-25 Beaver Dam Wash NCA Wild and Scenic River Evaluation History

Photo 3-74 Beaver Dam Wash, Beaver Dam Wash NCA, Considered for Inclusion into the 

National Wild and Scenic River System, But Not Currently Designated
426 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 427

fur-trappers like William Wolfskill and 

George Yount blazed a “northern route” 

from New Mexico to Green River, Utah, 

then westward to the Utah Lake area. 

Their search for beaver trapping areas, 

in addition to their curiosity about this 

region that was as yet unexplored by 

Euro-Americans, took them south along 

trails traveled by the Ute and other Native 

Americans through Utah, into southern 

Nevada, and ultimately to the coastal 

settlements of California. 

The Northern and Southern (Armijo) 

Routes ultimately came to be known 

as the “Old Spanish Trail.” Each spring, 

trade caravans left Santa Fe with dozens 

of pack mules loaded with woolen goods 

woven in New Mexico and made the 

3-month trek to California. Bartering 

and selling their blankets and serapes in 

California for horses, mules, and exotic goods such as silk from China, the 

traders then drove large herds back to 

New Mexico along this route. Over time, 

multiple, parallel, and intertwined routes 

developed, many following trails that had 

long ago been pioneered by American 

Indians. During these years, most commercial traders, explorers, horse thieves, 

and settlers traveled the Northern Route 

of the OST, negotiating the high ranges 

of Colorado and New Mexico, the broken 

terrain of along the Colorado River, 

and the hot, dry expanses of the Mojave 

Desert of southwestern Utah, Nevada, 

and California, before reaching the 

Spanish missions of southern California.

In 1848, the governor of New Mexico 

began charging a duty on woven goods 

traded in California, reducing the profitability of the commercial trade caravans. 

Use of the OST declined dramatically after 

this date.

Although few traces of the OST routes have 

survived, the travel corridors through which 

the pack mule trains and New Mexico traders passed remain, and the challenges that 

faced these hardy travelers can still be vicariously experienced.

The legislatively-depicted Northern Route 

segment of the OST generally follows Old 

Highway 91 for a distance of approximately 5 miles through the NCA (Map 

3-17). The exact route of the trail probably 

varied somewhat by season and the availability of water and feed. Within this same 

travel corridor, and following the general 

alignment of the Northern Route through 

the NCA, were later roads and highways 

that developed after the period of significance for the OST, including a mid19th century wagon road (“the Southern 

Route—Salt Lake to Los Angeles”), the 

1916-era Arrowhead Trails Highway, and 

U.S. Highway 91, constructed in 1926 (cf. 

Lyman and Reese 2001).

The legislatively-depicted corridor for 

the Southern (Armijo) Route of the OST 

is shown as following the Virgin River 

east of and outside of the NCA. However, 

there is some evidence that an alternative to that route, labeled on historic 

General Land Office (GLO) maps as the 

“Old Mormon Road/Old Southern Road,” 

was developed through Mine Valley and 

Bulldog Canyon to avoid the difficulties 

of travel in the river channel (e.g., flood 

water, dense vegetation, and quicksand). 

The alternative route travels through the 

NCA and converges with the Northern 

Route near Old Highway 91 (Photo 3-75).

The OST is jointly administered by BLM 

and NPS along its approximately 2,700 

mile length, in partnership with other 

federal, state, tribal, local government 

agencies, and private land owners that 

administer their own lands along the 

trail. A Comprehensive Administration 

Strategy has been developed by BLM 

and NPS for the OST, in partnership 

with other federal partners, tribal, state, 

and local government entities, interested 

parties, and trail-user organizations. This 

strategy provides guidance for administration of the trail and a vision to be 

fulfilled through resource-specific studies 

and site and route segment management plans.

SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS

3.14.2.1 Historic Trail Resources, 

Qualities, and Values

BLM Manual 6280 (2012) provides 

management guidance related to 

Congressionally-designated NHTs and 

these are summarized here. A NHT is 

managed to recognize the nationally 

significant resources, qualities, values, and 

associated settings of the areas through 

which the trail passes, including the 

primary use or uses of the trail. These 

include the significant scenic, historic, 

cultural, recreational, natural (including biological, geological, and scientific), 

and other landscape areas through which 

such trails may pass. High potential 

historic sites, high potential route segments, and auto tour routes associated 

with a NHT, collectively labeled Federal 

Protection Components, are identified by 

the National Trail administering agency 

or agencies, through the preparation of a 

trail-wide Comprehensive Plan. Properties 

eligible or listed to the National Register of 

Historic Places, which also may be Federal 

Protection Components, may be identified 

along the NHT and may be segments of 

the trail itself.

Management actions are developed to 

protect the historic route and its historic 

traces and artifacts for public use and 

enjoyment, including the scenic, historic, natural, or cultural qualities of the 

areas and associated landscape settings, 

following as closely as possible and 

practicable the original trails or travel 

routes of national historic significance. 

National Historic Trails are also assumed 

to have associated historic period sites 

that are eligible for listing on the NRHP. 

However, Class III archaeological inventories by BLM resource professionals and 

others (cf., Gourley 2005) along portions 

of the Northern and potential Southern 

Routes through the NCA have only 

recorded traces of a later wagon road, the 

Old Mormon Road/Old Southern Road, 

and Old Highway 91; these later uses of 

the same travel corridors may have modified or destroyed much of the physical 

evidence of the OST through the NCA.

3.14.2.2 Associated Setting

The associated setting of the OST is determined through an inventory of the geographic extent of the cultural resources, 

qualities, and values, as well as the visual 

and natural landscape elements within the 

surrounding environment that influence 

the visitor’s experience of the trail and 

contribute to resource protection. This 

SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS

“There is some evidence 

that an alternative 

to the legislativelydepicted corridor for 

the Southern Route 

of the OST, labeled on 

historic General Land 

Office maps as the 

“Old Mormon Road/

Old Southern Road,” 

was developed through 

Mine Valley and 

Bulldog Canyon.”

“The Old Spanish 

Trail’s rugged terrain 

discouraged the use of 

wagons. It was always a 

pack route, mainly used 

by men and mules.”

–BLM and NPS, Old 

Spanish Trail Official 

Map and Guide, 2012

Photo 3-75 OST Potential Southern (Armijo) Route Through Bulldog Canyon
LINCOLN CO

WASHIN

GTON CO

N E V

A D A

U T A

H

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

Red

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n F l a t

West Mountain

Peak

Canyon

Indian

Hell Hole

Pass

Castle Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

Gravel Pit

B

E A V

E

R

D

A

M

M

O

U

N

T

A I N

S

Apex Mine

Jarvis Peak

Utah

Hill

B u l l d o g

C a n y o n

Bulldog Pass

Powerline

Scarecrow Peak

Catclaw Canyon

T 40 S

T 41 S

T 41 S

T 42 S

T 42 S

T 43 S

R 20 W

R 19 W

MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

Bentley

Spring

Bentley

Wash

Jackson Spring

Cole

Spring

Wash

Jackson

Well

Badger

Spring

Reber Wash

Reber

Spring

Crazy Spring

Sam Spring

Middle Spring

Indian

Spring

Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Spring

Wash

Burgess

Creek Welcome

Castle Cliff

Wash

Summit

Spring

Manganese

Rods

Spring Wash

Wash

Well

Well

Pahcoon

Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

W a s h

Cedar

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

ROAD

To St. George,

Utah

To Beaver Dam,

Arizona

?ç

Old Hwy 91

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W R 017 W

t

Congressionally Designated Old Spanish Trail Alignment

Potential Armijo Trail Alignment

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

Bureau of Land Management

State

National Historic Trails

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

428 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 429

MAP 3-17 SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS

concept is very similar to that of a cultural 

or vernacular landscape: a geographical 

area that has historically been used by 

people, or shaped or modified by human 

activity, occupation, or intervention, and 

that possesses a significant concentration, 

linkage, or continuity of areas of land use, 

vegetation, buildings, structures, roads, 

waterways and natural features.

In conducting an assessment of a trail’s 

associated setting, the following variables 

are evaluated within the context of how 

each might influence the visitor’s experience of the trail:

▶ Landscape Elements: topography, 

vegetation, scenic qualities;

▶ Physical Setting: remoteness, naturalness (contrast between human 

developments and natural landscape), and visitor facilities;

▶ Social Setting: contacts (number of 

contacts with other groups); group 

size (of other groups); evidence of 

other visitors, including physical 

impacts and sights and sounds of 

others); and

▶ Operational setting: access (management allocations for types of 

travel), visitor services (on-site 

information, agency presence), 

management controls (types and 

amount of restrictions placed on 

recreation visitors).

To date, a complete assessment of all the 

attributes of the associated setting for 

the legislatively-designated Northern 

Route, or for the potential Southern 

(Armijo) Route, has yet to be completed 

in the NCA. Along Old Highway 91, 

the landscape is a broad, gently sloping 

bajada, dissected by numerous shallow to deep ephemeral drainages that 

trend southwesterly from the Beaver 

Dam Mountains to Beaver Dam Wash 

(Photo 3-76). Bulldog Canyon is a steepsided canyon bounded by ridgelines 

and peaks along the western edge of the 

Grand Wash Fault in the Beaver Dam 

Mountains. Tabeau Peak rises above the 

canyon walls near the mouth of Bulldog 

Canyon. This peak was named by explorer Jedediah Smith in 1827, in honor 

of a member of his party who was slain 

by the Southern Paiute as he attempted to 

recover a stolen mule.

Where wildfires have not altered this 

landscape, the native vegetation includes 

Mojave Desert shrubs, grasses, and forbs. 

Blackbrush, barrel cactus (Echinocactus

and Ferocactus spp.), cholla cactus 

“Along Old Highway 

91, the landscape is a 

broad, gently sloping 

bajada, dissected by 

numerous shallow 

to deep ephemeral 

drainages that trend 

southwesterly from the 

Beaver Dam Mountains 

to Beaver Dam Wash.”

Photo 3-76 Typical Landscape of OST along Old Highway 91
430 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 431

SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS

(Cylindropuntia spp.), banana yucca, 

and the iconic Joshua tree all occur at 

the higher elevations (Photo 3-77). The 

creosote bush/white bursage community 

covers lower elevations of the bajada 

above the channel of Beaver Dam Wash. 

Invasive annual brome grasses are prevalent, particularly in fire-damaged areas of 

the NCA.

3.14.2.3 Primary Uses

Authorized uses of the public lands 

adjacent to the legislatively-designated 

Northern Route of the OST include utility and transportation ROWs, livestock 

grazing, and motorized (Photo 3-78) and 

non-motorized recreation. These uses are 

described in detail in other sections of 

the Affected Environment for the NCA, 

although data specific to the designated 

OST routes may not be available. At this 

time there are no information kiosks and 

no developed facilities, such as parking 

areas, in the NCA, and no infrastructure 

related to the OST.

3.14.2.4 Viewshed Analysis

A Trail Viewshed Analysis was completed 

by BLM in 2012 to assist with the development of management alternatives for 

this planning effort that would protect the 

associated setting of the legislatively-designated Northern Route and the potential 

Southern (Armijo Route). The results of 

this analysis are shown on Map 3-18.

The viewshed from the OST encompasses 

a vast region. Spanning from the crests 

of the Beaver Dam Mountains, it sweeps 

across the flatlands of the Beaver Dam 

slope, crosses the Beaver Dam Wash and 

spills over state borders, engulfing the 

distant peaks of the Mormon Mountains 

of Lincoln County, Nevada and dipping 

into the Arizona Strip to the south. The 

OST viewshed inventory conducted by 

SGFO only concerns lands within the 

boundary of the NCA.

To the casual observer, a majority of the 

area seen from both the Northern and 

potential Southern routes of the OST 

appears to be primarily affected by the 

forces of nature (Photo 3-79). Human developments within the NCA include Old 

Highway 91, a paved roadway, numerous unpaved roads, and developed range 

improvements such as water catchments, 

stock tanks and stock ponds. Collectively, 

these developments have a relatively 

small zone of influence on the naturalistic character of the landscape as seen 

from the OST.

Impacts on scenic or visual resources refer 

to the change in aesthetic values resulting from modifications to the landscape. 

Impacts were assessed in terms of visual 

elements (the attributes of the visible 

landscape including form, line, color, and 

texture), visual patterns (the presence, 

absence, and arrangement of individual 

elements within a landscape), and visual 

character (the overall impression created 

by elements and patterns)—with respect 

to the anticipated magnitude of change to 

the landscape. A “visually sensitive area” 

surrounding the OST was determined by 

considering the estimated visual impacts 

of hypothetical future projects and disturbances associated with the construction 

of recreational trails or amenities and 

rangeland improvements similar to those 

already existing in the NCA.

The Trail Viewshed Analysis was conducted using ArcView Spatial Analyst 

to determine the land surface visible 

from the OST Northern and potential 

Southern routes. This process used a 

linear Key Observation Point (KOP) 

derived from Old Highway 91 and the 

Mojave Desert Joshua Tree Road Scenic 

Backway, which respectively approximate 

the Northern and Southern routes of the 

OST within the NCA. This analysis determined all areas visible within the foreground, middle ground, and background 

distance zones from these routes; it also 

identified which parts of the landscape 

would be visible if no vegetation were 

present to screen the view, reflecting a 

worst-case scenario in determining areas 

SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS

“Authorized uses of the 

public lands adjacent 

to the legislativelydesignated Northern 

Route of the OST 

include utility and 

transportation ROWs, 

livestock grazing, and 

motorized and nonmotorized recreation.”

“To the casual observer, 

a majority of the area 

seen from both the 

Northern and potential 

Southern routes of 

the OST appears to be 

primarily affected by 

the forces of nature.”

Photo 3-77 Typical Unburned Landscape of OST Potential Southern (Armijo) Route Through 

Bulldog Canyon

Photo 3-78 Recreation Vehicle Staging adjacent to Northern Route of the OST and the Potential 

Southern (Armijo) Route in Bulldog Canyon

Photo 3-79 View from OST of the Beaver Dam Mountains within the OST Viewshed
U T A H

A R I Z O N A

Beaver Dam Wash

National Conservation

Area

Horse

Canyon

P a h c o o n F l a t

West Mountain

Peak

Canyon

Indian

Hell Hole

Pass

Castle Cliff

Bulldog Knolls

Santa Clara

Gaging

Station

Gravel

Pit

B

E

A V

E

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Apex Mine

Jarvis Peak

Utah

Hill

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C a n y o n

Bulldog Pass

Powerline

Blakes

Lambing Grounds

Mine Valley

White

Canyon

Wittwer

MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

Jackson

Well

Badger Spring

Reber Wash

Reber

Spring

Crazy Spring

Sam

Spring

Middle Spring

Indian

Spring

Grapevine Spring

Welcome

Spring

Wash

Burgess

Creek Welcome

Castle Cliff

Wash

Summit Spring

Gunlock Resevoir

Well

Well

Pahcoon Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

W a s h

AQUEDUCT Upper

Reservoir Camp Spring

Cedar

Pockets Wash

West

Mountain

Cave

Spring

Spring

Cottonwood

ROAD

?ç

To St. George,

Utah

To Beaver Dam,

Arizona

Old Hwy 91

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R 019 W R 018 W R 017 W

t

Old Spanish Trail Viewshed

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Little to No Visibility

Low Visibility

Moderate Visibility

High Visibility

Disturbance Sight Limit (2 Miles)

Old Spanish Trail Routes

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

432 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 433

exposed to potential scenic impacts. In 

reality, existing vegetation would help to 

minimize impacts on the scenic resources 

by screening views to and from any future landscape alterations. These viewshed models, along with Google Earth 

imagery and first-hand knowledge of the 

area, were used to identify KOPs along 

each OST route, from which the visibility 

of the surrounding landscape was verified 

in the field.

For an observer positioned along either 

OST route, the farthest extent of visibility 

with the naked-eye was approximately 

two miles away, based on the easy discernibility of remote distinguishable features on a day with average atmospheric 

visibility. To reflect this, the original spatial dataset of the visually sensitive area 

around the OST was clipped at a twomile buffer from the centerline of the trail 

route, creating the final Trail Viewshed 

Analysis shown in Map 3-18. This 

analysis revealed four different levels of 

visibility based on the frequency of times 

each area can be “seen” from numerous 

points along the trail. These categories, 

symbolized by visibility zones, include: 

“Not Visible,” “Low Visibility,” “Medium 

Visibility,” and “High Visibility.” Areas of 

“Medium Visibility” and “High Visibility” 

within the buffer are highlighted in darker shades of red and represent a relatively 

small portion of the entire viewshed area; 

these areas correspond with high relief 

terrain (slopes and mountainsides that 

face the OST), while blue and light red 

areas on the map represent lower terrain 

and other topographically hidden areas. 

The Trail Viewshed Analysis concluded 

that any future projects, disturbances, 

or developments that occur within the 

boundaries of the OST viewshed (within 

the two mile buffer) could be discernible 

by viewers along the trail corridor and 

could impact scenic or visual resources.

3.14.3 Joshua Tree National Natural 

Landmark

The National Park Service administers 

the National Natural Landmark Program 

which recognizes and encourages the 

conservation of sites that contain outstanding biological and geological 

resources. It is the only natural areas 

program of national scope that recognizes the best examples of biological and 

geological features in both public and 

private ownership; NNLs are owned by 

a variety of land stewards, and participation in the program is voluntary.

Sites are selected for their outstanding condition, illustrative value, rarity, 

MAP 3-18 SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS

National Natural 

Landmarks Program

The NNL program was 

established to encourage 

and support the voluntary 

conservation of sites that 

illustrate the nation’s 

geological and biological 

history, and to strengthen 

the public’s appreciation of 

America’s natural heritage.

Photo 3-80 The Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark Dedication Plaque Installed on a 

Limestone Wall in Bulldog Knolls
434 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 435

diversity, and value to science and education and are administratively designated 

by the Secretary of the Interior with 

landowner concurrence. To date, nearly 

600 landmarks across the United States 

have received the NNL designation. 

NPS administers the program, reports 

on the condition of the NNLs, and raises 

public awareness of our nation's natural 

heritage. Ongoing partnerships with public and private landmark owners allow 

participants to share information, solve 

problems cooperatively, and conserve 

outstanding sites that illustrate the rich 

and diverse tapestry of the country's 

natural landscapes.

The approximately 1,047 acre Joshua Tree 

NNL is located entirely within the NCA 

(Map 3-19). NPS registered this area to 

the National Landmark System in 1966 

because the Joshua tree forest was considered to be the best example of this natural 

community at the northern extreme of its 

range in the Mojave Desert. Sadly, catastrophic wildfires in 2005-2006 damaged 

or destroyed many of the Joshua trees of 

the NNL (Photo 3-81).

In 1970, BLM administratively designated this same area as a Natural Area to 

protect the unique values of these public 

lands. This administrative designation 

was not carried forward in the SGFO 

RMP, but the acreage of the NNL/Natural 

Area was included in the Beaver Dam 

Wash ACEC in the 1999 RMP. The area 

was also studied under Section 603 of 

FLPMA for its suitability for wilderness 

designation, but was not recommended 

by BLM for wilderness designation.

3.14.4 Areas of Critical 

Environmental Concern

In 1999, the SGFO RMP was approved, 

establishing management goals, objectives, and direction for public lands in 

Washington County. The RMP contained 

management decisions to implement 

recommendations from the 1994 Mojave 

Desert Tortoise Recovery Plan and the 

1998 Biological Opinion relating to 

desert tortoises that was issued on August 

12, 1998 (ES/6-UT-98-F-005) by USFWS, 

as a result of consultations under section 

7 of the ESA for the RMP.

One of the key management decisions 

from the RMP was the designation 

of an ACEC on public lands in Utah 

on the Beaver Dam Slope. The Beaver 

Dam Slope Area ACEC (Map 3-20) 

was designed to coincide with similar 

SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS

management units on public lands in 

Nevada and Arizona in the Northeastern 

Mojave Recovery Unit, identified in the 

recovery plan. Administrative designation of ACECs across this Recovery Unit 

would provide a continuous management 

zone of over 1,750 square miles (approximately 1,120,000 acres) to assist efforts to 

recover and delist the threatened Mojave 

desert tortoise through habitat and population protection.

The approximately 48,590 acre Beaver 

Dam Slope Area ACEC encompasses 

a majority of the designated critical 

desert tortoise habitat in Utah within 

this Recovery Unit (Photo 3-82). 

Management direction for the ACEC in 

the RMP included most, but not all, of 

the recommendations from the recovery 

plan. As examples, in the ACEC, motorized vehicle travel was limited to designated roads; motorized competitive recreation events were not to be authorized, 

mineral material sales and other land 

uses that had the potential to damage 

critical habitat or impact tortoise populations were not authorized. However, 

the public lands of the ACEC were not 

closed to livestock grazing, as was recommended in the recovery plan. Rather, the 

grazing season of use for the allotments 

that overlapped the ACEC was limited to 

the fall and winter months (November 

to mid-March) when tortoises were 

generally hibernating in winter dens or 

burrows. Livestock were to be removed 

from the ACEC in spring, so that tortoise 

would not be competing with cattle for 

forage during critical tortoise growth and 

reproductive periods. 

3.15 VISUAL RESOURCE 

MANAGEMENT

Joshua trees and dense stands of creosote bush blanket the rolling hills that 

comprise the lower slopes of the Beaver 

Dam Mountains, adding to the impression of an inhospitable landscape. Large 

washes cut through the landscape, all 

flowing towards the Beaver Dam Wash, 

a dominant topographic feature of 

the landscape. Wide panoramic views 

can be seen from most hilltops. The 

landscape in the southern and western 

portions of the NCA displays a gradual 

transition to Mojave Desert vegetation, 

including white bursage, creosote, and 

several species of cholla, yucca, and 

barrel cactus. For a brief period every 

spring, the desert comes alive with 

VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

“Many people think the 

desert is ugly because 

they come here in 

winter, but even in 

winter the landscape is 

beautiful. It just takes 

a while to see and 

appreciate the beauty.”

–Mary Sisson-Eibs, 

Arizona Gardener

“Catastrophic wildfires 

in 2005-2006 

damaged or destroyed 

many of the Joshua 

trees of the Joshua 

Tree National Natural 

Landmark.”

Photo 3-81 Joshua Tree NNL sans Joshua Trees from Wildfire Damage in 2005 and 2006 Photo 3-82 Beaver Dam Slope ACEC at Lower Welcome Creek
LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

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Catclaw

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Old Hwy

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T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S T 043 S

R020WR019WR018WR017W

AreaofCritical

EnvironmentalConcern(ACEC)

BeaverDamWashNCA

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

accuracyandcontent.Differentdatasources

andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLMforuseof

thedataforpurposesnotintendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

BeaverDamSlopeACEC

ArizonaStripACEC

NevadaACEC

NationalConservationAreaBoundary

FieldOfficeBoundary

StateBoundary

BureauofLandManagement

State

LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

N E V A D A

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T

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JOSHUA

TREE

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B

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R020WR019WR018WR017W

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JoshuaTreeNationalNaturalLandmark

NationalConservationAreaBoundary

FieldOfficeBoundary

StateBoundary

BureauofLandManagement(BLM)

State

JoshuaTreeNational

NaturalLandmark

BeaverDamWashNCA

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

accuracyandcontent.Differentdatasources

andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLMforuseof

thedataforpurposesnotintendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

436 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 437

MAP 3-19 MAP 3-20
438 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 439

area is III. Management objectives for all 

VRM classes are described in Table 3-26. 

These classes were developed as part of 

the 1999 SGFO RMP. The existing acreage of each VRM Class within the Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA is shown in Table 3-27. 

A VRI inventory was completed in 2010 

and the results are also shown in Table 

3-27 and on Map 3-21 and Map 3-22.

vibrant colors as the desert vegetation 

enjoys a brief annual bloom.

During the summers of 2005 and 2006, 

wildfires swept through large swaths of 

the northern and eastern portions of the 

NCA, charring approximately 50% of the 

total acreage. The ability of a desert landscape to recover from catastrophic fire 

is measured in decades and the scars are 

still visible, with acres of burned Joshua 

trees dominating large sectors of the 

landscape. In the southern and western 

portions of the NCA, the native vegetation communities remain undamaged. 

Aside from the fire scars, the pristine 

quality of the visual resources within the 

NCA is reflective of its rugged and relatively undeveloped nature.

The visual landscape is derived from the 

mix of natural and man-made elements—

form, line, color, and texture—that affect 

the quality of the visual environment. 

BLM’s VRM System provides a way to 

identify and evaluate scenic values in 

order to determine the appropriate level 

of management. It also provides a way to 

analyze potential visual impacts and apply 

visual design techniques to ensure that all 

proposed activities are in harmony with 

their surroundings. There are two basic 

components to the BLM visual resource 

management system: Visual Resource 

inventory (VRI) and VRM. VRI classes are 

an inventory of the landscape; they have 

no management authority and are used 

as a planning tool to assist in the development of VRM classes during a resource 

management planning effort. VRM classes 

are land use allocations that have specific 

objectives for allowable uses.

VRI classes are based on the combination of three separate inventories: scenic 

quality, visual sensitivity, and distance 

zones. Based on the spatial overlap of 

these three characteristics, the landscape 

is assigned VRI classes, which represent 

the visual value of the landscape.

Scenic quality is described as the visual 

appeal of an area. The rating is based on 

seven key factors: landform, vegetation, 

water, color, adjacent scenery, scarcity, 

and cultural modifications. Scenery is 

classified as A, B, or C, with A being 

the highest.

Sensitivity is a measure of public concern for the visual landscape. Factors for 

evaluating sensitivity are: types of users, 

amount of use, public interest, adjacent 

land uses, and special areas/unique landscapes. Based on these factors, landscapes 

are assigned a sensitivity level of high, 

medium, or low. 

Distance zones measure the visibility 

of a landscape. The Foreground/Middle 

ground is defined as 0-5 miles from the 

observer, Background Zone is 5-15 miles, 

and the Seldom Seen Zone is beyond the 

background or generally hidden from the 

observer by topography.

VRI classes represent the relative value of 

the scenic resources, with Class I representing the highest values and Class IV 

the lowest values. These inventory classes 

are informational in nature and provide 

the basis for considering visual values 

in the RMP process. They do not establish management direction. The visual 

resource inventories for the two NCAs 

were updated in 2010.

Visual values identified through the VRI 

are considered with other resource values 

in the Resource Management Planning 

(RMP) process. Visual Management 

Classes are established in RMPs in conformance with other land use allocations 

made in the plan. VRM Classes are specific land use objectives that provide the 

standards for planning, designing, and 

evaluating future management projects. 

VRM Classes are ranked I, II, III, and IV, 

with Class I being the most protective 

and Class IV allowing for major manipulation of the landscape.

Visual resources in the NCA are currently managed according to the VRM classes 

prescribed through the SGFO RMP. The 

existing VRM Class for the entire NCA 

VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

“The desert, when 

the sun comes up...I 

couldn’t tell where 

heaven stopped and the 

Earth began.”

–Tom Hanks, Actor, 

1956-

“Aside from the fire 

scars, the pristine 

quality of the visual 

resources within the 

Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA is reflective of its 

rugged and relatively 

undeveloped nature.”

VRM 

Class

Management Objective

VRM I The objective of this class is to preserve the existing character of the landscape. 

This class provides for natural ecological changes; however, it does not preclude 

very limited management activity. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be very low and must not attract attention. This class typically applies to lands that have a special designation already in place that protects scenic 

values.

VRM II The objective of this class is to retain the existing character of the landscape. The 

level of change to the characteristic landscape should be low. Management activities may be seen, but should not attract the attention of the casual observer. Any 

changes must repeat the basic elements of form, line, color, and texture found in 

the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.

VRM III The objective of this class is to partially retain the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be moderate. 

Management activities may attract attention but should not dominate the view 

of the casual observer. Changes should repeat the basic elements found in the 

predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape. 

VRM IV The objective of this class is to provide for management activities that require major modifications of the existing character of the landscape. The level of change 

to the characteristic landscape can be high. These management activities may 

dominate the view and be the major focus of viewer attention. However, every attempt should be made to minimize the impact of these activities through careful 

location, minimal disturbance, and repeating the basic elements.

VRI Class Acres VRM Class Acres

Class II 7,586 Class II 0

Class III 43,753 Class III 63,480

Class IV 12,138 Class IV 0

Scenic Quality Acres Sensitivity Acres

A 0 High 45,417

B 8,990 Medium 1,111

C 54,488 Low 16,941

Table 3-26 VRM Class Management Objectives

Table 3-27 VRI and VRM Class Acreages
LINCOLN CO

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VRMClass

ClassIII

NationalConservationAreaBoundary

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VisualResourceManagement

BeaverDamWashNCA

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

accuracyandcontent.Differentdatasources

andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLMforuseof

thedataforpurposesnotintendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

LINCOLN CO

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VisualResourceInventory

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BeaverDamWashNCA

ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

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ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

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andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

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thedataforpurposesnotintendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

440 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 441

MAP 3-21 MAP 3-22
442 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 443

NATURAL SOUNDSCAPES LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS

3.15.1 Natural Lightscapes

Starry night skies (Photo 3-83) and natural darkness are important components 

of National Conservation Lands. Many 

NCAs are some of the last remaining harbors of darkness and provide an excellent 

opportunity for the public to experience 

this endangered resource. 

NPS uses the term "natural lightscape" to 

describe resources and values that exist 

in the absence of human-caused light at 

night. Natural lightscapes are critical for 

nighttime scenery, such as viewing a starfilled sky, but are also critical for nocturnal wildlife habitat. Many species rely on 

natural patterns of light and dark for navigation, to cue behaviors, or to hide from 

predators. Lightscapes can be cultural as 

well, and may be integral to the historical fabric of a place. Human-caused light 

may be obtrusive in the same manner 

that noise can disrupt a contemplative or 

peaceful scene. Light that is undesirable 

in a natural or cultural landscape is often 

called "light pollution."

In many areas of the NCA, night skies are 

only slightly affected by indirect sources 

of human-produced light from regional 

metropolitan areas, such as Las Vegas 

and Mesquite, Nevada, and St. George, 

Utah. From remote, higher elevations, 

areas of low relief, or as distance from 

communities is decreased, the effects of 

indirect sources of human-produced light 

are more noticeable. The Beaver Dam 

Mountains provide an effective screen 

for the light pollution produced by the 

greater St. George metropolitan area, 

giving the NCA spectacular night skies. 

While some ambient light does filter 

in from Mesquite, Nevada, just over 20 

miles away, the night skies in the NCA 

can be stunning, particularly in mid-winter when dust and haze are minimal.

3.16 NATURAL SOUNDSCAPES

Soundscape is defined as the human 

perception of acoustic resources, and can 

include both natural and human-caused 

sounds (U.S. National Park Service 2014). 

Natural soundscape also encompasses 

the physical capacity of the environment 

and landscape to transmit sounds, as 

well as the interrelationships among and 

between different sounds (U.S. National 

Park Service 2014). Factors such as climate, vegetation, and topography can affect the natural soundscape. Soundscape 

is managed by taking actions to ensure 

the prevention or minimization of noise 

that adversely affects the natural soundscape or that exceeds acceptable levels. 

Increasing levels of unnatural noise have 

the potential to diminish the visitor 

experience and adversely affect wildlife 

survival rates and distribution.

Sounds are typically measured by their 

amplitude (volume) and frequency 

(pitch). Amplitude is measured in decibels (dB) and works on a logarithmic 

scale, while frequency is measured in 

Hertz (Hz). Humans with unimpaired 

hearing can perceive sounds with frequencies between 20 and 20,000 Hz, 

and with amplitudes as low as 0 dB 

(U.S. National Park Service 2014). By 

monitoring chosen sites consistently over 

time, acoustic technicians can determine 

the seasonality and cause of various impacts to the natural soundscape. At this 

time there is no system in place to monitor the natural soundscape of the NCA. 

Noises in the NCA are known to come 

primarily from motor vehicle (Photo 

3-84) and air traffic, recreational shooting, and visitor activity.

3.17 LANDS WITH WILDERNESS 

CHARACTERISTICS

Section 201 of FLPMA requires BLM to 

maintain, on a continuing basis, an inventory of all public lands, resources, and values. This inventory requirement includes 

maintaining information about wilderness 

characteristics. Section 201 also provides 

that the preparation and maintenance of 

the inventory shall not, in and of itself, 

change or prevent change of the management or use of the lands. Manual 6310 

Conducting Wilderness Characteristics 

Inventory on BLM Lands provides guidance on how to conduct and maintain an 

inventory for wilderness characteristics.

Section 202 of FLPMA requires BLM 

to rely on resource inventories in the 

development of land use plans, including 

inventory information regarding wilderness characteristics. Consistent with 

FLPMA and other applicable authorities, 

BLM continues to consider the wilderness characteristics on public lands as 

part of land use planning and when 

making subsequent project level decisions. In accordance with NEPA, BLM 

offices must analyze the potential effects 

of proposed actions and alternatives for 

land use plan decisions on lands with 

wilderness characteristics.

The primary function of an inventory is to 

determine the presence or absence of wilderness characteristics. Keeping an inventory current includes periodically gathering information and ensuring that all 

inventory files are up to date. This includes 

relevant narratives, maps, photographs, 

and any other relevant information.

Early in the planning process for the 

Beaver Dam and Red Cliffs NCAs, new 

information was provided by the Utah 

Wilderness Coalition (UWC), identifying lands that this organization considers 

as having wilderness characteristics. The 

UWC provided GIS polygon data that 

delineated those areas they consider to 

have wilderness characteristics. 

BLM Manual 6310 states: the minimum 

standard that new information must 

meet in order for the BLM to consider 

the information during a wilderness 

characteristics inventory process requires 

a submission of the following information to the BLM: 

▶ A map of sufficient detail to determine specific boundaries of the area 

in question;

▶ A detailed narrative that describes 

the wilderness characteristics of the 

area and documents how that information substantially differs from the 

information in the BLM inventory 

of the area’s wilderness characteristics; and 

▶ Photographic documentation. 

The UWC submission of GIS data satisfied the criteria for a “map of sufficient 

detail,” but there was no accompanying 

narrative or photographic documentation 

submitted and the UWC submission was 

considered incomplete.

While the UWC submission was inadequate, as part of the comprehensive travel 

planning process, the BLM is conducting 

an inventory of all public lands administered by the SGFO for wilderness characteristics, including all areas proposed by 

the UWC. Because of the narrow scope 

of the Amendment to the SGFO RMP, 

proposed alternatives regarding the management of public lands to specifically 

protect wilderness characteristics will be 

limited in scope to the Beaver Dam Wash 

and Red Cliffs NCAs.

“For my part I know 

nothing with any 

certainty, but the sight 

of the stars makes 

me dream.”

–Vincent Van Gogh, 

Painter, Painter, 

1853-1890

“I have often lamented 

that we cannot close 

our ears with as much 

ease as we can 

our eyes.”

–Sir Richard Steele, 

Writer and Politician, 

1672-1729

Photo 3-83 Night Skies Photo 3-84 Noise Source: Motor Vehicles
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Lands with Wilderness Characteristics

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National Conservation Area Boundary

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State

Lands with Wilderness

Characteristics

Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

444 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 445

The NCA was inventoried for the presence or absence of wilderness characteristics in early 2012. The characteristics of 

wilderness: size, naturalness, outstanding 

opportunities of solitude, and outstanding opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation, were evaluated during the inventory. The inventory found 

that wilderness characteristics were present in three areas totaling 43,873 acres, or 

69% of the NCA (Map 3-23).

These acres possessed the characteristics 

of naturalness, solitude, and outstanding 

opportunities for primitive, unconfined 

recreation. They also met the criteria for 

size as they each encompass over 5,000 

acres of contiguous BLM lands. The specific inventory criteria used can be found 

in BLM Manual 6310 (.06, C, 4-10).

A summary of the inventory below and 

detailed results can be found in the Lands 

With Wilderness Characteristics in Beaver 

Dam Wash National Conservation Area 

and Red Cliffs National Conservation Area 

Inventory at www.blm.gov/nxld.

3.17.1 Joshua Tree UT-040-058

Joshua Tree UT-040-058 is a wilderness 

characteristics inventory unit in the 

Beaver Dam Mountains. Bounded by 

Old Highway 91 on the north and the 

Mojave Desert Joshua Tree Road Scenic 

Backway on the south, most lands 

within section UT-040-058 are located 

within the NCA. Out of 13,482 acres 

that were inventoried, approximately 

11,336 within the NCA were determined 

to possess wilderness characteristics.

The unit lies on the eastern edge of the 

Basin and Range physiographic province, 

adjacent to the Colorado Plateau province. At 3,000 feet ASI, sloping alluvial 

bajadas on the western aspect of the unit 

gradually give rise to the steep, rugged 

terrain of the Beaver Dam Mountains, 

eventually cresting over 6,700 feet on 

high peaks (Photo 3-85). Between these 

two extremes of elevation, the unit 

encompasses furrowed foothills and 

numerous rocky drainages. Exposed 

limestone and sandstone outcroppings 

characterize the area geologically. These 

rock layers have been thrust upward at 

various angles, creating a rugged, variegated topography that contributes to the 

unique scenic resources of the area.

Because this region straddles the Mojave 

Desert and the Great Basin Desert, it 

represents a botanical and zoological commingling of both ecosystems. 

Creosote, blackbrush and other desert 

LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS MAP 3-23

“At 3,000 feet ASI, 

sloping alluvial bajadas 

on the western aspect 

of the Joshua Tree 

unit gradually give rise 

to the steep, rugged 

terrain of the Beaver 

Dam Mountains, 

eventually cresting over 

6,700 feet on 

high peaks.”

Photo 3-85 Joshua Tree UT-040-058 Inventory Unit
446 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 447

3.17.2 Beaver Dam Wash UT-040-059

Inventory unit Beaver Dam Wash UT040-059 is located on the far southwestern corner of Washington County, Utah 

on the western flank of the Beaver Dam 

Mountains. The unit is bounded by dirt 

roads on its northwest, northeast and 

western borders, while the Utah-Arizona 

state line forms its southern boundary 

and the Utah-Nevada border forms its 

western boundary. A designated ROW 

corridor affects the northwestern boundary of the unit, the only portion of the 

unit that is not within the NCA. The 

boundary of the NCA encompasses approximately 19,797 acres of lands with 

wilderness characteristics within unit 

UT-040-059.

The terrain here consists of low elevation 

bajadas and steep drainages that descend 

from the foothills of the Beaver Dam 

Mountains (Photo 3-87) in the east and 

the Utah-Nevada border in the west to 

meet at the Beaver Dam Wash, a wide, 

sandy drainage running northwest to 

southeast through the central-western 

portion of the unit. Elevations range from 

approximately 3,500 feet on the bajadas 

to 2,200 feet in the Beaver Dam Wash, 

the lowest elevation in Utah. Although 

perennial flow exists upstream, the portion of the wash within unit UT-040-059 

is typically dry throughout most of the 

year. Vegetative communities are typical 

of the Mojave Desert ecosystem—Joshua 

trees, blackbrush, cholla cactus, barrel cactus, creosote, yucca (Yucca spp.), 

Mormon tea and low grasses can all be 

found here.

This inventory unit lies within the 

boundaries of two active grazing allotments: Beaver Dam Slope and Scarecrow 

Peak. Of these, Beaver Dam Slope 

occupies the largest area within unit UT040-059. The primary human use of this 

parcel is grazing, evidenced by frequent 

areas of bare or trampled ground, livestock trails, dung, and numerous sightings of cattle. Many range improvements 

(stock tanks, water catchments, etc.) are 

located throughout unit UT-040-059, 

mainly along existing boundary roads or 

cherry-stemmed roads. A higher concentration of these developments and their 

corresponding access roads exist on the 

Beaver Dam Slope Allotment, in the eastern portion of the inventory unit. Here, 

the cumulative impact of range management infrastructure and regular vehicular 

traffic within interior portions of unit 

UT-040-059 are substantially noticeable 

LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS

shrubs blanket the low alluvial plains 

where a sparse Joshua tree forest grows 

in the westernmost portion of the unit. 

Higher elevations are dotted by patches 

of pinyon-juniper forest with grasses and 

small shrubs growing in between. It is 

worth noting that a large portion of the 

proposed parcel was affected by a wildfire in 2006, which is apparent from the 

numerous charred, dead Joshua trees in 

the area and the prevalence of invasive 

annual brome grasses. Notable wildlife in 

the region includes desert bighorn sheep, 

the threatened Mojave Desert tortoise, 

and a substantial population of raptors. 

To the casual observer, the majority of 

the area appears to be affected primarily 

by the forces of nature. There are no obvious man-made impacts within the unit 

that could be considered pervasive and 

omnipresent. Although power transmission lines flank the unit in designated 

corridors along its northern and southern 

boundary roads (Old Highway 91 and the 

Mojave Desert Joshua Tree Road Scenic 

Backway, respectively), their metal towers 

have a relatively small zone of influence 

on apparent naturalness, as the viewshed 

from the interior of the unit is buffered 

by numerous topographic barriers. 

Sandy drainages fan into the mountains 

from the unit’s boundaries, allowing 

people to disperse and avoid the sights 

and sounds of others easily. The broken 

terrain, combined with vegetative screening from bushy shrubs and pinyonjuniper trees in the unit, helps to afford 

outstanding opportunities for solitude. 

Lesser amounts of topographic and vegetative screening are available throughout 

the lower elevations of the unit, where 

the land is relatively flat and the vegetation consists mostly of low shrubs. Even 

so, solitude may still be experienced here 

due to the large size of this area.

In addition to a sense of solitude, visitors 

to this area may also enjoy outstanding 

opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation. A popular rock climbing area in the NCA named “Woodbury 

Road Crags” is accessible via the Mojave 

Desert Joshua Tree Road Scenic Backway 

within the unit (Photo 3-86). Besides 

rock climbing, this area offers outstanding opportunities for hiking, backpacking, climbing, hunting, horseback 

riding, rock-hounding, sightseeing and 

photography.

“Vegetative 

communities are typical 

of the Mojave Desert 

ecosystem—Joshua 

trees, blackbrush, 

cholla cactus, barrel 

cactus, creosote, yucca, 

Mormon tea and low 

grasses can all be found 

here.”

“Notable wildlife in 

the region includes 

desert bighorn sheep, 

the threatened Mojave 

Desert tortoise, and a 

substantial population 

of raptors.”

Photo 3-86 Woodbury Crags Climbing Area within Joshua Tree UT-040-058 Inventory Unit Photo 3-87 Beaver Dam Wash UT-040-059 Inventory Unit
448 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 449

alluvial plains that span the unit. Other 

species typical of the Mojave Desert—

cholla cactus, yucca, creosote and blackbrush—characterize the predominant 

vegetation types in the area. Cottonwood 

trees and other forms of riparian vegetation are also present in the Beaver Dam 

Wash. It is worth noting that the majority of unit UT-040-051 was affected by 

a large wildfire in 2005, as evidenced by 

the many dead and charred Joshua trees. 

As a result, this area is very barren in 

terms of vegetation.

The unit is bounded by dirt roads on its 

northern, southern and eastern borders. 

The Navajo-McCullough interstate power 

transmission line lies within a designated 

corridor that affects the eastern boundary of the unit. Beaver Dam Wash also 

runs northeast to southwest through 

the central portion of the unit. Lytle 

Ranch, a desert research facility operated by Brigham Young University, is 

located along the unit’s southern border 

in Beaver Dam Wash on private property jointly managed by The Nature 

Conservancy, Brigham Young University, 

and Dixie State University.

The area lies within the boundaries of 

the Scarecrow Peak grazing allotment. 

The primary human use of this parcel is 

grazing, which is evidenced by frequent 

areas of trampled ground, livestock trails, 

dung, and sightings of cattle. In addition, 

range improvements and their corresponding access routes exist throughout 

the area.

Opportunities for solitude exist, but 

only in isolated places throughout unit 

UT-040-051. Large areas exist with 

little to no topographic and vegetative 

screening, especially in the burned area. 

A spatial analysis determined that all 

areas containing outstanding opportunities for solitude (those places where a 

visitor could easily find seclusion with 

either sufficient topographic or vegetative screening) comprised less than 5,000 

acres collectively; however, this area was 

not disqualified from consideration based 

on the finding that outstanding opportunities for solitude exist in only a portion 

of the area. To an extent, the overall size 

of unit UT-040-051 allows visitors to 

avoid sights/sounds of other visitors, but 

not to a degree sufficient as to be considered “outstanding.”

Overall, unit UT-040-051 was not determined to possess outstanding opportunities for solitude because the impacts from 

outside the inventory area are pervasive 

and omnipresent, largely interfering with 

one’s ability to avoid sights, sounds and 

evidence of other people in the area. 

There are no outstanding opportunities 

for primitive and unconfined recreation within inventory unit UT-040-051 

because there are no especially enticing 

features or attractions within the area 

that lend themselves to such activities. 

The absence of vegetation provides no 

shade or protection from the elements, 

making the area unattractive to most 

primitive recreational user groups such 

as hikers, backpackers, bird watchers, 

and horseback riders. Even climbing and 

bouldering—activities that are otherwise 

popular in the vicinity of the Beaver Dam 

Mountains—are not and could not be 

popular in this area for lack of suitable 

boulders and rock faces. It is doubtful 

that people would be willing to travel to 

this area for primitive and unconfined 

recreational opportunities.

Due to its lack of outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive and 

unconfined recreation, it was determined 

that inventory unit UT-040-051 does not 

possess wilderness characteristics.

LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS

to the average visitor, impacting the 

apparent naturalness of the landscape. 

This influence was considered pervasive 

and omnipresent, enough to warrant the 

area’s exclusion from consideration during the inventory process.

The mile-wide Navajo-McCullough 

power line corridor along the northwestern boundary of the unit affects the 

naturalness of unit UT-040-059. Because 

developed ROWs are pre-existing landuse authorizations that are treated as 

substantially noticeable human impacts, 

these acres were excluded from consideration during the wilderness characteristics inventory. 

With the exception of these exclusions, 

the remainder of unit UT-040-059 appears to be primarily affected by the 

forces of nature to the common observer, 

with signs of human impacts being substantially unnoticeable. 

Outstanding opportunities for solitude 

are available throughout the unit because 

it covers a vast area where people can 

disperse to avoid the sights and sounds of 

others easily. Much of the topography is 

flat across the alluvial plain, but vegetative screening is provided by numerous, 

large Joshua trees and smaller creosote 

bushes. Closer to Beaver Dam Wash, the 

terrain becomes more dissected, carved 

by steep ephemeral drainages, that are 

effective topographic and vegetative 

screening. However, the absence of reliable water sources and shade, combined 

with vast tracts of unvarying terrain do 

not make this area especially attractive to 

recreational users who prefer primitive 

and unconfined experiences.

3.17.3 Scarecrow Peak UT-040-051

Inventory unit Scarecrow Peak UT-040-

051 is located along the Nevada border, 

on the western flank of the Beaver Dam 

Mountains. Much of this inventory unit is 

located on a low elevation bajada spanning from the foothills of the Beaver Dam 

Mountains and Scarecrow Peak down to 

the Beaver Dam Wash. Elevations within 

the unit range from nearly 4,500 feet at the 

top of Scarecrow Peak to 2,900 feet in the 

Beaver Dam Wash.

The Beaver Dam Mountains lie on the 

eastern edge of the Basin and Range 

geologic province, adjacent to the 

Colorado Plateau. The unit encompasses 

both gently sloping alluvial plains and 

steeper topography carved by drainages. 

A Joshua tree forest covers a portion of 

the northeast landscape across the vast 

“There are no 

outstanding 

opportunities 

for primitive and 

unconfined recreation 

within the Scarecrow 

Peak inventory unit 

because there are no 

especially enticing 

features or attractions 

within the area that 

lend themselves to 

such activities.”

“It is worth noting 

that the majority of 

the Scarecrow Peak 

inventory unit was 

affected by a large 

wildfire in 2005, as 

evidenced by the many 

dead and charred 

Joshua trees. As a 

result, this area is very 

barren in terms 

of vegetation.”

Photo 3-88 Scarecrow Peak UT-040-051 Inventory Unit
450 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 451

3.18 RECREATION AND VISITOR 

SERVICES

Everything that visitors see, do, sense, 

and feel in the NCA constitutes their 

visitor experience. Those experiences are 

defined by the color, contrast, and beauty 

of the visual landscape, the depth and 

diversity of recreation opportunities, the 

quality and variety of interpretive materials, and the design and characteristics of 

visitor facilities.

3.18.1 Recreation

The climate of the NCA allows for enjoyable outdoor recreation opportunities 

in all but the hottest months of summer. 

The NCA location, within easy driving distance of Las Vegas and Mesquite, 

Nevada, and St. George, Utah, via I-15 

and Old Highway 91, make it a potential 

recreation destination for many more 

visitors in the future.

The major attractions consist of world 

class rock climbing, a network of dirt 

roads popular with ATV enthusiasts, and 

robust upland game bird hunting opportunities. There were 8,890 visits to the 

NCA in 2013, and this number is anticipated to grow as information about the 

NCA is more widely disseminated and 

visitor services facilities are developed.

Climbers first visited the popular 

Woodbury Road Crags (Photo 3-89) in 

the early 1990s, attracted by the desert 

climate and high quality limestone. The 

climbs here consist of three popular 

crags, Black and Tan, Kelly’s Rock, and 

The Solstice. Over 70 climbs, ranging 

in difficulty from 5.7 to 5.14, are easily accessible via short hikes from the 

graded and maintained Mojave Desert 

Joshua Tree Scenic Backway. All of the 

climbs are bolted sport climbs. Standard 

bolt hangars are used in the area. These 

are gray in color, generally matching the 

mixed gray hues of the limestone. It takes 

a keen eye and a walk to the base of a 

climb before the bolts become visible. 

Climbers accounted for 2,953 visits in 

2014. This number is expected to increase 

as the area becomes a popular destination 

for climbers from Las Vegas, Nevada, Salt 

Lake City, Utah, and Southern California. 

Other climbs with similar qualities to the 

Woodbury Road Crags exist just outside 

the NCA boundary.

Upland game bird hunting accounted for 

2,570 visits in 2014, with Gambel’s quail 

(Photo 3-90) being the target species. This 

number is not expected to change dramatically as it is based on the availability of 

hunting permits and the popularity of the 

sport. Hunting season opens in the fall, 

when cooler temperatures entice many 

hunters to camp in the area (dispersed 

campsites are shown on Map 3-24). 

Hunting for desert bighorn sheep also 

occurs in the Beaver Dam Mountains, but 

the number of visitors engaged in this activity is limited by the number of bighorn 

permits issued by UDWR.

The remaining 2,640 visits were comprised of ATV riders (Photo 3-91), 

backcountry driving enthusiasts, outdoor 

photographers, and some equestrian 

trail riders. The gently rolling terrain 

and hard-packed roads make for pleasant driving conditions. The most popular 

times to visit are during the spring, when 

the desert is in full bloom, and in the fall, 

when the temperatures drop to tolerable 

levels. The visitation numbers are expected to increase, particularly during the 

spring, as the NCA becomes a popular 

destination for desert wildflower viewing.

Commercial use is considered sparse in 

the NCA when compared to other public 

lands managed by SGFO. There are 14 

hunting outfitters who are permitted to 

operate in the NCA, within the larger Pine 

Valley Herd Unit for mule deer; however, 

the majority of the authorized hunts occur 

outside the NCA. There are 12 rock climbing outfitters authorized to operate in the 

NCA and all guided climbs take place at 

the Woodbury Road Crags. All visits from 

RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES

guided trips have been included in the 

visitation totals listed above.

3.18.2 Facilities

At this time, there are no developed 

facilities within the NCA.

3.18.3 Interpretation/Visitor 

Understanding

BLM’s website and the Public Lands 

Information Center in St. George are 

the only locations where the public can 

currently obtain information about the 

NCA. In 2010, the SGFO produced a 

special edition 1:100,000 scale topographic and land status visitor use map 

of Washington County which showed all 

Congressionally-designated areas (NCAs, 

wilderness areas, and wild and scenic rivers), as well as other popular recreation 

trails, special management areas, and interpretive sites; visitor information about 

the NCA and its values was also included 

on the reverse side of the map.

The SGFO also prepared a fact sheet in 

2010 that provides information about the 

resource values of the newly-designated 

NCA, with a map showing the location and boundaries of the new unit. A 

second fact sheet focuses on hunting in 

the NCA, as it relates to the required use 

of designated roads for motorized vehicle 

travel. Both fact sheets are available in the 

Public Room of the SGFO Public Lands 

Information Center and are also posted 

on the SGFO website.

Gambel’s Quail

Callipepla gambelii can be 

found in coveys consisting of 

a dozen or more birds. They 

walk or run on the ground, 

taking flight explosively when 

startled or escaping threats. 

Quail search for food by 

scratching under shrubs and 

cacti as well as eating grasses 

and cactus fruits.

“What an odd sport 

we inhabit, where bits 

of obscure rock in 

remote locations are 

recognizable.”

–Richard Pawlowicz, 

Climber

Photo 3-90 Gambel’s Quail, Upland Game 

Bird

Photo 3-89 Kelly’s Rock at Woodbury Road 

Crags, Beaver Dam Wash NCA

© Cameron Rognan

Photo 3-91 Staging Area for OHV Recreation in Beaver Dam Wash NCA
LINCOLN CO

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MOJAVE DESERT JOSHUA TREE SCENIC BACKWAY

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Dispersed Campsite

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

State

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Beaver Dam Wash NCA

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

452 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 453

3.19 COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL 

AND TRANSPORTATION 

MANAGEMENT

Comprehensive Travel and 

Transportation Management (TTM) is 

the process of planning for and managing transportation systems on public 

lands. Traditionally, BLM’s Travel and 

Transportation Program focused primarily on motor vehicle use. Within the 

framework of TTM, the program has 

been significantly expanded to encompass all forms of transportation, including travel by foot, horseback, bicycle, 

motorcycle, aircraft, and four-wheeled 

vehicles (ATVs, cars, and trucks).

Additionally, TTM expands on the 

traditional approach to transportation 

planning by implementing an interdisciplinary structure, in that all resources, 

resource uses, and accompanying modes 

of travel on public lands are addressed 

holistically. The goals, objectives, and 

desired future conditions of all resources 

and resource uses are recognized and addressed with TTM. 

3.19.1 OHV Designations

In compliance with current laws, policies, 

and executive orders, BLM OHV regulations form a framework for the establishment of management areas as either 

“open”, “limited”, or “closed” to off-road 

vehicle use. 

▶ "Open" areas are areas where all 

types of vehicle use is permitted 

at all times, anywhere in the area. 

Cross-country travel is allowed in 

open areas.

▶ "Limited" areas are areas that may 

be restricted at certain times, in 

certain areas, and/or to certain 

types of vehicles. The most common 

restriction is “Limited to Designated 

Roads and Trails,” but in areas 

where individual route designation 

has yet to occur, this can include 

“Limited to Existing Roads and 

Trails.”

▶ “Closed” areas are closed to all types 

of vehicle use and typically include 

areas like designated wilderness, 

which are closed to all motorized 

and mechanized use.

Area designations relating to OHV travel 

are typically made during the development of an RMP. In the case of the NCA, 

however, upon designation Congress 

identified three large polygons where 

all motorized vehicle travel was to be 

limited to designated roads and trails 

(except for administrative purposes and 

emergency response), and also designated the specific roads within those 

polygons that would remain available for 

public travel (Map 3-25 and Map 3-26). 

Outside of these three areas, all motorized vehicle travel was to be limited to 

designated roads and trails that would 

be determined at a future date through 

a comprehensive travel and transportation management planning process to 

be completed by BLM for Washington 

County. Table 3-28 reflects the OHV area 

designations that resulted from mandates 

from OPLMA Section 1975 (e).

3.19.2 Travel Management

The southern and western boundaries of the NCA are formed by the state 

borders of Nevada and Arizona. Old 

Highway 91 is the only paved highway 

through the NCA, bisecting the eastern 

half and providing a link between I-15 

to the south and the greater St. George 

urban area to the north. The NCA is also 

bisected by a one-mile wide designated 

utility corridor (“IPP corridor”) and 

bounded on the southeast by a similar 

one-mile wide designated utility corridor 

MAP 3-24 COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

“Comprehensive Travel 

and Transportation 

Management is the 

process of planning 

for and managing 

transportation systems 

on public lands.”

OHV Area Designation Acreage

Open 0

Limited to Existing Roads and 

Trails

0

Limited to Designated Roads 

and Trails

63,480

Closed 0

Table 3-28 Existing OHV Area Designations
LINCOLN CO

WASHINGTON CO

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ProducedbyBLM

St.GeorgeFieldOfficeGIS

LocationMap

00.512Miles

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ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

accuracyandcontent.Differentdatasources

andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

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Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

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LINCOLN CO

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ProducedbyBLM

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LocationMap

00.512Miles

00.512Kilometers

ThisproductmaynotmeetBLMstandardsfor

accuracyandcontent.Differentdatasources

andinputscalesmaycausesome

misalignmentofdatalayers.

NowarrantyismadebytheBLMforuseof

thedataforpurposesnotintendedbytheBLM.

Note:Decisionsinthisdocument

onlyapplytoBLMlands

454 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 455

MAP 3-25 MAP 3-26
456 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 457

land on the Beaver Dam Slope as the 

NCA. The majority of the non-federal 

acreage (8,600 acres) within the boundaries of the NCA is administered by 

the Utah School and Institutional Trust 

Lands Administration (SITLA) (6,500 

acres), with the remainder being private 

property inholdings. The non-federal 

inholdings afford opportunities for future 

land acquisition from willing sellers to 

consolidate land tenure in the NCA.

3.20.2 Linear ROWs

A linear ROW grant is generally a longterm (30 years) authorization issued for 

necessary transportation, utilities, or 

other systems or facilities that are in the 

public interest and require ROWs to use 

public lands for specified purposes. These 

purposes may include roads, pipelines, 

and utility lines, as well as temporary uses 

of additional public lands for purposes 

necessary to the project. Public land 

law directs BLM to minimize adverse 

environmental impacts by avoiding the 

proliferation of separate ROWs and using 

ROWs in common to the greatest practical extent (FLPMA Section 503, 43 USC 

1763). The use of designated corridors 

and use areas for linear ROWs is encouraged to the greatest extent possible.

Some linear uses across public lands may 

have “grandfathered” rights of use from 

federal laws that predate FLPMA, such 

as public highways under RS 2477, and 

reservoirs, canals, and ditches under RS 

2339 and RS 2340.

The only designated ROW corridor 

within the NCA follows Old Highway 91 

and is defined by existing range fencing 

along each side of the highway (SGFO 

RMP 1999: Lands Decision LD-14). The 

total width of the corridor varies from 

150-400 feet. The ROW for Old Highway 

91, held by Washington County, is a total 

of 100 feet wide and is located within the 

designated ROW corridor. The existing fencing does not accurately mark 

the limits of the highway ROW held by 

Washington County.

Other linear ROWs within the NCA were 

granted for:

▶ Fiber optic line (UTU-84783) 

authorized to Rio Virgin Telephone 

Co. that runs from Bloomington, 

Utah to Mesquite, Nevada; 

▶ Multiple geophysical testing lines 

(UTU-71319), granted to USGS 

Water Resource Division;

▶ Road ROW (UTU-62307) granted 

to Washington County for a 1,500 

foot realignment of Lytle Ranch 

Road. 

Two one-mile wide designated ROW 

corridors are located outside the NCA 

boundaries: the IPP corridor on the 

west and the Navajo-McCullough 

(“Navajo-McCullough corridor”) (Photo 

3-92 and Photo 3-93). As described 

above, three large polygons were identified by Congress at the time of NCA 

designation as “Designated Road Areas” 

and specific routes within them designated for public motorized vehicle travel. 

All other routes within the Designated 

Road Areas were closed to the public by 

Congress. A total of 29 miles were closed.

The outer boundary of the NCA is 73 

miles in circumference and is punctuated 

by 15 roads and 30 ephemeral drainages. 

Section 1977 of OPLMA requires that a 

Travel Management Plan (TMP) be completed for the NCA. This is important for 

the NCA because Congress has emphasized the conservation of the public lands 

and their resource values. By developing 

a TMP that strives to achieve the desired future conditions of all resources, 

the NCA can be managed to conserve, 

protect, and enhance the resource 

values for which it was Congressionallydesignated. Issues being addressed in 

the TMP include designating every road 

and trail, both motorized and non-motorized, outside of the Congressionallydesignated road areas within the NCA. 

Individual route designations will be 

developed in the field office-wide TMP, 

supported by an EA. During the TMP 

process, BLM will consider the legal 

and regulatory requirements of an array 

of federal laws, such as the National 

Historic Preservation Act and the 

Endangered Species Act, as well as the 

minimization criteria found at 43 CFR 

8342.1. The two planning efforts (RMP 

and TMP) are on parallel but separate 

tracks, with the TMP/EA following the 

RMP/EIS processes.

The TMP is not intended to provide 

evidence bearing on or addressing the 

validity of any RS 2477 assertions and 

does not take RS 2477 assertions or 

evidence into account during the evaluations of specific roads. The purpose and 

need for travel management planning is 

to provide manageable and sustainable 

access to public lands within the context 

of resource protection. At such time as a 

decision is made on RS 2477 assertions, 

BLM will adjust its travel routes accordingly (BLM Manual 1626).

3.20 LANDS AND REALTY

The goals of the lands and realty program 

are to manage the public lands to support 

the goals and objectives of other resource 

programs, provide for uses of public 

lands in accordance with applicable laws 

and regulations, and improve management of the public lands through land 

tenure adjustments. 

3.20.1 Land Tenure Adjustments

OPLMA designated approximately 

63,500 acres of federally administered 

LANDS AND REALTY LANDS AND REALTY

“A linear ROW 

grant is generally 

a long-term (30 

years) authorization 

issued for necessary 

transportation, utilities, 

or other systems or 

facilities that are in 

the public interest 

and require ROWs to 

use public lands for 

specified purposes.”

“The TMP is not 

intended to provide 

evidence bearing on 

or addressing the 

validity of any RS 2477 

assertions and does not 

take RS 2477 assertions 

or evidence into 

account during 

the evaluations of 

specific roads.”

Photo 3-92 IPP Corridor, Beaver Dam Wash NCA Photo 3-93 Navajo McCullough Corridor, Beaver Dam Wash NCA
458 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 459

LANDS AND REALTY SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

corridor that follows Bulldog Canyon, 

bounding the southeast side of the 

NCA. Both were corridors that were 

designated through the 1999 SGFO 

RMP and were carried forward in the 

Programmatic EIS (PEIS), Designation 

of Energy Corridors on Bureau of Land 

Management-Administered Lands in the 

11 Western States (BLM 2009c), which 

amended BLM RMPs as needed. A 

number of power transmission lines, 

natural gas, and petroleum pipelines have 

been constructed in the IPP corridor, 

while a power transmission and a fiber 

optic line are located within the NavajoMcCullough corridor.

ROW corridors in and adjacent to the 

NCA are shown in Map 3-27; Avoidance 

areas are shown in Map 3-28.

3.20.2.1 Site Type ROWs

Site type ROWs are granted for specific 

uses of public lands that are areal rather 

than linear in nature. The eastern boundary of the NCA abuts the established 

Scrub Peak Communication Site and its 

access road. The access road to the communication site comprises a portion of 

the eastern boundary of the NCA. The 

Scrub Peak site provides communication 

and microwave services to the communities of Washington County, Utah, Beaver 

Dam, Arizona, and Mesquite, Nevada, as 

well as to motorists traveling along I-15. 

The site currently has three authorized 

developments and that number will likely 

increase as demand for cellular and internet services grow.

3.20.3 Other Land Use 

Authorizations

Prior to issuance of any land use authorization, site-specific NEPA analysis, along 

with applicable environmental inventories and evaluations, must be completed. 

The applicant is required to pay application fees, monitoring fees, and fair market value rental, as well as to comply with 

all other applicable regulations pertaining 

to the type of authorization requested.

3.20.3.1 Permits and Leases

Permits are usually short-term authorizations, not to exceed three years, allowing 

few or no permanent facilities. Permits 

have been used for temporary storage 

sites, apiary (bees) sites, commercial filming/photography, engineering feasibility 

studies, and other miscellaneous shortterm activities with little or no resource 

disturbance. Leases are long-term authorizations that usually require a significant 

economic investment in the land.

Commercial film permits (Photo 3-94)

comprise the majority of the requested 

land use authorizations. Over the past 10 

years approximately 2 to 3 applications 

per year for filming permits have been 

granted for activities (e.g., guided hunts) 

in the NCA. Film permits are granted 

subject to minimum impact requirements 

and activity-specific NEPA analyses.

3.20.3.2 Easements Granted to BLM

There are also three BLM-held easements 

across private/state land within the NCA. 

An easement for a water pipeline was 

acquired from both SITLA and the Bowler 

Family (private property owners) for a water pipeline known as the Summit Springs 

Pipeline; another pipeline easement was 

acquired from the Nature Conservancy for 

the Terry Bench water pipeline. 

3.21 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC 

CONDITIONS

This section represents a summary of 

the most recent data available from 

2012 or 2013 to describe the social and 

economic conditions that are relevant 

for this planning effort. The data generally reflect conditions and values for all 

public lands and uses managed by the 

SGFO in Washington County, although 

separate summaries are provided for 

the Beaver Dam Wash and Red Cliffs 

NCAs where relevant data were available. The Socioeconomic Baseline Report 

(Pinkham 2012) upon which this summary is based is available online at: www.

blm.gov/nxld.

3.21.1 Overview of Washington 

County 

The SGFO administers approximately 

629,000 acres of public lands in the far 

southwest corner of Utah. This acreage 

represents less than 40% of the total land 

base of Washington County, Utah. 

3.21.1.1 Population Trends and 

Demographics

Washington County’s population totaled 144,809 in 2012, with the City of 

St. George accounting for 52.2% of this 

total. Population growth (Photo 3-95) 

has far outpaced that of Utah and the 

United States as a whole, although the 

County’s population growth has slowed 

somewhat recently compared to previous decades. The population is 93.9% 

white, which is slightly higher than the 

state-wide percentage. Over 18% of the 

population is aged 65 or older, which is 

twice the percentage for all other counties in the state, and appears to reflect the 

popularity of greater St. George area as 

a retirement destination. Approximately 

91% of the population age 25 and over 

have a high school education or higher, 

with over 25% of the population holding 

an undergraduate degree or higher. (U.S. 

Census Bureau 2014).

“Washington County’s 

population totaled 

144,809 in 2012, with 

the City of St. George 

accounting for 52.2% 

of this total.”

“Commercial film 

permits comprise 

the majority of the 

requested land use 

authorizations.”

Photo 3-94 Commercial Film Permit in Action

Photo 3-95 Population Growth on the Edge of Red Mountain Wilderness, Red Cliffs NCA
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460 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 461

MAP 3-27 MAP 3-28
$

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462 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 463

over the period between 2008 and 2012, 

somewhat higher than the state average 

of 12.1%. (Bureau of Economic Analysis 

2014; Utah Department of Workforce 

Services 2014; U.S. Census Bureau 2014).

3.21.1.4 Major Employment Sectors 

Table 3-29 provides data on employment 

by major sectors for Washington County, 

excluding data on those who are selfemployed or employed in the agricultural sector.

3.21.1.5 Public Finance

Public lands and federal mineral estate 

management can affect local, county, 

state, and federal government budgets, 

based on accruals from mineral royalties, property taxes, Payments in Lieu of 

Taxes (PILT), fees, and other revenues. 

Likewise, public lands and federal estates 

result in federal government expenditures for management, law enforcement, 

and other activities that directly and indirectly provide revenues to local and state 

budgets. Table 3-30 summarizes some of 

the tax receipts accruing to Washington 

County, a portion of which can be attributed to activities on BLM-managed 

public lands.

3.21.1.6 Public Land Uses and Value

Public lands and resources provide many 

socioeconomic benefits and opportunities to local residents. These resources 

include:

▶ Vegetative products (e.g., firewood, 

posts, native seeds)

▶ Livestock Grazing

▶ Recreation

▶ Lands and Realty

▶ Minerals and Energy

▶ Special Designations

▶ Tribal Uses

▶ Nonmarket Values

3.21.1.2 Social Values and Attitudes

Different types of stakeholders have 

distinct sets of attitudes, beliefs, values, 

opinions, and perceptions about public resources and the effects of various 

management policies and actions. These 

views reflect different cultural, as well as 

economic, linkages people have to public 

lands. During the scoping process for this 

planning effort and through an Economic 

Strategies Workshop held in February 

of 2011 in St. George, BLM identified 

distinctive categories of stakeholders 

that could be affected by decisions made 

in the RMP and Amendment planning 

processes. These categories and their 

descriptions are based primarily on comments made during the public scoping 

period and at the Economic Strategies 

Workshop. The stakeholder categories 

identified by this process include the 

following:

▶ Habitat and resource conservation 

stakeholders

▶ Motorized recreation stakeholders

▶ Non-motorized recreation 

stakeholders

▶ Livestock grazing stakeholders

▶ Economic development stakeholders (Photo 3-96)

The categorization of stakeholders is 

not meant to imply that all individuals 

and social groups fit neatly into a single 

category; many specific individuals or 

organizations may have multiple interests 

and would see themselves reflected in 

more than one stakeholder category. The 

point of categorization is to facilitate the 

impacts analysis phase of the planning 

processes, by allowing differentiation of 

social impacts based on broad differences 

in sociocultural linkages to public lands 

and the associated points of view of various stakeholders.

3.21.1.3 Employment and Income

As of 2012, annual per capita personal income in Washington County 

was $28,597, which is lower than the 

statewide estimate of $35,430. Of the 

Washington County total, approximately 

$13,976 (48.9%) represents non-labor 

income, which is considerably higher 

than the State of Utah or U.S. national 

average. This may reflect the significantly higher percentage of older and 

retired residents who live in the County. 

Unemployment averaged 7% for 2012, 

although the seasonally adjusted rate had 

dropped to 5.3% by October, 2013. The 

percentage of the population living at or 

below the poverty level averaged 14.5% 

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

“BLM identified 

distinctive categories of 

stakeholders that could 

be affected by decisions 

made in the RMP and 

Amendment planning 

processes.”

“Public lands and 

federal mineral estate 

management can affect 

local, county, state, and 

federal government 

budgets, based on 

accruals from mineral 

royalties, property 

taxes, Payments in Lieu 

of Taxes (PILT), fees, 

and other revenues.”

Sector1 Number 

Employed

Percentage Of 

Total

Mining, Construction and Manufacturing 7,059 13.7

Trade, Transportation, and Utilities 11,870 23.0

Information and Financial Activities 2,282 4.4

Professional and Business Services 4,141 8.0

Educational, Health and Social Services 8,688 16.9

Leisure and Hospitality 8,189 15.9

Other Services 1,514 2.9

Government 7,654 14.7

Agriculture Forestry, Fishing & Hunting2 101 0.01

Total 51,498 100 (rounded)

1

Excludes data on self-employment and the agriculture sector.

2

Employment covered under the Employment Security Act.

Source: Utah Department of Workforce Services accessed January 10, 2014

Source Local 

Sales Tax 

Distribution

County 

Option 

Sales Tax

Property 

Taxes

Other1 Natural 

Resources

Pilt2

FY 12 

Dollars

$21,479,131 $5,428,704 $131,348,612 $8,041,043 $507,935 $2,717,957

1

Includes Restaurant, Leasing, County Transient Room, and Municipal Highways Taxes

2

Source: U.S. Department of Interior, accessed January 14, 2014, FY13 dollars

Source: Utah Tax Commission (FY2012), accessed January 13, 2014; USDOI (for PIL)

Table 3-29 Employment by Major Economic Sectors forWashington County, June 2013

Table 3-30 Tax and Other Revenues Paid to Washington County, Federal Fiscal Year 2012

Photo 3-96 Economic Development Stakeholder: Municipal Parks and Recreation
464 Chapter 3 BDWNCA BDWNCA Chapter 3 465

percentage could be between 24 and 

64%), it is clear that the poverty rate 

among this population is much higher 

than that of other Washington County 

populations as a whole (9.8%). Therefore, 

the American Indian population in 

Washington County is identified as a 

potential environmental justice population of concern.

3.21.2 Beaver Dam Wash NCA Social 

and Economic Conditions

As part of the overall economic benefits 

to the planning area discussed above, the 

NCA provides potential socioeconomic 

benefits in the following resources:

▶ Grazing on portions of four allotments (2,590 permitted AUMs);

▶ Recreation, primarily dispersed 

(8,890 visits in 2013) (Photo 3-97).

3.21.3 Health and Safety

There has not been a systematic inventory 

of abandoned mines (Photo 3-98) in the 

Beaver Dam NCA. There are seven known 

mines within the NCA and remediation 

has not been conducted on these sites. With 

a systematic inventory, it is likely that more 

abandoned mines will likely be discovered 

that will require remediation actions.

There are no known above ground or 

underground storage tanks or locations 

with hazardous wastes on public lands in 

the NCA.

The Socioeconomic Baseline Report provides details on the social and economic 

contributions of these resources for 

Washington County as a whole, and also 

specifically for the Red Cliffs and Beaver 

Dam NCAs.

3.21.1.7 Environmental Justice

Executive Order 12898, dated February 

11, 1994, established the requirement to 

address environmental justice concerns 

within the context of federal agency 

operations:

To the greatest extent practical and 

permitted by law, and consistent with 

the principles set forth in the report 

on the National Performance Review, 

each federal agency shall make achieving environmental justice part of its 

mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately 

high and averse human health and 

environmental effects of its programs, 

policies, and activities on minority 

populations and low-income populations in the United States.

As part of the NEPA process, agencies 

are required to identify and address 

disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects on 

minority and low-income communities. 

Six general principles for environmental 

justice under NEPA include:

1.Identify minority and low-income 

populations in the area affected by 

the project;

2.Consider relevant public health data 

and industry data regarding potential multiple and cumulative exposures of minority and low-income 

populations to human health or 

environmental hazards;

3.Recognize interrelated cultural, 

social, occupational, historical, or 

economic factors that could amplify 

environmental effects of the project;

4.Develop effective public participation strategies that overcome 

linguistic, cultural, institutional, 

geographic, and other barriers;

5.Assure meaningful community representation in the process; and

6. Seek tribal representation consistent 

with the government-to-government 

relationship between the United 

States and tribal governments.

Environmental justice concerns include 

any adverse effect on minority and lowincome populations in the study area. Key 

indicators reviewed for environmental justice include minority populations, poverty 

rates, and income within a community.

Based on the available data and the definitions and threshold values noted above, 

on the basis of minority population, no 

places in Washington County are flagged 

as areas of potential concern for impacts 

to environmental justice populations. On 

the basis of poverty status, Hildale City is 

flagged as an area of potential concern for 

impacts, due to the high percentages of its 

population of all ages, its population of related children under 18 years, and families 

that are living under the poverty level. 

With respect to the American Indian 

population in Washington County, this 

population does not show up as a high 

percentage of the population in any of the 

identified places in the county. Further, it 

is known that relatively few members of 

the Shivwits Band of Paiutes live on the 

Shivwits Reservation, which consists of 

largely undeveloped, remote lands. Many 

members of the Shivwits Band live in local 

communities and do not make up a large 

part of any single community’s population. 

However, further consideration is warranted given the CEQ guidance regarding Indian tribes. According to the 

2006–2010 American Community Survey 

(ACS) (Table S1701), 1,521 individuals 

in Washington County identify as either 

American Indian or Alaskan Native. Of 

these, 670 individuals (44%) are living in poverty. Although the margin of 

error given the sample size is high (the 

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

“As economists and 

academics in related 

fields, we believe that 

federal protected 

public lands are 

essential to the West’s 

economic future. 

These public lands, 

including national 

parks, wilderness 

areas and national 

monuments, attract 

innovative companies 

and workers, and are an 

essential component 

of the region’s 

competitive advantage. 

. . . [T]he U.S. is now 

predominantly a 

service-based economy, 

and the fastest-growing 

regions are

those that have been 

able to attract talented 

workers, entrepreneurs, 

and investors across 

all sectors of the 

economy. In the West 

especially, public lands 

play a pivotal role in 

attracting and retaining 

people and businesses.”

–Letter to the President 

from 100 Economists 

and Academics, 

November 30, 2011

“Environmental justice 

concerns include 

any adverse effect on 

minority and lowincome populations in 

the study area.”

Photo 3-98 Recently Discovered Abandoned 

Mine in Red Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-97 Socioeconomic Benefits in Beaver Dam Wash NCA: Recreation
RCNCA Chapter 3 467

AIR QUALITY

3.22 INTRODUCTION

This section describes the ecosystem 

resources (geological, biological, and 

cultural values) and the socioeconomic 

characteristics of the Red Cliffs NCA that 

could be affected by implementation of 

the alternatives presented in Chapter 2. 

The descriptions provide information 

about the legal and regulatory framework 

that applies to each resource value or use, 

as well as past and current management 

practices. Where specific information 

about resource conditions or uses is not 

available for the NCA, the best available 

county-wide or regional data are used.

Because many of the resource values and 

land uses in Red Cliffs NCA are similar 

to those in the Beaver Dam Wash NCA, 

the descriptions of those values and uses 

are not repeated here. As an example, the 

reader is referred to the descriptions of 

the life histories and habitat requirements 

in the Affected Environment for Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA for many species that 

are found in both NCAs. Where there are 

differences in population trends, habitat 

conditions, or other factors for species 

in the Red Cliffs NCA, when compared 

to the Beaver Dam Wash NCA, these are 

described in this section.

3.23 AIR QUALITY

The reader is referred to the description of air quality in the Affected 

Environment for Beaver Dam Wash NCA 

for information on ambient air quality 

in Washington County. Data collected 

from the two UDAQ monitoring stations, 

displayed in Table 3-1, indicate that air 

quality in the greater St. George urban 

area is good (Photo 3-99). As Red Cliffs 

NCA is adjacent to this urban area, and 

within the annexation boundaries of the 

five largest communities in the St. George 

Basin, the data on air quality collected 

from the UDAQ monitoring stations are 

applicable to the NCA.

3.23.1 Climate

Climatic conditions are influenced by the 

location of the NCA at the convergence 

of three ecoregions: the Mojave Desert, 

Great Basin Desert, and the Colorado 

Plateau. The average annual precipitation 

is approximately 14 inches at elevations 

above 5,500 feet, slightly higher than in 

the Beaver Dam Wash NCA, and the 

Chapter 3: Affected Environment RCNCA

“Who will tell whether 

one happy moment 

of love or the joy of 

breathing or walking 

on a bright morning 

and smelling the fresh 

air, is not worth all the 

suffering and effort 

which life implies.”

–Erich Fromm, 

Psychologist, 

1900-1980

Photo 3-99 View of West Mountain Peak, 19 Miles from Red Cliffs NCA
468 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 469

WATER RESOURCES WATER RESOURCES

area receives snowfall more regularly 

(Western Regional Climate Center 2014) 

(Photo 3-100). Data collected from monitoring sites in St. George, Utah indicate 

that the average annual temperature is 

approximately 61° F. Winter temperatures average approximately 42° F, while 

the average summer temperature is 81° 

F. The average wind speed recorded (in 

St. George) was 2.1 miles per hour for 

the year; the prevailing wind direction 

is predominantly from the west in the 

summer and from the east in the winter 

(Community Environmental Monitoring 

Program 2008).

3.23.2 Climate Change Scenarios

The reader is referred to the description of climate change scenarios in the 

Affected Environment for Beaver Dam 

Wash NCA, as these scenarios would be 

applicable to the Red Cliffs NCA.

3.24 WATER RESOURCES

3.24.1 Hydrologic Units

Map 3-29 displays the hydrologic units 

that overlap in the NCA. The landbase 

east of the Cottonwood Road is within 

the Gould Wash-Virgin River watershed, while the remainder of the NCA 

is located with the Lower Santa Clara 

River watershed. Both watersheds drain 

to and recharge the Virgin River system, 

through its major and minor tributaries. 

3.24.2 Water Resources

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment for Beaver Dam Wash NCA 

for a discussion of water resource management by the State of Utah (through 

UDEQ), pursuant to the federal CWA.

3.24.3 Surface Water

Leeds and Quail Creeks, the Virgin River, 

and numerous ephemeral washes (Photo 

3-101) comprise the primary surface water sources of the NCA (Map 3-30).

Leeds and Quail Creeks (Photo 3-102 and 

Photo 3-103) are shallow streams whose 

headwaters are springs in the Pine Valley 

Mountains. Snowmelt from the Pine 

Valley Mountains and seasonal precipitation events increase the volume of flows 

for each stream. Leeds Creek is perennial 

through the NCA, while Quail Creek is 

today an intermittent stream, as water is 

diverted for irrigation purposes upstream 

on private lands. The confluence of Leeds 

and Quail Creeks is within in the NCA, 

approximately 0.65 mile north of I-15 

and 2 miles south of the community of 

Leeds, Utah. Data from a United States 

Geological Survey (USGS) stream flow 

gage on Leeds Creek indicate that flows 

are highly variable, from as little as 8 cfs 

to as much as 4,420 cfs; similar data are 

not available for Quail Creek.

Water quality data for Leeds Creek is 

collected by UDEQ at a location near 

the community of Leeds. According to a 

recent UDEQ Water Quality Standards 

Exceedance Report (February 4, 2010), 

the levels of phosphorus detected in 

Leeds Creek have exceeded the acceptable range for the identified beneficial 

use classes for this stream: Agriculture 

(4) and Cold Water Species (3A). Other 

water quality parameters for Leeds Creek 

were within the acceptable limits. 

Stream flows from Quail Creek are 

seasonally diverted, leaving little or 

surface water in the channel through the 

“Water is the driving 

force of all nature”

–Leonardo da Vinci, 

Artist, 1452-1519

“Leeds and Quail 

Creeks, the Virgin 

River, and numerous 

ephemeral washes 

comprise the primary 

surface water sources of 

the Red Cliffs National 

Conservation Area.”

Photo 3-100 Winter Storm in Red Cliffs NCA Photo 3-101 Ephemeral Wash in Red Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-102 Leeds Creek, Red Cliffs NCA Photo 3-103 Quail Creek, Red Cliffs NCA

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Hospital

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Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

1016

?y

?£

!"`$

?¤

!"`$

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t

"S) Spring") Guzzler") Livestock Trough

National Conservation Area BoundaryBLM Wilderness AreaBureau of Land Management (BLM)

StateState Parks and RecreationState Wildlife Reserve/Management Area

N

atural &

D

e

v

elo

p

e

d

W

ater S

o

urc

e

s - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Source: U.S. Geological Survey, 1999,

National Hydrography Dataset (NHD): Reston,

VA; Springs NHD High Resolution

470 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 471

MAP 3-29 MAP 3-30
472 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 473

GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESCOURCES GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESCOURCES

NCA during the late spring and summer 

months. Because this stream is intermittent on public lands, BLM does not currently collect water quality data for 

Quail Creek.

The Virgin River (Photo 3-104) flows 

for approximately six miles through the 

NCA. The river’s headwaters are located 

north of Zion National Park on the Dixie 

National Forest. The volume of water 

carried by the Virgin River is augmented 

by many large and small tributaries as it 

flows southwesterly through Washington 

County, the Arizona Strip, and southern 

Nevada to the Colorado River. Along its 

162 mile length, the Virgin River provides habitats for unique plant and animal species, some of which are endemic 

to southwestern Utah and this river system. A number of these species are found 

within the NCA and are described under 

Section 3.32 Special Status Species.

The Virgin River segments and tributaries that flow in and out of Zion National 

Park were Congressionally-designated to 

the National System of Wild and Scenic 

Rivers through OPLMA Section 1976. 

Approximately 19 miles of designated 

river segments are managed by BLM; 

none of these segments are located within 

the Red Cliffs NCA.

The water quality of various reaches of 

the Virgin River, including the short segment through the NCA, is impaired by 

the naturally occurring high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), the sources of 

which are primarily geologic. Reaches of 

the river below Pah Tempe Spring (near 

Hurricane, Utah) are listed on the State of 

Utah’s Section 303(d) list of impaired waters (Environmental Protection Agency 

2010) for the identified beneficial use of 

Agriculture (4) (UDEQ 2004).

3.24.3.1 Springs and Seeps

The public lands of the NCA have not 

been systematically inventoried to identify all springs and seeps, so data on these 

resources is currently incomplete. An 

unnamed spring near Grapevine Wash 

is located on public land (Sec. 30, T. 41S, 

R. 13W, SLBM) at the location shown on 

Map 3-30; the water rights for this spring 

are not held by BLM.

3.24.4 Ground Water 

The groundwater aquifer created by 

the Navajo Sandstone Formation 

(Photo 3-105) and underlying Kayenta 

Formation is the primary source of 

potable water for the municipalities of 

the St. George Basin. These two geologic 

units underlie the NCA and allow the 

accumulation of ground water because 

of the porous spaces between the sand 

grains. Much of the water volume is 

transported along fractures and faults in 

the rock units. Although water quality in 

the Navajo/Kayenta aquifer is extremely 

variable, the aquifer is capable of yielding usable quantities of water suitable 

for most agricultural and domestic uses 

(Heilweil, et al. 2000). 

3.24.5 Water Rights and Beneficial 

Uses

The BLM holds three perfected water 

rights for recreational uses in the NCA, 

with these rights being used as shown on 

Table 3-31.

A 65 foot deep well (Water Right #81-

808) was drilled in 1969 to provide water 

to the developed Red Cliffs Recreation 

Area campground and day use area. It 

was plugged in 1996, because high bacteria levels were consistently detected in 

the groundwater from this shallow well. 

Culinary water for use in the Recreation 

Area is now purchased by BLM from 

the City of Hurricane and supplied via 

a pipeline linked to the City’s municipal 

water system.

3.25 GEOLOGIC AND 

PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES

3.25.1 Physiography

The NCA is within a complex physiographic Transition Zone between the 

Great Basin section of the southern Basin 

and Range Province and the Colorado 

Plateau, at the northern edge of the St. 

George Basin. The St. George Basin is a 

topographic depression bounded on the 

east by the Hurricane Cliffs, on the west 

by the Beaver Dam Mountains, and on 

the north by the Pine Valley Mountains. 

The Virgin River flows from east to west 

through the St. George Basin, and is fed 

by several major tributaries, the largest of 

“The Virgin River flows 

for approximately six 

miles through the 

Red Cliffs National 

Conservation Area.”

“Geology is part of that 

remarkable dynamic 

process of the human 

mind which is generally 

called science and to 

which man is driven by 

an inquisitive urge. By 

noticing relationships 

in the results of his 

observations, he 

attempts to order and 

to explain the infinite 

variety of phenomena 

that at first sight may 

appear to be chaotic.”

–Reinout Willem van 

Bemmelen, Geologist, 

1904-1983

Water 

Right

Source Date Filed (F) 

Priority (P)

Action 

Date

Area 

Served

Location Flow

81-2830 Unnamed 

Wash

1856 (P) 10/16/86 Red Cliffs 

Recreation 

Area

NW1/4 of 

NE1/4, Sec. 23, 

T. 41S, R. 14W, 

SLBM

8.0 

acre 

feet

81-565 Underground 

Water Well

4/30/1963 (F)

1963 (P)

8/7/63 Red Cliffs 

Recreation 

Area

SE1/4 of NE1/4, 

Sec. 15, T. 41S, 

R. 14W, SLBM

0.0008 

cfs

81-808 Underground 

Water Well

11/16/1965 (F) 

1965 (P)

3/28/66 Red Cliffs 

Recreation 

Area

SE1/4 of NE1/4, 

Sec. 15, T. 41S, 

R. 14W, SLBM

0.01 

cfs

Source: Utah State Engineers Records 2012

Table 3-31 BLM Water Rights in Red Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-105 Pothole in Navajo Sandstone 

Formation, Red Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-104 Virgin River Flowing Through the Red Cliffs NCA
474 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 475

GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESCOURCES GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESCOURCES

which is the Santa Clara River. Elevations 

in this NCA range from about 2,900 feet 

ASL near the Virgin River to over 5,000 

feet ASL along its north boundary with 

the Dixie National Forest. 

The dominant topographic feature of 

the NCA is a nearly 18 mile long northern backbone of Navajo Sandstone, 

deposited as sand dunes nearly 200 

MYA. Massive outcrops of this primarily 

reddish-orange sandstone have eroded 

into the steep-sided cliffs (the “red cliffs” 

from which the NCA derives its name) 

(Photo 3-106), canyons, and hoodoos 

that typify the Cottonwood Canyon 

and Red Mountain Wilderness areas. It 

also underlies Snow Canyon State Park, 

located within the western boundaries 

of the NCA, as a nearly horizontal 2,000 

foot thick rock layer. As the land base of 

the NCA descends in elevation into the 

St. George Basin, the topography changes 

to broad, dissected alluvial fans, dotted 

with volcanic cones and Quaternary age 

basalt flows.

3.25.2 Geologic Structure

The Transition Zone contains structural 

characteristics of both physiographic 

provinces and includes the leading edge of the Sevier Orogeny thrust 

belt, a Cretaceous to early Tertiary age 

compressional event that dates between 

140 and 50 MYA (Armstrong 1968). 

Thrust faulting and folding during the 

Sevier Orogeny formed a prominent 

structural feature in the Transition Zone: 

the northeast trending Virgin anticline. 

The Transition Zone also is characterized 

by a series of late Cenozoic, north-trending, west-dipping normal faults, as well 

as the Hurricane Fault, the Washington 

Fault, and the Grand Wash Fault (which 

bounds the fault blocks that “step down” 

from the Colorado Plateau into the 

southern Basin and Range Province). 

The strata in the western and central 

areas of the NCA are generally characteristic of the flat-lying, sedimentary 

rock units of the Colorado Plateau. By 

contrast, the rocks in the eastern part 

of the NCA, in the White Reef and East 

Reef/Babylon areas, are faulted and 

folded as part of the northeast trending 

Virgin anticline. The folded sandstone 

units were more resistant to erosion and 

formed the cuestas (or “hogbacks”) that 

are today exposed in the eastern portions 

of the NCA. Four mineralized sandstone 

cuestas, called “reefs” by local residents, 

contained uncommon ore-grade deposits 

of silver-chloride that were mined in the 

mid-19th to early 20th century Silver 

Reef Mining District (Biek and Rohrer 

2006). This district produced over eight 

million dollars in silver ore during its 

brief boom period. The East Reef and 

a portion of the White Reef are located 

within the NCA. 

OPLMA Section 1974 (g) withdrew the 

public lands of the NCA to all forms 

of location, entry, and patenting under the general mining laws, subject 

to valid existing rights. Eight 20-acre 

lode mining claims were active at the 

time of NCA designation. These include: Black Knoll (UMC361596), Sand 

Ridge (UMC361601), Rattlesnake #2-3 

(UMC361598-361599), and Vanderbuilt 

#1-4 (UMC361602-361605), all located 

in the East Reef /Babylon area (Sec. 17 

and 20, T. 41S, R. 13W). To develop these 

claims, the claimholders must comply 

with the regulatory requirements outlined at 43 CFR 3809 and 3715.

3.25.3 Geologic Formations

Map 3-31 displays the geological units 

that are exposed in the NCA. The dominant formation of the NCA is the 2,500 

foot thick Navajo Sandstone Formation, 

exposed over more than 60% of the NCA 

land base. Rocks that normally would 

overlie the Navajo Sandstone, including 

marine Jurassic age sedimentary rocks, 

Cretaceous and early Tertiary sedimentary rocks, and middle Tertiary volcanic 

rocks, have been removed by erosion. 

More recent geologic formations of the 

NCA were primarily formed by BasinRange tectonism that began about 20 

MYA (late Tertiary). Basalt flows and associated cinder cones can be observed in 

approximately 14% of the NCA. Surficial 

deposits, consisting primarily of eolian 

sand deposits, cover another 17% of the 

NCA area.

3.25.3.1 Moenkopi Formation

The oldest rock unit in the NCA is 

the Triassic age Moenkopi Formation, 

exposed along the eroded axis of the 

Virgin anticline near the East Reef (Photo 

3-107). The exposed Moenkopi consists 

of the Shinabkaib Member and the Upper 

Red Member. The Shinabkaib Member is 

made of gypsiferous pale red to reddishbrown mudstone and siltstone, resistant 

white to greenish-gray gypsum, and 

lesser, thin, laminated, light gray dolomite beds; it forms characteristic “bacon 

striped” ledgy slopes. The Upper Red 

Member consists of interbedded reddishorange to reddish-brown siltstone, mudstone, and fine grained sandstone. These 

members record tidal flat and coastal 

sabkha depositional environments.

“Happy the man whose 

lot is to know the 

secrets of the Earth.”

–Euripides, Greek 

Playwright, 480-

406 BC

“Nature never hurries. 

Atom by atom, little 

by little she achieves 

her work.”

–Ralph Waldo 

Emerson, Essayist, 

1803-1882

Photo 3-106 Navajo Sandstone "Red Cliffs" of the Red Cliffs NCA Photo 3-107 Moenkopi Formation in Little Purgatory Near the East Reef
Qa - River and stream deposits

Qat - Old river and stream depositsQaf1 - Level-1 alluvial-fan depositsQafo - Older alluvial-fan depositsQc - Colluvial depositsQes - Eolian sand depositsQeo - Older eolian sand depositsQmt - Talus depositsQms - Landslide depositsQac - Alluvial and colluvial depositsQea - Eolian and alluvial depositsQae - Alluvial and eolian depositsQaeo - Older alluvial and eolian depositsQb - Basaltic lava flows, undividedQbs - Santa Clara lava flowQbrt - Radio tower lava flowQbrtc - Radio tower cinder conesQbcp - Cinder pits lava flowQbcpc - Cinder pits cinder conesQber - East Reef lava flowQberc - East Reef cinder cones

Qbv - Volcano Mountain lava flowQblc - Little Creek lava flowQbw - Washington lava flowQbwc - Washington cinder coneQbb - Big Sand lava flowQbcb - Cedar Bench lava flowQbl - Lava Ridge lava flowTbt - Twin Peaks lava flowTbtc - Twin Peaks cinder conesKi - Iron Springs FormationJcx - Crystal Creek Member of Carmel FormationJcc - Co-op Creek Limestone Member of Carmel FormationJts - Sinawava Member of Temple Cap FormationJn - Navajo SandstoneJk - Kayenta FormationJks - Springdale Sandstone MemberJTRm - Moenave FormationTRcp - Petrified Forest Member of Chinle FormationTRcs - Shinarump Conglomerate Member of Chinle FormationTRmu - Upper red member of Moenkopi FormationTRms - Shnabkaib Member of Moenkopi Formation

Geologic Formations

Red Cliffs NCA

Source: Utah Geological Survey Map 242, 1:100k Scale, Biek et al., 2009

M o u n t a i n s

R e d

Clara

Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White

Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington Radio Tower Webb

Gag ni gStation

Hospital

College

Dixie

Black

Ridge

South

Black

Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n

Dome

Beacon

Wa

rn

er

Black Rocks

North

L

a

v a

R i d

g e

B

i

g

G u

l c

h

S

a

n

d

Hol ol w

cuB

ksk

ni

C

a

n

y

o

n

LAVA

S

n

o

w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r

G u l c h

C

e d

a

r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o

H

o

l

l

w

S p

r

ni

g

Twin Peaks

Yellow

Knol sl

East Valley

al B

kc

Harr si burg

D

mo e

Washington

Hollo

w

Yant

Flat

Hollow

Big

Harr si bu gr

Bench

Sandstone

Mountain

Sand

Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand

Dunes

U

H

R

R

C

I

N

A

E

F r o g

Hurricane

Airport

L

C

F

I

S F

Sullivan

Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at

Ivins

Reservoir

r D y

L

o

w

e

r

Sa

n

ta

Cla

r

a

hs

a W

Clara

Bench

B

e

n

c

h

San

ta

Clar

C

a

anal Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box

Canyon

StuckiSpring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa

Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e

Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George Springs UQA

UDE

TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller

Spring

H

l a wf ay Santa Clara Reservoir

River

h

s

a W

er C

ke di M l d

ot e n

Green

Spring

a C

n

ot

gn

i

h

s

a W

nal

Ha

dr er

Ditch

R vi er

e

gr

o

e

G

t S

and

SnowSpring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

h

s

a W

Spring

Cre

e

k

Mill

s

s

aP

h

s

a W

Spring

ar G

ep

ni v e

Cot ot

wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o

t t

o

n

w

o

o d

C r

e

e k

C r e e k

H e

a

h

t

h

s

a

W

B

i

t

t

e

r

C

r

e

e

k

R o c k

C r e e k l at

I

n

a

i

G r a p e v i n

e

W

a

s

h

C r

e

e

k

L e e d s Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench

Lake

Gould

Reservoir

kr o W

na m

Wa

G

o

u

l

d

hs

u H

rr

ci

na e

a C

an l

DixieHot Springs

L a

V e

r k i n

Spring

C

r

e

e

k

Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

!"`$

?£

?y

!"`$

?¤

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

!"`$

?Ñ

Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S040TS140TS240TS340T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t Geology Units Qa Qat Qaf1 Qafo

Qc

QesQeoQmtQmsQacQea

QaeQaeoQbQbsQbrtQbrtc

QbcpQbcpcQberQbercQbvQblc

QbwQbwcQbbQbcbQblTbt

TbtcKiJcxJccJtsJn

JkJksJTRmTRcpTRcsTRmu

TRmsWaterNational Conservation Area Boundary

Geology - Red Cliffs NCA

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Source: Utah Geological Survey Map 242,

1:100k Scale, Biek et al., 2009

476 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 477

MAP 3-31 MAP 3-31 LEGEND
478 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 479

GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESCOURCES GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESCOURCES

3.25.3.2 Chinle Formation

Overlying the Moenkopi Formation 

is the Upper Triassic age Chinle 

Formation, consisting of the Shinarump 

Conglomerate Member and the Petrified 

Forest Member. The Shinarump 

Conglomerate Member is about 100-150 

feet thick, and forms a prominent cuesta 

along the flanks of the Virgin anticline in 

the Little Purgatory area (Photo 3-108). 

It is a typically light gray to yellowishbrown, fine to coarse sandstone, locally 

grading into lenticular pebble conglomerate near the base. It is commonly heavily stained by iron-manganese oxides as 

liesegang banding, and typically contains 

poorly preserved petrified wood and 

plant fragments, also replaced in part 

by iron-manganese oxides. A significant 

fossil site was discovered in the NCA 

in 2007 that contained rare impressions 

of several plant species including ferns 

(Photo 3-109) and conifers.

The Petrified Forest Member of the 

Chinle Formation consists of 400 foot 

thick sections of variable-colored mudstone, claystone, siltstone, and minor 

chert and nodular limestone. The purple, 

grayish-red, greenish-gray, reddishbrown, and olive-gray mudstones and 

claystones are easily eroded, poorly 

exposed (typically), and present in valleys 

and low areas. These mudstones contain 

bentonitic or swelling clays that weather 

to a rough “popcorn” surface. Locally 

well silicified and colorful petrified 

wood is common in the member. The 

Shinarump Conglomerate Member was 

deposited in a braided-stream environment, whereas Petrified Forest Member 

sediments were deposited in floodplain, 

lake, and stream environments.

3.25.3.3 Moenave Formation

The Lower Jurassic to Upper Triassic 

Moenave Formation consists of the 

Dinosaur Canyon Member and the 

Whitmore Point Member. The formation is only exposed in the eastern areas 

of the NCA, in the White Reef and East 

Reef/Babylon areas below the Springdale 

sandstone ridges. The Dinosaur Canyon 

Member consists of thin bedded, reddish-brown, fine grained sandstone and 

interbedded siltstone, and is about 150 

feet thick. The overlying Whitmore Point 

Member is a greenish-gray claystone 

interbedded with pale brown to pale red 

thin bedded siltstone with several thin 

beds of light greenish-gray dolomitic 

limestone, and is about 50 feet thick. The 

Whitmore Point Member was deposited 

in floodplain and lake environments.

3.25.3.4 Kayenta Formation 

Overlying the Moenave Formation is 

the Kayenta Formation. The Springdale 

Sandstone Member of the Kayenta 

Formation is exposed on the flanks of 

the eroded Virgin anticline in the White 

Reef and East Reef/Babylon areas. The 

Springdale Sandstone is a pale-reddish 

brown to grayish-yellow, fine to medium 

grained, planar to low-angle cross-bedded 

sandstone with minor interbedded light 

reddish-brown to greenish-gray mudstone 

and siltstone. The Springdale Sandstone 

was deposited in river channels and contains thin, discontinuous lenses of conglomerate, with mudstone and siltstone 

clasts and poorly preserved fossil plant 

remains. The Springdale Sandstone in the 

Silver Reef Mining District was the source 

of over 7 million ounces (220 metric tons) 

of silver-chloride that were mined prior to 

1910 (Biek and Rohrer 2006). Copper and 

some uranium were also produced from 

the district.

The upper part of the Kayenta Formation 

conformably overlies the Springdale 

Sandstone Member and consists of a 925 

foot thick sequence of reddish-brown 

siltstone and light purplish-red to pale 

reddish-brown mudstone with interbedded pale reddish-brown to pale red sandstone. The mudstone and siltstone are 

planar bedded and typically slope forming. The fine grained sandstone is usually 

calcareous and may contain small scale 

cross-bedding. Several poorly exposed 

thin light gray dolomite beds are present. 

The upper part of the Kayenta Formation 

forms a deep red ledgy slope between 

cliffs of the Springdale Sandstone below 

and Navajo Sandstone above, and was 

deposited in river, distal river/playa, and 

minor lake environments.

3.25.3.5 Navajo Sandstone

The Navajo Sandstone consists of a basalt 

transition zone characterized by massive, 

resistant, cross-bedded sandstone separated by planar bedded, silty, fine grained 

sandstone with thin mudstone interbeds. 

The rest of the formation consists of the 

characteristic pale to reddish-orange 

"The voyage of 

discovery lies not in 

finding new landscapes, 

but in having 

new eyes."

–Marcel Proust, French 

Novelist, 1871-1922

“Beneath all the wealth 

of detail in a geological 

map lies an elegant, 

orderly simplicity.”

–Tuzo Wilson, 

Geologist and 

Geophysicist, 

1908-1993

Photo 3-110 Navajo and Kayenta Sandstone Formations of Red Mountain in Ivins

Photo 3-109 Fern Fossil from the Chinle 

Formation

Photo 3-108 Prominent Cuesta in the Chinle Formation in Little Purgatory
480 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 481

GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESCOURCES GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESCOURCES

massive cross-bedded fine to medium 

grained sandstone of eolian origin. The 

Navajo Formation Sandstone is very 

uniform in composition as it consists of 

more than 90% quartz sand.

The Navajo Sandstone was formed in 

one of the world’s largest coastal and 

inland paleo-dune fields, which covered 

much of modern day Utah and portions 

of adjacent states in the Early Jurassic. 

This highly jointed sandstone weathers 

to form bold rounded cliffs. Differential 

weathering accentuates the cross-bedding, and small vertical cracks give the 

unit its “checkerboard” or “elephant skin” 

look (Biek et al. 2009).

The overlying Middle Jurassic Temple Cap 

and Carmel Formations, and the Upper 

Cretaceous Iron Springs Formation are 

exposed only in a few scattered outcrops 

located in the north-central part of the 

NCA along the boundary with the Dixie 

National Forest (Photo 3-111).

3.25.3.6 Temple Cap Formation 

The Temple Cap Formation, Sinawava 

Member, is a poorly exposed, slopeforming unit consisting of interbedded 

reddish-brown mudstone, siltstone, fine 

sandstone, and lesser gypsum. It was 

deposited in coastal sabkha and tidal 

flat environments.

3.25.3.7 Carmel Formation

The overlying Carmel Formation consists of the Co-op Creek Limestone 

Member and the Crystal Creek Member. 

The Co-op Creek Limestone Member is 

made of a gray micritic limestone and an 

upper sandy oolitic limestone that forms 

ledgy slopes and cliffs. The Crystal Creek 

Member is a poorly exposed, slopeforming unit that consists of reddishbrown gypsiferous siltstone, mudstone, 

sandstone, and gypsum. The Co-op 

Creek Limestone Member rocks are 

characteristic of shallow marine conditions while the Crystal Creek Member 

rocks were deposited in coastal sabkha 

and tidal flat environments.

3.25.3.8 Iron Springs Formation

The Upper Cretaceous Iron Springs 

Formation is a varicolored (grayish-orange 

to reddish-brown), calcareous, cross-bedded, fine to medium grained sandstone, 

siltstone, and mudstone. Although the 

formation was principally deposited in 

braided-stream and floodplain environments, the fossil evidence indicates that 

brackish water environments were present 

and that a Cretaceous seaway extended 

into this area during certain periods.

3.25.3.9 Basalt Flows and Cinder Cones

Black basaltic cinder cones and lava flows 

cover approximately 14% of the NCA. 

These flows are all younger than 2.5million years old; with the youngest one, near 

Diamond Valley, around 27,000 years old 

(Biek et al. 2009). Basalt flows and basaltic cinder cones are prominent features 

in this area. The youngest cones are still 

perfectly formed and have little vegetation, 

indicating their more recent development. 

Many of the lava flows now form inverted 

valleys, and are well-seen around the St. 

George area. As the lava flows blocked 

drainages in existing river channels, 

displaced streams moved off to the side 

of the lava flow where they eroded softer 

sedimentary bedrock, leaving the resistant 

lava flows stranded as elevated, sinuous 

ridges—inverted valleys—that mark the 

location of former channels.

The Twin Peaks lava flow and cinder 

cone is the oldest basaltic lava flow and 

erupted from Twin Peaks (along the NCA 

boundary with the Dixie National Forest) 

about 2.3 MYA. The Cedar Bench, Lava 

Ridge (Photo 3-112), and Big Sand basaltic lava flows and cinder cones that cover 

large areas in the central part of the NCA 

have been dated from 1.1-1.5 million 

years old. These basaltic rocks erupted 

from cones and vents approximately 5-12 

miles north of St. George around Snow 

Canyon, and flowed down toward and 

into Middleton. The 0.9 million year old 

Washington flow moved down Grapevine 

Wash in the NCA. The East Reef Cinder 

Cone and lava flow is about 300,000 years 

old and the Radio Tower Cone and lava 

flow on the east end of the NCA is about 

60,000 years old (Biek et al. 2009).

3.25.3.10 Surficial Deposits 

Quaternary age alluvial, colluvial, talus, 

and aeolian surficial deposits cover approximately 17% of the NCA (Photo 

3-113).

“A stone is ingrained 

with geological and 

historical memories.”

–Andy Goldsworthy, 

Artist, 1956-

“The Cedar Bench, 

Lava Ridge, and Big 

Sand basaltic lava flows 

and cinder cones that 

cover large areas in 

the central part of the 

Red Cliffs NCA have 

been dated from 1.1-1.5 

million years old.”

Photo 3-112 Black Gulch Cutting through the 

Lava Ridge Basaltic Lava Flow

Photo 3-111 Iron Springs Formation (top of distant peak) & Carmel Formation (on lower slopes) Photo 3-113 Aeolian Surficial Deposits (foreground), Basalt Flow (middle ground)

in the Red Cliffs NCA near the Dixie National Forest
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?y

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!"`$

?¤

!"`$

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Old Highway 91

!"`$

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Sz

Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t

P

ale

o

R

e

s

o

urc

e

s - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Source: Utah Department of Wildlife

Resources (UDWR), Mule Deer Habitat,

May 2006

Potential Fossil Yield

Class 1Class 2Class 3

Class 4

National Conservation Area Boundary

Paleo Localities

482 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 483

GEOLOGIC AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESCOURCES MAP 3-32

3.25.4 Paleontological Resources

Paleontological resources are managed by 

BLM for their scientific, educational, and 

recreational values. By law, only paleontologists and other scientists who are 

working under permits issued by BLM 

may collect or excavate vertebrate fossils, 

trackways, and noteworthy occurrences 

of fossilized invertebrates or plants (refer 

to Appendix C for a listing of the federal 

laws that apply).

BLM uses a potential fossil yield classification system to rate the potential 

of geologic units to contain significant 

fossil resources. This classification system 

predicts that fossils might be found in 

particular formations on the basis of past 

scientific experience. Five classes were 

developed for this system, with Class I 

having very low potential for containing 

significant fossils and Class V having very 

high potential. In 2010, paleontologists 

from the Utah Geological Survey 

prepared a PFYC evaluation for the 

Cottonwood Canyon and Red Mountain 

Wilderness areas and conducted target 

field surveys in areas with the highest potential for containing significant fossils in 

the wilderness and elsewhere in the NCA 

(DeBlieux et al. 2011). Map 3-32 displays 

the PFYC classifications for the two 

wilderness areas. Table 3-32 identifies the 

geologic formations of the NCA, their 

predominant lithologies, and the types of 

fossils known to occur in the formation.

To date, inventories conducted in NCA 

have identified 46 scientifically significant 

paleontological localities. A majority 

of the localities are dinosaur tracks and 

trackways, including swim tracks with 

claw marks, fossilized skeletal remains, 

and coprolites. These localities are in 

the Triassic Chinle Formation, TriassicJurassic Moenave Formation, and the 

“Children have a great 

urge to learn 

about dinosaurs.”

Jack Horner, 

Paleontologist, 1946-

Age Formation/Unit Name Lithology Fossils Present

Quaternary Surficial deposits, includes 

pediment, alluvial, colluvial, 

eolian, and lacustrine

Gravel/sand/clay Vertebrates, possible 

fossilized packrat 

middens

Volcanic flows and associated 

deposits

Basalt, andesite None reported

Cretaceous Iron Springs Formation Sandstone, siltstone, 

mudstone

Vertebrate, 

Invertebrate, Plants

Jurassic Carmel Formation Sandstone, siltstone, 

limestone, gypsiferous siltstone

Invertebrate, 

Vertebrates

Temple Cap Sandstone Sandstone, siltstone, 

mudstone, gypsum

None reported

Navajo Sandstone Sandstone Vertebrates

Kayenta Formation (includes Springdale Sandstone 

Member at the base)

Siltstone, sandstone, 

mudstone, rare dolomite unit by Gunlock

Vertebrate, 

Invertebrates

TriassicJurassicMoenave Formation

(includes Whitmore Point and 

Dinosaur Canyon Members)

Mudstone, siltstone, 

sandstone

Vertebrate, 

Invertebrate, Plants

Triassic Chinle Formation (includes Petrified Forest and 

Shinarump Members)

Sandstone, siltstone, 

mudstone

Vertebrates, 

Invertebrates, Plants

Moenkopi Formation

Sandstone, siltstone, 

mudstone, gypsum, 

conglomerate at base

Vertebrates, 

Invertebrate, Plants

Table 3-32 Paleontological Resources by Geologic Formation
484 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 485

SOIL RESOURCES

Jurassic Kayenta Formation, all of which 

are considered to be high potential for 

scientifically significant paleontological 

resources. Localities with fossilized plant 

remains have also been identified. There 

is a potential for the Quaternary and 

Tertiary Formations to include vertebrate 

fossils in cave/alcoves and unconsolidated fill.

Vertebrate trace fossils (dinosaur 

tracks) have been found in the Jurassicage Navajo, Kayenta, and Moenave 

Formations in the NCA (Photo 3-114). 

Particularly well-preserved and numerous dinosaur tracks have been identified 

in the Babylon/East Reef area.

Fossilized bones have been reported 

from the Chinle Formation, Moenave 

Formation, and Springdale Member 

of the Kayenta Formation. Bones from 

phytosaurs (long-snouted crocodile-like 

reptiles) and metoposaurs (large crocodile-like amphibians) have been found in 

the Chinle Formation. Bones and scales 

from fossil freshwater fish fauna, including shark, lungfish, and coelacanth, have 

been identified from the Whitmore Point 

Member of the Moenave Formation.

Silicified or “petrified” wood is found 

in many areas of the NCA. Although 

some petrified wood has been found 

in the Triassic Moenkopi Formation, 

the Springdale Member of the Kayenta 

Formation, and the Cretaceous Iron 

Springs Formation, the greatest concentration of the petrified wood is present in 

the Triassic Chinle Formation.

3.26 CAVE AND KARST 

RESOURCES

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment for the Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA for definitions of caves and karsts 

and an overview of BLM management of 

these geological features.

No comprehensive inventories have yet 

been conducted to identify caves, karsts, 

rock shelters, alcoves, and lava tubes in 

the NCA. To date, a single cave has been 

documented, as well as a number of rock 

shelters and alcoves in the massive outcrops of Navajo Sandstone. Some of the 

shelters contain archaeological materials, 

rock art, and other evidence of past human occupations (Photo 115). In various 

areas in the NCA, there are Pleistocene 

age basalt flows that are likely to contain 

lava tube remnants. Such tubes often 

contain archaeological materials and may 

support diverse fauna.

3.27 SOIL RESOURCES

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment for the Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA for information about how soils are 

grouped and evaluated for their physical properties and productivity potential. 

That section also includes the Standard 

for Soils, developed as part of the Utah 

Standards and Guides (Appendix D) that 

BLM applies to the evaluation of soil 

conditions and the development of land 

use and implementation-level management decisions.

The following provides a brief summary 

of the soil setting and major soil types 

that were identified for the Red Cliffs 

NCA, through a soil survey conducted 

between 1967 and 1971, by the USDA, 

Soil Conservation Service, BLM, and 

NPS (Mortensen et al. 1977). Clearly, 

some vegetation communities, soil conditions, and land uses have changed noticeably since that survey was conducted 

more than 50 years ago; however, the data 

represents the best available information 

on soil resources of the NCA.

3.27.1 Soil Setting

Soil types of the NCA are varied but many 

share common features, such as shallow 

to moderate depth, low surface organic 

matter, and low water holding capacity. 

Soils in drainages tend to have somewhat 

sandier surface textures, are somewhat 

deeper, and may be more saline in chemical composition. Nearly two thirds of the 

NCA is comprised of miscellaneous land 

forms, such as “rock land,” “cinderlands,” 

and “stony colluvial lands.” Approximately 

300 acres were mapped as “eroded or gullied lands,” meaning that at the time of the 

survey in the early 1970s, soil scientists 

noted excessive gully formation and losses 

in soil productivity due to large scale 

down-cutting and erosional events.

3.27.2 Soil Types

Map 3-33 displays the different soil types 

that were mapped in the NCA; the following sections summarize the characteristics of each type, as described by 

Mortensen et al. 1977.

The Rock Outcrop soil type consists of 

exposures of bare bedrock (mostly sandstone, limestone, or basalt) and occurs 

extensively throughout the NCA (Photo 

3-116). Slopes are variable, ranging from 

sloping to very steep or nearly vertical. 

Rock Outcrop generally has no vegetation, but in some places stunted pinyon 

pine may grow in crevices or pockets of 

soil material.

CAVE AND KARST RESCOURCES

“Dinosaurs may be 

extinct from the face 

of the planet, but they 

are alive and well in our 

imaginations.”

–Steve Miller, Author

“A true scientist never 

loses the faculty of 

amazement. It is the 

essence of his being.”

–Hans Selye, 

Endocrinologist, 

1907-1982

Photo 3-116 Rock Outcrop, Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness, Red Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-114 Dinosaur Tracks in Kayenta 

Formation

Photo 3-115 Tool Marks on Navajo 

Sandstone in Rock Shelter
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

Radio Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

1016

?y

?£

!"`$

?¤

!"`$

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t Badlands and Borrow Pits

Bermesa fine sandy loamDune landEroded land-Shalet complex, warmFine sandy/silt loamFluvaquents and torrifluvents, sandy

Gullied landHarrisburg fine sandy loamHarrisburg-Rock land associationHobog-Rock land associationLava flowsMathis-Rock outcrop complex

Mespun fine sandNikey sandy loamNikey very stony sandy loamPintura loamy fine sandPintura-Toquerville complexRock and Cinder lands

Rock outcropSt. George silt loamStony colluvial landTobish very cobbly clay loamTobler fine sandy loamVeyo-Curhollow complex

Veyo-Pastura complexWaterWinkel gravelly fine sandy loamWinkel-Rock outcrop complexNational Conservation Area Boundary

S

oils - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture,

Natural Resources Conservation Service:

Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO)

database for Washington County

Area, Utah

486 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 487

SOIL RESOURCES

Rock Land consists of 60-80% rock 

outcrops and 20-40% soils that are very 

shallow over bedrock. Slopes are gently sloping to steep. Some areas of soil 

accumulation support shrubs and forbs 

at lower elevations and pinyon pine and 

juniper at mid and higher elevations 

(Photo 3-117). 

Veyo-Pastura complex soil is about 50% 

cobbly sandy loam, 40% gravelly loam 

and 10% other soils (Photo 3-118). 

Runoff potential is moderate and the 

hazard of erosion is slight. Stony colluvial 

land consists of unconsolidated stones 

and rock fragments that accumulate on 

slopes and at the base of slopes. Some 

areas of shallow soils may exist, although 

slopes are generally steep to very steep 

(30-70%). Erosion is considered moderate and sediment production is low to 

medium, depending on vegetation cover. 

Badlands consists of nearly barren, 

multicolored beds of eroding shale, shale 

interbedded with sandstone, and shale 

inter-bedded with layers of gypsum. 

The landscape is rolling and severely 

dissected with branching intermittent 

streams. Runoff is very rapid. The 

sediment potential is high during intense 

thunderstorms in summer. Badlands 

support sparse vegetation.

MAP 3-33

“Rocks do not 

recommend the land 

to the tiller of the soil, 

but they recommend 

it to those who reap 

a harvest of another 

sort—the artist, the 

poet, the walker, the 

student, the lover of all 

primitive openair things.”

–John Burroughs, 

Naturalist and Poet, 

1837-1921

Photo 3-117 Rock Land, Red Mountain Wilderness, Red Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-118 Veyo-Pastura Complex, Lava Ridge, Red Cliffs NCA
488 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 489

SOIL RESOURCES SOIL RESOURCES

Winkel gravelly fine sandy loam soil 

occurs on basalt mesa tops located in the 

central portion of the NCA (Photo 3-119). 

Runoff is slow, and the hazard of erosion 

is moderate.

Harrisburg fine sandy loam, a nearly level 

to sloping soil, is found on mesas in the 

NCA. Runoff is slow, and the hazard for 

erosion is slight. 

Harrisburg-Rock Land soil consists of 

interspersed areas of bare rock and rock 

that has a thin covering of fine sand 

(Photo 3-120). Runoff is medium and the 

hazard of erosion is moderate.

Pintura-Toquerville complex soil forms 

on ridges and slopes (Photo 3-121). The 

Pintura loamy fine sand soil occurs on 

the leeward side of ridges and the lower 

parts of slopes, where wind tends to deposit drifting sand. The Toquerville soil 

is on the windward side of ridges, ridge 

tops, and blow-out areas. Runoff is very 

slow, and the hazard of erosion is moderate to severe. 

Fluvaquents and torrifluvents are sandy 

soils of the Virgin River flood plain 

(Photo 3-122). Fluvaquents are deep, 

somewhat poorly drained and poorly 

drained soils that formed in sandy alluvial deposits derived from sandstone, 

limestone, and shale. During periods of 

high runoff, many areas of fluvaquents 

are flooded for short periods of time. 

Runoff is slow, and the hazard of erosion 

is severe. Torrifluvents are deep, well 

drained and moderately well drained 

soils that formed in alluvial deposits 

derived from sandstone, limestone, and 

shale. Permeability is rapid, making runoff slow, although the hazard of erosion is 

moderate to severe. 

Burmesa soils are associated with basalt flow areas, but may be overlain by 

sandstone or shale. There is a carbonate 

hardpan that is root restrictive above the 

bedrock contact. They may have as much 

as 20% Rock Land and 10% other soil 

inclusions. Runoff is slow and erosion 

hazard is moderate. 

The Eroded Land Shalet complex is a 

map unit of small extent, but is described 

here due to its importance as a sediment 

source. The complex is comprised of 

stratified shale and gypsum-rich soil that 

are found in swales and slopes. Erosion 

is active and sediment production is high 

from soils in this complex.

3.27.3 Sensitive and Fragile Soils

Some of the soil types of the NCA have 

several intrinsic properties that make 

them “sensitive” or “fragile," meaning 

that they are very susceptible to erosion. 

These properties may include high salt 

concentrations, fine or coarse textures, 

shallow depths, or locations on steep 

slopes. Many soil types support very 

sparse vegetative cover; soil particles are 

not held in place by plant roots, thereby 

increasing the potential for erosion by 

wind and water. 

The Moenkopi and Kayenta Formations 

contain gypsiferous beds that contribute 

to the salinity of specific soil types, like 

the Eroded Land Shalet complex described above. Soil erosion is one mechanism through which salinity levels of the 

Virgin River are increased, ultimately 

contributing to high salinity levels in the 

Colorado River. Salinity in surface runoff 

can be closely linked to the loss of vegetation cover. Thus, effective vegetation 

management and minimization of soil 

erosion can help to reduce runoff that 

contributes to the salinity and TDS levels 

of the Virgin River. 

“It isn’t the mountains 

ahead to climb that 

wear you out; it’s the 

pebble in your shoe.”

–Muhammad Ali, 

Former Professional 

Boxer, 1942- “Some of the soil 

types of the NCA 

have several intrinsic 

properties that make 

them “sensitive” or 

“fragile,” meaning 

that they are very 

susceptible to erosion.”

Photo 3-119 Winkel Gravelly Fine Sandy Loam, Black Knolls, Red Cliffs NCA Photo 3-122 Fluvaquents and Torrifluvents, Virgin River, Red Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-120 Harrisburg-Rock Land, East 

Valley, Red Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-121 Pintura-Toquerville Complex, 

Twist Hollow, Red Cliffs NCA
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?y

?£

!"`$

?¤

!"`$

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t Big Sagebrush Steppe - upland

Blackbrush - mesicBlackbrush - thermicCliff or Sparse VegeationCreosote-White Bursage Scrub

Desert Sand SagebrushMontane RiparianMountain ShrubPinyon-JuniperRoads or Developed

Rock or BarrenWarm Desert RiparianWarm Desert Riparian-Wash (Shallow & Deep combined)Warm-Season GrasslandNational Conservation Area Boundary

V

e

g

etatio

n - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Source: The Nature Conservancy: Landscape

Conservation Forecasting for Washington

County's National Conservation Areas,

Biophysical Setting Dataset, September 2011

490 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 491

3.27.3.1 Biological Soil Crusts

The reader is referred to the description 

of biological soil crusts and their ecological functions provided in the Affected 

Environment for the Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA. Soil crusts have not been mapped 

in the Red Cliffs NCA, so data on their 

areal extent or condition are not currently available.

3.28 NATIVE VEGETATION 

COMMUNITIES

3.28.1 Ecozones 

The Red Cliffs NCA is located at the 

convergence of three ecoregions—the 

Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado 

Plateau—placing it within an ecologicallyrich and diverse transition zone that is 

generally similar to that of the Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA. The reader is referred to 

the Affected Environment of the Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA for a description of the 

Mojave Desert ecozone and Mojave-Great 

Basin transition zone. While these same 

ecozones also overlap in the Red Cliffs 

NCA, there are subtle differences in the 

species that are found within them, illustrating the effects of species interactions 

and evolutionary changes that occur in 

transition zones, sometimes called “edge 

effect.” As one example, Joshua trees do 

not grow in the blackbrush community of 

the Red Cliffs NCA.

Red Cliffs NCA also exhibits many characteristics of the semi-arid benchlands 

and canyons that typify the Colorado 

Plateau ecoregion, including sandstone 

formations, sandy soils, slightly higher 

levels of precipitation, and slightly cooler 

temperatures. The influences of the 

Colorado Plateau allow native vegetation 

communities, like the desert sand sagebrush (Artemisia filifolia), to grow in Red 

Cliffs NCA, but not in Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA. The following briefly describes the 

native vegetation communities of the Red 

Cliffs NCA, with data primarily derived 

from Provencher et al. (2011).

3.28.2 NCA Vegetation 

Communities

In 2011, a similar Landscape 

Conservation Forecasting process was 

completed for the Red Cliffs NCA, using the methodologies described in the 

Affected Environment for Beaver Dam 

Wash NCA. This process identified 11 

vegetation communities in the NCA, as 

shown in Table 3-33. Map 3-34 shows the 

distribution of each vegetation community; Map 3-35 displays the percent cover 

of exotic annuals within the NCA. The 

following is a brief summary description 

of the species composition for each of the 

11 vegetation communities identified in 

the NCA.

NATIVE VEGETATION COMMUNITIES MAP 3-34

“In nature we never 

see anything isolated, 

but everything in 

connection with 

something else which 

is before it, beside it, 

under it and over it.”

–Johann Wolfgang 

von Goethe, Poet, 

Zoologist, Botanist, 

Geologist, 1749-1832

Vegetation 

Community

Acres Percentage 

of

NCA

Landbase

Big Sagebrush 

Steppe-Upland

3,061 8.90

Blackbrush-Mesic 17,260 50.18

BlackbrushThermic5,005 14.55

CreosotebushWhite Bursage 

Scrub

3,043 8.85

Desert Sand 

Sagebrush

1,586 4.61

Montane Riparian 40 0.12

Mountain Shrub 4.2 0.012

Pinyon-Juniper 3,719 10.81

Warm Desert 

Riparian

160 4.57

Warm Desert 

Riparian-Wash

402 1.17

Warm-Season 

Grassland

118 0.34

Total 34,398.9 100

Source: Provencher et al., 2011.

Table 3-33 Vegetation Communities
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

Radio Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?y

?£

!"`$

?¤

!"`$

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t

E

x

otic

A

n

n

u

als

P

erc

e

nt C

o

v

er - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Source: The Nature Conservancy: Landscape

Conservation Forecasting for Washington

County's National Conservation Areas,

Biophysical Setting Dataset, September 2011

Exotic Annual Grass Percent Cover

None Listed>5%>=5%5-10%

5-20%5-30%>10%10-30%

National Conservation Area Boundary

492 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 493

MAP 3-35 NATIVE VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

Big Sagebrush Steppe (Photo 3-123) covers 

approximately 3,061 acres in the NCA. The 

community is usually dominated by mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata

ssp. vaseyana). Grasses are abundant and 

often diverse. Community species composition has at least 10-30% invasive annual 

grass species (Provencher, et al. 2011).

The Blackbrush community of the NCA 

is comprised of two variants, mesic and 

thermic, in which there are small differences in species composition. Joshua 

trees are absent from both variants of this 

community in the Red Cliffs NCA.

The majority (17,269 acres) of the NCA 

is covered by a Mesic Blackbrush community (Photo 3-124)found in transition 

zones between the Mojave Desert and 

Colorado Plateau ecoregions, The dominant shrubs are blackbrush, buckwheat 

(Eriogonum spp.), Mormon tea, spiny 

hopsage, and banana yucca. Utah juniper 

is often associated with mesic blackbrush 

at higher elevations. Between 5-20% of 

this community has been invaded by 

invasive annual brome grasses.

Approximately 5,005 acres are covered by 

Thermic Blackbrush community 

“Let the gentle bush dig 

its root deep and spread 

upward to split the 

boulder.”

–Carl Sandburg, Poet, 

1878-1967

Photo 3-123 Big Sagebrush Steppe Community

Photo 3-124 Mesic Blackbrush Community
494 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 495

(Photo 3-125). With the exception of 

Utah juniper, all the species present in 

Mesic Blackbrush communities (listed 

above) are also present in the thermic 

variant, as is white bursage. This variant 

occurs at lower elevations of the NCA, 

where summer temperatures are higher 

and annual precipitation is less than 10 

inches per year. Due to the prevalence 

of invasive annual brome grasses, this 

community has high dissimilarity from 

its NRV.

The lowest elevations of the NCA support approximately 3,043 acres of the 

Creosote-White Bursage Scrub community (Photo 3-126), typically found below 

the blackbrush zone on well-drained 

alluvial fans. Creosote bush and white 

bursage dominate, with bursage more 

prevalent on warmer and drier sites. 

None of the NRV values are being met 

for this community because of the prevalence of invasive annual brome grasses.

Approximately 1,586 acres of Desert Sand 

Sagebrush (Photo 3-127) occur in Red 

Cliffs NCA; this is a community that is 

not found in the Beaver Dam Wash NCA. 

The dominant and diagnostic species is 

sand sagebrush, which grows in deep 

sandy soils. Subdominant shrubs include 

snakeweed (Gutierrezia spp.) and desert 

almond, as well as common grasses like 

big galleta, Indian ricegrass, and desert 

needlegrass. Invasive annual brome grasses also are prevalent in this community.

Approximately 40 acres of Montane 

Riparian Community were mapped in 

steep-sided canyons along the northern 

boundary of the NCA. These canyons 

are subject to temporary flooding during 

spring runoff and the underlying gravels 

maintain the shallow water needed to 

support the Fremont’s cottonwood, willows, buffaloberry (Shepherdia spp.), and 

velvet ash (Fraxinus velutina) of 

this community.

By far the smallest community in the 

NCA, the Mountain Shrub Community 

is found on only 4.2 acres. Stansbury cliffrose is the diagnostic shrub of this community. Between 10%-30 % of the vegetation of this small community is comprised 

of invasive annual brome grasses.

The Pinyon-Juniper Woodland (Photo 

3-128), totaling approximately 3,719 

acres, is found primarily in the two 

NATIVE VEGETATION COMMUNITIES NATIVE VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

“None of the NRV 

values are being met 

for the CreosoteWhite Bursage Scrub 

community because 

of the prevalence of 

invasive annual 

brome grasses.”

“The wind blows sand 

in my teeth but also 

brings the scent of 

flowering cliffrose and a 

hint of mountain snow, 

more than adequate 

compensation.”

–Edward Abbey, 

Author, 1927-1989

Photo 3-127 Desert Sand Sagebrush Community

Photo 3-128 Pinyon-Juniper Woodland Community

Photo 3-125 Thermic Blackbrush Community

Photo 3-126 Creosote-White Bursage Scrub Community
496 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 497

FIRE AND FUELS MANAGEMENT FIRE AND FUELS MANAGEMENT

designated wilderness areas (Red 

Mountain Wilderness and Cottonwood 

Canyon Wilderness) in the NCA. 

This woodland is dominated by a 

mix of pinyon pine and Utah juniper, 

with a diverse understory of shrub 

and grass species. Between 5-30% of 

this community has been invaded by 

exotic annual brome grasses; these are 

very prevalent in areas that have been 

damaged by recent wildfires.

Approximately 160 acres of Warm Desert 

Riparian community (Photo 3-129) 

are found along perennial streams/rivers in the NCA and includes willows, 

Fremont’s cottonwood, mesquite, and 

various rushes, sedges (Cyperaceae spp.), 

and cattails. Non-native species in this 

community include tamarisk and invasive 

annual brome grasses. Approximately 

402 acres of this community are within 

deeply-incised ephemeral drainages. 

Flash-flooding is the major disturbance in 

this community. Gravels and desert shrub 

species dominate, with shrub cover increasing over time between flood events.

Warm Season Grasslands cover approximately 118 acres of the Red Cliffs NCA, 

but are not found in the Beaver Dam 

Wash NCA. Galleta grass is the dominant 

species and usually abundant, although 

Indian ricegrass may be present. These 

native grasses grow on fine grained, often 

sandy soils, on gentle to moderate slopes.

3.29 FIRE AND FUELS 

MANAGEMENT

The reader is referred to this section in 

the Affected Environment for Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA for information about 

the natural fire regime of the Mojave 

Desert ecozone and Mojave-Great Basin 

transition zone, and how FRCCs are defined and used by BLM in fire and 

fuels management.

3.29.1 Fire Regime Condition Class

Warmer annual temperatures, prolonged 

droughts punctuated by years of aboveaverage fall-winter precipitation, and the 

proliferation of invasive annual grasses 

are fueling an annual burn-reburn 

wildfire cycle in the Red Cliffs NCA. 

Mojave Desert species are not adapted to 

frequent and large-scale wildfires and do 

not recover quickly or successfully from 

the effects of fires. Conversions of native 

communities from desert shrublands to 

invasive grasslands have already occurred 

in areas of the NCA. Some of these areas 

have burned repeatedly—two, three, or 

even four times during the past 20 years. 

Those areas have very little woody vegetation remaining and are largely vegetated 

with brome grasses and non-native filaree.

In 2004, approximately 22,483 acres 

of the NCA were classified as FRCC 2; 

37,976 acres were listed as FRCC 3; and 

747 acres were identified as FRCC 9 

(un-vegetated areas, such as slick rock 

or dune fields). Like Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA, the FRCC estimates for Red Cliffs 

NCA became rapidly outdated as a 

result of the catastrophic fires in 2005 

and 2006 and the prevalence of invasive 

annual grasses. All vegetated areas are 

now ranked as “highly departed” from 

the NRV for the specific on-site vegetation types, due to the presence of invasive annual grasses. It is likely that if the 

FRCC assessments were repeated today, 

many areas within the NCA that were 

previously classified as FRCC 2 would 

be documented as having converted to 

FRCC 3. Fire frequencies have departed 

from historic frequencies by multiple 

return intervals, vegetation attributes 

have been significantly altered from the 

historical range, and the risk of losing key 

ecosystem components is high.

3.29.2 Fire Occurrence

Map 3-36 displays fire occurrence over 

a 20 year period in the NCA, while Map 

3-37 depicts a cumulative fire history and 

shows areas that burned more than once 

between 1993 and 2013.

Between 1976 and 1993, five small wildfires were recorded within today’s NCA. 

The largest of these fires occurred in 1989 

and burned a total of 70 acres; the remaining four fires were less than 0.5 acre 

each in size. From 1993 onward, while 

there were years with no fires reported, 

when wildfires did occur they were 

larger and impacted more acres than in 

the past. In 1993, for example, four fires 

damaged a total of 2,085 acres of public 

land in the NCA; in 1998, two fires damaged 494 acres of public land.

The fire seasons of 2005 and 2006 were 

indicative of what has become the “new” 

fire regime in the Mojave Desert ecozone 

and Mojave-Great Basin transition zone, 

demonstrating the “cause and effect” relationship between above-average fall-winter precipitation that triggers increased 

production of invasive annual brome 

grasses, and uncharacteristically large 

wildfires during the summer months. 

During these two years, 11 fires burned 

in the NCA and consumed 12,390 acres 

of BLM-managed public land (acres that 

were re-burned by multiple fires are not 

double-counted in this total).

More recently, 2012 proved to be another 

severe fire season, with two large fires 

burning a total of 4,136 acres within the 

NCA. The smaller of the two fires (the 

“The most tangible 

of all visible 

mysteries—fire.”

–Leigh Hunt, Essayist, 

1784-1859

“A cold wind was 

blowing from the 

north, and it made the 

trees rustle like 

living things.”

–George R. R. Martin, 

Author, Game of 

Thrones, 1948-

Photo 3-129 Warm Desert Riparian Community Photo 3-130 Quail Fire of 2012 in Previously Unburned Landscape
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

Radio Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?y

?£

!"`$

?¤

!"`$

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

St.George

Washington

SantaClara

Hurricane Ivins

La Verkin

Toquerville

Leeds

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t

Wildla

n

d

Fire

History 19

9

2-2

014 - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Wildland Fires - 1993Wildland Fires - 1994

! ! ! !

! ! ! ! Wildland Fires - 1998

Wildland Fires - 1999Wildland Fires - 2005

Wildland Fires - 2006Wildland Fires - 2008Wildland Fires - 2011Wildland Fires - 2012

National Conservation Area BoundaryBLM Wilderness AreaBureau of Land ManagementState

State Parks and RecreationState Wildlife ReserveUS Forest ServiceUSFS Wilderness Area

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?y

?£

!"`$

?¤

!"`$

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t Number Times Burned 1993-2013

123+National Conservation Area Boundary

C

u

m

ulativ

e

Fire

History - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

498 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 499

MAP 3-36 MAP 3-37
500 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 501

FIRE AND FUELS MANAGEMENT

Quail Fire) was in a previously unburned 

area in Babylon (Photo 3-130). The larger 

fire (the Reserve Fire) re-burned areas 

that had burned in 2005, some of which 

had also burned in 1993 and 1998. In total, 13,506 acres of BLM-managed public 

lands have burned within the NCA since 

2000 (acres that burned multiple times 

are not double-counted in this total).

Hazardous fuels management projects 

have only recently been initiated in the 

NCA and have been limited to experimental biological, hand tool, and herbicidal treatments along a single major 

roadway, in an effort to explore costeffective fuel treatments while minimizing surface disturbances and other 

impacts on desert tortoise populations 

and designated critical habitat. In the 

springs of 2011, 2012, and 2013, herds 

of goats (Photo 3-131) were contracted 

to graze along the fenced shoulders of 

Cottonwood Road, in conjunction with 

labor crews using string trimmers to cut 

brome grasses and other non-native vegetation along the same roadway. In the 

fall of 2013, BLM treated road shoulders 

along Cottonwood Road with imazapic, 

a pre-emergent herbicide, to prevent the 

growth of invasive brome species the 

following spring. The cost-benefits of the 

various treatment methods are currently 

being evaluated to determine which 

would be most effective for use along 

other roadways and other areas within 

the NCA.

3.29.3 Wildland Fire Suppression

Red Cliffs NCA is divided between the 

Great Basin and Mojave Desert Fire 

Management Units (FMUs) (BLM 2004). 

Most of the area is critical habitat for desert tortoise, and both the Red Mountain 

and Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness 

areas are located within the boundaries 

of the NCA. There are Wildland Urban 

Interface (WUI) areas, comprised of residential subdivisions and light commercial business complexes, along the entire 

southern edge of the NCA. Portions of 

the eastern, southern, and western NCA 

are within the annexation boundaries of 

the cities of Ivins, Santa Clara, St. George, 

Washington, Hurricane, Leeds/Silver 

Reef, and LaVerkin. Additional WUI 

areas occur along the northwestern and 

northeastern boundaries of the NCA, 

where rural residential subdivisions 

like Winchester Hills, Diamond Valley, 

Hidden Valley, and Broken Mesa abut the 

NCA. The electrical substations within 

the NCA are also considered WUI areas 

(BLM 2004).

Currently, all fires within the NCA are 

targeted for full suppression. This is 

due to the goals for these FMUs, the 

MOG recommendations for fire fighting 

within desert tortoise habitat, the FRCC 

of 3, and the extensive WUI areas that 

surround the NCA. Fires within the 

two designated Wilderness areas may 

be fought using minimum impact 

supression techniques (MIST), if the 

fires do not threaten critical resources, 

infrastructure, human health and 

safety, or other pre-designated criteria. 

Map 3-38 displays the current fire 

management response for the NCA.

3.30 NOXIOUS WEEDS AND 

INVASIVE SPECIES

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment for Beaver Dam Wash NCA 

for a discussion of how the State of Utah 

characterizes noxious weeds and identifies containment priorities by species.

Three species of noxious weeds—Scotch 

thistle, tamarisk (or saltcedar), and giant 

reed (Arundo donax)—are found in Red 

Cliffs NCA. A systematic inventory of the 

entire land base of the NCA has not been 

conducted, so complete data on the extent 

of all infestations are currently unavailable.

Approximately 5 acres of Scotch thistle 

infestation has been identified and are 

being actively treated by BLM to prevent 

its spread. Tamarisk is present along 

Leeds and Quail Creeks, the Virgin River, 

and in some ephemeral washes of the 

NCA. Giant reed has invaded the riparian zone along the Virgin River in the 

NCA and treatments were conducted to 

control this weed in 2014.

3.31 VEGETATION RESOURCE 

USES: LIVESTOCK GRAZING

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment for Beaver Dam Wash NCA 

for a brief history of livestock grazing in 

Washington County and those factors, 

such as the 1990 USFWS listing of the 

Mojave desert tortoise as a threatened 

species under the ESA, that have influenced the management of grazing on 

BLM-managed public lands in the 

two NCAs.

3.31.1 NCA Grazing Allotments

A majority of the land base of the NCA 

has been unavailable to livestock grazing since 1999, through decisions from 

the 1999 SGFO RMP. Federal permits for 

livestock grazing on seven allotments in 

the NCA were voluntarily relinquished 

by the permit holders, who were compensated for the value of the permits by 

Washington County.

Portions of the Veyo, Sand Wash, and 

Diamond Valley allotments are located 

within the boundaries of the Red Cliffs 

NCA and these allotments continue to be 

available for livestock grazing. Table 3-34

provides data on permitted grazing use 

for the entire allotment, while Map 3-39

displays the locations of the three allotments. Grazing use in the allotments is 

described below.

3.31.1.1 Veyo Allotment

The Veyo allotment is comprised of approximately 18,900 acres, of which only 

1,100 acres are within the NCA in the 

Red Mountain Wilderness. The terrain 

is generally not well suited to livestock 

VEGETATION RESOURCE USES: PLANT MATERIALS

“Three species of 

noxious weeds—Scotch 

thistle, tamarisk, and 

giant reed—are found 

in Red Cliffs NCA.”

“In the springs of 

2011, 2012, and 

2013, herds of goats 

were contracted 

to graze along the 

fenced shoulders of 

Cottonwood Road, 

in conjunction with 

labor crews using string 

trimmers to cut brome 

grasses and other nonnative vegetation.”

Allotment Name Number Of 

Cattle

Season Of Use Active Federal 

AUMs

Percent Public 

Land

Veyo 108 10/16 to 05/28 751 94

5 10/16 to 05/28 37 100

Diamond Valley 40 10/01 to 11/30 80 100

Sand Wash 4 11/16 to 05/31 26 100

Note: These numbers reflect the entire allotment. Allotments have areas both inside and 

outside the NCA.

Table 3-34 Permitted Livestock Grazing Use

Photo 3-131 Goat Herd on Cottonwood Road during Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project
Gaging

Station

Veyo Volcano

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Santa Clara Bench

Gaging

Station

S o u t h H i l l s

White

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Wittwer

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

c uB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si bu gr D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Grass Knoll

W i d e C a n y o n

Burger Peak

Signal Peak

Trail Peak

Jones Hol ol w

Cedar R di ge

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1016

1002

San at

Lower

Sand Cove Res

Cove

Wash

Sand

Upper Sand Cove Res

C al ar

Spring

u G l n co R k se ve i o r

AQUEDUCT Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hsa W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Camp Spring

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA DE CU T

City

Spring

Miller Spring

a H wfl ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hsa W

er C ke

di M l d t e no

Green Spring

not gni hs a W Canal

Ha dr er

Ditch

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hsa W

Spring

Creek Mill

ssaP

hsa W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k Mud

Spring

Big Hollow Spring

East Fork

Spring Cougar Spring

Lower

Spring

West Fork

Spring

Cottonwood Spring

H o l ol w W a s h

R o c k

Big Pine

Spring

Spring

Columbine Spring

Maple

Spring

T h r e e

P i n e

C r e e k

S a n d y

S a n d y W e t

Spring

Ash Grove Spring

L e e d s

C r e e k

Italian Spring

s a W h l at I n ai

Blue Spring

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain Spring

Bench Lake

kro W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e aC an l

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

Washington

Allotment

Yellow Knolls

Allotment

Alger Hollow

Allotment

Red Cliffs

Allotment

Leeds

Allotment

Sand

Hills

Allotment

Wet

Sandy

Allotment

Diamond

Valley

Allotment

Sand Wash

Allotment

Veyo

Allotment

Veyo

Allotment

Old Highway 91

Leeds

Ivins Hurricane

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

Liv

e

sto

c

k

Gra

zin

g

Allotm

e

nts - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM

standards for accuracy and content.

Different data sources and input scales

may cause some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Cattle GuardCorralRain GaugeRange Study Site

FenceGrazing Allotment BoundaryGrazing Pasture BoundaryNational Conservation Area Boundary

Allotment Status

Available for GrazingUnavailable for Grazing

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

Radio Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

Old Highway 91

Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

Fire

M

a

n

a

g

e

m

e

nt R

e

s

p

o

n

s

e - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

and prescribed fire is permitted in this category

Fire Management Category

Category A - Wildland fire is not desired at allCategory C - Wildland fire is managed to meet multiple objectives

National Conservation Area Boundary

502 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 503

MAP 3-38 MAP 3-39
504 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 505

grazing, being comprised primarily of 

steep-sided cliffs, slick rock, and sand 

dunes. There are no permanent water 

sources and forage production is very 

limited in the NCA/Wilderness portion 

of the allotment. Although approximately 

36 livestock AUMs and 25 wildlife AUMs 

have been allocated within the NCA, livestock do not utilize this portion of this 

allotment as there are other areas outside 

of the NCA that are more accessible and 

better suited to grazing.

3.31.1.2 Sand Wash Allotment

The Sand Wash Allotment is approximately 3,900 acres in total size. The grazing permit authorizes four head of cattle 

to be grazed from November 16 to May 

31 annually. Approximately 220 acres of 

the allotment are within the NCA, but 

this acreage is not well suited to livestock 

grazing. Some of the terrain is inaccessible to cattle due to steep-sided cliffs and 

slickrock. There are no permanent water 

sources and forage production is very 

low in the NCA portion of the allotment; 

livestock rarely graze this area. Of the 

total AUMs allocated for this allotment, 

only 5 livestock AUMs and 2 wildlife 

AUMs are within the NCA.

3.31.1.3 Diamond Valley Allotment

The Diamond Valley Allotment is comprised of 1,800 acres of BLM-managed 

land and 280 acres of state land, for a 

total of 2,080 acres. The federal grazing 

permit authorizes 40 head of cattle to be 

grazed from October 1 to November 30. 

Approximately 1,200 acres of this allotment are within the NCA, for which 70 

livestock AUMs and 40 wildlife AUMs 

have been allocated. This allotment is 

also not well suited to livestock grazing 

due to its topography, lack of permanent 

or developed water sources, and low forage production potential. A majority of 

the allotment acreage within the NCA is 

inaccessible to cattle due to steep-sided 

cliffs and extensive areas of exposed slick 

rock and lava flows. This livestock operator that holds the grazing permit on this 

allotment has elected not to graze this 

allotment on an annual basis since 1984.

3.32 VEGETATION RESOURCE 

USES: PLANT MATERIALS

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment for Beaver Dam Wash NCA 

for a description of the types of plant materials from public lands that are generally 

available for harvesting or collection for 

commercial purposes and personal use.

3.32.1 Woodland Products, Desert 

Vegetation Sales, and Native Seed 

Collection

The public lands of today’s Red Cliffs 

NCA have been closed to the harvest of 

Christmas trees, fuel wood, pole and post 

products, and to the sale and/or collection of live desert plants for commercial 

purposes and personal use since 1999, 

through management decisions from the 

SGFO RMP. Native seed collection has 

only been permitted for scientific research purposes. Native Americans have 

continued to have access for plant materials collection for sacred, ceremonial, and 

traditional cultural use. Management 

decisions in the 1999 SGFO RMP implemented these closures to prevent habitat 

loss and new surface disturbances related 

to the harvesting or collection of plant 

materials that could negatively impact 

desert tortoise habitat and populations in 

support of Washington County’s HCP.

3.33 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

Special status species are defined by BLM 

as any of the following: (1) species listed 

under the federal ESA as threatened or 

endangered by the USFWS; species that 

are candidates and proposed for listing 

under the ESA; species that have been 

delisted under ESA within the past 5 

years; species identified by the USFWS as 

“sensitive” or a “species of concern”; and 

(2) species designated by the appropriate 

BLM State Director as sensitive species 

that require special management consideration to promote their conservation 

and reduce the likelihood of future listing 

under the ESA.

Species that are listed as threatened and 

endangered under the ESA will often have 

critical habitat designated by the USFWS 

and a recovery plan prepared by the 

USFWS, in cooperation with researchers 

who have specialized expertise with that 

particular species and its habitat. BLM 

works cooperatively with USFWS to manage suitable habitat for those listed species 

for which no critical habitat has yet been 

identified or designated.

Because the NCA lies within physiographic and ecoregional transition zones, 

many plant and animal species found 

here are at the extremes of their historic 

ranges. Such species tend to have less stable populations than those closer to the 

center of their range. The unique qualities of transitional habitats make them an 

important research area for special status 

species. The diverse ecological zones 

represented in the NCA include relatively 

large areas of undisturbed habitats that 

provide opportunities for species reintroductions and establishment of new 

populations of special status species. 

The following sections address those 

species in the NCA that are currently 

being managed under the protections of 

the ESA. Species that are identified by the 

Utah BLM State Director as sensitive species are described in section 3.32.3.

Other species of concern that are considered by BLM to be special status species 

include plant, animal, or fish species that 

are identified by the BLM State Director 

in each state as sensitive. Sensitive species 

are described under a separate section of 

this chapter.

This section will not repeat information about the life histories and habitat 

requirements for threatened, endangered, 

or candidate species where this information has been provided in the Affected 

Environment section for the Beaver Dam 

Wash NCA. This section will describe 

species’ population data or trends or 

other factors that are specific to the Red 

Cliffs NCA and provide information 

about those special status species and 

their habitats that are not found in Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA. 

3.33.1 Special Status Plant 

Species: Threatened, Endangered, 

Candidate, and Species Proposed 

for Listing under ESA

The ESA provides legal protections for 

native plant species only on federallymanaged lands, making the management 

of these lands for conservation and protection of listed native plants crucial for 

their survival, recovery, and delisting.

3.33.1.1 Shivwits Milkvetch

Shivwits milkvetch (Astragalus ampullarioides), also known as Hermit milkvetch, 

is a perennial forb that is endemic to 

Washington County, Utah (Photo 3-132). 

It was listed as an endangered species in 

2001 (USFWS 2001) as a result of declining populations and habitat loss. Six populations of Shivwits milkvetch are known, 

all located in Washington County, Utah. 

Threats to this species include developments on private and state lands that 

provide habitat, OHV activities, livestock 

grazing, and habitat alteration by invasive 

annual brome grasses. Critical habitat 

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

Shivwits Milkvetch

Astragalus ampullarioides 

is a member of the legume 

family, as indicated by its 

pinnately compound leaves, 

keeled flowers, and fruit in 

the form of a pod. It grows 

between eight and twenty-six 

inches in height and produces 

numerous cream-colored 

flowers in April or May.

“Portions of the 

Veyo, Sand Wash, 

and Diamond Valley 

allotments are located 

within the boundaries 

of the Red Cliffs NCA 

and these allotments 

continue to be available 

for livestock grazing.”

Photo 3-132 Shivwits Milkvetch, FederallyListed Endangered Species

USFWS
506 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 507

for Shivwits milkvetch was designated in 

2006 (USFWS 2006) and a recovery plan 

was developed by the USFWS in that 

same year.

This milkvetch has very specific habitat 

requirements, growing only in isolated 

pockets of purple-hued, gypsum-rich clay 

soils in creosote-bursage and Utah juniper communities. Shivwits milkvetch can 

be fertilized via pollinators or through 

self-fertilization; however, studies indicate that self-fertilized fruit bear significantly less seed than insect pollinated 

flowers. Several native bees have been 

observed pollinating Shivwits milkvetch 

including Anthophora coptognatha, A. 

dammersi, Eucera quadricinata, Bombus 

morrisoni, Osmia clarescens, O. marginata, and O. titusi (Tepedino 2005).

In the NCA, Shivwits milkvetch critical 

habitat totals 422 acres, and is located 

on the Harrisburg Bench and along the 

White Reef, as shown on Map 3-40. 

Studies of plant densities over the past 10 

years at Harrisburg Bench indicate that 

populations have varied considerably 

from year to year (probably because of 

varying precipitation) but that populations appear to be stable. Population 

densities at Harrisburg Bench ranged 

from 0.73 to 3.40 plants per square meter 

with an average of 1.28 plants per square 

meter (Searle and Yates 2010).

3.33.2 Special Status Wildlife 

Species: Threatened, Endangered, 

Candidate, and Species Proposed 

for Listing under ESA

Species that are listed as threatened and 

endangered under the ESA will often 

have critical habitat designated by the 

USFWS. For listed species that have not 

yet had critical habitat identified and 

designated, BLM works cooperatively 

with the USFWS to manage habitats to 

support these species.

3.33.2.1 Virgin River Chub & Woundfin

Virgin River chub (Gila seminude) and 

woundfin (Plagopterus argentissimus) are 

native fish of the Virgin River system; 

both fish are listed as endangered species (USFWS 1989b) due to declining 

populations and habitat degradation. 

Critical habitat for the Virgin River chub 

and woundfin was designated in 2000 

(USFWS 2000) and includes the mainstem of the Virgin River and its 100 year 

floodplain, extending from the confluence of LaVerkin Creek, Utah to Halfway 

Wash, Nevada. Both fish are found in 

the reach of the Virgin River that flows 

through the NCA (Map 3-41). As the two 

species occupy the same critical habitat, 

face the same threats, and are included in 

the same recovery plan prepared by the 

USFWS, they are discussed together here.

The Virgin River chub is a silvery, medium 

sized minnow that averages about 8 inches 

in total length but can grow to a length 

of 18 inches. Habitat for this chub is deep 

runs or pools of slow to moderate velocities with large boulders or in-stream cover, 

such as root snags (USFWS 1995).

Woundfin are found in the main-stem 

of Virgin River and the lower portion of 

LaVerkin Creek in Utah. This small fish 

is a streamlined, silvery minnow, with a 

flat head and a conspicuous sharp dorsal 

spine, from which its common name was 

derived. They prefer quiet pools near riffles with sand and sand/gravel substrates.

Threats to both species include competition with non-native fish and habitat 

degradation resulting from diversions, 

dams, and other structures on the river 

that elevate water temperatures beyond 

the tolerance of the fish. Recovery efforts 

for the Virgin River chub and woundfin 

are furthered through the Virgin River 

Recovery Program, a multi-agency program established in 1995 to implement 

recovery actions, and conserve and protect 

native species in the Virgin River Basin.

The Virgin River flows for approximately 

6 miles through the NCA and provides 

habitat for both fish species. There are no 

non-native fish in this reach as downstream fish barriers prevent red shiner 

(Cyprinella lutrensis) and other species 

from entering. Water temperatures in the 

reach within the NCA can be very high 

during the summer (peak daily temperature above 95° F, mean daily temperature 

greater than 84° F) (Addley et al. 2005), 

but the fish populations do not appear to 

be negatively impacted at this time.

3.33.2.2 Southwestern Willow 

Flycatcher

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment for the Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA for information on the factors that 

resulted in the listing of the Southwestern 

willow flycatcher and its current status.

Southwestern willow flycatchers may 

utilize the riparian vegetation along the 

Virgin River, Leeds and Quail Creeks, or 

in some ephemeral washes in the NCA, 

but there have not been confirmed sightings. None of these riparian zones are 

within designated critical habitat for this 

species. There are no known willow flycatcher nests within the NCA, although 

each of the riparian zones could provide 

opportunities for nesting. Tamarisk and 

giant reed have invaded the riparian areas 

of the NCA, but are not so widespread 

as to measurably degrade the quality of 

habitat for the birds.

3.33.2.3 Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment for the Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA for information on the factors that 

resulted in the listing of the western yellow-billed cuckoo and its current status.

These cuckoos prefer riparian habitats 

with dense cottonwood or willow stands 

(UDWR 2014). The riparian zones along 

the Virgin River and Leeds and Quail 

Creeks do not provide the size or quality of habitats preferred by these birds 

for nesting or foraging. There have not 

been sightings within the NCA, although cuckoos have been observed 

along the Virgin River and some tributaries (Audubon and Cornell Lab of 

Ornithology 2013).

3.33.2.4 California Condor

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment for the Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA for information on the factors that 

resulted in the listing of the California 

condor and its current status.

California condors are not known to 

nest or have special use sites in the NCA. 

Occasional overflights by condors and 

possible perching along the Virgin River 

have been reported (The Peregrine Fund 

2012; Audubon and Cornell Lab of 

Ornithology 2013). If these reports are 

accurate, birds observed south and east of 

I-15 would be considered part of the experimental, non-essential population of 

birds that are being bred in captivity and 

released in the wild on the Arizona Strip.

3.33.2.5 Mojave Desert Tortoise

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment for the Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA for information on the factors 

that resulted in the listing of the desert 

tortoise and the life history of the species. 

As there are differences related to habitats 

and population trends in Red Cliffs NCA, 

a detailed discussion of the differences is 

included below.

The NCA is located within the Upper 

Virgin River Recovery Unit for the desert 

tortoise, initially identified in the 1994 

Mojave Desert Tortoise Recovery Plan. 

This recovery unit is approximately 

54,750 acres in size, making it the smallest of the tortoise recovery units. Of the 

total acres, approximately 46,126 acres 

are designated critical habitat; a majority 

of the designated critical habitat is within 

the NCA while the remainder is located 

adjacent to it on the Shivwits Indian 

Reservation and on private land near 

the cities of Ivins and Hurricane. Map 

3-42 displays designated critical tortoise 

habitat in the NCA; Map 3-43 displays a 

model of habitat quality variations within 

the NCA.

The 1999 SGFO RMP contained management decisions designed to assist the 

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

“California condors are 

not known to nest or 

have special use sites in 

the Red Cliffs NCA.”

“No human being, 

however great, or 

powerful, was ever so 

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Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 0.25 Miles

0 0.5 1 0.25 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Source: U. S. Department of Interior,

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Critical

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Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 0.25 Miles

0 0.5 1 0.25 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Source: U.S. Department of Interior, U. S.

Fish and Wildlife Service, Endangered and

Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation

of Critical Habitat for the Woundfin and

Virgin River Chubs, January 2000

Virgin River Chub and Woundfin Critical Habitat (FWS)National Conservation Area BoundaryBLM Wilderness Area

Bureau of Land ManagementStateState Wildlife Reserve/Management Area

508 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 509

MAP 3-40 MAP 3-41
M o u n t a i n s R e d

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St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Source: U.S. Department of Interior, U. S.

Fish and Wildlife Service, Critical Habitat for

Desert Tortoise, 2010

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

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Boomer Hill

Canyon

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RadioTower

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College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

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Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Source: Utah Department of Natural Resources in

Cooperation with The Nature Conservancy, Model ni g

Desert Tortoise Habitat for Washington County's

National Conservation Areas, Jones & Edwards, 2013

Probability of High Quality Desert Tortoise Habitat

National Conservation Area Boundary

0 - 5%5 - 20%20 - 35%35 - 50%

50 - 65%

65 - 80%

80 - 100%

510 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 511

MAP 3-42 MAP 3-43
512 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 513

recovery and delisting of desert tortoise 

populations in the Upper Virgin River 

Recovery Unit, based on recommendations from the recovery plan. These same 

decisions were also intended to further 

the goals and objectives of Washington 

County’s multi-species Habitat 

Conservation Plan (HCP), approved by 

the USFWS in 1995. The HCP formed 

the basis for the issuance of an incidental 

take permit (ITP) to the county that allows for the orderly development of nonfederal lands within critical habitat and 

the incidental “take” of tortoises related 

to that development.

The HCP identified that the primary 

mitigation measure for the county’s ITP 

was to be the establishment and protective management of a 62,000 acre “reserve” to assist the recovery and delisting 

of desert tortoise in the Upper Virgin 

River Recovery Unit. This “reserve,” 

locally known as the Red Cliffs Desert 

Reserve (Reserve), was comprised of 

lands managed by BLM, the State of 

Utah, Washington County, and local municipalities. The public lands of today’s 

Red Cliffs NCA are approximately 70% of 

the land base of the Reserve, which was 

established in 1996, when BLM, USFWS, 

the State of Utah, Washington County, 

and the City of Ivins signed an HCP 

Implementation Agreement.

Management decisions in the 1999 SGFO 

RMP restricted land uses and authorized 

activities on the public lands within the 

Reserve to further the goals and objectives of the HCP. The implementationlevel PUP was developed in 2000 to 

address recreation and other public uses 

within the Reserve. Since approval of the 

HCP, Washington County has assisted 

the various land management agencies to 

protect habitat, monitor desert tortoise 

populations, provide law enforcement, 

and conduct public education outreach 

related to desert tortoise and other at-risk 

Mojave Desert species.

Habitat

The Beaver Dam Wash NCA and Red 

Cliffs NCA are underlain by very different geologic and soil substrates that 

influence how and where tortoises can 

dig their burrows. The alluvial fans of the 

Beaver Dam Wash NCA are dissected 

by many deep ephemeral washes whose 

side slopes are composed of soil and rock 

conglomerate layers, interspersed by 

hardpans (calcium carbonate, also known 

as “caliche”).

Tortoises are able to dig deep burrows 

into the sides of the washes, in the softer 

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

layers between the caliche deposits. By 

contrast, the landscape of Red Cliffs 

NCA lacks large ephemeral washes and 

many areas are covered by exposed bedrock, lava flows, sand dunes, and shallow 

sandy soils over bedrock. Tortoises must 

dig down as deeply as possible into the 

soil to create burrows or dens in southfacing locations that will provide shelter 

from both summer heat and the colder 

winter temperatures of Red Cliffs NCA 

(Photo 3-133).

Like habitat in the Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA, tortoise habitat here has been 

impacted by recent and large wildfires 

(Photo 3-134). Following the fires of 

2005 and 2006, UDWR field inventories 

identified tortoise mortalities that were 

directly attributed to the effects of the 

fires (McLuckie, Bennion, and Fridell 

2006). Non-native annual grasses fueled 

these fires and have become dominant in 

fire-damaged landscapes. The non-native 

grasses are poor forage for the tortoises. 

Although individual tortoises can survive 

in brome-dominated areas, it is unclear 

whether or not they have sufficient nutrition to reproduce at or above replacement levels.

Population Trends

Historic population data for the Red 

Cliffs NCA tortoise population is sparse. 

Tanner (1927) listed desert tortoise as 

being present in “St. George” but did not 

provide the specific locations of his observations. Woodbury and Hardy (1948) 

asserted that tortoises in the St. George 

Basin were introduced.

In 1972, Coombs began studying desert 

tortoise on the Beaver Dam Slope and 

around St. George. Like Woodbury and 

Hardy, Coombs felt that the tortoise in 

the St. George area were recent introductions—he cited Woodbury’s 1945 

paper, as well as Woodbury and Hardy’s 

1948 publication, in addition to personal 

communication with Ross Hardy (1975). 

His research showed that the St. George 

population of tortoises contained a moderate number of medium-large to very 

large adults, very few medium adults, and 

a great many adolescents, very small immature tortoises, and hatchling tortoises. 

Coombs concluded that this was indicative of a population that was introduced: 

the medium-large to very large adults 

were introduced, had low reproductive 

rates for a time while the population was 

adjusting to the new area (evidenced by 

the small number of “medium adults”), 

then began to reproduce rapidly as the 

new population acclimated. Coombs 

estimated that it would have taken “less 

than 80 years” from the time of the 

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

“Like habitat in the 

Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA, tortoise habitat 

in the Red Cliffs NCA 

has been impacted by 

recent and 

large wildfires.”

“The HCP identified 

that the primary 

mitigation measure for 

the county’s ITP was to 

be the establishment 

and protective 

management of a 

62,000 acre “reserve.” 

This “reserve,” locally 

known as the Red 

Cliffs Desert Reserve, 

was comprised of 

lands managed by 

BLM, the State of 

Utah, Washington 

County, and local 

municipalities.”

Photo 3-133 Mojave Desert Tortoise Outside Den Entrance, Red Cliffs NCA

© Cameron Rognan

Photo 3-134 Monitoring Desert Tortoise Dens after Wildfire, Red Cliffs NCA
0

5

10

15

20

25

30

1999 2000 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011

Density, km2

tortoise density (tortoise/sq km) recent (2 years or less) shell remains (per sq km, roughly)

514 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 515

introduction for the population to reach 

the level he observed in 1973 and 1974 

(Coombs 1977). More recent studies have 

shown that tortoises are not as long-lived 

as Coombs and others initially believed, 

with few adults surviving more than 50 

years (Germano 1992, 1998). This current knowledge would likely have altered 

Coombs’ estimates of when a founder 

population might have been released.

The habitat in Red Cliffs NCA is clearly 

suitable for desert tortoise and it is 

entirely possible that tortoises were native to and present in the area, but not 

documented during the early studies by 

Woodbury and Hardy or others. There 

are a number of documented instances 

where areas were surveyed for tortoises, 

with none found, only to have tortoises 

located in the same area later. In the 

Babylon-East Reef area of the NCA, 

field surveys indicated that the area was 

not occupied by tortoises and would 

be a suitable re-location area for “take” 

tortoises that were being removed from 

non-federal lands ahead of developments, 

under the authority of Washington 

County’s ITP. All of the released “take” 

tortoises were given permanent markers. Recent field studies have identified 

unmarked tortoises in this area as well, 

most of them too large to be the offspring 

of the “take” animals. These unmarked 

tortoises may have always been present in Babylon but were missed by prior 

surveys, or they may have been captive 

tortoises that have been illegally released 

(McLuckie, Emblidge, and Fridell 2010).

In 1998, the UDWR was contracted by 

Washington County to conduct biannual 

monitoring of tortoise populations in the 

Reserve, using Line Distance Sampling to 

estimate tortoise density and abundance. 

This method was chosen as it reduces or 

accounts for human error, and samples 

tortoises both in high and low density sites. 

Figure 3-5 displays tortoise population 

trends developed by UDWR monitoring 

(McLuckie, Ratchford, and Fridell 2012).

Based on UDWR monitoring data, 

tortoise densities appeared to decline 

markedly between 2001 and 2003. The 

decline coincided with a severe drought 

in 2002, and was confirmed by evidence 

of tortoise mortalities that were suspected 

to have been directly caused by a contagious tortoise URD; tortoises weakened 

by dehydration and starvation were 

more susceptible to the disease, allowing 

the disease to reach epidemic proportions in an otherwise healthy population 

(McLuckie, Bennion, and Fridell 2006).

In 2005 and 2006, severe wildfires impacted tortoise populations and declines 

were noted in the next monitoring cycle. 

Tortoise densities detected in 2007 

showed a further decline of the population, with mortalities attributed to the 

fires (Photo 3-135). Some of the surviving tortoises were observed to have burn 

scarring and other fire-related injuries 

(McLuckie et al. 2005).

The most recent monitoring data suggest that the tortoise population in 

the Reserve has stabilized (McLuckie, 

Huizinga, and Fridell 2013). Individuals 

with the greatest susceptibility to URD 

have succumbed to the infection and the 

lower population density has possibly reduced transmission rates. Much valuable 

tortoise forage has been replaced by annual grasses, which provide poor nutrition, but the effects of nutritional deficiencies will not be as quickly detected in 

the short term (McLuckie, Ratchford, and 

Fridell 2012).

3.33.3 Utah BLM Sensitive Species

A majority of the BLM sensitive species 

that are found in the Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA also occur in Red Cliffs NCA. Life 

histories and habitat requirements have 

previously been described in the Affected 

Environment of the Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA and are not repeated here. Rather, 

information about verified sightings and 

the locations where a specific species 

has been observed in Red Cliffs NCA is 

included in this section. Where a BLM 

sensitive species is not found in Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA but does occur in Red 

Cliffs NCA, information is provided 

below about its life history and habitat 

requirements.

3.33.3.1 Plants

Virgin River Thistle

One occurrence of the Virgin River 

thistle (Cirsium virginense) (Photo 3-136)

has been documented at a location that 

may be within the NCA, on the hilly 

slopes north of St. George (Utah Natural 

Heritage Program 2011). This thistle 

grows in saline soils and is found along 

stream channels and the Virgin River.

3.33.3.2 Fish

Flannel-mouth Sucker

The flannel-mouth sucker (Catostomus 

latipinnis) is found in the Virgin River, 

including the reach through the NCA. 

This sucker is a bottom dwelling fish 

that consumes algae, other types of plant 

matter, and invertebrates. It spawns over 

gravelly areas during the spring and early 

summer. Flannel-mouth suckers prefer 

large rivers, where they are often found in 

deep pools of slow-flowing, low gradient 

reaches (UDWR 2014). The species is 

considered a BLM sensitive species due 

to declining population numbers and 

distribution, caused primarily by habitat 

loss/alteration and the introduction of 

nonnative fishes.

Virgin Spinedace

The Virgin River spinedace is found in 

the Virgin River and in Leeds Creek in 

the NCA, with populations monitored by 

UDWR (UDWR 2008).

SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS

Virgin River Thistle

Cirsium virginense is a 

member of the sunflower 

family, growing between 

two to seven feet in height. 

Flowering can occur from 

June to October and blooms 

range in color from white 

to pink or lavender. Virgin 

River thistle is also known 

as Mojave thistle (Cirsium 

mohavense) and Rusby’s 

thistle (Cirsium rusbyi).

“In 1998, the UDWR 

was contracted by 

Washington County 

to conduct biannual 

monitoring of 

tortoise populations 

in the Reserve, 

using Line Distance 

Sampling to estimate 

tortoise density and 

abundance.”

Photo 3-135 Suspected Fire-related Tortoise 

Figure 3-5 Tortoise Population Trends, 1999-2011 Mortality, Red Cliffs NCA

UDWR

Photo 3-136 Virgin River Thistle, BLM 

Sensitive Species
516 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 517

3.33.3.3 Raptors

Bald Eagle 

Bald eagles (Photo 3-137) are winter 

migrants in Washington County and have 

been sighted along Quail Creek and the 

Virgin River in the NCA (Audubon and 

Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2013). Eagle 

nests have not been identified in the NCA, 

however, the riparian areas of the Virgin 

River, Leeds Creek, and Quail Creek 

provide habitat that would be suitable for 

nesting.

Ferruginous Hawk 

Habitat for this raptor includes the Virgin 

River, Leeds Creek, and Quail Creek 

within the NCA. Although no nesting 

sites have yet been identified, potential 

nesting habitat is available at higher 

elevations of the NCA. These birds have 

been sighted at the Red Cliffs Recreation 

Area campground, at locations along 

Cottonwood Road, and elsewhere in 

the NCA (Audubon and Cornell Lab of 

Ornithology 2013).

3.33.3.4 Other Sensitive Bird Species

Lewis’s woodpecker

There are no recorded sightings of this 

species in the NCA, but they have been 

observed at a location very close to its 

southern boundary (the Dixie Red Hills 

Golf course) and suitable habitat exists 

within the NCA (Audubon and Cornell 

Lab of Ornithology 2013). Use within 

the NCA could occur during the winter 

months along the Virgin River, Leeds 

Creek, and Quail Creek.

3.33.3.5 Migratory Birds and Birds of 

Conservation Concern

A list of 133 migratory birds and Birds 

of Conservation Concern that have been 

observed in Red Cliffs NCA is provided 

in Appendix G. The Virgin River, Leeds 

Creek, and Quail Creek riparian areas 

provide important habitats for many 

species of migratory birds and Birds of 

Conservation Concern.

3.33.3.6 Mammals

Fringed Myotis 

The fringed myotis inhabits caves and 

mines, most often in desert and woodland areas. It is known to occur in Red 

Cliffs NCA, but population numbers 

or trends are unknown (Utah Natural 

Heritage Program 2011).

Kit Fox 

The kit fox is known to occur in Red 

Cliffs NCA, but population numbers 

or trends are unknown (Utah Natural 

Heritage Program 2011).

Townsend’s Big-eared Bat

The Townsend’s big-eared bat is known to 

occur in Red Cliffs NCA, possibly roosting in caves and abandoned mines (Utah 

Natural Heritage Program 2011). The 

Virgin River, Leeds Creek, and Quail Creek 

offer the best opportunities for Townsend’s 

big-eared bat to be sighted; population 

numbers or trends are unknown.

SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS

3.33.3.7 Reptiles

Common Chuckwalla

The common chuckwalla is a large lizard 

that consumes the leaves, flowers, and 

shoots of annual and perennial plants 

in the Mojave Desert. Its preferred 

habitat includes rock outcrops and lava 

flows; this species has been observed in 

Paradise Canyon and other rocky areas of the NCA (Utah Natural Heritage 

Program 2011).

Gila Monster

Gila monsters (Photo 3-138) are found 

in the eastern portion of the NCA, 

near Babylon-East Reef (Utah Natural 

Heritage Program 2011). As they are also 

present in Snow Canyon State Park, these 

large lizards could be found at many 

other locations in the NCA.

Sidewinder

These small rattlesnakes (Photo 3-139) 

are present in the NCA, in areas like 

Babylon-East Reef and Yellow Knolls 

(Utah Natural Heritage Program 2011). 

They are rarely seen but leave very visible, distinctive tracks in the sand.

Western Banded Gecko

Western banded geckos are present in the 

NCA but population trends or numbers 

are not known (Utah Natural Heritage 

Program 2011).

Western Thread-snake

This species (Photo 3-140) is present in the 

NCA, but population trends and numbers 

are unknown (Utah Natural Heritage 

Program 2011).

3.34 OTHER FISH AND WILDLIFE 

SPECIES

The Affected Environment for Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA describes BLM’s 

responsibilities with regard to the management of habitats and fisheries to 

maintain or increase population numbers and to re-establish populations 

of native species that were historically 

present on public lands, working in 

cooperation with UDWR, USFWS, and 

wildlife advocacy groups. Life histories 

and habitat requirements for large and 

small game, and upland game birds that 

occur in both NCAs, were described in 

the Affected Environment for Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA and will not be repeated 

here. Information that is specific to Red 

Cliffs NCA as it relates to other fish and 

wildlife species is provided in the following section.

3.34.1 Ungulate Species

3.34.1.1 Desert Bighorn Sheep

Desert bighorn sheep are not currently found in the NCA, as the population that was formerly present on Red 

Mountain was extirpated in the 1960s. 

However, UDWR continues to classify 

Red Mountain Wilderness as “Yearlong, substantial (Historic)” bighorn 

sheep habitat (UDWR 2008)(Map 3-44). 

Reintroduction of bighorn could be authorized into this habitat in the future.

OTHER FISH AND WILDLIFE

Sidewinder

Crotalus cerastes is a 

venomous pit-viper 

distinguished by a prominent 

triangular projection 

(supraocular) over each eye. 

The sidewinder is primarily 

nocturnal and escapes the 

excessive heat of the day by 

burying itself in the sand or 

hunking down in the burrows 

of other animals.

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

is the national bird of the 

United States. These regal 

birds are large—with a wing 

span of 72 to 96 inches and 

weighing between ten and 

14 pounds. Bald eagles build 

equally large nests of sticks, 

one of the largest in the avian 

world. (National Geographic 

2014)

Photo 3-138 Gila Monster, BLM Sensitive 

Species

Photo 3-139 Sidewinder, BLM Sensitive 

Species

Photo 3-137 Bald Eagle, BLM Sensitive Species

Photo 3-140 Western Thread-snake, BLM 

Sensitive Species

© Cameron Rognan

© Cameron Rognan © Cameron Rognan © Cameron Rognan
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Santa Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

Radio Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

YantFlat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

Hurricane

Airport

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Cove

Wash

AQUEDUCT Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cave

Spring

Spring

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

not gni hs a W Canal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?y

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Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t Desert Bighorn Sheep Habitat (UDWRl)

Year-long, Substantial (Historic)National Conservation Area BoundaryBLM Wilderness Area

Bureau of Land ManagementStateState Parks and RecreationState Wildlife Reserve/Management Area

P

ote

ntial D

e

s

ert Big

h

orn

S

h

e

e

p

H

a

bitat - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this documentonly apply to BLM lands Source: Utah Department of Wildlife

Resources (UDWR), Desert Bighorn

Sheep Habitat, January 2008

518 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 519

HERITAGE RESOURCES

3.34.1.2 Mule Deer

The NCA is within UDWR’s Pine Valley 

Deer Management Unit. Mule deer herds 

(Photo 3-141) utilize the pinyon juniper 

woodlands and sagebrush steppe of the 

Pine Valley Mountains during the summer, moving to lower elevations in the 

NCA during the winter months (UDWR 

2012). The northern portion of the NCA 

is classified as Crucial Deer Winter Range 

(Map 3-45).

3.34.2 Other Mammals

3.34.2.1 Mountain Lion

Mountain lion are known to be present in 

the NCA, although numbers are 

not known.

3.34.3 Upland Game Birds

3.34.3.1 Gambel’s Quail

The public lands of the NCA are classified by UDWR as year-long, crucial 

habitat for Gambel’s quail (UDWR 2014). 

This species was once widespread across 

southwestern Utah but is currently only 

found in Washington County. It is a very 

popular target for hunting in the NCA.

3.34.4 Amphibians

3.34.4.1 Relict Leopard frog

This species (Lithobates onca) (Photo 

3-142) was once widespread in 

Washington County but has since been 

extirpated (Utah Natural Heritage 

Program 2011). It is still found on the 

Arizona Strip and in southern Nevada, 

where it is listed as a candidate species for 

listing under the ESA (USFWS 2013).

3.35 HERITAGE RESOURCES

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment of Beaver Dam Wash NCA 

for information about the legal and 

regulatory frameworks for BLM’s management of heritage resources and an 

overview of regional cultural history.

3.35.1 Identification of Heritage 

Resources in the NCA

Cultural resource Class III investigations 

have been conducted on approximately 

5,631 acres (12.51%) of the 45,000 acre 

NCA. Through these field inventories, a 

MAP 3-44

Relict Leopard Frog

Lithobates onca generally 

require shallow water with 

emergent and perimeter 

vegetation for foraging and 

basking, and deeper water, 

root masses, undercut banks, 

and debris piles for cover and 

hibernating shelter. (Relict 

Leopard Frog Conservation 

Team 2005)

Photo 3-141 Mule Deer Herd, Red Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-142 Relict Leopard Frog, Candidate 

Species for Listing Under the ESA

© Tom Brennan
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

Radio Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?y

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St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t winter crucial

winter substantialyear-long substantialNational Conservation Area Boundary

M

ule

D

e

er H

a

bitat - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Source: Utah Department of Wildlife

Resources (UDWR), Mule Deer Habitat,May 2006

520 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 521

SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS

total of 263 prehistoric and historic period archaeological sites have been documented within the NCA. Project-specific 

inventories were conducted for power 

transmission lines, water lines, and other 

utilities that were authorized by ROWs 

prior to 1999. High prehistoric site densities were documented within these linear 

project areas. Archaeological testing and 

data recovery excavations were completed on 10 prehistoric archaeological sites 

as mitigation for project-related adverse 

effects to NRHP-eligible properties.

Class III level field inventories have also 

been conducted in the eastern portions 

of the NCA for small fencing projects 

and recreation facilities-related developments. A large number of historic period 

sites have been documented in this area 

that are associated with the mid-19th 

century Mormon agricultural settlement 

at Harrisburg and with silver prospecting 

and mining activities in the Silver Reef 

District which boomed between 1875 

and 1919.

Three heritage sites are managed as 

public use sites and include trails, visitor amenities, and interpretation. They 

are all located within the Red Cliffs 

Recreation Area and include an excavated and stabilized Ancestral Puebloan 

10th century habitation site (Photo 

3-143), the restored mid-19th century 

Orson B. Adams House, and a 1950s-era 

Hollywood movie set, the location for the 

filming of They Came to Cordura.

3.35.2 Site Monitoring

Specific sites in the NCA are regularly 

monitored by BLM personnel and by 

trained volunteer site stewards to assess 

the condition of the site and identify 

factors (e.g., erosion, recreation uses, and 

vandalism) that are negatively impacting that resource. Actions are taken to 

conserve and protect heritage resources 

that are being impacted and can include 

stabilization, the installation of protective 

fencing or barriers, trail re-alignment, or 

changes to authorized uses that are having negative effects on the site.

3.36 SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS

3.36.1 Special Designations Not 

Present in the NCA

3.36.1.1 Wild and Scenic Rivers

Congress has not designated any river 

segments in the NCA to the National 

Wild and Scenic River System. Seven 

river segments that are partially or 

entirely within the NCA were evaluated 

for eligibility and suitability for inclusion 

into the National Wild and Scenic River 

System during the development of the 

MAP 3-45

“Three heritage sites 

are managed as public 

use sites. They are all 

located within the 

Red Cliffs Recreation 

Area and include an 

excavated and stabilized 

Ancestral Puebloan 

10th century habitation 

site, the restored mid19th century Orson B. 

Adams House, and a 

1950s-era Hollywood 

movie set.”

Photo 3-143 Heritage Site: Ancestral Puebloan Habitation Site, Red Cliffs NCA
Gaging

Station

Volcano

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Santa Clara Bench

Gaging

Station

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Wittwer

Municipal

Airport

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

c uB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si bu gr D mo e

Washington Hollow

YantFlat

Hollow Big

Grass Knoll

W i d e

Signal Peak

Trail Peak

Jones Hol ol w

Cedar R di ge

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1016

1002

San at

Lower

Sand Cove Res

Cove

Wash

Sand

Upper Sand Cove Res

C al ar

Spring

u G l n co R k e es ov ri

AQUEDUCT Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hsa W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Spring

Spring

Cottonwood

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA DE CU T

City

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hsa W

er C ke

di M l d t e no

Green Spring

not gni hs a W Canal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hsa W

Spring

Creek Mill

ssaP

hsa W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k Mud

Spring

Big Hollow Spring

East Fork

Spring Cougar Spring

Lower

Spring

West Fork

Spring

Cottonwood Spring

H o l ol w W a s h

R o c k

Maple

Spring

T h r e e

P i n e

S a n d y

S a n d y

Ash Grove Spring

L e e d s

C r e e k

Italian Spring

s a W h l at I n ai

Blue Spring

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

kro W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e aC an l

Spring

C r e e k

Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

Cottonwood

Wilderness

Red

Mountain

Wilderness

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St. George

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Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t BLM Wilderness Area

USFS Wilderness AreaBureau of Land Management

StateState Parks and RecreationState Wildlife Reserve/Management AreaNational Conservation Area Boundar

D

y

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sig

n

ate

d

Wild

ern

e

s

s - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

522 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 523

SGFO RMP. None were found eligible or 

suitable, as shown in Table 3-35.

3.36.2 Designated Wilderness

The Cottonwood Canyon and Red 

Mountain Wilderness areas were designated by Congress in 2009, through OPLMA 

(Map 3-46). Cottonwood Canyon includes 

approximately 11,668 acres of public land 

and is entirely within the boundary of Red 

Cliffs NCA. Red Mountain is 18,689 acres 

in size, with approximately 8,321 acres 

located within the NCA.

The geologic formation that is most 

evident in both wilderness areas is the 

Navajo Sandstone (Photo 3-144), which 

formed as Jurassic age sand dunes. 

The eroded dunes create an impressive 

landscape of canyons and ridges. Later 

volcanism is also evident in lava flows 

and cinder cones. The resulting landscape 

is both austere and intimate, affording 

outstanding opportunities for solitude and 

natural quiet.

SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS MAP 3-46

“Wilderness is not a 

luxury but a necessity 

of the human spirit.”

 –Edward Abbey, 

Author, 1927-1989

Segment Description Eligible Suitable Decision 

Source

City Creek Small, ephemeral drainage directly 

north of St. George. A tributary of 

Halfway Wash

No No SGFO 

RMP

Cottonwood Creek Ephemeral drainage that flows from 

Dixie NF through the Cottonwood 

Wilderness and into the Quail Creek

No No SGFO 

RMP

Grapevine Wash Ephemeral drainage that flows from 

Dixie NF through the Babylon section of the NCA and into the Virgin 

River

No No SGFO 

RMP

Harrisburg Wash Small ephemeral drainage in NW 

corner of the Babylon section of the 

NCA. Flows into Quail Creek

No No SGFO 

RMP

Leeds Creek Ephemeral drainage that originates 

in the Pine Valley Mountains and 

flows into Quail Creek

No No SGFO 

RMP

Mill Creek Ephemeral drainage that flows from 

Dixie NF through Washington City 

and into the Virgin River

No No SGFO 

RMP

Quail Creek Ephemeral drainage that flows from 

Dixie NF through the Red Cliffs 

campground and into the Virgin 

River

No No SGFO 

RMP

Photo 3-144 Navajo Sandstone in Red 

Mountain Wilderness

Table 3-35 Wild and Scenic River Evaluation History for the Red Cliffs NCA
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

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R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t Existing Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)

National Conservation Area BoundaryBLM Wilderness AreaBureau of Land Management

Are

a

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N

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St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

524 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 525

VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT MAP 3-47

Both the Red Mountain and Cottonwood 

Canyon Wilderness areas are popular 

destinations for hikers, climbers, and 

equestrians. No developed trails exist, 

but well-used primitive routes, made up 

primarily of washes and historic roads, 

are identified on maps, brochures, and 

guidebooks. Five established routes exist 

in the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness 

and six in the Red Mountain Wilderness. 

All trailheads are located outside the 

wilderness boundaries and contain vault 

toilets, informational kiosks, gates with 

pedestrian/equestrian walkovers, and 

parking areas that can accommodate 

multiple vehicle/trailer combinations.

Access to Red Mountain Wilderness 

occurs through a variety of undeveloped access points and developed 

trailheads. Most equestrian users enter 

Red Mountain at BLM’s Red Mountain 

Trailhead on State Route 18, while hikers 

use multiple points of entry.

Access to Cottonwood Canyon 

Wilderness is primarily through developed trailheads in the NCA. The most 

heavily used access is through Red Cliffs 

Recreation Area, a developed day use 

area and campground on the wilderness boundary. Cottonwood Canyon 

Wilderness shares part of its northern 

boundary with the Cottonwood Forest 

Wilderness on the Dixie National Forest.

3.36.3 Areas of Critical 

Environmental Concern

The Red Mountain ACEC was administratively designated in 1999, through 

a management decision in the SGFO 

RMP. The ACEC encompasses 4,840 

acres of public land; while all of these 

are within the Red Mountain Wilderness 

(managed as a Wilderness Study Area 

prior to Congressional designation in 

2009 through OPLMA); 3,294 acres 

of the ACEC are also within the NCA. 

The Red Mountain ACEC serves as a 

spectacular backdrop to the communities of Ivins and Santa Clara (Map 3-47). 

The relevance and importance value of 

this ACEC was its outstanding scenic 

qualities. Special management attention 

was directed to the protection of those 

qualities through restrictions on surface 

disturbances, identified as management 

decisions in the 1999 St. George Field 

Office RMP.

3.37 VISUAL RESOURCE 

MANAGEMENT

The Red Cliffs NCA sits astride a transition zone between two major physiographic provinces, the Great Basin 

section of the Basin and Range Province 

and the Colorado Plateau. This results 

in a highly scenic area that, for most 

visitors, typifies the rugged and beautiful 

American Southwest. The colorful and 

diverse topography of these two provinces are reflected in the stunning visual 

impact of the NCA.

The NCA lands are located within the 

municipal boundaries of St. George, 

Hurricane, Santa Clara, Ivins, and Leeds. 

The greater St. George metropolitan area 

has been one of the fastest growing regions in the country for more than a decade and the scenic qualities of the NCA 

are among the reasons that many new 

residents elected to move the area. The 

natural character of the NCA landscape 

contrasts sharply with the highly modified human environment just outside its 

boundaries; the proximity of this stunning landscape is often used as a selling 

point by local realtors (Prudential Realty 

2014; St. George Chamber of Commerce 

2014; Snow Canyon Marketing 2014).

The landscapes of the east and south 

sides of the NCA are visible from I-15 

beginning near Leeds and extending all 

the way through downtown St. George, 

a scenic 14 mile stretch. This landscape 

is one of dramatic contrasts, with jetblack basalt flows ending abruptly against 

deep red sandstone cliffs. The western 

boundary of the NCA encompasses Snow 

Canyon State Park and the Red Mountain 

“If future generations 

are to remember us 

with gratitude rather 

than contempt, we 

must leave them 

something more 

than the miracles of 

technology. We must 

leave them a glimpse of 

the world. As it was in 

the beginning, not just 

after we got through 

with it.”

–Lyndon B. Johnson, 

36th President of 

the United States, 

1908-1973
526 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 527

Wilderness. This viewshed may be the 

most remarkable in the entire NCA, as it 

is dominated by 1,800-foot high sandstone cliffs that loom over the cities of 

Ivins and Santa Clara.

The pristine quality of the visual resources in many portions of the NCA is reflective of its rugged and relatively undeveloped nature. There are, however, some 

areas of disturbance and development 

that can be found inside its boundaries. 

Cottonwood Road is one of the primary 

roadways through the heart of the NCA 

and is paralleled and crossed by power 

transmission lines; a substation (Photo 

3-145) and other utility infrastructure are 

also visible from the roadway. These intrusions into the landscape give this area 

an industrial feel that seems strangely out 

of place in a generally natural and undeveloped landscape.

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment of Beaver Dam Wash NCA 

for information about BLM’s Visual 

Resource Management System. Visual 

resources in the Red Cliffs NCA are currently managed according to the VRM 

classes prescribed through the 1999 

SGFO RMP, as shown on Map 3-48. 

The VRM Management Classes within 

the NCA area are I, II, and III, based on 

inventory conducted for that planning 

effort. The existing acreage of each VRM 

Class within the Red Cliffs NCA is shown 

in Table 3-36. A VRI inventory was completed in 2010 and the results are also 

shown in Table 3-36 and on Map 3-49.

3.37.1 Natural Lightscapes

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment for Beaver Dam Wash NCA 

for a definition of Natural Lightscapes 

and how these are evaluated for management. Light pollution is visible from many 

locations within the NCA because of its 

proximity to the largest cities and most 

urbanized area of Washington County. 

Even within the deeper canyons of the Red 

Mountain and Cottonwood Wilderness 

areas, the municipal “glow” is clearly 

evident and much of the night sky is obscured. The cities of St. George, Hurricane, 

Ivins, Santa Clara, and Leeds all emit 

nighttime light that impacts the NCA.

VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

3.38 NATURAL SOUNDSCAPES

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment for Beaver Dam Wash NCA 

for a definition of Natural Soundscapes 

and how these are evaluated for management. Because the eastern, southern, and 

western boundaries of the NCA abut 

the largest cities in Washington County, 

there are few areas where the sounds 

of vehicles traveling on city streets and 

major highways, as well as those sounds 

associated with residential developments 

and light industrial parks, are not audible 

to some extent. Natural soundscapes can 

be appreciated in the Red Mountain and 

Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness areas, 

where topographic features and distance 

from urban areas help to mute some of 

the noise pollution.

3.39 LANDS WITH WILDERNESS 

CHARACTERISTICS

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment at Section 3.17 for Beaver 

Dam Wash NCA for a discussion of the 

legal authority from FLMPA that directs 

BLM to maintain and update resource 

inventories, including those for public 

lands with wilderness characteristics, and 

to develop management actions through 

land use planning to protect those characteristics when they are determined to 

be present.

The NCA was inventoried for the presence or absence of wilderness characteristics in early 2012. The characteristics of 

wilderness: size, naturalness, outstanding 

opportunities of solitude, and outstanding 

opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation, were evaluated during 

the inventory. The inventory found that 

wilderness characteristics were present in 

three areas totaling 1,586 acres, or 3% of 

the NCA (Map 3-50).

These acres possessed the characteristics 

of naturalness, solitude, and outstanding 

opportunities for primitive, unconfined 

recreation. They also met the criteria for 

size as they each encompass over 5,000 

acres of contiguous BLM lands. The specific inventory criteria used can be found 

in BLM Manual 6310 (.06, C, pp 4-10).

A summary of the inventory below and 

detailed results can be found in the Lands 

With Wilderness Characteristics in Beaver 

Dam Wash National Conservation Area 

and Red Cliffs National Conservation Area 

Inventory at www.blm.gov/nxld. 

3.39.1 Red Mountain UT-040-132A

Inventory unit Red Mountain UT-040-

132A is split into three geographically 

distinct sections located in central-western Washington County, just northwest 

of St. George. Only the two easternmost 

sections of 132A are within the boundaries of the NCA, contiguous with the Red 

Mountain Wilderness to the north and 

east. This analysis will only consider the 

wilderness characteristics of the portion 

of this unit within Red Cliffs NCA. The 

southern boundary of unit 132A abuts 

private land—the Kayenta residential subdivision located in Ivins, Utah. The western border of the unit adjoins the Shivwits 

Indian Reservation. The SGFO wilderness 

characteristics inventory determined that 

all 635 acres of unit 132A within the NCA 

possess wilderness characteristics.

Here, in the shadow of the towering 1,000-foot cliffs of Red Mountain 

Wilderness, sloping low-elevation foothills fan out, partitioned by dry arroyos 

with deep channels. Large sandstone 

boulders fringe the base of the cliffs. At 

an average elevation of 3,450 feet, the 

ground surface in the unit varies from 

compact dirt to cryptobiotic crust and 

stabilized sand dunes. 

Straddling the border of the Mojave 

Desert and Great Basin Desert, unit 

132A contains vegetation from both 

ecosystems, including a variety of shrubs 

such as mixed sagebrush, blackbrush, 

Mormon tea, and creosote, along with a 

variety of cacti, yucca, and agave (Agave 

spp.). Concentrations of juniper, ash 

(Fraxinus spp.), and cottonwood trees 

LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS

“Silently, one by one, 

in the infinite meadows 

of heaven,

blossomed the lovely 

stars, the forget-menots of the angels.”

–Henry Wadsworth 

Longfellow, Poet, 

1807-1882

“Every time I have 

some moment on 

a seashore, or in 

the mountains, or 

sometimes in a quiet 

forest, I think this is 

why the environment 

has to be preserved.”

–Bill Bradley, Former 

United States Senator, 

1943-

Management Class (VRM), 

Designated By SGFO RMP (1999)

Acres Inventory Class (VRI), Results Of 

2010 Visual Resource Inventory

Acres

Class I 19,989 Class I 20,766

Class II 0 Class II 8,971

Class III 24,870 Class III 14,977

Class IV 0 Class IV 145

Scenic Quality Acres Sensitivity Acres

A 25,552 High 44,859

B 3,188 Medium 0

C 16,119 Low 0

Table 3-36 VRM and VRI Class Acreages

Photo 3-145 Power Substation on Cottonwood Road, Red Cliffs NCA
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

Radio Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

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S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

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V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

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1227

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1016

1002

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S A N D

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Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

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Bench

Santa

Clar

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Curly

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Wash

Wash

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St George

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V ri g ni

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West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

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B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

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Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

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S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

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S n o w

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Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

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903

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1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

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di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

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and

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Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

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Spring

Creek Mill

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hs a W Spring

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Warner Valley

Spring

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Spring

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H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

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t Visual Resource Inventory

Class IClass IIClass IIIClass IV

National Conservation Area Boundary

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N

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Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

528 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 529

MAP 3-48 MAP 3-49
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

Radio Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

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and

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Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

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Cot ot wn ood

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Warner Valley

Spring

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Spring

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C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

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Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Lands with Wilderness CharacteristicsInventoried Lands without Wilderness CharacteristcsNational Conservation Area BoundaryBLM Wilderness Area

Bureau of Land ManagementStateState Parks and RecreationState Wildlife Reserve/Management Area

530 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 531

are present in the northeastern portion 

of unit 132A, sustained by the riparian 

corridor of Dry Wash, which originates 

in Hellhole Canyon (Photo 3-146).

Section 132A is located entirely within an 

area of the NCA where non-motorized 

recreation is limited to existing trails. 

These off-trail restrictions, combined 

with the lack of noticeable human-made 

features, allow the area to retain its apparent naturalness to the average visitor, 

with recreational use primarily concentrated on the Hellhole Trail which follows 

the channel of Dry Wash. 

Visitors may avoid the sights, sounds 

and evidence of other people easily 

in unit 132A. Numerous arroyos, elevation changes, rugged canyons, and 

ample vegetation all provide substantial 

topographic and vegetative screening, 

which allows outstanding opportunities for solitude. Although the Kayenta 

residential housing development lies just 

outside the inventory unit to the south, 

its impacts are negligible due to the low 

profile design and earth tone colors of the 

buildings that blend with the surrounding environment. 

Although this area has few designated 

trails within it, opportunities for primitive 

and unconfined recreation abound. The 

area provides excellent opportunities for 

hiking, exploration, backpacking, photography, sightseeing, bird watching, and rock 

climbing. Intermittent streams and waterfalls flow after heavy rainfalls, while small 

potholes offer the opportunity for visitors 

to wade and swim in small pools near the 

mouth of Hellhole Canyon.

3.39.2 Red Mountain UT-040-132B

Red Mountain UT-040-132B is a small, 

80-acre inventory unit. The unit is 

bounded on the north and south by Snow 

Canyon State Park. The eastern boundary 

of 132B is defined by West Canyon Road, 

while the western boundary is contiguous with Red Mountain Wilderness. This 

inventory unit is mostly comprised of 

400-foot cliffs of red Navajo Sandstone, 

rocky hidden canyons, and outcroppings of colorful red and white slickrock 

(Photo 3-147). In many areas, the rock is 

cross-bedded, having been weathered in 

patterns that resemble a checkerboard. 

All land inventoried within unit 132B 

possesses wilderness characteristics.

Vegetation of the unit includes mixed 

sagebrush, yuccas, low shrubs, small 

cacti, and bitterbrush. Concentrations 

MAP 3-50 LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS

“When you have seen 

one ant, one bird, one 

tree, you have not seen 

them all.”

–E. O. Wilson, 

Biologist, Researcher, 

Theorist, Naturalist, 

and Author, 1929-

Photo 3-146 Red Mountain UT-040-132A Inventory Unit, Hellhole Canyon
532 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 533

LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS

of Utah Juniper and single-leaf ash 

(Fraxinus anomala) are present in drainages and riparian corridors.

Overall, the landscape of unit 132B appears to have been affected primarily by 

the forces of nature. The area appears 

natural to the average visitor with signs of 

human impacts being substantially unnoticeable. Few social trails and the prevalence of slickrock (or rather, the relative 

absence of track-holding soils) contribute 

to the area’s apparent naturalness. 

Although West Canyon Road and a small 

building are found just outside the unit to 

the east, their presence cannot be considered a significant impact to the perceived 

naturalness of the unit. Because access 

is limited to authorized vehicles, West 

Canyon Road does not receive regular 

and continuous use from motorized 

vehicles. Therefore, there is little to no vehicular noise or other noticeable, pervasive anthropogenic influences associated 

with the road or the structure.

The rugged landscape of unit 132B—

high cliffs, deep canyons, and dramatic 

changes in elevation—combined with 

thick vegetation, offers substantial 

topographic and vegetative screening, 

allowing outstanding opportunities for 

solitude in that recreationalists may easily 

avoid the sights, sounds, and evidence of 

other people.

Section 132B is located entirely within 

the Upland Zone of the NCA where 

non-motorized recreation is permitted off-trail. Although this area has no 

designated trails within it, a multitude of 

outstanding opportunities for primitive 

and unconfined recreation exist. These 

include hiking, exploring, backpacking, 

photography, bird watching, and sightseeing. The Navajo Sandstone cliffs in 

nearby Snow Canyon State Park are very 

popular among rock climbers. Similarly, 

there are a number of areas inside 132B 

that would provide outstanding opportunities for rock climbing.

3.39.3 Cottonwood Canyon 

UT-040-046A

UT-040-046A is a sub-section of the 

Cottonwood Canyon UT-040-046 inventory unit within the NCA. Sub-section 

046A is bounded on the south and east 

by the Prospector trail, and by the access 

road to Red Cliffs Recreation Area on 

the northernmost portion of its eastern 

boundary. The southernmost boundary occurs where the parcel meets state 

lands, and the entire northwestern 

border adjoins the Cottonwood Canyon 

Wilderness. Trails within the boundary include parts of the Cottonwood 

Canyon trail, the Red Reef trail, and the 

Cottonwood Hills trail, all in the southernmost portion of the parcel. I-15 runs 

parallel to the eastern boundary of this 

parcel, less than a mile away. A cherrystemmed road along the Cottonwood 

Hills trail is located near the southern 

edge of the unit. All land inventoried 

within unit 046A possesses wilderness 

characteristics.

The landscape consists of low-elevation, 

rolling foothills at the base of steeper 

Navajo Sandstone cliffs to the west 

(Photo 3-148). Outcroppings and 

LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS

boulders of sandstone and basalt are 

present in many areas.

The vegetation is characteristic of the 

Mojave Desert and the Great Basin, including sagebrush, small shrubs, creosote 

bush, agave, yuccas, small cacti, juniper, 

and some small ash trees in riparian areas.

The unit appears natural to the average 

visitor with signs of human impacts being substantially unnoticeable. Primary 

human activities are recreational and 

include hiking, mountain biking and 

horseback riding. All three of these activities occur on the Prospector trail (which 

forms the eastern boundary of Section 

046A), while hiking and equestrian use 

occurs on the Red Reef, Cottonwood 

Canyon, and Cottonwood Cliffs trails, 

all leading into the Cottonwood Canyon 

Wilderness. Old fence lines exist as substantially unnoticeable reminders of past 

livestock grazing.

This unit offers outstanding opportunities for solitude in that people may avoid 

the sights, sounds and evidence of other 

people because the landscape allows for 

topographic and vegetative screening. 

From the easternmost sections of this parcel, the sights and sounds of traffic on I-15 

are pervasive and omnipresent, lessening 

outstanding opportunities for solitude in 

this portion of the unit.

The unit offers outstanding opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation. Section 046A is located within 

the Lowland Zone of the NCA where 

non-motorized recreation is limited to 

existing trails. Recreational use is primarily concentrated on designated trails in the 

southern portion of the unit. It is also a 

popular destination for horseback riding, 

hiking, trail running, off-trail exploration, 

backpacking, photography, and sightseeing for botanical, zoological, and geologic 

features. Additionally, the sandstone cliffs 

and boulders provide great opportunities 

for rock climbing and bouldering.

3.39.4 Cottonwood Canyon 

UT-040-046C

UT-040-046C is a sub-section of the 

original Cottonwood Canyon 046 

inventory unit and is located in central 

eastern Washington County within 

Red Cliffs NCA, just northeast of St. 

George. It is bounded on the north by 

the Dixie National Forest. The parcel 

is contiguous with the Cottonwood 

Canyon Wilderness along its eastern 

and southern boundaries. The Ice House 

trail forms the western boundary of the 

“The rugged landscape 

of the Red Mountain 

unit combined with 

thick vegetation, 

offers substantial 

topographic and 

vegetative screening, 

allowing outstanding 

opportunities 

for solitude.”

“If you foolishly ignore 

beauty, you’ll soon find 

yourself without it...all 

the days of your life....”

–Frank Lloyd Wright, 

Architect, 1867-1959

Photo 3-147 Red Mountain UT-040-132B 

Inventory Unit Photo 3-148 Cottonwood Canyon UT-040-046A Inventory Unit
534 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 535

LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS LANDS WITH WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS

inventory unit and Forest Service Road 

#902 provides motorized access to the 

northern border of this parcel. All land 

inventoried within unit 046C possesses 

wilderness characteristics.

Most of the inventory unit 046C is 

located on a high, gently-sloping plateau in the foothills of the Pine Valley 

Mountains. It is surrounded by the deep 

canyons and the rugged sandstone topography of Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness 

to the east. The northern portion of the 

unit includes a drainage, whose streambed delineates the unit’s boundary with 

the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness.

Patches of pinyon-juniper forest dot the 

landscape, with small shrubs growing as 

understory. Much of this unit has been 

damaged by wildfire, which is apparent 

from the many charred juniper snags in 

the vicinity (Photo 3-149).

The area appears natural to the average 

visitor with signs of human impacts being substantially unnoticeable. Primary 

human activities are recreational and include hiking and horseback riding. Both 

of these activities occur on the Ice House 

trail. An access road to the Dixie National 

Forest is a substantially unnoticeable feature of previous human use in the area, as 

it has been closed to motorized use since 

the creation of the Reserve in 1996.

The unit’s vegetation—sparse, short, and 

charred—provides little to no vegetative 

screening. The relatively flat relief that 

spans more than one-half of the unit offers 

little topographic cover. These factors, 

combined with the small size of the unit 

would not prevent visitors from seeing 

and hearing other people in the area. 

Outstanding opportunities for solitude do 

not exist in unit 046C.

Despite the lack of designated trails here, 

outstanding opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation abound. 

Primitive recreational activities may be 

enjoyed throughout this area where offtrail recreation is permitted. Such activities include hiking, horseback riding, 

exploration, backpacking, photography, 

sightseeing, bird watching, rock climbing, 

and hunting. Large populations of mule 

deer are found in the area, making this a 

good place for hunting.

3.39.5 Cottonwood Canyon 

UT-040-046D

Inventory unit UT-040-046D is a subsection of the Cottonwood Canyon 

UT-040-046 inventory unit. This 158 

acre area of BLM-managed land is 

situated along the southeast border of 

Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness and 

its southern portion lies within the Red 

Cliffs NCA. Unit 046D is bounded on the 

north by the Dixie National Forest and is 

contiguous with the Cottonwood Canyon 

Wilderness along its western boundary. This analysis will only consider the 

wilderness characteristics of the small, 

70-acre portion of the southern section 

of this unit within the NCA. 

The landscape here consists of low-elevation, rolling foothills at the base of steeper sandstone cliffs that form the boundary of Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness 

(Photo 3-150). This area, ranging from 

approximately 3,200-3,400 feet in elevation, encompasses the entrance to Dicks 

Canyon, a drainage northeast of Quail 

Creek that descends from the Pine Valley 

Mountains. The sandy wash winding into 

Dicks Canyon receives recreational use 

from hikers and equestrians.

Predominant vegetation includes sagebrush, small shrubs, creosote bush, 

juniper, agave, yuccas, small cacti, cottonwood, and small ash trees in 

riparian areas.

Here, people may easily avoid the sights, 

sounds, and evidence of others due to a 

substantial amount of topographic and 

vegetative screening. Low-lying drainages, steep cliffs, and scattered patches 

of vegetation offer outstanding opportunities for solitude. Silver Reef, a 

long section of uplifted white Navajo 

Sandstone which runs parallel to the 

eastern boundary of unit 046D, forms an 

abrupt topographic boundary, which buffers noise and visual impacts from I-15, 

making the area even more conducive 

to experiencing solitude. Because these 

activities are mainly concentrated on 

the Red Reef East trail (which forms the 

southern boundary of the unit), and no 

other obvious signs of human impacts are 

present, the area appears natural to the 

average visitor.

The offers outstanding opportunities 

for primitive and unconfined recreation. 

Current recreational uses of the unit 

include hiking, horseback riding, exploration, backpacking, photography, and 

sightseeing. Additionally, the sandstone 

cliffs and boulders provide opportunities 

for rock climbing and bouldering.

“Much of Cottonwood 

Canyon sub-section 

046C has been 

damaged by wildfire, 

which is apparent from 

the many charred 

juniper snags in 

the vicinity.”

“Now I see the secret 

of making the best 

persons, it is to grow in 

the open air and to eat 

and sleep with 

the earth.”

–Walt Whitman, Poet, 

1819-1892

Photo 3-149 Cottonwood Canyon UT-040-046C Inventory Unit Photo 3-150 Cottonwood Canyon UT-040-046D Inventory Unit
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal

Airport

Bloomington

Radio Tower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

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S a n d Hol ol w

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A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

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B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si bu gr D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H

R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

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1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

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Curly

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Wash

Wash

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C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

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Berry Springs

Sand Mountain Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

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St. George Field Office ERMANational Conservation Area Boundary

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Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

536 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 537

RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES

3.40 RECREATION AND VISITOR 

SERVICES

3.40.1 Recreation

Recreational opportunities are locally well 

known, as the Reserve has been in place 

for 18 years and Washington County 

residents have grown accustomed to the 

easily-accessible trails and trailheads. 

While the NCA does attract visitors 

from outside the region, the majority 

of the recreational use is by local residents. The major attraction is a system 

of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, 

all set in a stunning backdrop of red 

and white sandstone cliffs and jet-black 

basalt flows. Much of the trail system lies 

within the municipal boundaries of St. 

George, Hurricane, Santa Clara, Ivins, and 

Leeds; housing developments have been 

constructed along the NCA boundaries 

(Photo 3-151) and homeowners and other 

local residents value the NCA for its high 

quality open space.

3.40.1.1 Special Recreation 

Management Areas

The 1999 SGFO RMP identified two 

special recreation management areas that 

overlap today’s NCA, as shown on Map 

3-51. A majority of the acreage of the NCA 

is included in the SGFO ERMA, where 

recreation management was only one of 

several management programs that would 

be applied to the public lands. While most 

recreational uses in ERMAs are dispersed 

and unstructured, developed facilities, like 

the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, may be 

included. Management emphasis for the 

SGFO ERMA is protection of resource 

values and the development or maintenance of trails and other sites of recreational interest.

The NCA is also within the 23,725 acre 

Red Mountain/Santa Clara SRMA. 

Management direction for the SRMA 

includes the improvement and maintenance of a trailhead and hiking trail on 

Red Mountain, and limits on group sizes, 

the number of pack animals per trip, and 

the number of commercial use permits 

that would be issued for Red Mountain. 

Management of recreation activities 

within the portion of the SRMA that 

overlaps the Reserve complies with the 

goals of Washington County’s HCP.

Management Zones 

The 1999 SGFO RMP included management decisions that would protect 

tortoise habitat and populations on 

the public lands that were included in 

the mitigation reserve for Washington 

County’s HCP. The RMP identified that 

an implementation-level plan would be 

prepared to provide specific management 

direction for recreation and other public 

MAP 3-51

“Life is best enjoyed 

when time periods 

are evenly divided 

between labor, sleep, 

and recreation...all 

people should spend 

one-third of their time 

in recreation which is 

rebuilding, voluntary 

activity, never idleness.”

–Brigham Young, 

2nd President of The 

Church of Jesus Christ 

of Latter Day Saints, 

1801-1877

Photo 3-151 Urban Development in St. George on Boundary of Red Cliffs NCA
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

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F r o g Hurricane

Airport

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1902

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Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

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Wash

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Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Public Use Plan (PUP) Recreation Management Zones (RMZ)

Lowland ZoneUpland ZoneRed Cliffs Desert Reserve BoundaryNational Conservation Area Boundary

538 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 539

RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES MAP 3-52

uses of the reserve lands, as these were 

only generally addressed in the HCP.

That implementation-level plan, the 

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve Public Use Plan

(PUP) (2001), was completed through 

the efforts of a multi-disciplinary team in 

2000; BLM prepared an EA and Decision 

Record in 2001, authorizing implementation of the PUP on public lands. The 

prescriptions and decisions from the PUP 

direct the current recreation management for the public lands of today’s Red 

Cliffs NCA and are summarized below.

Two zones, Upland and Lowland, were 

designated in the PUP in an effort to protect the most biologically and ecologically 

sensitive areas of the Reserve. The zones 

are shown on Map 3-52. The Upland Zone 

was considered to provide less quality habitat for desert tortoises and support fewer 

tortoises when compared to the Lowland 

Zone. Based on these distinctions, in the 

Upland Zone, hikers and equestrians were 

permitted to travel off-trail (Photo 3-152), 

but mountain bikers were restricted to 

designated trails. Camping and campfires 

were allowed with some limitations. All 

recreational use in the Lowland Zone 

was restricted to designated trails, while 

camping and campfires were only allowed 

in designated campgrounds.

Recreational users have long expressed 

confusion about this zoning. The Upland/

Lowland boundary does not predictably follow an elevation or topographic 

contour line, deviating by as much as a 

1,000 vertical feet in some locations. It 

is difficult for most recreation users to 

determine why some areas at the same 

elevation and in the same vegetation 

communities are characterized as “upland” and others as “lowland.” In the 

Red Mountain and Cottonwood Canyon 

Wilderness areas, the zone boundary 

crosses in and out of wilderness multiple 

times. Being restricted to designated 

trails inside wilderness areas is a common public complaint, as it conflicts 

with one of the fundamental concepts 

of wilderness, the opportunity to enjoy 

primitive, unconfined recreation.

“A mind that is 

stretched by a new 

experience can never 

go back to its old 

dimensions.”

–Oliver Wendell 

Holmes, American 

Poet, 1809-1894

Photo 3-152 Hiking Off-trail in Upland Zone, Red Cliffs NCA
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

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1038

1016

1002

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Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

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Clar

C

a

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St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM

standards for accuracy and content.

Different data sources and input scales

may cause some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

"

Z Trailhead

!9 Campground

Non-motorized Trail

Two TrackSingletrackPrimitive Trail

National Conservation Area BoundaryRed Cliffs Desert Reserve BoundaryBLM Wilderness AreaBureau of Land ManagementStateState Parks and RecreationState Wildlife Reserve/Management Area

540 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 541

3.40.1.2 Recreation Uses

Hiking

One of the most popular ways visitors 

experience the NCA is hiking on one of 

the 81 trails and routes (Photo 3-153), 

68 of which are managed in whole or in 

part by the BLM (Map 3-53). Many of 

the trails are open to all non-motorized 

users, including hikers, mountain bikers, 

and equestrians, but 10 are available only 

to hikers. In the Lowland Zone, hikers 

are restricted to designated trails. In the 

Upland Zone, off-trail travel is permitted.

Mountain Biking

Mountain bikes are restricted to designated trails in both the Upland and 

Lowland Zones and are prohibited 

in both designated wilderness areas. 

Mountain biking opportunities range 

from smooth and easy out-and-back 

cruises suitable for a wide range of abilities, to experts-only technical slickrock 

rides (Photo 3-154). Off-road cycling 

in the NCA is the third most popular 

activity after hiking and rock climbing 

(University of Idaho 2011), although 

its appeal is waning. This decline is due 

to the construction of mountain-bike 

specific trails elsewhere on public lands 

managed by the SGFO. These new trails 

offer a user experience that cannot be 

found in the NCA, where many of the 

“trails” are former two-track roads.

Equestrian Use

Most pack stock trail riding occurs during the spring and fall months, although 

some equestrians take early morning 

rides even during the heat of the summer. Riding opportunities in the NCA are 

abundant, ranging from short, easy jaunts 

to long, demanding, backcountry trail 

rides (Photo 3-155). Horses are restricted 

to designated trails in the Lowland Zone, 

but off-trail travel is permitted in the 

Upland Zone. Riding is most popular 

in the urban interface areas of Paradise 

Canyon, Red Mountain, Cottonwood, 

and Grapevine. The popularity of certain 

areas may be a reflection of those locations where adequate parking facilities 

for horse trailers are available. In 2010, 

BLM constructed new equestrian trailheads at Red Mountain and White Reef; 

a new non-motorized trail system was 

developed in the White Reef area that 

afforded connections to other longdistance trail networks in the NCA that 

are enjoyed by equestrians. These new 

facilities have increased equestrian use 

substantially in both areas. Despite the 

increase in use, equestrians remain the 

smallest user group of the NCA.

RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES MAP 3-53

“No hour of life is 

lost that is spent in 

the saddle.”

–Winston Churchill, 

Former Prime 

Minister of the United 

Kingdom, 1874 – 1965

Photo 3-155 Equestrians in Red Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-154 Mountain Biking Prospector 

Trail, Red Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-153 Hiking Arch Trail, Red Cliffs NCA
542 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 543

Rock Climbing, Rappelling, and 

Scrambling

Climbing is the second most popular 

activity in the NCA, after hiking. Within 

the NCA boundary are four areas where 

authorized rock climbing and rappelling 

activities occur: Snow Canyon State Park, 

West Canyon, Paradise Canyon, and 

Pioneer Park (managed by the City of St. 

George). Climbing and rappelling outside 

of these designated areas is prohibited by 

the PUP.

Only two of the climbing sites in Paradise 

Canyon are on public lands and managed by BLM; both are accessed from 

well-established staging areas along State 

Route 18. Chuckwalla is located just west 

of State Route 18 at milepost 3. It is the 

most easily accessible climbing area and 

provides sandstone routes ranging in difficulty from 5.10 to 5.12 (Photo 3-156). 

The climbing wall itself is on the boundary between Snow Canyon State Park and 

BLM-managed lands of the NCA.

Turtle Wall is located northwest of 

Chuckwalla in the bottom of Paradise 

Canyon and is located on public lands 

managed by BLM. The wall, which faces 

east, offers the most technical routes 

established in Paradise Canyon. Turtle 

Wall is accessed from the same staging 

area as Chuckwalla and can be found by 

following the well-established trail along 

the canyon floor.

West Canyon is a small climbing site 

on the east side of Red Mountain 

Wilderness. Access to the site is through 

Snow Canyon State Park. Of the five 

climbs located here, three are on BLMmanaged lands. Climbs range from 5.8 

to 5.11 and are reached from the Three 

Ponds trail off West Canyon Road within 

the State Park. Snow Canyon State Park 

manages this site under its Climbing 

Management Plan.

Less technical than rock climbing or rappelling is the popular activity known as 

“rock scrambling.” Typically, this entails 

moving over rocky terrain using one’s 

hands and feet and without using any 

protective equipment. Scrambling around 

on steep, rocky terrain is a popular activity in the NCA, and one that is difficult 

to control. Easily accessible slickrock, directly adjacent to designated hiking trails, 

is an attraction that many find difficult to 

resist. However, because tortoise burrows 

are often found under and around rocky 

ledges, rock scrambling is allowed only in 

the Upland Zone.

Camping

Camping in the Lowland Zone is restricted to the developed campground in the 

Red Cliffs Recreation Area. Campfires are 

restricted to established fire rings within 

the campground and firewood gathering 

is prohibited.

Dispersed camping is allowed within the 

Upland Zone, except in the Sandstone 

Mountain area where camping is restricted to the Sand Cove Primitive Camping 

Area (Photo 3-157). Camping at this 

popular site requires a no-fee permit issued by the BLM.

Sand Cove is a small, undeveloped camping area on public lands that has a long 

history of use by organized groups. This 

is the only location in the NCA outside 

RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES

of the developed Red Cliffs Recreation 

Area campground where vehicle camping 

is currently allowed. While the area can 

and does handle a large amount of day 

use traffic, there are no restrooms and no 

designated parking or campsites. Day users must walk through the camping area 

to access nearby trails. The road into the 

area is unimproved and can pose risks 

to motorists, as even minor flood events 

can scour the wash that must be crossed 

in order to access the site. Groups who 

reserve the site are required to haul out 

all garbage and human waste.

Campfires are allowed in the Upland 

Zone, but are subject to periodic closures 

during times of high fire danger.

Hunting

Hunting is allowed in the Upland Zone, 

and within the Lowland Zone on the 

east side of Cottonwood Road; it is the 

only off-trail use allowed in the Lowland 

Zone. The PUP prohibits hunting on the 

west side of Cottonwood Road.

Target Shooting and Discharge of 

Firearms

Target shooting and the discharge of 

firearms, except in the pursuit of game 

animals by individuals holding valid 

hunting licenses during prescribed hunting seasons, is prohibited in the Reserve 

and today’s NCA, pursuant to the municipal ordinances listed below and a 

Washington County ordinance that 

applied to all areas outside of the annexation boundaries of the municipalities. 

The 1999 SGFO RMP included a management decision (LD-03, page 2.2) that 

authorized the management of public 

lands in accordance with applicable city 

and county zoning restrictions and municipal ordinances, to the extent that such 

restrictions and ordinances are consistent 

with federal laws, regulations, and policies, and approved decisions of the RMP. 

▶ City of St. George: No discharge of 

firearms within the Reserve inside 

city limits, except by licensed hunters in the act of hunting during 

prescribed seasons. 

▶ City of Hurricane: No discharge of 

firearms within the Reserve inside 

city limits, except by licensed hunters in act of hunting during prescribed seasons. 

▶ City of Ivins: No discharge of firearms within city limits. 

▶ Washington City: No discharge of 

firearms within the Reserve inside 

city limits, unless expressly proclaimed for that year by the Mayor 

that hunting is allowed, and only by 

RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES

“A climber’s day always 

starts at the crux: 

getting out of bed.”

–Anonymous

“What happens around 

the campfire, stays at 

the campfire.”

–Anonymous

Photo 3-156 Climbing Chuckwalla in Red 

Cliffs NCA Photo 3-157 Sand Cove Primitive Camping Area, Red Cliffs NCA
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

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Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

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al B kc

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Washington Hollow

Yant

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Sandstone Mountain

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Box Canyon Stucki Spring

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Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

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di M l d ot e n

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a C

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and

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Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

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ss aP

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ar G ep ni v e

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Sand Mountain

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Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

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u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

na C wonS oy Dn vir e

Cottonwood Road

Red Hills

Parkway

Red Cliffs

Road

aB yb Rnol dao

Old Highway 91

auT ac n

Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

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Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles

0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Source: Red Cliffs Desert Reserve Public

Use Plan, Washington County HCP

Administration, June 2000

Approved Routes (RCDR Public Use Plan, 2000)

Public Road PavedPublic Road UnpavedAdministrative RouteNational Conservation Area Boundary

BLM Wilderness AreaBureau of Land ManagementStateState Parks and RecreationState Wildlife Reserve/Management Area

544 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 545

RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES

licensed hunters in the act of hunting 

during proclaimed seasons.

Geocaching

The cache itself is typically a small 

waterproof box. The global website for 

geocaching is www.geocaching.com 

(Geocaching.com 2014). A zip code entered into this website produces a list of 

all the cache sites in that area. Each cache 

site listed includes latitude/longitude, a 

narrative description, and the contents of 

the cache.

The PUP prohibits geocaching in the 

Lowland Zone, but may allow it in 

the Upland Zone depending on the 

placement of the cache. Geocaching 

is regulated by national BLM policy 

and the PUP. All geocaches proposed 

to be located within the boundaries 

of the Reserve must have written approval from Washington County’s HCP 

Administrator prior to placement on 

federal and non-federal lands. Geocaches 

placed without written approval are removed immediately.

The placement of geocaches raises concerns for impacts to habitat caused by 

visitors traveling off trail and the development of “geo trails.” It is unclear how 

effective the existing policy has been. The 

locations of 70 geocaches have been identified, 50 of which were in the Lowland 

Zone, and 38 of those were in critical 

tortoise habitat (Geocaching.com 2014).

Motorized Use 

Motorized vehicles are permitted on 

designated roads only, as shown on Map 

3-54. This includes recreational vehicles, 

two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive 

vehicles, motorcycles, and all-terrain 

vehicles. Eleven roads in the Reserve 

were designated in the PUP as being 

open to motorized use by the public. 

Only six directly affect lands managed by 

BLM: Red Hills Parkway (formerly Turtle 

Road and Skyline Drive), Cottonwood 

Road, Turkey Farm Road, Babylon Road, 

Toquerville Cutoff, and Sand Cove Spur. 

Of these, the Red Hills Parkway and the 

southern portion of Cottonwood Road 

are paved. The City of St. George manages use on Red Hills Parkway and prohibits the use of OHVs on that road.

The Red Cliffs Recreation Area road is 

also paved (Photo 3-158) and available 

for motorized vehicle travel, although 

ATVs are not authorized in the developed campground and day use area. 

Motorized vehicle access to the Virgin 

River is a popular use of the Babylon 

Road, although road conditions beyond 

the Historic Babylon Trailhead are generally not appropriate for safe travel by 

full-sized vehicles.

All other roads are closed to the public, 

although many are open for administrative use. The majority of administrative 

roads are used by municipalities and 

MAP 3-54

“The placement of 

geocaches raises 

concerns for impacts 

to habitat caused 

by visitors traveling 

off trail and the 

development of 

geo trails.”

Photo 3-158 Red Cliffs Road in Red Cliffs Recreation Area, Red Cliffs NCA
546 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 547

RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES

power companies to access electrical 

transmission lines and water utilities.

Other Activities

Other activities that typically occur on 

public lands have not been authorized 

since the PUP was approved and implemented in 2001. Recreational activities 

that could damage habitats and potentially harm populations of desert tortoise or other at-risk species were not 

authorized in the Reserve. The following 

were identified as prohibited activities: paintball, in-line skating and skate 

boarding (except on paved municipal 

trails), horseshoes, darts, badminton, 

golf, remote-controlled aircraft, powered 

parachutes, and residential camping. 

Buggies, wagons, or other animal-drawn 

vehicles were limited to travel on designated roads, unless prohibited by local 

ordinance, and prohibited from singletrack trails where their passage would 

create new surface disturbance.

Commercial Use

Thirteen companies currently hold 

SRPs to offer guided hikes, rock climbs, 

and mountain bike rides in the NCA. 

Commercial non-motorized use may 

be permitted on designated roads and 

trails, or at authorized climbing sites. 

Commercial motorized use may only be 

permitted on designated roads. All permit 

applications are first reviewed by BLM, 

and if it is determined to meet the agency’s 

objectives, the application is then forwarded to the HCP Administrator for review 

and concurrence.

Organized competitive and recreational 

sporting events found to be low-impact 

to habitat are subject to the same screening and approval process as commercial use. An organized group activity is 

defined as any scheduled event with a 

specific planned purpose. Competitive 

events or organized group activities 

that could result in impacts on habitats, 

at-risk species populations, or other 

resource values of public lands are not 

permitted. Competitive or group events 

may only be permitted on designated 

roads, and only if all of the above criteria 

have been met.

In compliance with the Federal Lands 

Recreation Enhancement Act, recreation 

permit fees collected by the BLM are 

used to construct and maintain recreational infrastructure in the NCA and on 

other public lands managed by the SGFO. 

The current fee for commercial use is 3% 

of gross receipts. The fee for competitive 

or group events is $5 per person.

3.40.1.3 Recreational Impacts

All recreational users have the potential to 

impact the physical environment, with the 

most common impact being new user-created trails, sometimes referred to as “social 

trails.” In some instances, new user-created trails are parallel routes heading to the 

same destination as the authorized route, 

but many are completely new trails to new 

and unauthorized destinations.

More than 100 miles of “social trails” 

have been illegally created within the 

NCA boundaries since the PUP was 

approved in 2001 (Photo 3-159). The 

proliferation of unauthorized, user-created trails is directly related to the PUP’s 

designation of existing roads and trails 

for multiple recreation uses. The existing roads and trails were identified as the 

trail network for the Reserve, to avoid 

loss of additional tortoise habitat to new 

trail construction. The existing trails were 

not professionally designed for sustainability or for specific recreation users. 

The two-track roads that were included 

in the trail network did not typically 

provide high quality visitor experiences, 

as a majority served as access roads for 

power transmission lines or other utilities. Existing trails that crossed sandy or 

soft soils have, over time, degraded to 

the point that they are only suitable for 

one user group. When horses, mountain 

bikes, and hikers share the same trail in 

this type of soil, the trail tread will eventually become usable only by equestrians. 

As the trail tread is churned up by horses, 

hikers and mountain bikers can no longer 

easily negotiate that trail; these users will 

eventually abandon the trail or establish a 

parallel, but unauthorized, new trail.

Impact Monitoring

Recreation use impacts of the multi-jurisdictional lands of the Reserve have been 

monitored on an annual basis since 2005, 

using a protocol developed by Northern 

Arizona University’s Outdoor Recreation 

Program. Monitoring is currently being 

conducted by faculty and students from 

Southern Utah University's Outdoor 

Recreation Program. Monitoring focuses 

on collecting data about the following 

impacts:

▶ Unauthorized increases in the number and size of trails and off-trail use 

in the Lowland Zone;

▶ Increased trail erosion;

▶ Increased incidences of campfire 

impacts;

▶ Vegetative impacts including biomass loss, composition changes, 

increased exotic and noxious weeds, 

and vegetative trampling and 

breakage;

▶ Disturbance of soil crusts;

▶ Increased equestrian impacts;

▶ General habitat disturbance including increased trail rutting and 

human-caused impacts such as 

litter, trash dumping, and human 

sanitary waste.

The focus of the impact monitoring program has been the Lowland Zone, largely 

because of its biological sensitivity, but 

also because much of it is in the urban 

interface and vulnerable to human impacts. The monitoring program is based 

on the fundamental tenets of Limits of 

Acceptable Change (LAC):

▶ All users are consumptive users;

▶ Resource impacts are the inevitable 

result of site use;

▶ The amount of change that will be 

tolerated on any site and the surrounding terrain is a managerial 

decision;

▶ Informed managerial decisions can 

only be made within an informed 

framework of social and physical 

data collection.

The goal of the monitoring program has 

been to identify current human-caused 

impacts from recreation, as well as forecast trends in visitor use and behaviors.

“More than 100 miles 

of “social trails” have 

been illegally created 

within the 

Red Cliffs NCA 

boundaries since the 

PUP was approved 

in 2001.”

“The existing trails 

were not professionally 

designed for 

sustainability or 

for specific 

recreation users.”

Photo 3-159 Monitoring User-Created 

Trails, Red Cliffs NCA
548 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 549

RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES

Monitoring began with a baseline trail 

inventory in 2005 and has continued on 

an annual basis. Data collected in 2010 

showed that 23 of the 41 trails monitored (56%) have multiple (1-20+) illegal 

trails off of the designated trail. Off-trail 

impacts were being caused primarily by 

hikers (44.2%), followed by mountain 

bikers (31.2%), and equestrians (23.7%) 

(Northern Arizona University 2010).

Linear Disturbances Study

As part of the HCP implementation, 

Washington County fenced across all 

critical access points and urban interface 

boundaries in the Reserve to prevent 

motorized vehicle intrusions and other 

unauthorized uses. Motorized intrusions 

still occur, but they are infrequent and 

rarely occur in critical habitat.

In 2001, the PUP designated approximately 178 miles of non-motorized trails and 

associated trailheads at the most heavily 

used access points as available for public 

recreation use (Table 3-37). Of the 178 

trail miles, 44 miles (26%) were existing 

two-track roads, the majority of which 

were power line or water line maintenance 

roads (Photo 3-160 and Photo 3-161). 

Nine miles (3%) were paved bicycle/pedestrian trails along State Route 18 and 

the Red Hills Parkway. Primitive routes, 

which were unmarked, undeveloped, and 

unmaintained trails, totaled approximately 

47 miles (27%). Primitive routes, because 

of their popularity, were included on visitor maps and in interpretive publications. 

Developed and maintained singletrack 

totaled 79 miles (44%).

All other roads, trails, and linear disturbances that were not included in the 

178 mile authorized trail system were 

officially closed. It was assumed that the 

authorized trail system, cobbled together 

as it was from a disparate mix of maintenance roads, singletrack, and livestock 

trails, would meet the recreational demands of the greater St. George metropolitan area well into the future, while 

adequately protecting critical habitat for 

desert tortoise and other at-risk species.

Between 2000 and 2007, the population 

of the greater St. George metropolitan 

area grew an average of 7% annually. 

Many of the newcomers were active 

retirees, drawn by Washington County’s 

warm weather and abundant recreational 

opportunities. This population increase 

is considered the beginning of the boom 

in local non-motorized recreation, driven 

primarily by increasing numbers of road 

cyclists, triathletes, hikers, rock climbers, 

and mountain bikers.

An increase in recreational visits to the 

Reserve mirrored the population increase, 

and it was at this point that deficiencies in 

the existing trail system began to surface. 

New residents seeking recreational experiences on heavily promoted trails of the 

Reserve were often disappointed when 

they realized that this meant hiking on 

power line maintenance roads and other 

linear disturbances created by prior land 

uses, such as livestock grazing and utility 

development. Predictably, some users began to pioneer new routes that produced 

the kinds of backcountry experiences that 

they were seeking.

Although an annual recreation impacts 

monitoring program was initiated in 

2005, the protocols did not collect data 

on many aspects of visitor use that were 

needed to understand why new social 

trails were being pioneered and why 

routes that had been officially closed 

continued to show signs of regular and 

often intensive use.

In 2012, NCA staff initiated a linear 

disturbances study to collect data, photograph, map, and describe all linear 

disturbances in the NCA and on adjacent non-federal lands included in the 

Reserve. This study produced the following data:

▶ The length of each disturbance;

▶ The average width of each 

disturbance;

▶ Who was using each linear 

disturbance;

▶ How often each linear disturbance 

was being used.

Map 3-55, Map 3-56, and Map 3-57

show the extent of the mapping project. 

Table 3-38 and Table 3-39 display some 

of the data from this study. Appendix K 

describes the methodologies used and includes additional findings from the study. 

These data were used in the development 

of the recreation section of the Draft 

RMP for Red Cliffs NCA to determine 

whether changes to the authorized trail 

system could reduce social trailing and 

resource impacts.

“New residents seeking 

recreational experiences 

on heavily promoted 

trails of the Reserve 

were often disappointed 

when they realized that 

this meant hiking on 

power line maintenance 

roads and other linear 

disturbances created by 

prior land uses, such as 

livestock grazing and 

utility development.”

“Mistakes are painful 

when they happen, but 

years later a collection 

of mistakes is what is 

called experience.”

–Denis Waitley, 

American Motivational 

Speaker, 1933-

Linear Disturbance BLM State Parks SITLA State DWR Private

Number of Miles 75 7 9 .25 13

Percent of Total Miles 72 7 9 <1 12

Linear Disturbance Lowland Zone Upland Zone Total

Number of Miles 68 34 102

PUP Zone Road Paved 

Trail

Singletrack Trail Primitive 

Route

Total

Upland Zone 12 0 18 36 66

Lowland Zone 32 9 61 12 113

Total Miles 44 9 79 47 178

Table 3-38 Measured Linear Disturbances by Land Status

Table 3-39 Measured Linear Disturbances in PUP Zones

Photo 3-160 Power Line Maintenance Road 

Serving Double Duty as Non-Motorized 

Trail, Red Cliffs NCA

Table 3-37 Miles of Non-Motorized Trails by Route Type

Photo 3-161 Water Pump Station 

Maintenance Road Serving Double Duty as 

Non-Motorized Trail, Red Cliffs NCA
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Brook's Nature Park

S140TS240T

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Existing Linear Disturbances - Red Cliffs NCA (South)

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 0.25 Miles0 0.5 1 0.25 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM

standards for accuracy and content.

Different data sources and input scales

may cause some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Existing Linear Disturbances (by use level)

Heavy (multiple users daily)Medium (between twice a week and daily)Light (twice a week or less)Historic (used in the past but no current tracks)

TrailheadRed Cliffs CampgroundNon-motorized TrailAdministrative RouteNational Conservation Area Boundary

BLM Wilderness AreaBureau of Land ManagementStateState Parks and RecreationState Wildlife Reserve/Management Area

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k

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a

n

d

H o

l l o

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u

B

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C

e d

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B e n c h

Old Hwy 91 Ivins

SR 18

Ivins

Hellhole

Mesa Rim Lava Flow

Sand Dunes

Black Gulch

Whiterocks

Lower Galoot

Alger Hollow

Pioneer Names

Yellow Knolls Jenny's Canyon

Johnson Canyon

Petified Dunes

Visitors Center

S040TS140TS240T

R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

Existing Linear Disturbances - Red Cliffs NCA (Northwest)

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 0.25 Miles0 0.5 1 0.25 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM

standards for accuracy and content.

Different data sources and input scales

may cause some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Existing Linear Disturbances (by use level)

Heavy (multiple users daily)Medium (between twice a week and daily)Light (twice a week or less)Historic (used in the past but no current tracks)

TrailheadRed Cliffs CampgroundNon-motorized TrailAdministrative RouteNational Conservation Area Boundary

BLM Wilderness AreaBureau of Land ManagementStateState Parks and RecreationState Wildlife Reserve/Management Area

550 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 551

MAP 3-55 MAP 3-56
Quail

Creek

Reservoir

H a r r i s b u r g

B e

n

c

h

Y A N TF L A T

Sullivan

Knoll

S a n d s t o n e

M o u n t a i n

Little

Purg ator y

Virg ni River

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k

W a s h

Leeds

La Verkin

Hurricane

Sand Cove

White Reef

Cottonwood

Toquerville Mine

Historic Babylon

S140TS240T

R 013 W R 014 W

Existing Linear Disturbances - Red Cliffs NCA (East)

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 0.25 Miles0 0.5 1 0.25 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM

standards for accuracy and content.

Different data sources and input scales

may cause some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Existing Linear Disturbances (by use level)

Heavy (multiple users daily)Medium (between twice a week and daily)Light (twice a week or less)Historic (used in the past but no current tracks)

TrailheadRed Cliffs CampgroundNon-motorized TrailAdministrative RouteNational Conservation Area Boundary

BLM Wilderness AreaBureau of Land ManagementStateState Wildlife Reserve/Management Area

552 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 553

MAP 3-57

3.40.2 Facilities

The recreational infrastructure of the 

NCA consists largely of trails and trail-

heads. However, with the acquisition 

of the White Reef area in 2000 and its 

inclusion within the Red Cliffs Recreation 

Area in 2013, two historic structures are 

now within the NCA. These include the 

1863 Orson B. Adams House, a historic 

structure that has been rehabilitated to 

Secretary of the Interior Standards for 

adaptive re-use as an interpretive site, and 

the partial standing walls of a 1950’s era 

Hollywood movie set. Map 3-58 displays 

the location of these structures and other 

heritage public use sites in the NCA.

Other recreation facilities in the NCA 

are located at trailheads, and typically 

include vault toilets, kiosks, interpre-

tive panels, directional signs, and fences. 

Almost all the trails, with the exception 

of those in designated wilderness, have 

been signed, and all major roads leading 

into the NCA have portal signs.

3.40.2.1 Trails and Trailheads

With 81 trails and routes of varying 

length and difficulty, hiking, mountain 

biking, and horseback riding are popular 

activities in the NCA. Because federal, 

state, municipal, county, and private 

lands are all encompassed within the 

boundaries of the NCA, trails cross juris-

dictional boundaries. There are 30 trail-

heads where visitors can park a vehicle 

and enter the NCA (Map 3-53 and Table 

3-40). Fully developed trailheads typi-

cally contain designated parking, rest-

room facilities, and a kiosk that contains 

outreach (area orientation, regulatory, 

and educational) information (Photo 

3-162). Less developed trailheads can 

have any combination of these amenities. 

Undeveloped access points (not shown in 

Table 3-40) may have undesignated park-

ing, a stepover, a gate (Photo 3-163), and/

or a simple bulletin board with orienta-

tion and regulatory information.

Some existing trailheads and access 

points are too small to meet demand. 

Others lack standardized kiosk facili-

ties to display outreach information. As 

funding is available, BLM has begun to 

replace all kiosks at BLM-managed trail-

heads with standardized kiosk styles and 

outreach information.

There are three recognized trail types 

in the NCA: 1) signed and maintained 

singletrack; 2) signed and maintained 

two-tracks, which function as trails but 

may also serve as administrative ac-

cess to municipal water and electrical 

utilities; and 3) primitive routes that are 

typically in dry washes, but that may 

RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES

“With 81 trails and 

routes of varying 

length and difficulty, 

hiking, mountain 

biking, and horseback 

riding are popular 

activities in the Red 

Cliffs NCA.”

Photo 3-162 White Reef Trailhead, Red Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-163 Undeveloped Access Point, Red 

Cliffs NCA
Quail

Creek

Reservoir

SandstoneMountain

Volcano

Mountain

H a r r i s b u r g

B e n c h

r

G

p

a

v

e

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V I R G I N

R E D

R E E F

W H I

T E

R E E F

L i t t l e

P u r g a t o r y

E A S T

R E E F

a

W

h

s

R I V E R

H a r r i s b u r g

F

al t

Red Cliffs

Dinosaur

Track Site

Red Cliffs

Archeological

Site

Cordura

Movie

Set

Orson B.

Adams

House

McMullin

House,

Harrisburg

Qu

a il Cr e e k Leeds

La Verkin

Hurricane

S140TS240T

R 013 W R 014 W

Public Use Heritage Sites - Red Cliffs NCA

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 0.25 Miles

0 0.5 1 0.25 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Heritage SiteNational Conservation Area BoundaryBLM Wilderness Area

Bureau of Land ManagementStateState Wildlife Reserve/Management Area

554 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 555

MAP 3-58 RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES

Trailhead Administering Agency

1 Amenities Area

Black Gulch BLM Parking/Kiosk Yellow Knolls

Brook’s Nature Park City of St. George Parking City Creek

Chuckwalla State of Utah-State Parks Parking/Kiosk/Restroom Snow Canyon State Park

Cottonwood BLM Parking/Kiosk Cottonwood

Hellhole Private Parking Red Mountain

Historic Babylon BLM Parking/Kiosk Babylon

Ivins Ivins City Parking/Kiosk Red Mountain

Jenny’s Canyon State of Utah-State Parks Parking Snow Canyon State Park

Johnson Canyon State of Utah-State Parks Parking/Kiosk Snow Canyon State Park

Lava Flow State of Utah-State Parks Parking/Kiosk Snow Canyon State Park

Lower Galoot State of Utah-State Parks Parking/Restroom Snow Canyon State Park

Mesa Rim BLM Parking/Kiosk Snow Canyon State Park

Petrified Dunes State of Utah-State Parks Parking/Kiosk Snow Canyon State Park

Pioneer Hills BLM Parking/Kiosk City Creek

Pioneer Names A State of Utah-State Parks Parking Snow Canyon State Park

Pioneer Names B State of Utah-State Parks Parking Snow Canyon State Park

Pioneer Park A City of St. George Parking/Restroom/Kiosk City Creek

Pioneer Park B City of St. George Parking/Kiosk City Creek

Red Mountain BLM Parking/Kiosk/Restroom Red Mountain

Sand Cove BLM Parking/Kiosk Babylon

Sand Dunes State of Utah-State Parks Parking/Kiosk/Restroom Snow Canyon State Park

Sandstone Mountain BLM Parking/Camping Sandstone Mountain

SR 18 State of Utah-State Parks Parking/Kiosk Snow Canyon State Park

T-Bone BLM Parking/Kiosk City Creek

Three Ponds State of Utah-State Parks Parking/Kiosk Snow Canyon State Park

Toquerville Mine BLM Parking/Kiosk Babylon

Upper Galoot State of Utah-State Parks Parking/Kiosk Snow Canyon State Park

White Reef BLM Parking/Kiosk/Restroom White Reef

White Rocks State of Utah-State Parks Parking/Kiosk Snow Canyon State Park

Yellow Knolls BLM Parking/Kiosk Yellow Knolls 1

Non-federal administering agencies are included because the trailheads provide access to BLM-managed public lands.

Table 3-40 Trailheads and Amenities
556 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 557

RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES

travel cross-country for short distances 

on well-used, user-defined routes (Table 

3-41). Primitive routes are found in the 

Red Mountain and Cottonwood Canyon 

Wilderness areas (Photo 3-164).

3.40.2.2 Trail and Trailhead Visitation

Trail use in the NCA consists of hiking, 

mountain biking, and horseback riding. 

Trail visitation is tracked by BLM using digital traffic counters of two types: 

the first detects metal and can be programmed to distinguish between full-size 

vehicles, ATVs, or mountain bikes; the 

second operates on infrared and records a 

count when body heat breaks the infrared beam. The digital counters provide 

accurate visitation data and have been in 

use since 2009 in the NCA. The counters 

are typically left in a specific location for 

one year and then moved to a new location. Over time, accurate visitation data 

can be collected through traffic counters, 

supplemented by trail registers and staff 

observations. Annual visitation is recorded in the BLM’s online Recreation 

Management Information System 

(RMIS). Data for 2013 visits are shown in 

Table 3-42, linked to specific sub-areas or 

groupings of trails that are either accessed 

from the same trailhead or are in geographic proximity to each other.

3.40.2.3 Red Cliffs Recreation Area

The Red Cliffs Recreation Area is an 

Expanded and Standard Amenity Fee 

Site that is open for use year-round and 

popular with both overnight campers 

and day users (Photo 3-165). It is located 

just west of I-15, 14 miles northeast of 

St. George, Utah (Map 3-59). Popular 

day use activities include hiking on 

the several trails that originate in the 

campground/day use area, visiting the 

interpreted public use sites that educate 

visitors about paleontological and heritage resources, and enjoying picnics or 

barbecues in the day use area.

The Recreation Area has numerous amenities, including facilities and services, 

as shown in Table 3-43. The day use area 

includes designated paved parking, picnic 

tables, garbage receptacles, fire pits, barbeque grills, a potable water spigot, and 

information and regulatory signage. The 

campground has 11 campsites, each with 

designated paved parking, fire pits, barbeque grills, shade shelters, picnic tables, 

and potable water available from seven 

centralized water spigots. Two vault 

toilets and trash dumpsters in centralized 

“Dreams come true; 

without that possibility, 

nature would not incite 

us to have them. “

–John Updike, 

Novelist, 1932-2009

Table 3-41 Red Cliffs NCA Non-Motorized Trails and Routes

Trail Agency Trail User Trail Type Area Miles BLM

Miles

600 North BLM Hikers, Equestrians Two-Track Hurricane Cinder 

Knolls

1.13 1.13

Adams BLM Hikers Singletrack White Reef 0.03 0.03

Adit BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track White Reef 0.23 0.23

Alger Hollow BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track Broken Mesa 2.08 2.08

Anasazi BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Singletrack Red Cliffs 

Recreation Area

0.50 0.50

Arch BLM Hikers, Equestrians Singletrack Babylon 0.51 0.51

Babylon BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track Babylon 1.35 1.35

Beck Hill BLM/State Parks Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Singletrack Paradise Canyon 1.43 0.30

Black Knolls BLM/DWR Hikers, Equestrians Singletrack Broken Mesa 1.68 0.81

Bone Wash SITLA Hikers, Equestrians Wash Mill Creek 1.88 0.00

Bracken’s Loop SITLA Hikers, Equestrians Singletrack Grapevine 5.42 0.00

Broken Mesa Rim BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Singletrack Broken Mesa 4.35 4.35

Brook’s Nature Trail BLM/City of St. 

George

Hikers Singletrack City Creek 0.23 0.11

Chuckwalla BLM/State Parks Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track Paradise Canyon 0.91 0.77

Church Rocks SITLA Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Singletrack Grapevine 1.89 0.00

Church Rocks 

Connector

SITLA Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Singletrack Grapevine 0.10 0.00

Cinder Knoll Loop BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track/

Singletrack

Babylon 0.85 0.85

City Creek BLM/City of St. 

George

Hikers, Equestrians Two-Track/

Singletrack

City Creek 2.94 0.09

Coachwhip SITLA Hikers, Equestrians Singletrack Grapevine 0.43 0.00

Connector BLM Hikers, Bikers Singletrack White Reef 0.04 0.04

Cordura BLM Hikers, Bikers Singletrack White Reef 0.24 0.24

Cottontail DWR Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track Middleton 0.59 0.00

Cottonwood Canyon BLM Hikers, Equestrians Wash Cottonwood 6.04 6.04

Cottonwood Hills BLM/SITLA Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Wash Cottonwood 2.89 1.90

Dino Cliffs SITLA Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Singletrack Grapevine 1.82 0.00

East Cinder Knoll BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track Hurricane Cinder 

Knolls

0.61 0.61

East Reef BLM/DWR/Private Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track Babylon 1.99 1.00

Table 3-41 Red Cliffs NCA Non-Motorized Trails and Routes

Photo 3-164 Hellhole Trail, Primitive Route in Red Mountain Wilderness, Red Cliffs NCA
558 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 559

RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES

Table 3-41 Red Cliffs NCA Non-Motorized Trails and Routes

Trail Agency Trail User Trail Type Area Miles BLM

Miles

Padre Canyon BLM/State Parks/

Private

Hikers Singletrack Red Mountain 2.39 1.71

Paradise Rim BLM/State Parks Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Singletrack Paradise Canyon 1.20 1.05

Pioneer Hills BLM/City of St. 

George

Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track City Creek 0.71 0.12

Pioneer Rim BLM/City of St. 

George

Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Singletrack City Creek 1.69 0.90

Prospector BLM/SITLA/Private Singletrack Cottonwood 8.93 4.91

Raven BLM Hikers, Equestrians Two-Track Sandstone 

Mountain

0.91 0.57

Red Mountain BLM/State Parks/City 

of Ivins

Hikers, Equestrians Primitive 

Route

Red Mountain 8.80 8.20

Red Reef BLM/USFS Hikers, Equestrians Primitive 

Route

Cottonwood 5.93 5.10

Red Reef East BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track White Reef 0.89 0.89

Red Tail BLM Hikers, Equestrians Two-Track Sandstone 

Mountain

1.05 1.02

Rusty Cliffs BLM/State Parks/City 

of St. George

Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track/

Singletrack

Paradise Canyon 3.37 0.84

Sand Hill SITLA Hikers, Equestrians Singletrack Mill Creek 1.98 0.00

Sandstone Mountain BLM Hikers, Equestrians Two-Track Sandstone 

Mountain

2.15 2.15

Scout Cave BLM/State Parks Hikers, Equestrians Singletrack Paradise Canyon 2.76 0.55

Sidewinder BLM Hikers, Equestrians Singletrack Sandstone 

Mountain

0.96 0.96

Silver Reef BLM Hikers Singletrack Red Cliffs 

Recreation Area

0.16 0.16

Snow Canyon 

Overlook

BLM Hikers, Equestrians Singletrack Red Mountain 0.47 0.47

Spanish Wash SITLA Hikers, Equestrians Wash Grapevine 0.89 0.00

T-Bone BLM/City of St. 

George

Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track City Creek 1.89 1.31

Three Ponds BLM/State Parks Hikers Singletrack/

Wash

Red Mountain 1.67 0.48

Tipple BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track White Reef 1.00 1.00

Turtle Wall BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Singletrack Paradise Canyon 0.98 0.98

Virgin River BLM/Water 

Conservancy District

Hikers, Equestrians Primitive 

Route

Babylon 5.29 4.13

Washington Hollow BLM/SITLA Hikers, Equestrians Wash Cottonwood 3.98 3.90

West Cinder Knoll BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track Hurricane Cinder 

Knolls

0.47 0.47

Table 3-41 Red Cliffs NCA Non-Motorized Trails and Routes

Trail Agency Trail User Trail Type Area Miles BLM

Miles

Elephant Arch SITLA Hikers, Equestrians Singletrack Mill Creek 0.39 0.00

Flicker BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track Babylon 0.23 0.23

Fortitude BLM Hikers Primitive 

Route

Red Mountain 0.46 0.46

Gap BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Singletrack Paradise Canyon 0.36 0.36

Gecko BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Singletrack Paradise Canyon 0.26 0.26

Grapevine SITLA/Private Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track Grapevine 3.17 0.00

Grapevine Wash SITLA Hikers Wash Grapevine 0.11 0.00

Gunsight BLM/State Parks Hikers Primitive 

Route

Red Mountain 1.10 0.78

Halfway Wash BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track Paradise Canyon 0.59 0.59

Heath BLM Hikers, Equestrians Wash Cottonwood 2.56 2.56

Hellhole BLM/Private Hikers Wash Red Mountain 2.09 2.04

Hellhole Spur BLM Hikers Wash Red Mountain 0.21 0.21

Hell’s Half Acre BLM Hikers, Equestrians Primitive 

Route

Little Purgatory 0.78 0.78

High Grade BLM Hikers, Bikers Two-Track/

Singletrack

White Reef 0.18 0.18

High Point BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track Broken Mesa 1.12 1.12

Historic Babylon BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Singletrack Babylon 3.35 3.35

Ice House BLM/DWR/SITLA Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Singletrack Broken Mesa 5.90 5.55

Lange’s Dugway BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track Broken Mesa 4.59 4.59

Leed’s Reef BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track White Reef 1.44 1.44

Little Purgatory BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Singletrack Little Purgatory 2.11 2.11

McMullin BLM Hikers, Bikers Singletrack White Reef 0.05 0.05

Middleton Powerline BLM/DWR/SITLA Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track Middleton 3.52 0.00

Mill Creek BLM/SITLA Hikers, Equestrians Wash Cottonwood 5.95 3.06

Mine Shaft BLM/Private Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track Babylon 0.44 0.44

Mustang Pass BLM/SITLA Hikers, Equestrians Two-Track/

Singletrack

Mill Creek 2.59 1.10

Owen’s Loop BLM/City of St. 

George

Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track/

Singletrack

City Creek 1.76 0.76
Harrisburg

R E D

R E E F

W H I

T E

R E E F

L i t t l e

P u r g a t o r y

H a r r i s b u r g

F

al t

COTTONWOOD

CANYON

WILDERNESS

Cordura Movie Set

White Reef Trailhead

Orson B. Adams House

McMullin House, Harrisburg

Red Cliffs Dinosaur Track Site

Red Cliffs Archaeological Site Red Cliffs Campground

P or

ps ec ot r

e R d

e R

f e

Whi et Reef

Leeds

Reef T pi p el Red Ree

Ef ast

Anasazi

r G

bu

t s

ka e

S140T

R 014 W

t Recreation Area Boundary National Conservation Area Boundary BLM Wilderness Area

Bureau of Land Management

Red Cliffs Recreation Area - Red Cliffs NCA

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 0.25 Miles

0 0.5 0.25 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Source: U. S. Department of Interior,

U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Critical

Habitat for Shivwits milk-vetch, 2008

560 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 561

RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES MAP 3-59

Facilities

Information 

Kiosks

Interpretive 

Stations

Shade 

Shelters

Vault Toilets Campsites Day Use 

Area

Garbage 

Dumpsters

Non-Motorized 

Trails

Services

Law 

Enforcement

Park Ranger Toilet 

Janitorial

Toilet 

Pumping

Potable 

Water

Waste 

Disposal

Maintenance Information 

Brochures

Trail System Primary Activity Secondary Activity Occasional Activity Visits 2013

Babylon Hiking OHV Mountain Biking 5,940

City Creek Hiking Mountain Biking Rock Scrambling 6,991

Cottonwood Canyon Mountain Biking Hiking Equestrian 16,194

Cottonwood Road Mountain Biking Hiking --- 4,898

Paradise Canyon Rock Climbing Hiking Mountain Biking 21,439

Red Cliffs Recreation Area Hiking Camping --- 33,200

Red Mountain Hiking Equestrian --- 14,601

White Reef Hiking Equestrian Mountain Biking 2,312

Total Visits 105,575

Table 3-41 Red Cliffs NCA Non-Motorized Trails and Routes

Trail Agency Trail User Trail Type Area Miles BLM

Miles

White Reef BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Two-Track White Reef 1.70 1.70

Winchester BLM Hikers, Bikers, 

Equestrians

Singletrack Broken Mesa 1.64 1.64

Yellow Knolls BLM Hikers, Equestrians Singletrack Broken Mesa 1.93 1.93

Mileage Total 153.26 102.10

Table 3-43 Red Cliffs Recreation Area Amenities

Table 3-42 Visits by Sub-Area

Photo 3-165 Red Cliffs Recreation Area, Red Cliffs NCA
562 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 563

RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES

locations serve both the day use area 

and the campsites. Both the day use area 

and the campsites offer accessible facilities that comply with the Architectural 

Barriers Act Accessibility Standards. 

Several non-motorized trails can be accessed directly from the Recreation Area.

Because of the limited number of campsites, the campground is generally filled 

to capacity every day during the peak 

seasons of spring and fall. Separate fees 

are collected for overnight and day use, 

with current fees set at $15 for overnight 

camping and $5 per vehicle for day use. 

Payment is made through fee envelopes 

and “iron ranger” collection devices, with 

fee envelopes removed on a regular basis. 

When a visitor fills out an envelope, the 

information collected includes number 

of individuals in the party and the length 

of stay; these data are then compiled by 

BLM for accurate visitation tracking.

Table 3-44 displays visitation data for the 

Recreation Area over the past six years. 

In 2010, the Recreation Area was closed 

for a four-month period during the summer months, while the access road was 

being repaved, lowering visitation for 

that year. 2014 also shows lower visitation 

as a result of a two-month closure due to 

bridge construction and facility upgrades.

The increasing popularity of the 

Recreation Area has created management 

challenges, as the existing day use parking cannot accommodate the number of 

visitors who wish to enjoy the site during 

peak seasons.

3.40.3 Interpretation/Visitor 

Understanding

Information is available from the 

Interagency Public Lands Information 

Center, in St. George, which also serves 

as office space for the NCA staff and the 

SGFO. The Center is staffed with agency 

personnel and/or volunteers and provides 

the public with information about the 

NCA, the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, and 

Snow Canyon State Park.

3.40.3.1 Trailhead Interpretation

Trailheads are defined as an area having 

designated vehicle parking and a major 

access point. Trailhead information varies 

by location, but each trailhead on public 

lands currently provides, at a minimum, 

an area map and orientation information. 

As funding has permitted, BLM has been 

installing new kiosks at trailheads that 

are of a standardized design and include 

an orientation panel with a detailed trail 

map as well as full-color interpretive 

panels for resources specific to that area 

of the NCA (Photo 3-166).

3.40.3.2 Regulatory Information

Each trail or route begins at an access 

point, usually denoted by a stepover (a 

barrier to prevent trail access by OHVs).

Rules and regulation signs are posted at 

these access points, informing users of 

prohibited activities within the recreation 

zones of Lowland, Upland, or all zones.

3.40.3.3 Public Outreach

Public outreach and environmental 

education programs and activities are 

conducted by NCA staff, in partnership with the Southwest Utah National 

Conservation Land Friends (SUNCLF). 

SUNCLF is a non-profit “friends” group 

established in 2011 to increase public awareness and citizen stewardship 

of public lands and resources in the 

Beaver Dam Wash and Red Cliffs NCAs. 

Examples of these programs include 

National Public Lands Day clean-up 

activities in the NCAs, curriculum-based 

field experiences for local schools, and 

volunteer opportunities for archaeological and paleontological site stewardship 

(Photo 3-167), migratory bird counts, 

and habitat restoration projects.

Maps and Brochures

A new Visitor’s Guide is currently being 

prepared by BLM to provide more accurate trail data and information on the 

Red Cliffs NCA. Some of this information is currently available in the SGFO 

Visitor’s Guide, a 1:100,000 scale land 

status map that includes trails, trailheads, 

and special designation lands managed 

by the SGFO. The brochure side of this 

map provides regulatory and interpretive 

information about the special designation 

lands, including the NCAs, wilderness 

areas, wild and scenic rivers, and the Old 

Spanish National Historic Trail.

A brochure describing the Red Cliffs 

Recreation Area is available from the 

Interagency Public Lands Information 

Center in St. George and can be downloaded from the NCA website.

RECREATION AND VISITOR SERVICES

“SUNCLF is a nonprofit “friends” group 

established in 2011 

to increase public 

awareness and citizen 

stewardship of public 

lands and resources in 

the Beaver Dam Wash 

and Red Cliffs NCAs.” 

“Our nation’s future 

relies on a welleducated public to be 

wise stewards of the 

very environment that 

sustains us, our families 

and communities, and 

future generations. 

It is environmental 

education which 

can best help us as 

individuals make the 

complex, conceptual 

connections between 

economic prosperity, 

benefits to society, 

environmental 

health, and our own 

well-being.”

–No Child Left Inside 

Coalition

Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Day Use Visitors 20,170 20,616 31,770 32,811 29,246 26,625

Campers 4,190 3,152 4,116 5,055 4,583 3,986

Total 24,360 23,768 35,886 37,866 33,829 30,611

Source: BLM RMIS Database

Table 3-44 Red Cliffs Recreation Area Visitation

Photo 3-166 Typical Trailhead Kiosk, Red 

Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-167 Citizen Stewardship: Graffiti Removal at Archaeological Site, Red Cliffs NCA
M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?y

?£

!"`$

?¤

!"`$

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

?Ñ

Sz

Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t Closed to Motorized Vehicles

Limited to Designated Roads & TrailsNational Conservation Area Boundary

O

H

V

Are

a

D

e

sig

n

atio

n

s - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

564 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 565

NCA Website

The St. George Field Office maintains a 

website that contains information about 

every aspect of the NCA. There are dozens of pages that cover everything from 

planning, to tortoise recovery, to recreation opportunities at www.blm.gov/sgfo

(BLM 2014).

Visitor Satisfaction Survey

In April of 2011, the NCA was selected 

as one of 24 sites nationally for a Visitor 

Satisfaction Survey, as part of BLM’s annual assessment of how well agency-operated recreation facilities are meeting the 

standards established in the Government 

Performance and Results Act (GPRA). 

Goal 3.1 of the GPRA states: “Provide for 

a quality recreation experience, including access, and enjoyment of natural and 

cultural resources on DOI managed and 

partnered lands and waters”; Goal 3.2 

states: “Provide for and receive fair value 

in recreation.” The survey consisted of two 

pages of questions with multiple choice 

answers and was approved by the U.S. 

Office of Management and Budget. The 

survey methodology was reviewed and 

approved by the BLM National Operations 

Center in Denver, Colorado.

The survey was conducted at five intensively-used trailheads on multiple weekends during April 2011. A ten-person 

crew from the American Conservation 

Experience (ACE) was used to administer the survey. Two ACE employees were 

stationed at each trailhead from 9am 

to 5pm, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 

to ensure that an adequate sample of 

responses was obtained.

A total of 400 surveys were completed 

and the results compiled and analyzed by 

the University of Idaho, Department of 

Outdoor Recreation. The overall GPRA 

Satisfaction Measure was 90%, representing the number of respondents who were 

satisfied with the facilities, services, and 

recreational opportunities of the NCA. 

Table 3-45 shows a percentage breakdown 

of the overall GPRA satisfaction measure.

3.41 COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL 

AND TRANSPORTATION 

MANAGEMENT

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment for Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA for a description of BLM’s TTM 

process and the definitions of OHV 

area designations (“open,” “limited,” 

and “closed”) that provide the land use 

planning level framework within which 

individual route designations are made 

through implementation-level planning. 

Table 3-46 shows the current OHV area 

designations for the NCA that were made 

through the 1999 SGFO RMP. Map 3-60

shows the locations of the area designations. The PUP designated the roads and 

routes described below for motorized 

vehicle travel in 2000.

Motorized vehicles, including recreational vehicles, two-wheel-drive and 

four-wheel-drive vehicles, motorcycles, 

and all-terrain vehicles, are authorized 

to travel only on designated roads in 

the NCA. Eleven roads were designated 

COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT MAP 3-60

“The overall GPRA 

Satisfaction Measure 

was 90%, representing 

the number of 

respondents who 

were satisfied with 

the facilities, services, 

and recreational 

opportunities of the 

Red Cliffs NCA.”

Designation Acres

Open 0

Limited to Existing Roads and Trails 0

Limited to Designated Roads and Trails 24,870

Closed 19,989

Very Good Good Average Poor Very Poor

41% 49% 9% 1% 0%

Table 3-46 OHV Area Designations

Table 3-45 Overall Quality of Recreation Experience from Visitor Satisfaction Survey
M o u n t a i n s

R e d

Clara

Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White

Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Hospital

College Dixie

Black

Ridge

South

Black

Rocks

Nichols Peak

Black Rocks

North

L a

v a

R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d

Hollow

Buckskin

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h

C

e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

H o l l o w

S p r i n g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knolls

East Valley

Black

Washington Hollow

Grass Knoll

1902

935

Sand Cove Res

Wash

Upper Santa Ivins Reservoir

Dry

Lower Santa Clara Wash Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clara

Canal

Canal

Cottonwood

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Spring

West St George

Springs AQUEDUCT

City

Spring

Miller Spring

Halfway

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

Wash

Creek

Middleton

Green Spring

Harder

Ditch

River

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

Wash

Spring

Creek Mill

C o t t o n w o o d

East Fork

Cougar Spring

Spring H o l l o w

R o c k

Old Highway 91

Ivins

St. George

Santa Clara

T 041 S T 042 S T 040 S

R 017 W R 016 W R 015 W

Right-of-Ways (West) - Red Cliffs NCA

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Right-of-Way

Right-of-Way (line or area by type)

Fiber Optic Line

Natural Gas Pipeline

Powerline

Road

Telephone Line

Water Pipeline

Other

Utility Corridor

National Conservation Area Boundary

BLM Wilderness Area

Bureau of Land Management

State

State Parks and Recreation

State Wildlife Reserve/Management Area

566 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 567

in the PUP as open to motorized use 

by the public. Six of the 11 designated 

roads traverse public lands of the NCA: 

Red Hills Parkway (formerly Turtle 

Road and Skyline Drive), Cottonwood 

Road, Turkey Farm Road, Babylon Road, 

Toquerville Cutoff, and Sand Cove Spur. 

Of the designated roads, only the Red 

Hills Parkway and the southern portion 

of Cottonwood Road are paved. The City 

of St. George manages use on Red Hills 

Parkway and prohibits the OHV travel on 

that road. The Red Cliffs Recreation Area 

Road, which was not included in the 

PUP, is also paved and is authorized for 

motorized vehicle travel, although OHVs 

are prohibited from traveling within the 

developed campground and day use area.

All other roads within the NCA are 

closed to motorized vehicle travel by 

the public, although many are open for 

administrative use by municipalities and 

power companies to access electrical 

transmission lines and water utilities.

Detailed information on the non-motorized trail network can be found in the 

Recreation section above. As described 

for the Beaver Dam Wash NCA, BLM will 

identify OHV area designations for Red 

Cliffs NCA in this document and is currently developing a TMP for Washington 

County public lands that will identify 

alternatives for specific route designations.

3.42 LANDS AND REALTY

3.42.1 Land Tenure Adjustments

Since 1996, the SGFO has assisted 

Washington County in the furtherance 

of its HCP commitments through land 

tenure adjustments designed to acquire 

private land inholdings into federal 

ownership in the. During the 17-year 

period between 1996 and 2013, a total 

of 6,374 acres were acquired, primarily 

by land exchange, with private inholdings being exchanged at fair market 

value by willing owners for public lands 

elsewhere in Washington County. Other 

private inholdings were acquired through 

donations and direct purchases with 

Land and Water Conservation Funds. 

Although BLM has been the primary 

agency to acquire lands, Utah State Parks 

and UDWR have also actively pursued 

acquisitions of private inholdings in the 

Reserve, using federal funds provided 

under Section 6 of the ESA.

Non-federal lands remain within the 

boundaries of the NCA that could be 

acquired from willing sellers or land 

administrators. Certain tracts are encumbered with previous developments such 

as large retention basins, a large water 

tank, and a former municipal landfill 

which has been remediated and capped.

3.42.2 Linear ROWs and Site Type 

Leases

In 1999, the SGFO RMP designated all 

public lands in today’s NCA as a ROW 

Avoidance area. This designation was 

intended to further the goals and objectives of Washington County’s HCP, by 

protecting habitat for Mojave desert 

tortoise and other at-risk species from 

impacts and loss to the construction 

of new power transmission lines, water lines, communication sites or other 

facilities. Since wilderness designation in 

2009, the Cottonwood Canyon and Red 

Mountain Wilderness areas have been 

managed as ROW Exclusion areas. Since 

1999, no new ROWs have been granted 

in the Avoidance area, although upgrades 

to an existing Rocky Mountain power 

transmission line and associated substation were authorized. Refer to Maps 3-61, 

Map 3-62, and Map 3-63 for ROWs and 

Avoidance/Exclusion areas.

Management direction for the ROW 

Avoidance areas stated that new ROWs 

would only be granted in these areas 

when feasible alternative routes or 

designated corridors were not available. 

Measures to reduce resource impacts 

would be applied on a site-specific basis, 

should new ROWs be granted (BLM 

1999). Management direction for the 

LANDS AND REALTY MAP 3-61

“Non-federal lands 

remain within the 

boundaries of the Red 

Cliffs NCA that could 

be acquired from 

willing sellers or land 

administrators.”
Nichols Peak

Washington

Dome

Harrisburg

Dome

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow

Big

Jones

Cedar

Harrisburg

Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand

Dunes

Sand Dunes

H

U

R

R I C

A

N

E

F r o g Hurricane Airport

Sullivan Knoll

1085

1104

903

1227

1004

1016

1002

Washington Canal

Pass

Wash Spring

Grapevine

Cottonwood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k

C r e e k

H e a t h

W a s h

B i t t e r

C r e e k Mud

Spring

Big Hollow Spring

East Fork

Spring

P i n e

Ash Grove Spring

L e e d s

C r e e k

Italian Spring

W a s h I t a l i a n

Blue Spring

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k

L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Workman Wash

Hurricane Canal

Spring

C r e e k Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

Leeds

Hurricane

Toquerville

T 040 S T 041 S T 042 S

R 015 W R 014 W R 013 W

Right-of-Ways (East) - Red Cliffs NCA

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Right-of-Way

Right-of-Way (line or area by type)

Fiber Optic Line

Natural Gas Pipeline

Powerline

Road

Telephone Line

Water Pipeline

Other

Utility Corridor

National Conservation Area Boundary

BLM Wilderness Area

Bureau of Land Management

State

State Parks and Recreation

State Wildlife Reserve/Management Area

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Clara Bench

S o u t h H i l l s

White Hills

Boomer Hill

Canyon

Municipal Airport

Bloomington

RadioTower

Webb

Gag ni g Station

Hospital

College Dixie

Black Ridge

South Black Rocks

Nichols Peak

Wash ni g ot n Dome

Beacon

Warner

Black Rocks

North

L a v a R i d g e

B i g

G u l c h

S a n d Hol ol w

cuB ksk ni

C a n y o n

LAVA

S n o w

LAVA

Gravel

Pit

D i a m o n d

V a l l e y

POWERLINE

A l g e r G u l c h C e d a r

H o l l o w

B e n c h

A l g e r

o H ol l w

S p r ni g Twin Peaks

Yellow Knol sl

East Valley

al B kc

Harr si burg D mo e

Washington Hollow

Yant

Flat

Hollow Big

Harr si bu gr Bench

Sandstone Mountain

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

Sand Dunes

U H R R CI N A E

F r o g Hurricane

Airport

L C FI S F

Sullivan Knoll

1902

1085

935

1104

903

1227

1004

1038

1016

1002

M O U N T A I N

S A N D

Wash

Upper San at Ivins Reservoir

r D y

Lower Santa Clara hs a W Clara

Bench

Bench

Santa

Clar

C

a

anal

Canal

Cottonwood

Wash

Curly

Hollow

Box Canyon Stucki Spring

Wash

Wash

Cove

Santa Clara

St George

Canal

Pr ci e Bench Ditch

V ri g ni

Spring

West St George

Springs UQA UDE TC

Ci yt

Spring

Miller Spring

H l a wf ay

Santa Clara Reservoir

River

hs a W

er C ke

di M l d ot e n

Green Spring

a C

not gni hs a W nal

Ha dr er

Ditch

R vi er

egr oe Gt S

and

Snow Spring

Spring

Spring

AQUEDUCT

hs a W

Spring

Creek Mill

ss aP

hs a W Spring

ar G ep ni v e

Cot ot wn ood

Wash

Warner Valley

Spring

Cottonwood

Spring

C o t t o n w o o d

C r e e k C r e e k

H e a ht

h s a W

B i t t e r

C r e e k

R o c k

C r e e k

l at I n ai

G r a p e v i n e W a s h

C r e e k L e e d s

Q u a i l

Spring

Berry Springs

Sand Mountain

Spring

Bench Lake

Gould Reservoir

kr o W na m Wa

G o u l d hs

u H rr ci na e a C an l

Dixie Hot Springs

L a V e r k i n

Spring

C r e e k

!"`$

Sand

Hollow

Reservoir

Quail

Creek

Reservoir

?¤

!"`$

?x

? ̧

?¤

Old Highway 91

!"`$

?Ñ

Sz

?y

?£ Leeds

Ivins

La Verkin

Hurricane

Washington

St. George

Toquerville

Santa Clara

S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 340 T

R 013 W R 014 W R 016 W R 017 W R 015 W

t ROW Avoidance/Exclusion

AvoidanceExclusionNational Conservation Area Boundar

R

y

ig

ht-of-W

a

y

A

v

oid

a

n

c

e

a

n

d

E

x

clu

sio

n

Are

a

s - R

e

d

Cliffs

N

C

A Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 1 2 0.5 Miles0 1 2 0.5 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

568 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 569

MAP 3-62 MAP 3-63
570 Chapter 3 RCNCA RCNCA Chapter 3 571

LANDS AND REALTY SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

ROW Exclusion areas stated that new 

ROWs would only be granted in these areas when required by law or federal court 

action (BLM 1999).

The 1999 SGFO RMP designated two 

utility corridors that cross the NCA. One 

of these followed State Route 18 from 

St. George to Veyo, with the width of 

the corridor identified as the “currently 

fenced road right-of way” (BLM 1999). 

The second designated corridor was 

discontiguous and irregularly shaped to 

include all of the public lands along the 

I-15 corridor, from Ash Creek Reservoir 

south to Harrisburg Junction. A portion 

of this corridor crosses the NCA near 

White Reef and the Harrisburg Bench.

Prior to 1999, a number of linear and site 

type ROWs had been granted by BLM 

across public lands that are today within 

the Red Cliffs NCA. Table 3-47 provides 

additional information about these 

ROWs and the purposes for which they 

were granted.

3.42.3 Other Land Use 

Authorizations

Commercial film permits comprise 

the majority of the requested land use 

authorizations in the NCA. Over the past 

10 years approximately 2-3 applications 

per year for filming permits have been 

received for the Babylon area of the NCA. 

Film permits in the NCA are subject to 

minimum impact requirements and sitespecific NEPA analysis.

3.43 SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC 

CONDITIONS

The reader is referred to the Affected 

Environment for the Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA for information on Social and 

Economic Conditions in Washington 

County that relate to the Red Cliffs 

NCA. In that section is a summary of 

the most recent data available from 

2012 or 2013 to describe the social and 

economic conditions that are relevant 

for this planning effort. The data generally reflect conditions and values for all 

public lands and uses managed by the 

SGFO in Washington County, although 

a separate summary is provided for Red 

Cliffs NCA where relevant data are available. The Socioeconomic Baseline Report 

(Pinkham 2012) upon which this summary is based is available online at: www.

blm.gov/nxld.

3.43.1 Red Cliffs NCA Social and 

Economic Conditions

As part of the overall economic benefits 

to the planning area, the NCA provides 

potential socioeconomic benefits in the 

following resources:

▶ Grazing on portions of three allotments (111 permitted livestock 

AUMs);

▶ Recreation, primarily dispersed 

(105,575 visits in 2013).

3.43.1.1 Health and Safety

While extensive inventories and remediation of abandoned mines in the East Reef 

area of the NCA have been conducted by 

the Utah Abandoned Mines Reclamation 

Program (Photo 3-168), other abandoned 

mines have recently been located that 

pose a public safety threat. Additional 

systematic inventory is needed to resolve 

this potential safety hazard. There are no 

known above ground or underground 

storage tanks or locations with hazardous 

wastes on public lands in the NCA.

“Don’t put yourself or 

others at risk! Stay out 

and stay alive!”

–State of Utah 

Abandoned Mine 

Reclamation Program

ROW Type Company Number Length 

(Feet)

Width 

(Feet)

Approximate 

Total Acres

Fiber Optic Line Qwest UTU-79729 3,000 10 0.69

Gas Pipeline Questar UTU-67785 3,000 50 3.44

Fiber Optic Line Charter/Baha UTU-80882 58,266 30 40.13

Power Line PacifiCorp UTU-71709 58,266 50 66.88

Power Line UAMPS UTU-65460 41,500 100 95.27

Power Line PacifiCorp UTU-13694 41,500 50 47.64

Water Pipeline City of St. George UTSL-034813 87,120 20 40

Power Line City of St. George UTU-62302 45,580 20 20.93

Power Line PacifiCorp UTU-43908 7,174 20 3.3

Road Virgin River Land Preservation UTU-65437 14,837 36 12.26

Water Pipeline Virgin River Land Preservation UTU-65446 1,320 10 0.3

Stream Gage USGS UTU-85366 5 5 0.0006

Power Line Hurricane City UTU-87524 5,276.1 10 1.2

Road Hurricane City UTU-85627 6,150 44 6.2

Water Pipeline WCWCD UTU-51374 6,150 50 7.06

Power Line PacifiCorp UTU-68896 1,697.7 25 0.97

Weather Gage BLM UTU-87847 24 24 0.013

Weather Gage Nat. Weather Service UTU-87848 24 24 0.013

Water Pipeline Sunbelt UTU-55662 100 10 0.023

Underground phone Qwest UTU-68595 2,568 10 0.59

Waterline reservation (Red 

Cliffs Recreation Area)

BLM UTU-63291 4,864 24 2.68

Access road reservation (Red 

Cliffs Recreation Area)

BLM UTU-46814 N/A 35 N/A

Underground phone Qwest UTU-47612 14,080 10 3.23

Gas Pipeline Questar UTU-67785 14,133 50 16.22

Highway 18 Fed. Highways UTSL-062805 3,000 400 27.55

Table 3-47 Existing ROWs in the Red Cliffs NCA

Photo 3-168 Abandoned Toquerville Mine with Gate to Facilitate Bat Access, Red Cliffs NCA
SGFO RMP Amendment Chapter 3 573

Chapter 3: Affected Environment SGFO RMP 

Amendment

3.44 INTRODUCTION

This section provides descriptions of 

those resource values that could be impacted by the alternatives developed for 

the Amendment to the 1999 SGFO RMP. 

The Amendment is limited to two planning issues that address specific mandates 

from OPLMA. Each of the mandates is 

described below, with information on 

how the Amendment was drafted to address the Congressional requirements.

3.44.1 Planning Issue 1

OPLMA Section 1979 (a), directs the 

Secretary to “identify areas...where biological conservation is a priority; and undertake activities to conserve and restore 

plant and animal species and natural 

communities within such areas.”

Satisfying OPLMA’s mandate related 

to areas of public land where biological conservation is a priority could be 

accomplished through two approaches: 

1) the administrative designation of 

new ACECs and the retention of existing ACEC designations; and 2) the 

implementation of special management 

for public lands identified by the public 

during scoping where biological conservation is a priority, but where the species 

present may not meet both the relevance 

and importance criteria required for 

ACEC designation.

While new ACECs could be designated 

in the NCAs, through the new RMPs, the 

SGFO RMP must be amended to make 

similar designations for public lands outside of the NCAs. During this planning 

effort, BLM solicited input from federal 

agencies, state and local governments, 

Indian tribes, and the public, to identify public lands in Washington County 

where biological conservation is a priority 

and where special management should be 

applied to conserve and restore plant and 

animal species and natural communities.

3.44.2 Planning Issue 2

OPLMA Section 1977 directs the 

Secretary (through BLM) to develop a 

“comprehensive travel and transportation management plan” for public lands 

in Washington County. Prior to the 

development of this plan, the SGFO 

RMP must be amended to modify certain 

existing OHV area designations (open, 

limited, or closed), to be consistent with 

BLM’s National Management Strategy 

for Motorized OHV Use on Public Lands 

and related agency policies. Area designations provide the framework within 

which individual route designations are 

made, as BLM prepares the legislativelymandated travel management plan for 

public lands in Washington County.

The resource descriptions provided here 

in the Affected Environment reflect the 

narrow scope of this Amendment. They 

provide information about the legal and 

regulatory framework that applies to each 

resource value or use, as well as past and 

current management practices. Many 

of the at-risk native plant and animal 

species and habitats that require special 

management occur in the Beaver Dam 

Wash and Red Cliffs NCAs, as well as on 

public lands outside the NCAs. Their life 

histories and habitat requirements have 

previously been described in the Affected 

Environment sections for the NCAs and 

are not repeated here. Where at-risk species have not been previously described 

in this chapter or there are differences in 

species population trends, habitat conditions, or other factors, these are included 

in the following sections.

INTRODUCTION

“The great thing in this 

world is not so much 

where we are, but in 

what direction we 

are moving.”

–Oliver Wendell 

Holmes, American 

Poet, 1809-1894
Beaver Dam Wash

National Conservation

Area

Red Cliffs

National Conservation

Area

Veyo

Leeds

Ivins

Virgin

Gunlock

Central

Hildale

La Verkin

Hurricane

Rockville

Springdale

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St. George

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New Harmony

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R 009 W R 010 W R 011 W R 012 W R 013 W R 014 W R 015 W R 016 W R 017 W R 018 W R 019 W R 020 W

Ecoregions - St. George Field Office

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 2 4 6 1 Miles

0 2 4 6 1 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Office of Research and Development, 2013

Eastern Mojave BasinsEastern Mojave Low Ranges and Arid FootslopesEastern Mojave Mountain Woodland and ShrublandEscarpments

High PlateausSagebrush Basins and SlopesSand DesertsSemiarid Benchlands and Canyonlands

Semiarid FoothillsWoodland- and Shrub-Covered Low MountainsNational Conservation Area BoundaryField Office BoundaryState Boundary

574 Chapter 3 SGFO RMP Amendment SGFO Plan Amendment Chapter 3 575

3.45 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

Because the BLM-managed public lands 

of Washington County are located at the 

convergence of major ecoregions (Map 

3-64), many native species here are at the 

extremes of their historic ranges and tend 

to have less stable populations. Others 

have adapted to the unique ecological 

setting of the area and have evolved into 

distinctive species or subspecies that are 

endemic (found only in a certain locality 

or region) to Washington County.

This section describes those species 

(plants and animals) whose populations 

and habitats have declined to the point 

that federal action has been taken, under 

the authority of the ESA. These include 

any species that is listed, is a candidate 

for listing, or is proposed for listing, as 

threatened or endangered by USFWS 

under the provisions of the ESA.

Other species of concern that are consid-

ered by BLM to be special status species 

include plant, animal, or fish species that 

are identified by the BLM State Director 

in each state as sensitive. Sensitive species 

are described under a separate subsection 

of this chapter.

3.45.1 Special Status Plant 

Species: Threatened, Endangered, 

Candidate, and Species Proposed 

for Listing under ESA

Table 3-48 lists those five native plants 

that are found on public lands in 

Washington County and currently listed 

under the protection of the ESA on 

federally-managed lands. (Similar protec-

tions are not provided under the ESA 

for native plants on non-federal land). 

Descriptions of these special status plants 

and their habitats are provided below, 

where they have not been previously de-

scribed in the Special Status Plant Species 

sections of the Affected Environments for 

the NCAs. Map 3-65 displays designated 

habitats for three threatened and endan-

gered plants in Washington County. Map 

3-66 shows population locations for all 

threatened and endangered plants in the 

planning area. 

3.45.1.1 Dwarf Bearclaw Poppy 

The dwarf bearclaw poppy (Arctomecon 

humilis) was listed as an endangered 

species by USFWS in1979, due to de-

clining populations and habitat loss or 

alteration. This species is endemic to 

Washington County, Utah and occurs in 

the scattered locations shown in Table 

3-49. It is a small perennial herb that 

grows on gypsum-rich soils derived from 

the Moenkopi Formation, often in as-

sociation with the Creosote Bush-White 

Bursage community (UNHP 2005). The 

poppy blooms in late April or May, pro-

ducing bright white flowers that are pol-

linated by as many as 12 species of native 

bees. Some of the bee pollinators that are 

important to the survival of this poppy 

are also declining in abundance and 

distribution. Intact biological soil crusts 

are also important to this plant, as they 

help to stabilize the often highly erodible 

gypsum soils that comprise the habitat 

for this endemic species. Monitoring data 

indicate that population densities of the 

poppy vary from year to year and by lo-

cation, probably due to the amounts and 

timing of annual precipitation; popula-

tion trends appear to be stable.

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES MAP 3-64

“Nothing is more 

priceless and more 

worthy of preservation 

than the rich array of 

animal life with which 

our country has 

been blessed.”

–Richard Nixon, 37th 

President of the United 

States, 1913-1994

Common Name Scientific Name Status

Dwarf Bearclaw Poppy Arctomecon humilis Endangered

Gierisch Globemallow Sphaeralcea gierischii Endangered

Holmgren Milkvetch Astragalus holmgreniorum Endangered

Shivwits Milkvetch Astragalus ampullarioides Endangered

Siler Pincushion Cactus Pediocactus sileri Threatened

Source: USFWS 2010

Table 3-48 Special Status Plant Species
U T A H

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Designated Critical Habitat - St. George Field Office

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 2 4 6 1 Miles0 2 4 6 1 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Gierisch Globemallow Critical HabitatShivwits Milkvetch Critical HabitatHolmgren Milkvetch Critical HabitatNational Conservation Area BoundaryField Office BoundaryState Boundary

BLM Wilderness AreaBureau of Land ManagementIndian ReservationNational Park ServiceState

State Parks and RecreationState Wildlife Reserve/Management AreaUS Forest ServiceUSFS Wilderness Area

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Special Status Plant Populations - St. George Field Office

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 2 4 6 1 Miles0 2 4 6 1 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

National Conservation Area BoundaryField Office BoundaryState Boundary

BLM Wilderness AreaBureau of Land ManagementIndian ReservationNational Park ServiceState

State Parks and RecreationState Wildlife Reserve/Management AreaUS Forest ServiceUSFS Wilderness Area

Dwarf Bearclaw poppy

Siler pincushion

576 Chapter 3 SGFO Plan Amendment SGFO Plan Amendment Chapter 3 577

MAP 3-65 MAP 3-66
578 Chapter 3 SGFO RMP Amendment SGFO RMP Amendment Chapter 3 579

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

3.45.1.2 Gierisch Globemallow 

Gierisch globemallow (Sphaeralcea 

gierischii) was listed as an endangered 

species on August 13, 2013 and critical 

habitat was designated by USFWS at that 

time. This species is found near the UtahArizona border in Washington County 

and on the Arizona Strip. Approximately 

1,015 acres of the species’ critical habitat 

are managed by BLM, while 138 acres are 

managed by the State of Utah. Population 

numbers in Utah have been estimated at 

3,000 to 5,000 plants, while in Arizona, estimated numbers are between 20,000 and 

30,000 plants (Atwood and Welsh 2005).

This globemallow grows in association 

with the Creosote Bush-White Bursage 

community of the Mojave Desert, on soils 

derived from the gypsum-rich Harrisburg 

Member of the Kaibab Formation. Threats 

to this species include loss or damage to 

the plants and their habitats related to 

livestock grazing, OHV cross-country 

travel, and gypsum mining.

3.45.1.3 Holmgren Milkvetch 

Holmgren milkvetch (Astragalus holmgreniorum (Photo 3-169) is endemic to 

Washington County, Utah and Mojave 

County, Arizona, and was listed as an 

endangered species in 2001. USFWS 

prepared a recovery plan and designated 

critical habitat for this species in 2006 

(Table 3-50 for land status of designated 

critical habitat). Identified threats to the 

survival of this species include habitat 

loss to urban developments, OHV offtrail travel, livestock grazing, and habitat 

alteration by invasive exotic plants.

This small milkvetch grows on shallow, 

sparsely vegetated soils, derived primarily from the Virgin Limestone Member 

of the Moenkopi Formation. It is an 

extremely short-lived perennial herb, 

with low survivorship from germinated 

seedling to reproductive adult. The plants 

start growing in late February or early 

March and flower between March and 

April, setting fruit by the end of April. 

The plants die back to roots between 

late May and mid-June (Van Buren and 

Harper 2003). Native solitary bees are 

the primary pollinator of Holmgren 

milkvetch (Tepedino 2005). 

Over the past 11 years, Utah Valley 

University has conducted monitoring studies at six study sites to determine population trends of Holmgren 

milkvetch (Van Buren and Harper 2006, 

2007; Searle and Yates 2010). Data collected on population density at these sites 

showed considerable variability from 

year to year, probably due to the rates and 

timing of annual precipitation. Average 

population densities at the six sites varied 

from 0.0 to 0.75 plants per square meter, 

with an average of 0.24 plants per square 

meter over the 11 year period (Van Buren 

and Harper 2006, 2007; Searle and Yates 

2010). Over the past several years, the 

overall trend of the populations appears 

to be in decline.

3.45.1.4 Shivwits Milkvetch 

The legal and regulatory status of the 

Shivwits milkvetch (Astragalus ampullarioides) (Photo 3-170), an endangered species, was previously described under the 

Special Status Plant Species section of the 

Affected Environment for the Red Cliffs 

NCA and is not repeated here. The recovery plan (USFWS 2006) identified five 

populations of this species in Washington 

County; two additional populations 

(Dalton Wash and Cole Springs populations) were discovered in 2010 (USFWS 

2010d). (Refer to Table 3-51 for location 

and land status of Shivwits milkvetch 

critical habitat.)

This species is endemic to Washington 

County and is known from only a few 

scattered locations, from Pahcoon Spring 

Wash on the west to Rockville Bench, 

Zion National Park on the east (USFWS 

2006a). It grows only on the purple, clay 

and gypsum-rich soils of the Petrified 

Forest member of the Chinle Formation 

in warm desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities (UNHP 2005). It is a 

Shivwits Milkvetch

Astragalus ampullarioides

is a member of the legume 

family, as indicated by its 

pinnately compound leaves, 

keeled flowers, and fruit in 

the form of a pod. It grows 

between eight and twenty-six 

inches in height and produces 

numerous cream-colored 

flowers in April or May.

Holmgren Milkvetch

Astragalus holmgreniorum is 

endemic to the Mojave Desert 

in the vicinity of St. George, 

Utah. This member of the 

legume family grows in areas 

with small stone or gravel 

deposits largely in the Chinle 

and Moenkopi Formations. 

Blooming occurs between 

March and April, with its 

long seed pods beginning to 

appear in April.

Population Acres

BLM State Private Total

State Line 1,093 365 10 1,468

Central Valley 0 607 12 619

Stucki Springs 142 0 0 142

South Hills 18 0 0 18

Purgatory Flat 3 0 0 3

Total 1,256 972 22 2,250

Population Acres

BLM State Private NPS Tribal Total

Silver Reef 9 0 0 0 0 9

Pahcoon Spring Wash 4 0 0 0 0 4

Shivwits 0 0 0 0 17 17

Coral Canyon 0 6 1 0 0 7

Harrisburg Junction 14 0 0 0 0 14

Zion National Park 0 0 0 37 0 37

Cole Springs 0.25 0 0 0 0 0.25

Dalton Wash 14 0 0 0 0 14

Total 41.25 6 1 37 17 102.25

Population Acres

BLM State Private Tribal Total

Beehive Dome 94 0 0 0 94

North Warner Ridge 375 0 0 0 375

Red Bluff 5,221 894 76 30 6,221

Shinob Kibe 59 0 0 0 59

Webb Hill 417 356 264 0 1,037

White Dome 0 362 535 0 897

Total 6,166 1,612 875 30 8,683

Table 3-50 Land Status of Holmgren Milkvetch Critical Habitat in Washington County

Table 3-51 Land Status of Shivwits Milkvetch Critical Habitat in Washington County

Table 3-49 Land Status of Dwarf Bearclaw Poppy Habitat in Washington County

Photo 3-169 Holmgren Milkvetch, 

Federally-Listed Endangered Species

Photo 3-170 Shivwits Milkvetch, FederallyListed Endangered Species

USFWS
580 Chapter 3 SGFO RMP Amendment SGFO RMP Amendment Chapter 3 581

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

long-lived perennial that flowers from 

April to late May. Plants may grow each 

year, or go dormant in years of low rainfall. The primary pollinators of Shivwits 

milkvetch include several native bees that 

help to ensure reproduction within plant 

populations and gene flow between the 

populations (Tepedino 2005). Plant densities monitored over the past 10 years at 

the Pahcoon Spring Wash and Harrisburg 

Bench Study Sites (Searle and Yates 2010) 

suggest that Shivwits milkvetch populations have varied considerably from year 

to year, primarily due to precipitation, 

but that populations appear to be stable.

3.45.1.5 Siler Cactus 

Siler cactus (Pediocactus sileri) (Photo 

3-171) grows in Washington County, 

Utah, Kane County Utah, and Mohave 

County, Arizona. It was listed as an endangered species by the USFWS in 1979, 

but its status was changed to threatened 

in 1993. A recovery plan was completed 

for the Siler cactus in 1986. Threats to 

this species include impacts on plants 

from natural causes (e.g., drought, rodents, etc.), and habitat loss or alteration 

due to development, recreation, livestock 

grazing, and invasive annual grasses.

This cactus grows on the gypsum rich 

clay and sandy soils derived from the 

Moenkopi Formation, at elevations 

between 2,800 and 5,400 feet ASL, in the 

Mojave Desert shrub community. It is a 

small, solitary or occasionally clustered 

cactus about 4 inches tall and 3 to 4 

inches in diameter.

Since 1985, populations of Siler cactus have been monitored in Utah and 

Arizona. Between 1986 and 2006, the 

Warner Ridge population in Washington 

County decreased in overall numbers 

(130 to 106), but the relative age-class 

distribution did not change measurably (USFWS 2008d). Plots in Arizona 

generally showed an overall decrease, 

with the greatest loss in the older age 

classes. Based on the information from 

the plots, populations in these areas are 

decreasing and show evidence of reduced 

recruitment. (Refer to Table 3-52 for the 

land status Siler Cactus populations in 

Washington County.)

3.45.2 Special Status Wildlife 

Species: Threatened, Endangered, 

Candidate, and Species Proposed 

for Listing under ESA

Those species that occur on public lands 

in Washington County and that are currently listed under the ESA are shown 

in Table 3-53. With one exception (the 

Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis 

lucida), each of these species is found in 

one or both of the NCAs; the life histories 

and habitat requirements for these species have previously been described under the special status species sections of 

the Affected Environments for the NCAs. 

Information on the Mexican spotted owl 

is provided below. Map 3-67 displays designated critical habitats for listed species 

that are outside of the NCAs.

3.45.2.1 Mexican Spotted Owl 

The Mexican spotted owl (Photo 3-172) 

was listed as a threatened species in 1993 

and a recovery plan was completed in 

1995. Critical habitat was designated by 

USFWS in 2001 and later modified in 

2004. The critical habitat designation 

clarified that areas within critical habitat 

boundaries were only considered critical 

when they contain or have the potential 

to contain habitat characteristics essential to the conservation of the species 

(USFWS 2004a). Designated critical 

habitat was identified on BLM-managed 

public lands in northeastern Washington 

County, adjacent to Zion National Park. 

However, not all of these acres contain 

the primary constituent elements of 

habitat that are described in the 1995 

recovery plan.

Mexican spotted owls appear to prefer 

steep-walled, rocky canyons where they 

nest in caves or on cliff ledges, in stick 

nests built by other birds, on debris 

platforms in trees, and in tree cavities 

(USFWS 2004a). One active spotted owl 

nesting site has been identified on BLMmanaged public lands in the Kolob Creek 

drainage, with other locations identified 

in adjacent Zion National Park. Human 

activity (e.g., hiking, shooting, off-road 

vehicle activity) in or near nesting, roosting, or foraging sites may result in abandonment of an area by spotted owls, and 

indirectly may affect habitat suitability.

Mexican Spotted Owl

The Strix occidentalis lucida

is one of three subspecies of 

spotted owls. Though it is the 

smallest of the spotted owls, 

it is one of the largest owls in 

North America. Most owls 

have eyes ranging in color 

from yellow to red-orange, 

but spotted owls are one of 

the few owls that have dark 

colored eyes. (Defenders of 

Wildlife 2014)

‘Siler cactus grows 

on the gypsum rich 

clay and sandy soils 

derived from the 

Moenkopi Formation, 

at elevations between 

2,800 and 5,400 

feet ASL, in the 

Mojave Desert shrub 

community.”

Population Acres

BLM Private State Total

Warner Ridge 699 3.5 1 703.5

Spendlove Well 84 0 0 84

White Dome 0 17 148 165

Total 783 20.5 149 952.5

Common Name Scientific Name Status

Virgin River chub Gila seminude Endangered

Woundfin Plagopterus argentissimus Endangered

California condor Gymnogyps californianus Endangered1

Mexican spotted owl Strix occidentalis lucida Threatened

Southwestern willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus Endangered

Western yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus occidentalis Threatened

Mojave desert tortoise Gopherus agassizii Threatened

1

Only condors north and west of I-15; birds SE of I-15 are experimental, non-essential 

population

Table 3-52 Land Status of Siler Cactus Habitat in Washington County

Table 3-53 Special Status Wildlife Species

Photo 3-171 Siler Cactus, Federally-Listed 

Threatened Species

Photo 3-172 Mexican Spotted Owl, 

Federally-Listed Threatened Species

© Cameron Rognan
U T A H

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St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 2 4 6 1 Miles0 2 4 6 1 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Desert Tortoise Critical Habitat (FWS)Mexican Spotted Owl Critical Habitat (FWS)Virgin River Chub Critical Habitat (FWS)Woundfin Critical Habitat (FWS)Southwest Willow Fly Catcher Critical Habitat

National Conservation Area BoundaryField Office BoundaryState BoundaryBLM Wilderness AreaBureau of Land ManagementIndian Reservation

National Park ServiceStateState Parks and RecreationState Wildlife Reserve/Management AreaUS Forest ServiceUSFS Wilderness Area

582 Chapter 3 SGFO Plan Amendment SGFO RMP Amendment Chapter 3 583

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

3.45.3 BLM Sensitive Species

3.45.3.1 Plants

This category of species includes those 

that are on the Utah BLM State Director’s 

Sensitive Species list due to declining 

populations and habitat loss. Table 3-54

provides information on those BLM sensitive plant species that grow on public 

lands in Washington County, Utah.

MAP 3-67

“Our task must be 

to free ourselves, by 

widening our circle of 

compassion to embrace 

all living creatures, and 

the whole of nature . . . 

and its beauty.”

–Albert Einstein, 

Theoretical Physicist, 

1879-1955

Common Name Scientific Name Habitats

Aromatic Indian Breadroot Pediomelum aromaticum 

var. barneybyi

Pinyon-juniper woodlands, in 

soils eroded from the Chinle 

Formation

Baird Evening Primrose Camissonia bairdii a.k.a. 

Chylismia scapoidea ssp. 

macrocarpa

Blackbrush community and pinyon-juniper woodlands, between 

3,900 to 4,300 feet elevations

Virgin Thistle Cirsium virginensis Seeps and hanging gardens

Diamond Valley Suncup Camissonia gouldii Slopes with scoria and lava flow 

surfaces, at 3.500 feet elevation

Diamond Valley Suncup Camissonia gouldii Slopes with scoria and lava flow 

surfaces, at 3,500 feet elevation

Wire-stemmed Wild 

Buckwheat

Eriogonum pharnaceoides

var. cervinum

Pinyon-juniper woodlands

Escarpment Milkvetch Astragalus striatiflorus Sandy soils, on ledges and terraces in stream channels, various 

vegetation communities, between 

4,900 to 6,600 feet elevations

Gumbo Milkvetch Astragalus ampullarius Clay-gypsum soils of Chinle 

Formation, between 3, 200 and 

5,400 ft. elevations

Pine Valley Goldenbush Haplopappus crispus Mixed conifer/broadleaf forest

Nevada Willowherb Epilobium nevadense Base of cliffs and talus slopes, between 5,100 to 8,800 ft. elevations

Parry Sandpaper Plant Petalonyx parryii Creosote-bursage community, 

between 2,600 to 4,000 ft. elevations, on Chinle and Moenkopi 

Formation outcrops

Pinyon Penstemon Penstemon pinorum Pinyon-juniper woodlands, between 5,600 to 6,500 ft. elevations.

Table 3-54 Habitats and Distribution of BLM Sensitive Plants in Washington County
584 Chapter 3 SGFO RMP Amendment SGFO RMP Amendment Chapter 3 585

SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES

3.45.3.2 Wildlife

Table 3-55 includes a list of all BLM 

sensitive wildlife species that are known 

to occur, or have the potential to oc-

cur, on public lands managed by BLM 

in Washington County. Information on 

a majority of these species has previ-

ously been provided in the Affected 

Environments for the NCAs and will not 

be repeated here.

3.46 OTHER FISH AND WILDLIFE 

SPECIES

3.46.1 Mule Deer

The mule deer (Photo 3-173), named for 

its over-sized ears that resemble those of 

a mule, is a native species that is found 

throughout Washington County and 

the State of Utah. Mule deer consume 

a wide variety of plants but are primar-

ily browsers on woody vegetation, such 

as serviceberry and sagebrush. During 

the winter, herds often move down from 

higher elevations, where snow may cover 

their forage, into valleys with less snow. 

Mule deer rarely travel far from water or 

forage, and often bed down near both. 

Does and fawns generally remain togeth-

er in family groups; older bucks tend to 

travel alone or with other bucks. Besides 

humans, the leading predators of mule 

deer in Utah are coyotes and mountain 

lions, although bobcats (Lynx rufus), 

American black bears (Ursus america-

nus), and brown bears (Ursus arctos) may 

prey on fawns or scavenge deer carcasses. 

Healthy deer populations help to sustain 

predators and their natural role in func-

tioning ecosystems.

While not a federally or state-listed spe-

cies, mule deer are declining in numbers 

in Washington County and state-wide. 

UDWR has identified increasing mule 

deer herd numbers as one of its top pri-

orities on a state-wide basis. The current 

UDWR deer-management plan (effective 

2008-2013) identifies protecting and re-

storing crucial habitats as one of the most 

important measures that the agency and 

its partners can undertake to improve the 

health of mule deer populations.

Human population growth and urbaniza-

tion, in concert with the effects of drought, 

climate change, large-scale wild fires, 

and invasive species proliferation, have 

reduced and negatively impacted mule 

deer habitat in Washington County. Public 

lands managed by BLM in Washington 

County provide 46,908 acres of crucial 

habitat, 87 acres of substantial year long 

range, 113,705 acres of crucial winter 

range (including 43,738 acres of fawning 

habitat) and 2,815 acres of crucial summer 

fawning habitat. Appropriate management 

of these acres will continue to be impor-

tant to the maintenance and improvement 

of mule deer numbers. Large and unde-

veloped tracts of public lands also serve as 

an important migration corridor for mule 

OTHER FISH AND WILDLIFE

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus is active 

throughout the day and night, 

being most active in early 

morning, late afternoon, and 

early evening (USFS 2014).

“True solitude is a ding 

of birdsong, seething 

leaves, whirling colors 

or a clamor of tracks in 

the snow.”

– Edward Hoagland, 

American author, 

1932-

Common Name Scientific Name

Bonneville cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkiutah

Desert sucker Catostomus clarki

Flannel-mouth sucker Catostomus latipinnis

Virgin spinedace Lepidomeda mollispinis

American white pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Black swift Cypseloides niger

Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia

Ferruginous hawk Buteo regalis

Lewis’s woodpecker Melanerpes lewis

Long-billed curlew Numenius americanus

Northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis

Short-eared owl Asio flammeus

Three-toed woodpecker Picoides tridactylus

Western burrowing owl Athene cunicularia hypogea

Allen’s big-eared bat Idionycteris phyllotis

Big free-tailed bat Nyctinomops macrotis

Fringed myotis Myotis thysanodes

Kit fox Vulpes macrotis

Spotted bat Euderma maculatum

Townsend’s big-eared bat Corynorhinus townsendii

Western red bat Lasiurus blossevillii

Common chuckwalla Sauromalus ater

Desert iguana Dipsosaurus dorsalis

Desert night lizard Xantusia vigilis

Gila monster Heloderma suspectum

Mojave rattlesnake Crotalus scutulatus

Sidewinder Crotalus cerastes

Speckled rattlesnake Crotalus mitchellii

Western banded gecko Coleonyx variegates

Western threadsnake Leptotyphlops humilis

Zebra-tailed lizard Callisaurus draconoides

Arizona toad Bufo microscaphus

Table 3-55 BLM Sensitive Wildlife Species

Photo 3-173 Mule Deer on the Move, Red Cliffs NCA

© Cameron Rognan
Corral

Park

Canyon

Hills

Black

2024

Peak Pilot 1911

T 38 S Campground

Sheep Corral Canyon

Mountain Big

Gutz Peak

Park

Canyon

Lost Peak

Cougar Pass

Greek Peak

Mineral Mountain

Butcher Knife

Canyon

Black Canyon

Mc Farlane Mountain

Twin Peaks

Bull

Dagget

Flat Canyon

Goldstrike

Hamburg Peak

Jackson Gulch

Potters Peak

Landing Strip

Hollow Red

P a h c o o n F l a t

Grassy Flat

Maple Ridge

The Pinnacles

R a c e r

Ox Valley Peak Ox Valley

Valley Canyon

Hardscrabble Hollow

B e l l a s C a n y o n

C a n y o n

V A L L E Y Cove Mountain

B U L L

M O U N T A I N S Bull Mountain

Draw

G a r d n e r

Jackson Peak

Square Top Mountain

Miners

Canyon

Gaging

Station

Veyo Volcano

Bench Toblin

Long Ridge

M o u n t a i n s R e d

Santa

Sheep Canyon

C o u C a n y o n

g a r

The Narrows

Middle Ridge

Bull Mtn

Horse

Canyon

Scarecrow Peak

R 20 W

R 19 W

T 39 S

T 38 S

T 39 S

T 40 S

T 40 S

T 41 S

2055

1699

1359

1381

1559

2140

2089

1901

Rattlesnake

Spring

Spring

Upper EnterpriseReservoir

Cr Grassy

Shinbone Creek

Spring Springs

Sheep

Spring

Sheep Corral

Spring

Creek

Lost

Lost Peak

Spring Black Willow

Spring

C r e e k

S l a u g h e r

Polecat Spring

Trail

Twin Peaks

Spring

Cane

Spring

Beaver Dam

East

Fork

Well

Bentley

Spring

Bentley Wash

Spring

Wash

Jackson Spring

Cole

Spring

Wash

Jackson

Well

Cave

Creek

Maple

Spring

Moody

Wash

Creek

Pilot

Joe

Spring

Gardner Spring

Quail

Spring

Spring

Wash

Moody

Cove

Manera Spring

Toblin

Eightmile

Spring

Grapevine

Grapevine

Spring

Spring

Oak Patch

Spring

Limekil

Mangan n

ese

Spring

Manganese

Rods

Spring

Santa

Lower

Sand Cove Res

Cove

Wash

Sand

Upper Sand Cove Res

Clara

Spring

Wash

Wash

Cottonwood

Wash

Wash

Spring

M a g o t s u

Wash

Wash

Gunlock Resevoir

Well

Well

Pahcoon

Spring

P a h c o o n

S p r i n g

W a s h

AQUEDUCT

Cougar

Spring

Willow

Spring

B e a v e r

D a m

W a s h

Dodge

Spring

Spring

U

T

A

H

N

E

V

A

D

A

Veyo

T 036 S T 037 S T 037 S T 038 S T 039 S T 040 S T 041 S

R 020 W R 019 W R 018 W R 017 W

t

Mule Deer Habitat

Bull Valley Mountains

Proposed Multispecies

Management Area

Produced by BLM

St. George Field Office GIS

Location Map

0 0.5 1 2 Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards for

accuracy and content. Different data sources

and input scales may cause some

misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

Source: Utah Department of Wildlife Resources, Mule Deer Habitat, May 2006

Mule Deer Habitat

Summer Crucial

Summer Substantial

Winter Crucial

Winter Substantial

Priority Biological Area

National Conservation Area Boundary

Field Office Boundary

State Boundary

586 Chapter 3 SGFO RMP Amendment SGFO Plan Amendment Chapter 3 587

SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS MAP 3-68

deer herds as they move between winter 

and summer ranges. 

In the northwestern portion of 

Washington County, large numbers of 

mule deer move seasonally from summer range on the Dixie National Forest 

to crucial winter range on BLM-managed 

public lands at lower elevations. As the 

public lands are not crossed by highways, 

or otherwise encumbered by structures 

or facilities, herds can move safely across 

this landscape, making it a key migration 

corridor for mule deer and their natural 

predators (Map 3-68).

3.47 SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS 

3.47.1 Areas of Critical 

Environmental Concern

An Area of Critical Environmental 

Concern (ACEC) is defined in FLPMA, 

Section 103(a) as an area of BLMadministered public lands where special 

management attention is required to 

protect and prevent irreparable damage 

to important historic, cultural, or scenic values, fish and wildlife resources or 

other natural systems or processes, or to 

protect life and safety from natural hazards. BLM policies for implementing the 

ACEC provisions of FLPMA are found 

in 43 CFR 1610.7-2(b) and BLM Manual 

1613 (BLM 1988).

To be eligible for designation as an 

ACEC, an area must meet criteria 

for both relevance and importance. 

Relevance means that an ACEC possesses significant historic, cultural (Photo 

3-174), or scenic values (Photo 3-175), 

fish or wildlife resources (including 

habitat, communities, or species), natural 

processes or systems, or natural hazards. 

Importance generally requires qualities of 

more than local significance and special 

worth, consequence, meaning, distinctiveness, or cause of concern. ACECs 

can also only be designated if the area’s 

relevant and important values require 

special management attention. Special 

management attention refers to management prescriptions, developed during 

preparation of an RMP or RMP amendment, expressly designed to protect the 

important and relevant values of an area 

from the potential effects of actions permitted by the RMP, including proposed 

actions deemed to be in conformance 

with the terms, conditions, and decisions 

of the RMP. Such management measures 

would not be necessary or 

“To be eligible for 

designation as an 

ACEC, an area must 

meet criteria for 

both relevance and 

importance.”

Photo 3-174 Santa Clara/Land Hill ACEC Photo 3-175 Canaan Mountain ACEC
588 Chapter 3 SGFO RMP Amendment SGFO RMP Amendment Chapter 3 589

COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

prescribed if the relevant and important 

features were not present.

Management prescriptions are designed 

to protect the values or serve the purposes for which the designation was made. 

Goals and objectives for each proposed 

ACEC are identified in the Chapter 2 

alternatives for the Amendment to the St. 

George Field Office RMP, as are necessary constraints and mitigation measures. 

The Amendment to the SGFO RMP will 

identify a reasonable range of alternatives as well as management for newlyproposed ACECs.

3.47.1.1 Current ACECs

Ten ACECs, totaling approximately 

153,000 acres, were administratively designated through the 1999 SGFO RMP. Table 

3-56 provides information on the size of 

each ACEC and the relevance and importance values for which each was designated; Map 3-69 shows their locations. 

The Beaver Dam Slope ACEC is located 

entirely within the Beaver Dam Wash 

NCA and was administratively designated 

prior to the Congressional designation 

of the NCA in 2009. The relevance and 

importance values and the management 

prescriptions of this ACEC were previously described under the Special Designation 

section of the Affected Environment for 

the Beaver Dam Wash NCA.

The Red Mountain ACEC is located 

partially within the Red Cliffs NCA 

and entirely within the Red Mountain 

Wilderness. The ACEC was administratively designated prior to the 

Congressional designations of both the 

NCA and the Wilderness area in 2009 

through OPLMA.

3.48 COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL 

AND TRANSPORTATION 

MANAGEMENT

3.48.1 OHV Area Designations

The SGFO RMP is being amended 

to modify certain existing OHV area 

designations (open, limited or closed) 

to be consistent with BLM’s National 

Management Strategy for Motorized 

OHV Use on Public Lands (National 

Strategy) and related agency policies. 

Area designations provide the framework 

within which individual route designations are made, as BLM prepares the 

legislatively-mandated for public lands in 

Washington County.

Map 3-70 shows current OHV Area 

Designations for public lands in 

Washington County. One example of an 

existing OHV area designation that is not 

consistent with BLM’s National Strategy 

is the large “open” area designated by the 

1999 SGFO RMP in the northwestern 

area of Washington County. Open areas 

are designated where unregulated crosscountry travel by all types of vehicles can 

be authorized, without resource impacts 

or degradation. In this particular “open” 

area in the Bull Valley Mountains (Photo 

3-176), the mountainous terrain, deeply 

incised drainages, and heavily-forested 

slopes do not allow for safe and unregulated cross-country travel by all types of 

vehicles. This designation must be modified to be consistent with the 

National Strategy.

COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

“Even if you’re on the 

right track, you’ll get 

run over if you just 

sit there.”

–Will Rogers, Cowboy 

& Humorist, 1879-1935

“The SGFO RMP is 

being amended to 

modify certain existing 

OHV area designations 

to be consistent 

with BLM’s National 

Management Strategy 

for Motorized OHV 

Use on Public Lands 

and related 

agency policies.”

ACEC Acres Relevance And Importance Values

Red Bluff 6,166 Dwarf bearclaw poppy And Erodible Soils

Warner Ridge/Fort Pearce 4,286 Dwarf bearclaw poppy, Siler cactus, sensitive species, erodible soils

Santa Clara/Gunlock 2,002 Southwestern willow flycatcher, Virgin spinedace, 

riparian values, heritage resources

Santa Clara/Land Hill 1,664 Heritage resources, Southwestern willow flycatcher, 

Virgin spinedace, migratory birds, riparian values

Lower Virgin River 1,806 Woundfin minnow, desert chub, migratory birds, 

riparian values, heritage resources

Little Creek Mountain 19,331 Heritage resources, crucial mule deer winter range

Canaan Mountain 33,955 Scenic resources

Upper Beaver Dam Wash 33,108 Southwestern willow flycatcher, Virgin spinedace, 

riparian values

Total 102,317

Table 3-56 Designated ACECs from 1999 SGFO RMP, Outside the Two NCAs

Photo 3-176 Area of “Open” Designation in Bull Valley Mountains
U T A H

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S 730 T S 830 T S 930 T S 040 T S 140 T S 240 T S 240 T S 340 T S 440 T

R 009 W R 010 W R 011 W R 012 W R 013 W R 014 W R 015 W R 016 W R 017 W R 018 W R 019 W R 020 W

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Limited to Designated Roads & TrailsLimited to Existing Roads & TrailsOpen to All Vehicles

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0 2 4 6 1 Miles0 2 4 6 1 Kilometers

This product may not meet BLM standards

for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

U T A H

A R I Z O N A

OC NOTGNI HS AW

OC ENAK

IRON CO

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OC NLOCNI L

OC NOTGNI HS AW

D i x i e

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0 2 4 6 1 Miles0 2 4 6 1 Kilometers

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for accuracy and content. Different data

sources and input scales may cause

some misalignment of data layers.

No warranty is made by the BLM for use of

the data for purposes not intended by the BLM.

Note: Decisions in this document

only apply to BLM lands

590 Chapter 3 SGFO Plan Amendment SGFO Plan Amendment Chapter 3 591

MAP 3-69 MAP 3-70