[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 142 (Tuesday, July 26, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44421-44422]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-15970]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[NPS-IMR-WUPA-32891; PPIMFLAGS2, PPMPSPD1Z.YM]


Determination of Eligibility for Consideration as Wilderness 
Areas, Wupatki National Monument, Arizona

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior

ACTION: Notice of Determination of Wilderness Eligibility for Lands in 
Wupatki National Monument.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Wilderness Act of 1964, and in accordance with 
National Park Service (NPS) Management Policies (2006), Section 6.2.1, 
the NPS has completed a Wilderness Eligibility Assessment to determine 
if lands within Wupatki National Monument (Wupatki or monument) meet 
criteria indicating eligibility for preservation as wilderness.

ADDRESSES: A map of lands assessed is on file at Wupatki National 
Monument Headquarters, 6400 U.S. 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Acting Superintendent Kristofer 
Butcher, Flagstaff Area National Monuments, 6400 U.S. 89, Flagstaff, AZ 
86004, Telephone: 928-526-1157 or 205-410-3543, email address: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Wupatki National Monument has determined 
that a significant portion of the lands within the monument are 
eligible for wilderness designation. Areas determined to be eligible 
for wilderness designation total 34,194 acres or 96.5% of Wupatki's 
total 35,424 acres, with the remaining 1,230 acres or 3.5% of total 
monument acreage determined not eligible for wilderness designation.
    Eligible wilderness areas at Wupatki National Monument are 
subdivided into the following areas:
    Eligible Wilderness Area 1: 6,284 acres. This area contains 
outstanding grassland resources with some juniper savanna in the 
eastern portions. The landscape is dominated by basalt mesas and offers 
prime habitat for pronghorn antelope. The area is largely undeveloped 
and retains most of its primeval character. This area is managed to 
protect pronghorn habitat and sensitive cultural resources. The 
western-most portion of this area is affected by the presence of 
Highway 89 but is still eligible to be designated as wilderness.
    Eligible Wilderness Area 2: 21,168 acres. Almost the entire area is 
undeveloped, with few signs of people and one rarely used 
administrative road (Crack-in-Rock Road). This area generally appears 
to be affected primarily by natural forces. The area offers a variety 
of habitats including pristine grassland, juniper savanna, and cold 
desert scrub, and is bisected by a prominent geologic feature known as 
the Doney monocline. The monocline contains deeply incised washes 
including Antelope Wash, and outstanding views of the Painted Desert, 
Little Colorado River valley to the north and east, and the San 
Francisco Peaks to the south. Spectacular features found in this area 
include red formations of Moenkopi sandstone and areas such as Deadman 
Wash, which extends from well south of the monument around the north 
side of the San Francisco Peaks, all the way to the Little Colorado 
River.
    Eligible Wilderness Area 3: 1,929 acres. This area surrounds 
Wupatki

[[Page 44422]]

National Monument's primary interpretive feature, the Visitor Center, 
and the housing area. Some development has occurred within this area to 
support monument operations; however, it is confined to the Wupatki 
Visitor Center area and on top of the Woodhouse Mesa. One above ground 
utility line runs to Woodhouse Mesa, however, as the monument strives 
to become more energy efficient and self-sufficient, it will pursue 
removing the above ground line. The rest of the area consists of Doney 
Mountain and Deadman Wash. Although this wilderness area is less than 
5,000 acres, this area can be managed as wilderness because the 
landscape is homogenous with the surrounding eligible wilderness areas 
but is bisected by the primary road that goes through Wupatki. This 
area has many locations not affected by modern development and the 
potential for seclusion exists in this area. The area outside of the 
administrative zones is undeveloped and is affected primarily by 
natural forces.
    Eligible Wilderness Area 4: 4,813 acres. This area contains 
outstanding Moenkopi sandstone outcrops and deep washes. The landscape 
is dominated by basalt mesas and offers prime locations for isolation 
and quiet. The area is largely undeveloped and retains most of its 
primeval character except for an interpretive pueblo site with 
associated parking area and access road (Wukoki Pueblo), a small 
administrative area used for maintenance activities (New Heiser) and a 
special use permit residence with associated road access. At the 
expiration of the special use permit for the residence, the area will 
be rehabilitated to restore natural conditions.
    In accordance with NPS Management Policies (2006), Section 6.2.2, 
Wupatki National Monument will prepare a wilderness study to determine 
if any portions of the monument should be recommended for inclusion in 
the National Wilderness Preservation System as defined in the 
Wilderness Act of 1964.

Charles F. Sams, III,
Director, National Park Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-15970 Filed 7-25-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-52-P