ST. GEORGE — The Zion National Park Forever Project, the official nonprofit partner of Zion National Park, Cedar Breaks National Monument and Pipe Spring National Monument released the 2022 Field Guide. Contained within the pages of this year’s guide are 24 of the National Park Service’s highest priority projects.
In a press release issued by the Forever Project, Jeff Bradybaugh, park superintendent, said Zion has faced numerous challenges over the past decade, ranging from landslides to aging and failing infrastructure, as well as assuring an authentic quality visitor experience for millions annually.
“Meeting these demands and the increasing pressures stresses available resources,” Bradybaugh said. “The National Park Service is honored to have a nearly century-long partner– the Zion Forever Project– to carry the park stewardship banner alongside us. I encourage you to read this year’s guide and discover how you can join in our efforts.”
The projects span across the three parks and throughout the regional landscape, touching each aspect of the National Park experience. Anchored within three distinct strategy areas, projects focus on Improving Today, Informing Tomorrow and Protecting Forever.
Often called a book of solutions, these initiatives have been identified working with federal land management agencies as top priority projects that currently lack funding for completion. Projects include new and repaired trails, education programs, conservation, wildlife research and long-term planning for the eastern plateau beyond Zion’s gates in Kane County, Utah.
Mark Preiss, vice president of the Zion Forever Project, said in the news release that these projects carry not only great need but also great hope and optimism for the future.
“Our focus on building a coalition of willing partners is unwavering, and this Field Guide articulates our needs and helps further the discussion of creating seamless and sustainable solutions for our cherished public lands,” Preiss said.
In total, the Forever Project has more than $3.7 million allocated toward active projects currently in process, and the Field Guide is seeking over $2.8 million in additional funding as the park heads toward the 2023 season.
Projects focusing on Improving Today include:
- Determining the feasibility and design of an extension of the Pa’rus paved multi-use trail to the Temple of Sinawava and the famed Narrows hike.
- The creation of a new visitor center beyond park gates on the upper east side of the park.
- Continuing to grow Native American tribal relations through in-park gatherings.
- Additional signage and infrastructure for a new multi-use trail from LaVerkin to Springdale.
- Additional infrastructure improvements to Cedar Breaks National Monument. With the new visitor center at Cedar Breaks nearing completion, new projects focus on new fee stations, increasing solar energy use and new volunteer campsites.
- The second phase of mountain biking trails on the upper east side beyond park gates.
Projects focusing on Informing Tomorrow include:
- Studying the relationship between predator and prey, focusing on Desert bighorn sheep and Mule deer and their relationship with mountain lions in the park.
- Supporting the Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative through Southern Utah University and regional college internship positions.
- Growing Zion’s education programs focused on distance and virtual learning, in-park field trips and rangers in school classrooms.
- Maintaining the nationally appreciated Junior Ranger program that, across three parks, touches more than 30,000 future Junior Rangers each season.
- Developing teacher workshops that provide educators with the tools they need to advance careers and connect Zion with their classroom curriculum.
Projects focusing on protecting Forever include:
- An open call to landowners seeking to donate or help conserve lands surrounding the Zion Regional Landscape and regional planning efforts that look to the future of recreation, infrastructure and educational programs in the region.
- Investing in programs and resources that teach about the importance of protecting and conserving dark night skies.
- Preserving sensitive fossil locations with 3D imaging and modeling.
- Tracking Zion’s bat population to gain a deeper understanding of their winter cliff dwelling habits and locations.
- Acquiring new longhorn cattle to enhance Pipe Spring’s living exhibits as part of the park’s approaching centennial in 2023.
- Providing funding for Camp Kwiyamuntsi, a summer camp focused on Paiute youth.
Lyman Hafen, president of Zion Forever Project, said in the news release that relationships are at the foundation of what they do.
“Working at the helm of this organization for the past 25 years, the relationships we have developed with our park partners and our community are the defining elements of our past success,” Hafen said. “As we continue forever looking to the future, those relationships and our shared passion will remain our formula for success. I encourage everyone to find a project within this guide and discover how they can become a part of the solution.”
To see the new Field Guide online visit this website or request a copy by emailing [email protected] or calling 435-772-3264.
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