Tavasci Marsh EA

Tavasci Marsh at Tuzigoot National Monument has undergone extensive changes to its hydrology from its century-long history as a farmland and pasture area for cattle. Previous farming activities such as draining and leveling the marsh have contributed to the current hydrologic system causing abrupt and narrow transition zones to the more upland mesquite bosque, with reduced areas of transitional zones including sedge/rush shorelines, shrubby willow fringe, and native grassland habitats.

Tuzigoot National Monument is proposing to manage Tavasci Marsh to enhance wildlife habitat and increase recreational and educational use of the marsh. The environmental assessment that was prepared to determine the impacts on park resources considers three alternatives including the no-action alternative and two action alternatives.

The preferred alternative (Alternative C) proposes to enhance the marsh habitat through long-term adaptive hydrologic management through the construction of water control structures and a water conveyance channel designed to allow fluctuation of water levels in the marsh's northern section (above the old road bisecting the marsh). The preferred alternative also proposes for visitor enjoyment creating a loop trail system, a boardwalk, and viewing platform in addition to upgrading the footbridge in the marsh. Initiating rule-making procedures for allowing bike riding to officially occur on a designated trail to allow connection between two state park lands is also proposed in the preferred alternative.

Document Content:

Tavasci Marsh EA   (5.0 MB, PDF file) Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of from Adobe Systems.