Number: 1980-30
WHEREAS, the areas available for recreational hunting in Arizona continue to shrink due to increased urbanization, industrial development, highway and airfield construction, and other causes; and
WHEREAS, Public Law 95-625 directed the Secretary of the Interior to study the Oak Creek Canyon, Yavapai and Soldiers Wash-Morman Canyon areas to determine the boundaries for possible designation as a national park or monument; and
WHEREAS, public involvement of local citizens interested in use of the area was almost nonexistent prior to passage of the law; and
WHEREAS, the area announced for study by the National Park Service includes Wilson Mountain, Secret Mountain, Secret Canyon, Sterling Canyon, and a large adjacent to the Mogollon Rim and the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness; and
WHEREAS, these areas contain excellent habitat for elk, whitetail deer, mule deer, bear, and mountain lion and provide outstanding opportunities for quality hunting experiences which would be precluded by park or monument designation; and
WHEREAS, most of the announced study is in the 43,000-acre Red Rock inventoried roadless (RARE II) area which has been recommended for wilderness designation which provides adequate protection for the scenic resources and maintenance of unique ecosystems and plant communities; and
WHEREAS, transfer to another federal agency would increase the cost of administration of the area; and
WHEREAS, designation as a national park or monument would remove significant hunting opportunities from Arizona sportsmen without providing compensating benefits to residents of the State;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 20-23, 1980, in Miami Beach, Fla., hereby urges that the U.S. Congress not designate any parts of the Oak Creek Canyon, Yavapai and Soldiers Wash-Morman Canyon areas as a national park or monument; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Park Service, prior to submission of the results of its study to the Congress, make the findings and recommendations known and to accept and consider public input into the final report.