Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Climbing Access ... · section briefly discusses the...

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Climbing Access Stabilization -PROPOSAL

Bureau of Land Management – Southern Nevada District

October 2017

Access Fund Contact: Ty Tyler Access Fund Stewardship Director [email protected] (206) 351-9239

mailto:[email protected]

Document Outline: Access Fund has prepared the following impact mitigation proposal to provide critical insight and recommended actions for complete National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review by the Bureau of Land Management – Southern Nevada District. This proposal considers a host of direct, indirect and cumulative impacts to the environment that may occur from the proposed actions, while providing critical strategies to limit existing impact expansion. The following document is organized as follows: 1.0 – Introduction This section includes information on the goals of the proposed actions, a brief history on the proposal and the purpose and need for the project. This section provides background information about the specific area, its environmental make-up and motivations for the proposed actions. Additionally, this section briefly discusses the important management objectives set forth to address Wilderness locations. 2.0 – Current Resource Conditions This section provides detailed information on the overall current conditions of the resources included in this proposal. Included in this section is the methodology and considerations used to conduct a comprehensive inventory and assessment of resource conditions and recommended actions for stabilization and improvement. Maps, data tables, images and resource assessment tools are included in this section for reference and review. 3.0 – Proposed Actions This section provides a detailed description of proposed actions that are intended to mitigate current and future negative impacts throughout the specific project area and may be adopted for future areas outside the current project zones. Proposed actions and prescriptions will be divided into subsections based upon geographically distinct regions of the full project area. This section will include area maps, images, mitigation strategy descriptions and sample images for reference. 4.0 – Potential Consequences & Impacts This section describes the potential environmental effects of implementing the proposed actions. Within each section, the affected attribute is described first and then followed with a brief description of possible impacts to said factor. This section is not intended to eliminate the compliance review required under NEPA, simply to provide a lens in which the proposed actions may be viewed through for resource impact potentials 5.0 – Methodology & Implementation Strategies Implementing a comprehensive stewardship strategy consists of a host of logistical & financial challenges. This section will describe a potential mobilization and project phased approach timeline and highlight a spectrum of resources that may be leveraged to complete the included proposed actions. Additionally, this section will include a brief and approximate financial outlook for completing the proposed actions and components of such.

1.0 Introduction Access Fund has identified critical climbing access and off-trail travel stabilization needs throughout Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in Las Vegas, NV and is submitting this Red Rock Climbing Access Stabilization proposal to the Bureau of Land Management – Southern Nevada District for review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Red Rock Canyon Climbing Access Stabilization project will address critical sustainability needs and access improvements at this world renowned, popular and historic climbing resource. This project is also intended to highlight best management practices that may be used on additional climbing and off trail travel resources throughout Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (RRCNCA). Project Background/Scope: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is an invaluable recreational resource on the Southern Nevada BLM District, not only providing world class scenery, driving tour accessibility, and hiking, but an international rock climbing destination as well. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area will be highlighted on the soon to be released “BLM Top 20 Climbing Area Website” – specifically intended to attract the climbing community to resources on BLM managed lands. Climbers travel from around the US and world to explore the sandstone cliff faces and large walls throughout the area. In 2004 the climbing community began hosting an annual event, the Red Rock Rendezvous, intended to attract climbers; new & old to RRCNCA and the Las Vegas area. This event drives an economic impact of approximately $1 million to the surrounding communities and 1,200 visitors to RRCNCA specifically for rock climbing activity (BLM RRCNCA Website). Climbing resources in RRCNCA have attracted climbers since the 1970’s, when the first climbers began exploring the canyon walls and route opportunities. Since these early forays in rock climbing, the sport has experienced and dramatic growth in popularity over the last 20 years; consequently, the user impacts on climbing access and off-trail travel corridors with RRCNCA have also increased. Because no formal trail system has been developed, climbers have created numerous random access paths/social trails. Many of these routes are located in steep, highly erodible and unstable areas, and are frequently redundant. Approach and descent paths are not appropriately identified, quickly gain or lose elevation, pass through unstable soil types, lack sustainable infrastructure and are not easily identified. Approximately 20.92 miles of climbing access and off-trail travel paths wander throughout the study areas of First Creek, Pine Creek, Oak Creek, Icebox and Juniper Canyons considered the highest priority by BLM management staff. The Red Rock Canyon Climbing Stabilization Project prescribes activities to close & restore redundant access paths, provide stabilization improvements to appropriate access & descent routes, harden climbing staging areas, and provide appropriate directional and educational signage throughout the entire resource. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is an ideal place for people seeking to escape from busy urban lifestyles. Its climate and topography offer a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, vehicle touring, camping and picnicking. It is located minutes from the metropolitan and tourist areas of Las Vegas that has a population of over two million people; RRCNCA therefore plays a vital role in the environment, health and wellbeing of millions of people.

Climbing access improvement projects similar to this proposal have occurred throughout the United States, on lands managed by other BLM, USFS, and NPS; including the following examples:

• Joe’s Valley Bouldering Project – BLM Price Office, UT & Manti La Sal NF, Utah • Grit Mill and Climbing Master Plan Project – Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, UT • Pistol Whipped Climbing Access Trail – BLM Monticello Field Office, UT • Climbing Access Route Improvements – Yosemite National Park, CA

Location/Area Context Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is managed by the Southern Nevada BLM District Field Office and is located in Clark County, NV. The 195,819 acre National Conservation Area spans the 4th & 3rd Congressional Districts of Nevada and receives an estimated 2 million annual visits. Its management landscape includes the Rainbow Mountain and La Madre Mountain Federally designated Wilderness areas – requiring the most stringent of management objectives. The 8,154ft La Madre Peak, originally created during the Keystone Trust period, approximately 65 million years ago, creates the highpoint of the Conservation Area. This peak caps the Aztec Sandstone formations of the towering walls, formed almost 150 million years ago from ancient sand dunes. The region is rich with prehistoric evidence of dinosaurs and early man (La Madera Mountain Wilderness and Rainbow Mountain Wilderness Management Plan and Environmental Assessment, 2013).

Wilderness Area Management The Red Rocks Climbing Access Stabilization Project is intended to improve area concerns, while working in conjunction in the Wilderness Management objectives of the BLM and USFS. The majority of climbing activity and climbing access paths transition between Wilderness and non-wilderness, requiring an integrated and well thought out stewardship strategy. The bulk of off-trail travel corridors begin off the main BLM designated hiking trail system, where they then cross into Federally Designated Wilderness landscapes. The complex nature of the terrain intensifies upon crossing Wilderness boundaries, adding to the challenge of successfully managing and protecting resources. This Climbing Access Stabilization Project is intended to comply and follow the goals defined by the BLM Wilderness Planning Manual (BLM Manual 8561), states: 1. Provide for the long-term protection and preservation of the areas’ Wilderness character under a principle of non-degradation. The area’s natural condition, opportunities for solitude, opportunities for primitive and unconfined types of recreation, and any ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historic value present will be managed so that they will remain unimpaired. 2. Manage the Wilderness areas for the use and enjoyment of visitors in a manner that will leave the areas unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as Wilderness. The Wilderness resource will be dominant in all management decisions where a choice must be made between preservation of Wilderness character and visitor use. 3. Manage the Wilderness areas using the minimum tool, equipment, or structure necessary to successfully, safely, and economically accomplish the objective. The chosen tool, equipment, or structure should be the one that least degrades wilderness values temporarily or permanently. Management will seek to preserve spontaneity of use and as much freedom from regulation as possible. 4. Manage nonconforming but accepted uses permitted by the Wilderness Act and subsequent laws in a manner that will prevent unnecessary or undue degradation of the area’s wilderness character. Non-conforming uses are the exception rather than the rule; therefore, emphasis is placed on maintaining Wilderness character. Additionally, specific to Rainbow Mountain & La Madre Mountain Wilderness Management Plans; visitor worn hiking paths (also: climbing access routes):

• Climbing access routes receive regular and consistent use making closure/rehabilitation not practical.

• Monitoring and action should be focused at high use areas; near vehicle access points, off designated trails, and where attractive features may be present.

• If excessive impacts are noticed (high erosion), or may be damaging Wilderness characteristics, climbing access routes may be evaluated for reroutes and reconstruction using natural materials. Specifically, short steep sections of slopes above 15% may be retained and/or constructed with native rock, using stone steps, retaining walls or drainage structures.

• Duplicate (and redundant) paths may be restored and obscured using native materials, such as brush and rocks.

• Cultural resources will not be utilized or damaged in any mitigation actions.

2.0 Current Resource Conditions In May & June 2017, the Access Fund conducted a thorough inventory and assessment of the current conditions throughout the climbing resources of First Creek Canyon, Pine Creek Canyon, Juniper Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon and Icebox Canyon. These canyons contain a large concentration of the off-trail travel and climbing access routes and represent the most easily accessible areas by the majority of RRCNCA visitors. Inventory and assessment activities were completed using a combination of a smartphone GPS application, smartphone camera and paper data collection forms. All GPS data was post processed, accuracy of GPS data is approximately +/- 8 feet. All GPS data will be made available to the BLM. The GPS inventory (represented in attached maps & data tables) of the resource highlights a variety of attributes, including:

• Dominant access corridors • Braided networks of social and redundant paths • Cliffside access points and popular climber destinations • Sample site specific mitigation and resource impact improvement strategies

In addition to collecting GPS referenced data, the data collection team provided a basic assessment of current resource conditions. This simple tabulation provides planners insight into current area conditions, highlighting regions of concern, and provides a lens for strategic visioning. Data collection for current conditions was conducted using a Solutions Based Assessment. Climbing access routes and off trail travel corridors are spread throughout theRRCNCA, dispersing from designated hiking trails and parking access points alike. The open desert environment has little impact on prohibiting off trail travel; with extensive visibility, low brush levels and few physical barriers. The lack of historic maintenance and inadequate trail signage has lead to heavy braiding of trail networks, frequent spur paths and an extensive collection of redundant social path networks. This network of unmanaged off-trail travel and climbing access impacts the environmental conditions of RRCNCA. Increases in exposed and disturbed soils have destabilized extensive areas of linear distance throughout the canyons. Vegetation loss continues to further denude soils of critical stabilization mechanisms, in addition to preventing native plant communities the opportunity to reseed or regenerate. Without appropriate management strategies, conditions in RRCNCA will further deteriorate, creating expanded impacts throughout the canyons. The inventory and assessment revealed a high level of redundant and heavily eroded off-trail travel routes. Upon completion, the 2017 Inventory & Assessment recorded:

• 20.92 total miles of off-trail travel & climbing access routes • First Creek Canyon: 4.82 miles of climbing access • Oak Creek Canyon: 2.59 miles of climbing access • Pine Creek Canyon: 3.14 miles of climbing access • Juniper Canyon: 7.58 miles of climbing access • Icebox Canyon: 2.79 miles of climbing access

Information pertaining to general access conditions is presented in the basic tables below.

TotalMilesofOff-TrailRoutes

%Off-TrailRoutesUnstable

%Off-TrailRoutesHighPriority(30+%slope)

%Off-TrailRoutesModeratePriority(10-30%slope)

%Off-TrailRoutesLowPriority(10-%slope)

20.92 45% 30% 45% 25%

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Climbing Access and Off-Trail Travel

First Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon

Juniper Creek Canyon

Pine Creek Canyon

Icebox Canyon






4.82 31% 23% 52% 25%






2.59 64% 27% 27% 46%






3.14 62% 38% 43% 19%






7.58 41% 27% 50% 23%






2.79 50% 38% 32% 30%

Solutions Based Assessments

Site assessments that identify potential solutions coupled with GPS data and photographic evidence of eroded or degraded areas serve to both identify and quantify potential future workload and provide a visual catalog of current site conditions. When employing a solutions-based identifier to problem areas, the assessor considers key components of trail design along with existing site conditions and characteristics. Assessments also take into account social considerations such as existing use patterns and limitations in effectively changing user behavior.

Considerations:

• Fall Line – Many user-generated paths follow routes that lead directly up hill. Once denuded of vegetation these paths become funnels for water runoff on the hillside. When looking at ways to address a fall line path the assessor considers opportunities for effective reroutes that will bring the path across the slope to allow for better drainage and reduce cupping and gullying caused by the erosive effects of water running down the path. When topography and/or user patterns limit the effectiveness of rerouting, hardening of the slope is the next consideration. Site hardening refers to the installation of stairs, walls, checks, and drainage structures to stop soil loss on the impacted slope.

• Grade/Slope – Paths that contour and avoid fall lines will still have erosion issues if the grade at which the path ascends the hillside is too steep to allow for effective draining off the tread of the path. Slopes that exceed 10% will see greater instances of erosion without structures to help direct water off the path. As slopes begin to exceed 15% – 20% the need for structures such as stairs and checks begins to increase.

• Soils – The ability for soils to mobilize either during rain events or from foot traffic is a key

consideration when conducting a solutions-based assessment. Sandy/silty soils present the highest potential for mobilization during rain events and from foot traffic, while soils with higher concentrations of clay may present less potential. While making a precise determination of soil composition isn’t practical in the field, the assessor looks at components such as the ability of the soil to compact and bond thus shedding water and limiting mobilization of soil from the surface, versus soils that remain loose and are easily mobilized.

• Existing User Patterns – Paths that lead to climbing sites typically follow the path of least

resistance through challenging and steep topography. When considering solutions during a site assessment the assessor must weigh the social side of the equation when formulating a solution. In some cases it is feasible to reroute existing paths and provide an alignment that will avoid fall lines and/or provide a reduction in grade. Assessing a user group’s willingness to deviate from an established route is somewhat subjective, but can be informed through several key considerations:

o Knowledge of the user group and their desired experience. o Sight lines to cliffs and boulders o Vegetation and topography, which help to limit opportunities to stray off of designated

paths.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Climbing Access and Off-Trail Travel Corridors

*BLMDesignatedTrailLayeracquiredthroughArcGISBLMdataappearstohavealargemarginoferror

1stCreekCanyon

OakCreekCanyon

JuniperCreekCanyon

PineCreekCanyon

IceboxCanyon


1stCreekClimbingAccess&Off-TravelCorridors

OakCreekClimbingAccess&Off-TravelCorridors


JuniperCreekClimbingAccess&Off-TravelCorridors

PineCreekClimbingAccess&Off-TravelCorridors


IceboxCanyonClimbingAccess&Off-TravelCorridors

3.0 Proposed Actions Access Fund and Southern Nevada Climbers Coalition (SNCC) propose a comprehensive stabilization and restoration effort to address the expansive resource impacts caused by unmitigated off-trail travel activity. RRCNCA is a world-class climbing and recreation destination, visited by millions of individuals throughout the year, managed as both Federally Designated Wilderness encouraging unconfined recreation and exploration and non-designated landscapes. Proposed actions included herein are intended to act as the minimum activity necessary to protect valuable biological and recreational resources, while maintaining Wilderness Characteristics in such designated areas. The proposed actions are presented in suggested priority order, highlighting the simplest to more complex steps necessary to protect RRCNCA resources and manage off-trail travel. Way Finding & Directional Assistance A basic principle and action necessary to protect resources and ensure appropriate travel corridors is an adoption of a basic sign installation plan. Currently, RRCNCA has very little directional signage on its designated hiking trail system, creating unclear directions, appropriate travel routes or highlighting specific use travel junctions. As visitors navigate the designated trail system in RRCNCA they encounter numerous alternate and unmarked travel corridors and off-trail travel routes. The confusing nature devoid of signs at critical junctions, no difference in maintenance level or trail class/styles, present users with difficult choices. A basic sign installation plan can immediately begin to direct users onto specific and preferred routes, while allowing user types to select their type of experience and protect undesired impacts to area resources. The first area that may require sign installation is at critical junctions, where the main hiking trail system intersects with off-trail travel & climbing access routes. These junctions play a crucial role in providing the general hiking community and climbing community an identified separation of use and direction. Encouraging hikers to remain on their desired, designated routes while giving climbers a clear indication of a preferred route for their access. Some sites may require expanded access information, such as biological concerns, seasonal closures, rare plant concerns, etc. While most sites will simply require an indicator and basic description of use changes (examples are below). As off-trail recreationalists and climbers venture further off the designated BLM trail system, additional directional signage is encouraged at key junctions. These signs, basic in nature, can provide climbers specific information essential for quickly, efficiently and easily locating their desired point of activity. It is recommended that sign language be simple yet coincide with available climbing area reference materials (guide books, mountain project, etc.). Such signs are being used in similar landscapes and use areas (example provided below). The final recommended action in way finding is to create official cairns at critical visual locations to facilitate naturally appropriate and simple way finding solutions. Cairns (described below), are simple, make use of natural materials and blend in with the surrounding environment until one approaches them at the desired distance. Cairns should be constructed in a similar style to each other to appear “official” and located in key, yet infrequent, locations essential for navigation. Annual reconstruction and removal of redundant cairns should be a simple and critical part of maintenance.

Cairns – Employed at difficult sections where natural navigation and route tread is not discernable; washes, slabs, etc. Cairns should be used in limited locations due to potential user proliferation. Cairn reconstruction and maintenance are a simple, yet crucial part of any annual maintenance program.

Directional Signage – Employed at strategic junctions to identify appropriate & sustainable access routes to climbing resources. Signs should provide guidebook & on-line resource associated area identification information (climbing wall names, popular routes, etc)

JoshuaTreeNationalPark

Use Delineation Signage – Employed at strategic junctions to distinguish between general hiking trail corridors and climbing access routes. Provides key & obvious indicator for visiting climbers, while encouraging user separation.

YosemiteNationalPark

Redundant Corridor Closure & Restoration Immediately after, or in conjunction with, way finding and navigation improvements, it is imperative that undesired & redundant travel corridors be closed and restored appropriately. This activity is essential in promoting native slopes to return to pre-disturbance conditions and vegetation regimes. Evidence of limited attempts appear throughout RRCNCA with minimal success. Many initiated simply by users who have become frustrated with the navigation difficulties associated with travel in RRCNCA. A comprehensive program should consist of removing redundant travel corridors through:

• Obstruction: placing natural materials (rock, downed woody debris, transplanted vegetation) at junctions and along current path to prevent continued foot traffic and use.

• Slope Reconstruction: making use of tools to break compacted soil and return slopes to natural angles and grades.

• Revegetation: leverage appropriate vegetation types to re-establish growth and root stability in corridors.

• Restoration Signs: placed at critical and challenging locations to promote user compliance and education.

This type of restoration effort is typically overshadowed by immediate improvements to preferred routes and typically lacks fulfillment. Removing the evidence of unwarranted and undesired paths creates an immediate improvement to environmental conditions and provides users with clear indicators to appropriate & desired use. Redundant closure and restoration efforts are ideal for volunteer engagement and involvement. It is suggested that these activities be completed leveraging volunteers, particularly the visiting and local climbing community represented by Access Fund and Southern Nevada Climbers Coalition. Of the 20.92 miles of off-trail travel recorded throughout Oak Creek Canyon, First Creek Canyon, Pine Creek Canyon, Juniper Canyon and Icebox Canyon, it is suggested that 60% of that system be closed and restored fully. This represents a large scaled project, requiring planning, oversight and logistical challenges, but an essential step in fully protecting valuable resources in RRCNCA. Access Fund and SNCC are prepared to assist in the leadership, planning and implementation strategy for this endeavor. Events like the annual Red Rock Rendezvous, National Public Lands Day, National Trails Day, etc. make ideal platforms to engage large numbers of volunteers to complete this essential work.

CanyonStudyAreas CurrentOff-TrailPaths ProposedOff-TrailPaths

FirstCreekCanyon 4.82miles 2.42miles

OakCreekCanyon 2.59miles 2.34miles

PineCreekCanyon 3.14miles 2.33miles

JuniperCanyon 7.58miles 3.66miles

IceboxCanyon 2.79miles 1.93miles

Specific Site Hardening and Stabilization Long-term sustainability of climbing and off-trail travel access will require the construction and maintenance of standard trail oriented structures. The steep slopes, loose soils and heavy, consistent foot traffic of RRCNCA will require a real investment of time and resources to creating structures along access routes that will stand the test of time and encourage positive involvement from community members in maintenance activities into the future. Structures are an essential part of any sustainable access and recreation trail system, providing solid footing, eliminating constant erosion concerns and setting a clear path of travel for visitors. A system of access routes for climber and off-trail travel should maintain a wild and unrestricted feel, while encouraging users to stay on appropriate paths. These paths should maintain a rugged feel and adventurous spirit, with minimal structures avoiding heavy development. Structures should be constructed using native and local materials, harvested near sites whenever possible, to blend in with the surrounding landscape and area character. Access route corridor improvements should be made to the minimalist extent possible to protect surrounding resources. As a large portion of access corridors are located within Federally Designated Wilderness, it is imperative that structures blend and to the best possible standard, maintain Wilderness Characteristics. This stabilization proposal prescribes the minimum necessary to stabilize and limit impacts. This Red Rock Climbing Access Stabilization Project proposes the use of limited, yet standard, trail oriented structures throughout the access system of RRCNCA. These structures are targeted and limited to the locations in the highest need and requiring the most significant hardening. This proposal is limiting its recommended structures to several key & basic structures used across the trail world. Simple structures, such as: stone staircases, stone retaining walls, stone check & crib steps and stone drainage structures are all appropriate and standard for sustaining an access system such as what is presented in RRCNCA. Stone structures blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape and create a natural path to follow. The slopes in RRCNCA present ample natural material appropriate for construction, limiting the need to disturb surrounding landscapes and slopes during construction. Construction activities at almost all sites will be limited to a 30’ buffer for rock & material sourcing and will be followed by complete restoration activity. Where current access routes cross through sensitive plant communities, are within close proximity to cultural resources, present overtly challenging slope conditions or could be more easily navigated, these corridors should be restored and rerouted to a more appropriate, yet similar alternative. Re-route corridors should maintain, as best as possible, a similarity in time, length and directness to original travel corridors and not redirect users great distances from historic use patterns. Sites that present natural benches, hardened surfaces, cross slopes, line of site improvements or ease navigation make ideal candidates for re-route locations. To limit additional impacts to resources, opening new slopes and vegetation to potential trampling, it is suggested that this stabilization project be focused on existing travel corridors and create as few re-routes or new paths as possible. Although current access routes generally do not follow historic considerations & guidelines for sustainable “trails”, re-routes should be used sparingly and limited to where no other alternative exists.

Proposed Stabilization Structures The following provides a brief description of the structures prescribed for this stabilization project. These structures and their construction techniques are fully described in USFS Trail Construction Manuals and numerous trail technique guides. These structures are utilized by trail professionals in landscape styles similar to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Stone Stairs (SS) – Applied when there is limited reroute potential, steep elevation gain is necessary and existing use patterns and activity dictate unavoidable steep grades and paths. Dry stacked step construction with step heights less than 10”.

hQp://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/htmlpubs/htm07232806/index.htm

In addition to full constructed limited reroutes, stone structures, the stabilization efforts suggested in this proposal will rely heavily upon “nudge” features to control and naturally direct the flow of traffic. Off-trail routes in RRCNCA are created by visitors using different paths depending on the direction they travel; a climber, for instance, will likely end up using two separate routes for ascent and descent from the same location. This braiding is caused by unclear route navigation and can easily be mitigated by leveraging nudge structures to subtly direct the flow of travel. Nudge features are simply in descript structures, large rocks or natural barriers that immediately force a user onto the preferred route. These types of structures and features play a critical role in directing user traffic while looking naturally placed and a part of the surrounding landscape. Nudge features require the least construction activity and align perfectly with Wilderness management objectives.


Retaining Walls (RW) – Constructed when cross slope grades are overly steep and/or loose, continuous soil retention distances are necessary and when critical structural support is necessary. Dry stacked rock walls with appropriate level foundational strength.

Check Dams/Steps (CS) – Installed instead of stairs when grades are steep enough along a path to require structure and there is significantly more run to rise, the trail is severely gullied and/or it is desired to maintain current soil level.


Drainage Structures – Employed at strategic locations along a path to ensure water is dispersed and speed limited. These types of structures can consist of dip drains dug diagonally across paths or similar drains hardened with stone.


Nudge Features – Used to produce involuntary user traffic control. Provide visual cues that encourage desired use pattern. Especially useful at junctions, along descent paths, natural braids, etc.

3.1 Proposed Actions – Site Specific Maps In order to clearly represent the proposed actions of this Climbing Access Stabilization Proposal, the following maps have been created. A comprehensive GIS map and data set compliment this proposal and are provided for review and resource concern comparison. The following maps are presented using satellite captured imagery and leveraging GPS captured data sets. The following is represented in each of the following map sets:

• Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area specific canyon delineation • Preferred travel corridor to remain open and receive stabilization efforts • Proposed closure and restoration travel corridors • Specific site mitigation examples representing stabilization zones and potential structures

recommended to be used. Images of current conditions and potential results included. • Prescribed site identification of way finding and use delineation signs and indicators.

OakCreekClimbingAccess&Off-TravelCorridors–ProposedStabilization

1stCreekClimbingAccess&Off-TravelCorridors–ProposedStabilization


JuniperCreekClimbingAccess&Off-TravelCorridors–ProposedStabilization

PineCreekClimbingAccess&Off-TravelCorridors–ProposedStabilization


IceboxCanyonClimbingAccess&Off-TravelCorridors–ProposedStabilization


3.2 Proposed Actions – Continued Maintenance Activities In order to provide for continued resource protection and to ensure the long-term sustainability of off-trail travel and climbing access, the BLM and climbing community should create a unified maintenance program to protect efforts undertaken as a result of this proposal. Without continued maintenance and future investment in monitoring, improvements to resource protection will quickly be lost while unacceptable use patterns re-emerge. Once the proposed actions are undertaken, a simple and annual maintenance plan should be developed between the BLM and climbing community (Southern Nevada Climbers Coalition and Access Fund). This maintenance program should be revisited each year with strategic goals and specific targeted activities. Maintaining an off-trail travel and climbing access system can be a simple that simply requires the following:

• Annual brushing of appropriate travel corridors to remove vegetation cover that may obscure visibility, block travel or redirect traffic.

• Repairs to critical infrastructure failures, particularly structures and areas that see high traffic or have seen undue stress due to heavy rains, rock fall, tree fall or destabilized slopes.

• Annual inspection of way finding conditions and replacement and reconstruction of missing elements. Cairns created in undesirable locations should be removed. Official BLM signage should be replaced once missing.

• Drainage structures should be maintained and cleared regularly to ensure their continued effective use and to prevent additional impacts to travel corridors.

4.0 Potential Consequences & Impacts Recreation: How would the proposed projects affect use and capacity and the quality of recreation opportunities in the project area? There is concern that the existing unmanaged recreation and climbing in RRCNCA is unsustainable and rapidly becoming an ecological concern. RRCNCA is an invaluable recreational resource that has been actively used by rock climbers and other recreationists for 50 years. There are limited designated or maintained access routes throughout the area. Visitation and rock climbing has experienced a dramatic rise in popularity over the last 20 years, and, consequently, the user impacts on the off-trail travel corridors have also increased. Climbing-specific recreation has led to the development of unsustainable access paths that frequently take fall line routes that are often difficult to navigate, and due to their steepness, are challenging to climb. The unstable and confusing nature of the climbing access paths and points can have a frustrating effect on climbers unfamiliar to RRCNCA and can inhibit the capabilities of local emergency response teams. The prescribed strategies included in this proposal will have a direct impact on the accessibility of the world-class climbing resources in RRCNCA. The prescriptions included will provide an improved recreational experience, while also creating a sustainable and an appropriately developed recreation management system. The actions of this proposal will directly limit impacts to the landscape, while improving the recreational visitor experience and safety. Scenery: How would the proposed projects affect the scenic integrity of the project area? The Red Rock Canyon Climbing Access Stabilization Proposal will have little to no effect on the scenic integrity of the project area. This project is not proposing to add visually impactful structures, add additional access route corridors, remove significant vegetation cover or install an over abundance of access signage. Stabilization work will be contained, within reason, to existing access corridors. Additionally, plans include closure and restoration of numerous redundant access points, thus improving native vegetation cover and restoring scenic value to pre-impact conditions. Potential impacts may be observed during maintenance activities of this project when field teams make use of large volunteer resources and create minor impacted corridors to quarry appropriate native rock for structures. These impacts will only be apparent during limited times and not be observed once activities are completed. Prescribed structures will be constructed using native materials, located within close proximity to specific sites. These structures will not only provide solid footing for travel mitigation, but blend into the surrounding natural scenery. Leveraging native materials for structures and controlling use patterns through nudge features will maintain the areas rugged scenery and desert characteristics.

Soil Resources: How would the proposed construction affect soil resources? Soils within the project area are derived from weathered sandstone parent materials and are easily erodible. The lack of a formal trail system and numerous recreational uses in the project area are causing accelerated soil erosion and lowering long-term soil productivity. This could lead to an increase in bare ground and a shift to denuded plant communities. Effects to the soil resource would be disclosed in terms of detrimental disturbance predicted or anticipated from the various types of proposed treatment activities. Detrimental disturbances are those that cause an unacceptable loss in soil quality or productivity and may consist of accelerated soil erosion, soil compaction, severe soil burning, and/or herbicide persistence. The proposed actions of this RRCNCA Climbing Access Stabilization are intended to stabilize soil throughout the climbing and off-trail travel access areas. Proposed actions in this stabilization project will provide hardened surfaces, soil containment and decrease slope angles along preferred routes. Additionally, actions in this proposal will restore redundant and unnecessary use corridors, further diminishing erosion levels and soil loss. Vegetation: How would the proposed projects affect special status plant species and the presence of invasive species? According to the La Madre Mountain Wilderness Management Plan and Environmental Assessment, no federally protected plant species are present within the project area, nine BLM Special Status plant species occur within RRCNCA. Inventoried plant locations are recorded in the BLM resource database where BLM resource specialist can compare project boundaries. Access Fund will coordinate with BLM to ensure future restoration and alignment work avoids impacts to these Special Status plant species. Reclamation of decommissioned routes would allow for new plant growth and enhance vegetation communities in proximity to former redundant routes. Prescribed routes are currently existing visitor worn paths and therefor will have very low impact on the surrounding vegetation. Nominal amounts of vegetation may be temporarily impacted during the rehabilitation and stabilization work. Cultural/Heritage: How would the proposed action affect cultural/heritage resources potentially occurring in the project area? Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is rich with cultural & pre-historic resources easily susceptible to impacts caused by unmitigated recreation activities. The prescriptions included in this project proposal are designed to have no impact on known or unknown cultural resources in RRCNCA. No observed cultural resources were observed or noted during the initial inventory and assessment period, although these resources were not a specific target during field operations. Activities prescribed herein will be directed to avoid and protect any known cultural resources. During ground disturbance activities, any cultural resource discoveries will trigger immediate BLM notification and halts to further disturbance before full BLM consultation. Wildlife Resources: How would the proposed project affect known or unrecorded wildlife species? The proposed action will likely have little to no impact on known or unknown wildlife species. As climbing activity has occurred throughout the site for approximately 50 years, there is little chance that conducting critical infrastructure stabilization will affect native species in any other than a positive manner. Activities proposed will eliminate redundant access corridors, encourage native vegetation regrowth, and limit expanding micro-ecosystem impacts.

Federally Designated Wilderness: How will the prescribed actions maintain, return or affect Wilderness characteristics in federally designated areas? Climbing Access Stabilization in RRCNCA will provide critical opportunity to maintain and improve Wilderness characteristics to designated areas. Current, unmitigated use is rapidly increasing trammeling impacts to the surrounding and sensitive environments, removing the natural and undeveloped by man character of the area. Stabilization efforts, although clearly a step toward increased development and human involvement, will prevent additional resource impact and provide for a more natural feel throughout the area. Improving stabilization and route finding navigation will still provide unrestricted pursuits of solitude and exploration, while encouraging appropriate use of travel corridors. 5.0 Implementation Strategies The Access Fund Conservation Team program, technically savvy climbing stewardship professionals, could leverage a host of volunteer and additional crew resources to complete the Red Rock Canyon Climbing Access Stabilization Project. The Conservation Team is well suited and a fully equipped team able to professionally and safely lead less-experienced labor forces on the technical nature of this project. Youth Conservation Crews (AmeriCorps) and community volunteers can be leveraged throughout the implementation phase of this project. Not only will these resources provide essential manpower for the necessary rockwork, but will help foster and develop the next generation of recreation resource protection advocates. Access Fund leadership will fully develop appropriate work scopes and timelines for individual segments of the project, identifying appropriate milestones and work schedules throughout implementation. Conservation Team leaders will be fully agile to adjust to changing conditions due to workforce availability, weather/climate, and emergency response needs and BLM resource demands. The entire stabilization process will harness available stone resources to improve conditions throughout the proposed area. Rock/stone is a preferred material for a host of benefits, but does require a comprehensive and technical skill set and oversight. The sandstone blocks throughout RRCNCA area makes an ideal material to ensure the ability to create a solid foundation that is long lasting and blends into the surrounding environment. Over time, vegetation will re-establish itself, further hiding structure creation in a natural state. In addition to visual benefits and longevity, future maintenance activities will generally be easier to conduct as the necessary materials are already on site and will simply need reconstruction vs. replacement. This will not only speed maintenance activities, but remove unnecessary funding burdens if non-native materials are used. Mobilizing and managing manual labor forces will make up the bulk of resources necessary to complete this project. Materials will generally be rock collected on-site, mobilized using high-lines and rock carrying devices. Appropriate oversight and management will be provided for all activities.

5.1 Implementation Strategies – Timeline

Nov 2017 – June 2018

July 2018 – Sept 2018

Oct 2018 – April 2019

Oct 2019 – April 2020

NEPA Scoping and Environmental

Assessment

NEPA Draft, Public Comment & Final Decision

Proposed action implementation,

Phase I

Proposed action implementation,

Phase II

Budget Development,

Funding Applications &

Partner Identification

Securing Funding, Match Confirmation,

Work Plan Development

AF Conservation Team,

AmeriCorps & Volunteers

AF Conservation Team,

AmeriCorps & Volunteers

5.2 Implementation Strategies – NEPA Compliance Considerations

• Categorical Exclusion- a proposed action may be categorically excluded from further analysis and documentation in an EIS or EA if there are no extraordinary circumstances related to the proposed action. Examples of projects conducted under a Categorical Exclusion are; repair and maintenance of roads and trails and erosion control and impact mitigation projects.

• Environmental Assessment- An environmental assessment (EA) should be prepared for project proposals that are not categorically excluded from documentation and assessment but a need for an environmental impact statement (EIS) is not needed or has not been determined. An EA provides a proposed action and alternatives to the proposed action. EAs must analyze environmental impacts of the proposed plan and alternatives.

• Erosion Control/Mitigation of Existing Infrastructure- Practices used to minimize damage to resources, including forest soils and water bodies, by controlling erosion on forest trails, landings and other existing structures.

• Resource & Visitor Safety- Visitors to public lands are responsible for their own safety. The B recreation management plan promotes public safety through cooperation with user groups, dissemination of information, public contact, and active enforcement.

Partner Organizations: Access Fund Access Fund is a national advocacy organization whose mission keeps climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment. A 501(c)(3) non-profit supporting and representing over 6.8 million climbers nationwide in all forms of climbing—rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and bouldering—the Access Fund has over 15,000 members and over 100 affiliates. We currently hold a memorandum of understanding with the Bureau of Land Management to work together regarding how climbing will be managed on federal land. The Access Fund provides climbing management expertise, stewardship, project specific funding, and educational outreach. To learn more, visit www.accessfund.org. Southern Nevada Climbers Coalition The Southern Nevada Climber’s Coalition (SNCC) is a grassroots affiliate of the Access Fund. The SNCC advocates for rock climbers in Southern Nevada by promoting responsible stewardship of local resources and cultivating greater community awareness and involvement. The SNCC provides an avenue for constructive dialogue between climbers and local land managers, as well as a resource for local and visiting climbers seeking information about the world-class climbing destinations in Southern Nevada.

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