Sky Island Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan - Classweb

United States
Department of
Agriculture
Forest
Service
Southwestern
Region
Sky Island Scenic
Byway Corridor
Management Plan
Coronado National Forest

Citizen Committee Field
Trip to Sky Island Scenic
Citizen Committee
Keith Ashby Jean Davies Hazel Rugg
Boy Scouts of America Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley Mt. Lemmon Homeowner
David Bertelsen Scott Egan Tod Santee
Arizona Native Plant Society Pima County Board of Supervisors Accessibility Representative
Mark Black Preston Godfrey Keith Walzak
Canyon Ranch American Institute of Architects City of Tucson/Alternate Modes
Kevin Dahl Larry Missal Frances Zimmerman
Tucson Audubon Society County Line Riders Mt. Lemmon Homeowners Association
Bob Peterson
U of A Observatories
Coronado National Forest Advisors
Patricia Spoerl Paula Benefield Huter Steve Hensel
Forest Recreation & Lands Staff District Recreation Staff Forestry Technician
Stan Helin Heidi Schewel Ted Moore
Forest Landscape Architect Visitor Center Manager Fire Management Officer
Pima County Advisor
Michael Smith
Civil Engineer
Pima Co. Dept. of Transp. & Flood Control
Facilitator/Consultant
Freda Johnson
and Cate Bradley
Rillito Consulting Group
Project Coordinator
Debby Kriegel
Landscape Architect
Coronado National Forest

Table of Contents
Page
Introduction Setting 1
The Corridor Management Plan 1
The Planning Process 1
Location Map 2
Vision, Goals, Strategy 3
Corridor Boundary Map 4
The Corridor Boundary 5
Recreation Area Chart 6
Intrinsic Qualities Scenic 7
Recreational 7
Historic, Archaeological, and Cultural 7
Natural 9
Capacity Chart 10
Capacity, Mass Transit, and Marketing 11
Highway Safety 13
Action Plan Recreation Zones Map 14
General Recommendations 15
Rec. Zones & Action Items The Byway Corridor 16
Vista Points and Trailheads 16
Recreation Areas 17
The Back Roads and Backcountry 19
Pusch Ridge Wilderness 19
Summerhaven 20
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley 20
Organization Ridge 21
Administrative Areas 21
Summerhome Areas 22
Priorities 23
Design Standards Signs 29
Outdoor Advertising 29
Architectural Theme 29
Landscaping 31
Interpretive Plan Interpretive Vision 35
Goals of Interpretation 35
Themes & Stories 35
Proposed Interpretive Media 37
Summary of Wayside Signs 42
Wayside Sign Locations & Topics 43
Interpretive Planning Team 76
Specialists & Sources 76
Partnerships Land Managers 79
Public Participation 79
Partners 80
Funding 82
References 85
Appendix
87
The quotes in the margins of this
document are actual comments
submitted during this planning
process. They were chosen to
represent a cross-section of
opinions. Not all comments have
been resolved.
If 1 were in charge ...I would
protect biodiversity and historic

Introduction
Setting
Southern Arizona is a land of striking contrasts and stunning scenery. Massive, pine-clad mountain
ranges rise abruptly above an ocean of desert, forming an arid archipelago: sky islands. The Santa
Catalina Mountain sky island forms Tucson's northern boundary and provides a dramatic backdrop and
orientation point for the sprawling desert city. The mountains, a part of the Coronado National Forest,
are a popular year-round destination for residents and tourists alike, offering recreation, climatic relief,
and wilderness.
Sky Island Scenic Byway, officially known as Catalina Highway and locally known as Mt. Lemmon
Highway, provides access to the Santa Catalina Mountains' beautiful vistas, campgrounds, picnic areas,
trails, a ski area, and the town of Summerhaven. The 25-mile route climbs from an elevation of 2,900 ft.
to nearly 9,000 ft,, passing through biological diversity equivalent to a drive from Mexico to Canada. The
highway, which is traveled by over 1 million visitors each year, was designated a Scenic Byway by the
Chief of the Forest Service on April 28, 1995.
The Corridor Management Plan
A number of key issues created a need for this plan:
Scenic Byway status
• Heavy and increasing use of the Byway and adjacent recreation areas
• Aging facilities and infrastructure
• Visitors want to protect the natural beauty along the Byway
• Urban problems (litter, vandalism, drugs, gangs)
• Few areas are accessible to visitors with disabilities
• A lack of interpretation at vista points and other special places
• Federal budgets continue to drop A Corridor Management Plan, as defined by the
Federal Register, is:
“A written document that specifies the actions, procedures, controls,
operational practices, and administrative strategies to maintain the scenic,
historic, recreational, cultural, archeological, and natural qualities of the scenic
byway. "
This plan provides recommendations to help managers protect the unique and distinctive values
along Sky Island Scenic Byway while enhancing tourism and economic development. It builds on the
Hitchcock Highway Recreation Concept Plan (1992) and serves as a guiding document for
day-to-day management as well as for improvements as funds become available.
Because the Corridor Management Plan is not a decision document, the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) provisions have not been applied. Many of the projects recommended will
require environmental analysis and public involvement before they are implemented,
The Planning Process
Creation of the Sky Island Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan was coordinated by the Coronado
National Forest, funded by ISTEA (Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act), included Pima
County Department of Transportation staff, and was completed through a process that involved the
community. A series of monthly meetings and two open houses helped the Coronado National Forest
determine what features were most valued and what actions were most strongly supported. Ideas
shared through a total of 78 comment cards, 83 open house comment forms, 11 letters, 8 telephone
calls, and dozens of comments and ideas written on flipcharts at open
If I were in charge ...l would
protect Mt. Lemmon -- it's
beautiful and rustic. (Phoned in
comment)
1

If I were in charge ...l would
protect the animals, including the
bears. (Comment from public open
house)
2
houses have been used in the creation of this Plan. In addition, the results of 2 recent visitor
surveys were reviewed.
A Citizen Committee with a cross-section of interests in the Byway was formed to work closely with
the Forest Service throughout this planning process. The roles of the Citizen Committee were to:
• state values and opinions
• represent a cross-section of interests
• provide ideas for Scenic Byway management
• suggest priorities for the Forest Service
At a series of monthly meetings, the Citizen Committee was used as a sounding board, and
members were involved in nearly every step along the way, from developing a vision statement to
reviewing the interpretive plan to identifying action items.
Materials from the planning process can be found in the Appendix of this document.

Vision, Goals, Strategy
Vision
Sky Island Scenic Byway is intended to showcase and preserve the unique features of the Santa Catalina
Mountains and the sky island region of southern Arizona. Travelers will enjoy beautiful scenery, a wide variety
of recreational experiences, and opportunities to learn about the plants, animals, geology, history and culture
of the area.
Goals
Strategy
• Protect ecosystem health.
• Preserve scenery and special features.
• Encourage learning.
• Offer a variety of recreational opportunities.
• Foster partnerships.
• Provide safe travel for all users.
Partnerships with the community, volunteers, the private sector, and other governments will help the Forest
Service protect resources, provide services, and maintain facilities.
Birdwatchers can search for some 400
species of birds in southeastern Arizona.
If 1 were in charge ...l would build
a tram with shuttles. (Citizen
Committee member comment)
Hoodoos near Geology Vista.
3

The Corridor Boundary
The boundary for this Plan includes all of the recreation opportunities and use areas accessed by Sky
Island Scenic Byway. Trails, however, connect the Byway with areas many miles away. In order to
include the heaviest use areas, the boundary has been drawn at approximately 1 mile from the Byway
itself. Notice that this boundary has fuzzy edges; there is not a distinct limit.
Currently, Byway status ends at the Summerhaven boundary. It is now recommended that status be
extended through the town of Summerhaven to Marshall Gulch and up Ski Run Road to Ski Valley.
A map of the boundary can be found on the previous page.
Sky Island Scenic Byway begins in the beautiful Sonoran desert.
Summerhaven is a popuhn
destination for visitors to the Santa
Catalina Mountains. On this 350
acres of private land there are
approximately 380 cabins as well
as restaurants, shops, and lodging.
If 1 were in charge ...l would
protect all vistas, rocks, and
trees. (Comment from public
open house)
When there is no snow, Mt.
Lemmon Ski Valley's chair lift
becomes a delightful sky ride.
5

TYPE OF RECREATION AREA SITE NAME MAJOR ACTIVITIES
Developed Campgrounds General Hitchcock Camping, picnicking, hiking
Molino Basin Camping, picnicking, rest stop, hiking
Rose Canyon Camping, picnicking, group picnicking, fishing, walking
Showers Point Group camping, group picnicking
Spencer Canyon Camping, picnicking
Picnic Areas Alder Picnicking
Box Elder Picnicking
Chihuahua Pine Picnicking
Cypress Picnicking
Inspiration Rock Picnicking
Loma Linda Picnicking
Marshall Gulch Picnicking, hiking, backpacking
Middle Bear Picnicking, rest stop
Sykes Knob Picnicking
Trailheads Box Camp Hiking, backpacking
Butterfly Hiking, backpacking
General Hitchcock Hiking, backpacking, camping
Knagge Hiking, backpacking
Marshall Gulch Hiking, backpacking, picnicking
Mint Spring Hiking, backpacking
Molino Basin Hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping,
picnicking
Mt. Bigelow Hiking, backpacking, visitor center
Mt, Lemmon Hiking, backpacking
Oracle Ridge Hiking, backpacking
Palisades Hiking, backpacking, visitor center
Prison Camp Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking,
camping, picnicking
Red Ridge Hiking, backpacking
San Pedro Vista Hiking, backpacking, viewing
South erland/Samaniego/CDO Hiking, backpacking
Sunset Hiking, backpacking
Vista Points Aspen Viewing
Babad Do'ag Viewing, hiking
Geology Viewing, rock climbing
Molino Canyon Viewing
San Pedro Viewing, hiking
Seven Cataracts Viewing
Thimble Peak Viewing
Windy Point Viewing, rock climbing
Undeveloped Camping Areas Bear Canyon Camping, picnicking
Bear Wallow/Bigelow Camping, picnicking, mountain biking, cross country skiing
Incinerator Ridge Camping, picnicking, hiking
Lizard Rock Camping, picnicking
Observatory Camping, picnicking
Oracle Ridge Camping, picnicking, 4-wheel driving, hiking
Prison Camp Camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking
Sollers Camping, picnicking
Sykes Knob Camping, picnicking
Whitetail Camping, picnicking
Other The Arizona Trail Hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, mountain biking
Bug Spring Rest Stop Parking, rest stop
Oracle Control Road 4-wheel driving, camping, hiking
Palisades Visitor Center Visitor info„ interpretive exhibits, map/book sales, rest stop
Pusch Ridge Wilderness Hiking, backpacking
Rose Canyon Lake Fishing, walking, camping, picnicking
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley Skiing, skyriding, shopping, dining
Summerhaven Shopping, dining, lodging
Organization Ridge Organization and group camping

Intrinsic Qualities
The word intrinsic is defined as "inherent, essential, belonging naturally." Intrinsic qualities are
features that are considered representative, unique, irreplaceable, or distinctly characteristic of an
area.
Much of this information was obtained by posing the following question to the Citizen Committee
and to the public: "If I were in charge, I would protect..."
Scenic
The Sky Island Scenic Byway is a visually stunning drive. The route passes through diverse vegetation
and unique geologic formations, and offers wonderful aerial views to the valleys below and to
other sky islands. Only occasionally is the experience interrupted by human developments, and most
of these facilities offer visitor services along the route: overlooks, picnic areas, rest stops, etc. There
are 8 designated vista points where visitors can safely pull off the Byway, park their vehicles, and
enjoy the scenery.
There are no billboards, advertisements, or significant unsightly areas along the route. Construction
activities occasionally detract from the experience, but these are temporary. And there are a few
areas with aging facilities and/or evidence of overuse.
A frequent theme throughout this planning process was that people like the Byway the way it is.
Visitors don't want to see many changes along the route. Many people commented that they love
the views, the natural landscapes, rock spires, and the trees. Others mentioned the peace and
quiet, clean air, and cool temperatures. A few specifically mentioned that they enjoy the uncommercial
nature of the route.
Two recent visitor surveys have shown that driving for pleasure (i.e. sightseeing) is the primary
activity along the Byway. Therefore protecting scenic resources along Sky Island Scenic Byway is
extremely important.
Recreational
A spectrum of recreation opportunities can be found along Sky Island Scenic Byway. The Byway
itself is primarily recreational, since the most popular visitor activity is driving for scenic pleasure.
Along the route there are 8 vista points, 6 campgrounds, 7 organization camps, 5 group use areas, 9
picnic areas, numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, 20 trailheads, a lake,
a ski area, a visitor center, and a small community.
Activities in the Catalina Mountains include (in alphabetical order) amphitheater/campground
programs, astronomy, backpacking, berry picking, bicycling, birdwatching, camping, escaping the
desert heat, enjoying the sounds of nature, fishing, rock hounding, hang gliding, hiking, horseback
riding, hunting, learning about wild places, nature walking, orienteering, guided activities, partying,
photography, picnicking, research, rock climbing, scenic driving, scouting group activities, sketching,
skiing, snow play, solitude, target practice, and 4-wheel driving. Rock climbing areas around Windy
Point are some of the best in the nation, and are an internationally-known winter climbing
destination. Recreational activities in Summerhaven also include shopping, dining, staying overnight,
and various concerts and special events.
The previous page shows a listing of recreation opportunities along Sky Island Scenic Byway.
Historic, Archaeological, and Cultural
The Byway not only provides access to several historic and archaeologic features -- the route itself
is historic. The highway was constructed by Federal prison labor beginning in the 1930s and
Mountain biking near
Molino Basin.
If 1 were in charge ...l would
protect the restrooms, tables, etc.
from vandalism. (Comment from
public open house)
7

If I were in charge ...l would
not allow motorcycles to race
up and down the highway.
(Mailed in comment)
8
continuing through 1951; much of the work was done by the hands of 8,000 prisoners over the
course of 18 years.
People have been using and enjoying the Santa Catalina Mountains for centuries. The Tohono
0'odham and their Hohokam ancestors lived in the lower elevations and visited the peaks and
forested areas of the Catalina Mountains for centuries before Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo settlers
arrived. Plants and animals of the mountains supplemented crops grown along the Santa Cruz
River, and the mountains' springs and streams were likely seen as supernatural blessings. Rock art
at the Prison Camp provides a glimpse of this heritage.
The Forest Service's multiple-use mandate has allowed a number of activities to occur, including
private residences, timber cutting, grazing, recreational developments, and others. Historically, the
Santa Catalinas have seen multiple uses, including timber harvest, grazing, and recreation.
Summerhaven became private land in 1910 when Mr. Frank Weber of Oracle patented a 160-acre
homestead and has grown to become a small town. The summit of the Catalinas, Mt. Lemmon, was
named after Sara Lemmon, who ascended the mountain while honeymooning with her husband John
Gil Lemmon in 1881. The Palisades Ranger Station was constructed by the Civilian Conservation
Corps (CCC) in the 1930s.
Today there are 132 permits for summerhomes in the Catalinas, There are also 3 major electronic
sites and several astrophysical facilities, as well as a cluster or radar equipment. Other permitees
include organization sites, outfitter guides, water and power lines, mining, grazing, Mt. Lemmon Ski
Valley, road easements, sewer systems, observatories and astrophysical sites, hang gliding, and
plant and rock collecting.

Natural
The majority of public comment
throughout this planning process
related to protecting the natural
resources and features in the
Santa Catalina Mountains.
The sky island mountains of
southestern Arizona host worldclass
biological diversity. These
mountains lie at the southern end
of the Rocky Mountains and the
northern end of the Sierra Madre
Mountains where the Sonoran and
Chihuahuan deserts meet. And
the differences in elevations from
deserts to mountaintops host many distinct vegetation communities, providing habitat for
both resident wildlife as well as a place for migrating birds to rest.
In the Santa Catalinas, elevations range from 2,900 ft. at the base to 9,157 it. ,lt tile
summit. Vegetation communities include Sonoran desert, semi-desert grassland, oak
woodland, chaparral, pine-oak woodland, ponderosa pine forest, mixed-conifer forest,
and many types of riparian areas. Plant life is diverse, from giant saguaro cacti to
quaking aspen trees. And there are several rare plants.
Wildlife on the mountain is equally diverse and includes common species like squirrels
and deer, unique species such as coatimundi and gila monsters, and declining species such as
bighorn sheep and wild turkeys. There are hundreds of bird species that can be found in the Santa
Catalinas.
In the Santa Catalina Mountains there are currently 14 species of animals and 15 species of plants
listed as Threatened, Endangered, or Sensitive (TES).
The Santa Catalinas have an interesting geologic story that includes ancient sea beds, faulting
and uplift (basin and range formation), volcanic activity, as well as endless erosion, resulting in
many types of soils and rock.
Hydrology in the Catalinas is largely influenced by the fact that mountains create their own weather,
the higher elevations of the Santa Catalinas receive nearly three times the precipitation of the
surrounding deserts. As water flows down the mountain's canyons and seeps out of springs, it
provides lush riparian habitat for wildlife and popular recreation sites. Mountain rain and snowfall
provide much of the source of water for residents of Tucson.
Three areas set aside specifically for their natural resources are Pusch Ridge Wilderness, Santa
Catalina Research Natural Area, and Butterfly Peak Research Natural Area. Sky Island Scenic
Byway provides access to all three of these areas.
A bobcat and a
hricklv hear cactm.
If 1 were in charge ...l would
protect the watershed value of
the Catalinas. (Citizen
Committee member comment)
9

Current Capacity
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF TOTAL
TYPE OF SITE NUMBER OF UNITS PARKING SPACES PEOPLE PER CAR PEOPLE
Developed Campgrounds 186 186 5 930
Group Camp Areas 3 15 5 75
Picnic Areas 107 107 5 535
Group Picnic Sites 2 27 5 135
Trailheads 16 206 2.5 514
Vista Points 8 94 3.5 328
Palisades Visitor Center 1 7 3.5 35
Undeveloped Camp Areas 10 115 5 575
Summerhaven
Cabins 380 380 2,5 950
Businesses 12 60 2.5 150
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley 1 257 3.5 900
Summer homes 132 132 2.5 330
Organization Camps 7 200 5 1000
Admin. & Observatory Sites 12 100 1.5 150
Rose Canyon Lake 1 30 3,5 105
Misc. (Bug Springs rest stop) 1 10 3.5 35
TOTAL 1,926 6,747
vehicles people
If 1 were in charge ...l would
enforce leash laws or ban dogs
totally. (Mailed in comment)
10

Capacity, Mass Transit, and Marketing
Capacity
The current capacity of the most popular use areas accessed by Sky Island Scenic Byway is estimated
at 6,747 people and 1,926 vehicles at one time. These figures include only parked vehicles,
not vehicles driving on the highway nor people hiking, bicycling, or riding horses into the area.
A vehicle counter at the base of the mountain has been in place for many years. An average of
1,000 vehicles travel up Sky Island Scenic Byway each day, but the number varies tremendously;
visitation is heavier during the warm months, on weekends, and during special events. During a
1-year period from February 12, 1997 through February 11, 1998 the minimum daily vehicle count
was 75 and the maximum was 2,645, On 33 days, more than 1,926 vehicles traveled up the Byway.
Making two assumptions - that vehicles distribute themselves throughout the areas and that each
vehicle stays on the mountain all day - the capacity of parking on the mountain was therefore
exceeded during those 33 days.
Tucson's metro population is approximately 850,000 and continues to grow. As a result, over time
the capacity of the Santa Catalinas recreation areas will be exceeded. The dilemma is whether to
expand capacity, limit the number of visitors, or some combination of the two. However, there are
several factors that relate to capacity in the Catalinas:
• There are virtually no more large, flat areas to construct new campgrounds or picnic areas.
• Some existing recreation areas could be expanded slightly, but it would be extremely difficult, if
not impossible, to increase capacity in these areas more than 25%.
• The summit of Mt. Lemmon is one place that could accommodate more visitors with little
environmental impact.
• A mass-transit system could bring more people into the Santa Catalina Mountains without the
need for additional parking spaces.
Mass Transit
A shuttle, tram, or bus system was a common theme of public comment throughout
this project, and there appears to be wide support for mass-transit. In 1997 Pima
County voters approved a Transportation Bond package that includes $1.5 million to
provide a public transit system for the Mt. Lemmon area. Recommendations for any
shuttle on Sky Island Scenic Byway are:
• The system should run frequently. Several smaller vehicles are preferable to a
couple of large ones. The shuttle should drop off and pick up every 1 /2 hour or so,
so visitors aren't stuck at any place too long (ex. vista points).
• The shuttle should be as inexpensive as possible so that many people will be able
to afford it. A low fee also will provide the incentive for visitors to leave personal
vehicles behind and ride the shuttle.
• The system must be convenient for visitors to use, with adequate parking at the
access point and good connections to Tucson's existing transit system.
In addition to modest expansion of recreation areas and implementation of a shuttle,
it would be beneficial to spread use across the mountain (away from the most
popular sites) and redistribute use throughout the week and year (away from
weekends, etc.). Information via brochures, maps, and signs could encourage
visitors to utilize lesser used recreation areas instead of concentrating at the most
If 1 were in charge ...l would set
capacity limits.
(Comment from public open
house)
Traffic congestion and crowds
are common at popular sites
like Windy Point.
11

Highway Safety
Catalina Highway was originally constructed between 1933 and 1951 by Federal prison labor. The
road was built with a 20 foot wide paved surface and minimal shoulders. Over the following
decades traffic volume and vehicle speed increased, and the road soon became inadequate for
traveler needs and increasingly unsafe. Prior to 1988, when reconstruction of the highway began,
the accident rate on this road was nearly 8 times the average in Pima County (according to studies
between 1981 and 1984), making this one of the most dangerous roads in the state.
In 1988 the Federal Highway Administration began reconstruction of the highway. The new road
has a 28 foot paved surface, 4 foot shoulders, and many pullouts and passing lanes, Five phases
of reconstructed have been completed: approximately half of the total miles. There are 3 phases
remaining and the project should be complete in the year 2010. Total cost of the project is
estimated at $50 million. The accident rate on reconstructed portions of the highway has dramatically
decreased.
Phase Dates Cost Mileposts Activity
1 2/88-12/88 $3 million 1-3 3 miles reconstruction
2 2/89-6/89 $160,000 1-3 Landscaping for phase 1
3 8/90-7-91 $5.5 million 3-6 3 miles reconstruction
4 11/92-9/94 $10 million 6-7 and 21-25 5 miles reconstruction
5 4/96-5/97 $7 million 7-9 2 miles reconstruction
6* 2000 ? 16.1-21 4.9 miles reconstruction
7* 2004 ? 9-? ? miles reconstruction
8* 2008 ? ?-16.1 ? miles reconstruciton
(*Planning and design for these phases is underway; dates are estimated and exact miles are not
yet known.)
Another safety issue along Sky Island Scenic Byway is bicycles. The Byway is a popular bicycling
route, and with minimal shoulders, steep mountain grades, and sharp curves, bikers and automobiles
often have trouble sharing the narrow road. Fortunately, as the highway is reconstructed, a
bicycle shoulder that accommodates bicycles is also added to the road. This will dramatically
reduce the conflicts.
Some comments during this planning process related to the planned highway reconstruction
through the Bear Canyon area. The comments focused on two related issues: impacts on riparian
areas and loss of the tree canopy (overhanging branches) through this area. Some people do not
want to see this section of highway widened.
Many comments throughout this planning process focused on speed limits. Some people believe
speed limits should be lowered. Others think the speed limit simply needs to be better enforced. A
few comments focused on speeding motorcyclers. Enforcing the speed limit is the responsibility of
the Pima County Sheriff, and copy of this plan will be made available to the Sheriff's Department.
If 1 were in charge ...l would
continue the road improvement
project. (Comment from open
house)
If I were in charge ...l would
strictly enforce the speed limit.
(Comment from public open
house)
13

Action Plan
This action plan includes general recommendations as well as action items for each "zone" (see map
on previous page). The objective of these recommendations is to:
• maintain or enhance intrinsic qualities and preserve visual integrity, and
• minimize intrusions to visitor experience
while at the same time...
• enhancing existing development and accommodating new development, and
• accommodating commerce
Obviously, this isn't simple, Recommending changes along Sky Island Scenic Byway presents a
dilemma. Much public comment focuses on "don't change anything." However, comments also include
numerous suggestions to provide better restrooms, more trash bins, better trailhead signs and trail
maintenance, more bear-proof trash bins, more facilities accessible to disabled visitors, new
restrooms, etc. Therefore, a careful balance of new and improved recreation facilities and protection of
the natural and cultural environment is critical.
Recommendations
Recommendations help maintain the intrinsic qualities of the Byway, provide visitor services, and move
each zone from an existing condition to a desired condition. These lists were developed through the
combined efforts of the Citizen Committee, the Coronado National Forest, and the public. Lists of
recommendations and action items were first written and prioritized by the Citizen Committee, and then
taken to a public open house where attendees "voted" for their favorites by choosing one item per zone
and attaching an adhesive dot to it (results from these events can be found in the Appendix), Additional
items were added by the public and the Citizen Committee, and the Forest Service (from the Hitchcock
Highway Recreation Concept Plan). Finally, the entire list was reviewed once again by the Citizen
Committee and the Forest Service, and the priorities found on pages 23-27 were established.
General Recommendations
Create a special management area for Sky Island Scenic Byway in the Forest Land Management Plan.
Continue working with Federal Highway Administration during reconstruction of the Byway to improve
intersections and vista points, and to eliminate the access and impacts of campsites and overused
areas adjacent to the Byway,
Provide traveler rest stops (parking with easy access to the Byway, restrooms, information, etc.)
approximately every 5-10 miles, Recommended locations are: Molino Basin, Middle Bear Canyon,
Palisades, and Summerhaven.
Cluster facilities like restrooms, water spigots, trash bins, and information boards to minimize visual
impacts.
Implement the Forest Service's Scenery Management System.
Control the movement and impacts of people throughout the Byway corridor through designs that
encourage use of designated parking and clearly defined pathways and discourage driving and
walking cross-country. In heavily used areas concrete or asphalt surfacing can help concentrate visitor
impacts and therefore protect soils and vegetation,
Utilize universal design guidelines throughout the corridor. All restrooms, many picnic and camp sites,
and some trails should be accessible to wheelchairs. Even when a site is not hardened, the table, grill,
etc. should meet accessibility guidelines. The objective of universal access is to make a variety of
recreation opportunities available to everyone, including visitors with special needs. However, a range of
accessibility levels should be available, from easy to very difficult.
If I were in charge ...l would
protect the area from
commercialization. (Comment
from public open house)
15

If 1 were in charge
...l would provide
more accessible
areas for disabled.
(Comment from
public open house)
If 1 were in
charge ...l would
add more
composting
toilets. (Comment
from public open
house)
16
Implement the Coronado National Forest Transition Plan recommendations for accessibility.
Construct facilities using the Architectural Theme and designs that maintain appropriate settings for historic and
cultural resources.
Utilize the plant species lists included in this document for revegetation.
Inventory and monitor ecosystems.
Study a carrying capacity for the corridor.
Nominate the Byway as a State Parkway.
Work with Pima County and/or a private company to develop and encourage the use of mass transit on the Byway.
Establish a Friends of Mt. Lemmon group.
Improve law enforcement and increase patrols.
Utilize volunteer labor for interpretation and labor.
Recreation Zones and Action Items
The Byway provides access to a wide variety of settings, from the solitude of Pusch Ridge Wilderness, to forested roadside
picnic areas, to the bustling town of Summerhaven. Although there is an infinite variation of experiences in the Catalina
Mountains, the following 10 types of settings (Recreation Zones) have been identified. Below are descriptions of the zones,
and action items for each. A map on page 14 shows locations of these zones.
The Byway Corridor
Theme: A highway through a mostly natural landscape (immediate foreground views).
Major Activities: Driving, sightseeing, bicycling, walking and hiking (where appropriate).
Appropriate Facilities: Road, signs, guardrail, bike and pedestrian lanes.
Existing Condition: The route has nice variety, from wide panoramic vistas to shady places with overhanging branches.
About half of the highway has been reconstructed. Litter and graffiti are a problem along the route. There are some
overused areas at Windy Point, recent construction areas along the highway, unattractive trailer court at Palisades, lack of
landscaping and pedestrian facilities at Summerhaven, and clutter of developments on the summit.
Desired Condition: The variety of views and vegetation is still high. The highway is safe for drivers, bicycles, and
pedestrians. The route is well maintained, signs are unobtrusive, litter and graffiti are cleaned up. Developments are
attractive and welcoming, and provide appropriate visitor services.
Action Items: Complete a sign plan with architectural styles, sizes, and locations.
Pick up litter, remove graffiti, and increase law enforcement.
Complete a viewshed corridor plan.
Implement an Adopt-A-Highway program (provide recognition in a way other than signs).
Complete a vegetation management plan (tree protection/removal/aspen regeneration/etc.),
Replant trees along highway from milepost 21 to milepost 25 (utilize right-of-way safety standards).
Work with Federal Highway Administration to reconstruct Byway, resolve conflicts between safety and character
(overhanging branches along Bear Canyon), and add a bicycle lane.
Revegetate disturbed areas.
Vista Points and Trailheads
Theme: Small nodes of visitor services along the highway.

Major Activities: Viewing, photography, preparing to hike or horseback ride.
Appropriate Facilities: Parking areas, sidewalks, railings/walls, trails, trailhead signs, interpretive signs.
At some trailheads and vista points, trash bins and/or restrooms may be appropriate.
Existing Condition: These heavily used areas often have litter or evidence of vandalism, and law
enforcement is not sufficient to curb these problems. There is often insufficient parking, as well as a lack
of facilities for people with disabilities, mountain bikes, and horse trailers. There are insufficient
interpretive programs and trailhead signs. Dogs are often uncontrolled, and there is no information about
where dogs are not allowed.
Desired Condition: Areas are clean and well maintained. Uniformed employees provide law enforcement
and visitor information at these areas. Most facilities are accessible to visitors with disabilities. Mountain
bike trails are available and many trailheads accommodate horse trailers. Interpretive signs help visitors
learn about the area, and information about dogs is posted.
Action Items:
Provide restrooms at most popular trailheads.
Provide trash collection.
Improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities.
Provide a trail map and brochure with information about areas open and closed to dogs.
Improve trail maintenance and signage at trailheads.
Provide corrals, water, and parking for horses and equestrians at Prison Camp.
Include distances on trailhead signs (i.e. outside of wilderness).
Provide interpretive signs.
Change signs to correctly spell "Babad Do'ag".
Encourage public transportation to these places.
Encourage the local courts to assign litter cleanup as community service.
Provide markers along trails for clarity - it's easy to get off the trails.
Provide seating at vista points.
Improve safety at Windy Point.
Construct a trail along the ridge at Molino Canyon Vista to reduce network of wildcat trails.
Repair graffiti and vandalism.
Pick up litter.
Provide mountain bike opportunities in designated areas.
Provide education on mountain bike restrictions (e.g., wilderness).
Implement the Interpretive Plan included in this document.
Create parking areas near the Byway for winter snow play and cross-country skiing near the Rose
Canyon Road intersection and near the Bigelow Road intersection. These areas should be away from
the highway for safety.
Remove or repair rock walls that are in poor condition.
Provide a wheelchair accessible overlook at Windy Point.
Consider a hike-in rock climber restroom between Windy Point and Geology Vista or a restroom at
Windy Point.
Recreation Areas
Theme: Areas of concentrated recreational use.
Major Activities: Picnicking, camping, walking, fishing.
If 1 were in charge ...l would
provide additional trash
containers. (Comment from public
open house)
If 1 were in charge ...l would make
people responsible for their own
trash. (Comment from public open
house)
17

If I were in charge ...l would
provide more lakes and
fishing. (Comment from public
open house)
18
Appropriate Facilities: Parking areas, picnic sites, campsites, restrooms, signs, trails, trash bins. Existing
Condition: These areas are heavily used and many have litter and vandalism problems. Some facilities
are in poor condition and few areas are accessible to people with disabilities. Maintenance and law
enforcement are insufficient. There are few interpretive programs. Bear-human problems are declining,
but continue to exist. Many areas are at capacity, and as the population continues to grow this problem
will grow.
Desired Condition: Facilities are in good condition and are well maintained. Litter is cleaned up and
because of uniformed employees in the area, vandalism has been eliminated. Many sites are accessible
to visitors with disabilities. There are many opportunities for visitors to learn about the area through
interpretive programs and interpretive signs. Bears and humans coexist; people lock up their food. Areas
have been designed to accommodate appropriate numbers of people while protecting the natural
environment. Strategies to reduce crowds and heavy use periods have been implemented.
Action Items:
Provide a fish cleaning station at Rose Canyon lake.
Improve restrooms and restroom maintenance.
Make accessibility improvements.
Provide interpretive signs.
Provide campfire programs.
Develop cooperative partnerships. Increase landscaping between campsites and picnic sites.
Provide a variety of accessible sites and facilities.
Replace aging restrooms with new buildings that have fewer odor and insect problems (i.e. composting,
"sweet smelling" technology, etc.).
Repair vandalism, remove graffiti, pick up litter.
Implement strategies to reduce crowding.
Educate visitors about how to avoid problems with bears.
Increase capacity in locations that can accommodate it without compromising the setting. For example
Rose Canyon Campground capac ity could be increased 20-30% and Spencer Canyon Campground by
perhapsl0-20%.
Implement the Interpretive Plan included in this document.
Create a wheelchair accessible lakeshore trail with fishing areas along the north side of Rose Canyon
Lake to the dam.
Rebuild the trail on the south side of the lake.
Create a barrier-free overlook at Inspiration Rock.
Remove or repair rock walls that are in poor condition.
Add horse corrals at Prison Camp to make this area the primary equestrian area and link to the Arizona
Trail.
Whenever possible, design picnic and campsites so visitors can be near their vehicles. This minimizes
human impacts on soils and vegetation, allows visitors to keep an eye on their cars, and reduces
human-bear problems because locking up food is easier. Only a few sites in each area should require
people to walk over 30 feet to their site. When central parking areas are designed provide clearly defined
walkways to each site.
Develop Whitetail as a group camping area that accommodates a variety of group sizes.
Redesign Marshall Gulch to better accommodate trailhead parking and large vehicle turnarounds.

Encourage public transportation to these places.
The Back Roads and Backcountry
Theme: Areas away from the highway. Relatively undisturbed, undeveloped desert and forest.
Major Activities: Hiking, camping, backpacking, birdwatching, horseback riding, mountain biking,
botanizing, hunting, wood gathering.
Appropriate Facilities: Unpaved roads, signs, trails, backcountry campsites.
Existing Condition: Some areas are overused, and erosion and litter are problems. Trail maintenance
and signage is generally sufficient. Dogs are often uncontrolled.
Desired Condition: The area appears pristine. Trails and campsites are clean, marked, and well
maintained. Access to vulnerable areas is limited. Dogs are on-leash.
Action Items:
Provide "Pack-it-in, pack-it-out" education.
Educate dog owners about impacts and enforce Forest Service rules that require dogs be under
control outside of campgrounds and on-leash within campgrounds.
Provide interpretive trails.
Address the problems of pedestrians on the narrow road from Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley to the summit.
Implement Adopt-A-Trail for trail maintenance (Forest Service must provide guidelines and monitor
maintenance).
Correct eros ion problems.
Teach people not to pick wildflowers.
Clean up litter.
Maintain trails.
Consider providing "designated dispersed" campsites along Bigelow Road, Sykes Knob Road,
Incinerator Ridge Road, and the Control Road. Campsites would have only the facilities needed to
minimize resource impacts (a defined parking space and maybe a fire ring) and each cluster of sites
would share a restroom.
Improve Incinerator Ridge Road, define a parking area at the end, and create a wheelchair acces-
sible trail along the ridge.
Pusch Ridge Wilderness
Theme: A wild place, preserving ecosystem integrity, and pristine forests and deserts.
Major Activities: Hiking, backpacking, solitude, hunting.
Appropriate Facilities: Trails, minimal signs.
Existing Condition: A large, beautiful area protected by Congressional designation, Some areas are
overused, and litter is a problem. Bighorn sheep populations are declining, and dogs intrude on this
natural area.
Desired Condition: The area is pristine. Solitude is easily found. Ecosystems are healthy and
bighorn sheep and other wildlife populations are healthy.
Action Items:
Require backcountry permits for overnight use.
Enforce bighorn sheep area dog restrictions. Control dog problems by increasing awareness,
providing information, and patrols.
Preserve the wilderness experience.
Pick up litter.
If 1 were in charge ...l would
protect and restore the natural
integrity of impacted areas.
(Citizen Committee member
comment)
If 1 were in charge ...l would
protect the wilderness
environment. (Comment from
public open house)
19

If 1 were in charge ...l would
expand the ski hill. (Comment
from public open house)
If I were in charge ...l would
close the ski area. (Comment
from public open house)
20
Revise/update the Pusch Ridge Wilderness Management Plan.
Provide limited trail signs which indicate trail numbers, but not distances.
Summerhaven
Theme: A private community.
Major Activities: Shopping, dining, lodging, residences, birdwatching.
Appropriate Facilities: Roads, parking areas, stores, restaurants, motels, homes, community
buildings (post office, school, fire station, etc.),
Existing Condition: A variety of businesses, a school, a post office, a fire department (on National
Forest land), law enforcement, and community organizations (women's club, homeowners, water
coop, fire board) support the community. Problems include insufficient parking, a lack of landscaping,
pedestrians on the roads, a restroom that has odor problems and is not accessible to
disabled visitors, no trash collection in winter, inadequate sewage capacity, vandalism, and
break-ins.
Desired Condition: The many businesses, residences, and activities make this a vibrant community.
Visitors enjoy a well-kept main street with convenient parking, landscaping, sidewalks, clean,
accessible restrooms, and signs that are clear and attractive. Residents have sufficient year-round
services, sewage capacity is adequate, and crime is rare.
Action Items:
Increase Pima County involvement, including:
Restroom improvements
Landscaping and restroom improvements (linear park)
Flood control
Garbage collection in winter
Sewer
Consider providing National Forest land for overflow parking and shuttle to Summerhaven and Ski
Valley at the sawmill site.
Increase Forest Service and County use of partnerships with local organizations for improvements
such as parking.
Minimize providing recreational opportunities on National Forest lands that duplicate those
provided at Summerhaven.
Encourage citizens to rehabilitate buildings and establish an aesthetic code.
Seek input from Summerhaven residents & property-owners on all improvements related to
Summerhaven.
Consider using logs from highway reconstruction to build/fix buildings.
Encourage public transportation to this area.
Improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities.
Implement strategies to reduce vandalism.
Implement the Interpretive Plan included in this document.
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley
Theme: Skiing and skyriding.
Major Activities: skiing, riding skyride, dining, shopping, photography, birdwatching.
Appropriate Facilities: Parking area, ski lodge, ski runs, chair lift, store, restaurant, trails.
Existi ng Condition: The area boasts good views, attractive landscaping, structures with nice
interior ambiance, and good food. Problems include insufficient parking during ski season and
special events, lack of a maintenance facility for vehicles (vandalism is a problem), increasing
activity, and lack of trash collection in winter.

Desired Condition: Visitors enjoy good views, attractive landscaping, nice ambiance inside buildings, and good food.
Signage is clear and welcoming, there is sufficient parking, a vehicle maintenance facility, and trash collection year-round.
Action Items:
Consider extending the west side chairlift at Ski Valley to the observatory (outside the fence at the summit).
Increase Forest Service and County use of partnerships with local organizations for improvements such as parking.
Increase Pima County involvement in garbage collection in winter.
Get permission to use U of A tanks and springs for snowmaking.
Provide a guided trail (Aspen Draw) by the Forest Service.
Build a vehicle maintenance facility.
Plant trees in parking areas.
Implement the Interpretive Plan included in this document.
Consider creating an outdoor ice skating area.
Organization Ridge
Theme: A group of organization camps.
Major Activities: Camping, education, and skill training by groups and organizations.
If 1 were in charge ...l would
protect all living things. (Mailed
in comment)
Appropriate Facilities: Roads, parking areas, community buildings (lodges, ramadas, etc.), campsites, restrooms, sports
fields, signs, trails.
Existing, Condition: Seven separate organization camps lease Forest Service land along Organization Ridge. Although
organization camps have been a part of the history of the Santa Catalina Mountains since the 1920s, camps were
constructed and added to with little or no comprehensive planning, This lack of planning results in poor facility layout, often
creates impacts on soils, vegetation, and wildlife, and complicates the approval of new facilities. Administration of permits for
organization camps take a large amount of Forest Service time, Roads are in poor condition.
Desired Condition: A cluster of organization camps along Organization Ridge work together to address common problems
and simplify coordination with the Forest Service. All camps have completed master plans.
Action Items:
Encourage development of a camp association that meets on a regular basis. Require master plans for all camps.
Require coordination of these plans with one another. (Forest Service should establish master plan requirements and
require master plans prior to permit renewal).
Improve road maintenance.
Administrative Sites
Theme: Clusters of generally non-public activities.
Major Activities: Administration, research, operation of electronic/communication/radar equipment, visitor center, tours,
fee station.
Appropriate Facilities: Roads, parking areas, offices, living quarters, visitor center, observatories, radar & communication
towers, helipads, and outbuildings.
Existing Condition: Clusters of high investment facilities atop Mt. Lemmon and Mt. Bigelow have a hodge-podge of
architectural styles. At Palisades, a visitor center is mixed in with administrative activities, which creates many
problems,and the trailer court adjacent to Palisades is unattractive. Most administrative sites currently exclude the public.
21

If 1 were in charge ...l would keep
up the maintenance of tables and
grills. (Mailed in comment)
Desired Condition: All areas have a consistent architectural theme (paint, building styles, etc,) and
the trailer court at Palisades is attractive. The visitor center at Palisades has been physically
separated from administrative functions. Administrative facilities have not been allowed to sprawl
further throughout the Catalinas. The capacity of the Mt. Lemmon summit is fully utilized (tours,
hostel, trail, etc.) to provide additional recreation opportunities and to reduce pressure on overused
sites in the Catalinas. The public is aware of administrative activities and the need for them.
Action Items:
Improve restroom at Palisades Visitor Center.
Build a perimeter trail at the summit of Mt. Lemmon.
Provide regular tours of summit.
Interpret activities at summits with signs, brochures, etc.
Raze unused facilities.
Consider converting the barracks on Mt. Lemmon summit to housing for employees or volunteers and
fence to protect U of A's investments as needed.
Improve signs at Palisades Visitor Center to clearly show open hours.
Implement the Interpretive Plan included in this document.
Improve appearance of Palisades trailer court.
Consider utilizing the flat area across the highway from Palisades for camping or a visitor center.
Consider converting the existing Palisades area to administrative use only, relocate access to the site
from Organization Ridge Road, and landscape along the Byway to screen the entire complex.
Construc t a new trailhead and small visitor center across the Byway where stopping is safer and
more convenient for visitors. The site should include parking, a restroom, trailhead signs, a 24hour
information area with seating and landscaping, and a small building.
Summerhome Areas
Theme: Groups of summerhomes.
Major Activities: Private residences.
Appropriate Facilities: Roads, summerhomes.
Existing Condition: Summer residences are a historic use in the Santa Catalinas, dating back to
1915. Several tracts of summerhomes are accessed by Sky Island Scenic Byway, yet very few homes
are visible from the route. Roads are in poor condition. There is confusion about this use of National
Forest land; some visitors think this is private land. Few visitors understand the differ ences between
Summerhaven private land and summerhomes on National Forest Lands. Visitors sometimes picnic
or camp at summerhomes and hunting near summerhomes is sometimes a problem.
Desired Condition: Visitors do not see summerhomes from the Byway and summerhome owners
enjoy their cabins without interference from the public. Roads are maintained. The public under stands
that summerhomes are private residences on National Forest lands and Summerhaven is private land
and respects private property.
Action Items:
Encourage summerhome owners to create a maintenance agreement for roads.
Find a way to keep summerhome permit fees on the Santa Catalina Ranger District.
Work toward reducing problems with permits (i.e, recordkeeping, delinquent payments , additions,
year-round residency, changes of address, etc.).
Consider providing information to the public about summerhomes.
Consider burying utility lines.
Install "Private Cabin", "Private Road", or "Public Access limited to roadway" signs where
necessary.

P r i o r i t ies
Within
2y ears
Within
10 y ears
Long-
Term
General Recommendations
Create a special management area for Sky Island Scenic Byway in the Forest Land
Management Plan.
X
Continue working with Federal Highway Admin. during reconstruction of the Byway
to improve intersections and vista points, and to eliminate the access and impacts of
campsites and overused areas adjacent to the Byway.
X
Provide traveler rest stops (parking with easy access to the Byway, restrooms,
information, etc.) approximately every 5-10 miles. Recommended locations are:
Molino Basin, Middle Bear Canyon, Palisades, and Summerhaven.
X
Cluster facilities like restrooms, water spigots, trash bins, and information
boards to minimize visual impacts.
X
Implement the Forest Service's Scenery Management System, X X
Control the movement and impacts of people throughout the Byway corridor
through designs that encourage use of designated parking and clearly defined
pathways and discourage driving and walking cross-country. In heavily used
areas concrete or asphalt surfacing can help concentrate visitor impacts and
therefore protect soils and vegetation.
X
Utilize universal design guidelines throughout the corridor. All restrooms, many
picnic and camp sites, and some trails should be accessible to wheelchairs.
Even when a site is not hardened, the table, grill, etc. should meet accessibility
guidelines. The objective of universal access is to make a variety of recreation
opportunities available to everyone, including visitors with special needs. However,
a range of accessibility levels should be available, from easy to very difficult.
X
Implement the Coronado National Forest Transition Plan recommendations for
accessibility.
X
Construct facilities using the Architectural Theme and designs that maintain
appropriate settings for historic and cultural resources.
X
Utilize the plant species lists included in this document for revegetation. X
Inventory and monitor ecosystems. X
Stu dy a carrying capacity for the corridor. X
Nominate the Byway as a State Parkway. X
Work with Pima County and/or a private company to develop and encourage the
use of mass transit on the Byway.
X
Establish a "Friends of Mt. Lemmon" group. X
Improve law enforcement and increase patrols. X
Utilize volunteer labor for interpretation and labor.
The Byway Corridor Action Items
X
Complete a sign plan with architectural styles, sizes, and locations. X
Pick up litter, remove graffiti, and increase law enforcement. X
Complete a viewshed corridor plan. X
Implement an Adopt-A-Highway program (provide recognition in a way other
than signs).
X
Complete a vegetation mgmt. plan (tree protection/removal/aspen regen./etc.). X
Ongoing
23

P r i o r ities
Within
2 years
Replant trees along highway from milepost 21 to milepost 25. X
Work with Federal Highway Administration to reconstruct Byway, resolve
conflicts between safety and character (overhanging branches along Bear
Canyon), and add a bicycle lane.
Revegetate disturbed areas. X
24
Within
10 years
X
Long-
Term
Ongoing
Vista Points and Trailheads Action Items
Provide restrooms at most popular trailheads. X
Provide trash collection. X
Improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities. X X
Provide a trail map and brochure with info. about areas open and closed to dogs. X
Improve trail maintenance and signage at trailheads. X
Provide corrals, water, and parking for horses and equestrians at Prison Camp. X
Include distances on trailhead signs (i.e. outside of wilderness). X
Provide interpretive signs. X
Change signs to correctly spell "Babad Do'ag". X
Encourage public transportation to these places. X
Encourage the local courts to assign litter cleanup as community service. X
Provide markers along trails for clarity - it's easy to get off the trails. X
Provide seating at vista points. X
Improve safety at Windy Point. X
Construct a trail along the ridge at Molino Canyon Vista to reduce network of
wildcat trails.
X
Repair graffiti and vandalism. X
Pick up litter. X
Provide mountain bike opportunities in designated areas. Provide education on
mountain bike restrictions (e.g., wilderness).
X
Implement the Interpretive Plan included in this document. X
Create parking areas near the Byway for winter snow play and cross-country skiing
near the Rose Canyon Road intersection and near the Bigelow Road intersection.
These areas should be away from the highway for safely.
X
Remove or repair rock walls that are in poor condition. X
Provide a wheelchair accessible overlook at Windy Point. X
Consider a hike-in rock climber restroom between Windy Point and Geology
Vista or a restroom at Windy Point.
Recreation Areas Action Items
X
Provide a fish cleaning station at Rose Canyon lake. X
Improve restrooms and restroom maintenance. X
Make accessibility improvements. X X
Provide interpretive signs. X
Provide campfire programs. X

P r i o r i ties
Within Within Long- Ongoing
2 years 10 years Term
Develop cooperative partnerships. X X
Increase landscaping between campsites and picnic sites. )(
Provide a variety of accessible sites and facilities. X X
Replace aging restrooms with new buildings that have fewer odor and insect
problems (i.e. composting, "sweet smelling" technology, etc.).
X
Repair vandalism, remove graffiti, pick up litter. X X
Implement strategies to reduce crowding, X
Educate visitors about how to avoid problems with bears. X X
Increase capacity in locations that can accommodate it without compromising
the setting. For example Rose Canyon Campground capacity could be increased
20-30% and Spencer Canyon Campground by perhapsl0-20%.
X
Implement the Interpretive Plan included in this document. X X
Create a wheelchair accessible lakeshore trail with fishing areas along the north
side of Rose Canyon Lake to the dam.
X
Rebuild the trail on the south side of the lake. X
Create a barrier-free overlook at Inspiration Rock. )(
Remove or repair rock walls that are in poor condition. X X
Add horse corrals at Prison Camp to make this area the primary equestrian area
and link to the Arizona Trail.
X
When possible, design picnic/campsites so visitors can be near their vehicles to
minimize human impacts on soils & veg,, allow visitors to keep an eye on their car,
and reduce human-bear problems as locking up food is easier. Few sites in each
area should require people to walk over 30', When central parking areas are
designed, provide clearly defined walkways to each site.
X
Develop Whitetail as a group camping area that accommodates a variety of
group sizes.
X
Redesign Marshall Gulch to better accommodate trailhead parking and a large
vehicle turnaround.
X
Encourage public transportation to these places.
The Back Roads and Backcountry Action Items
X
Provide "Pack-it-in, pack-it-out" education, X
Educate dog owners about impacts & enforce Forest Service rules that require dogs
be under control outside of campgrounds & on-leash within campgrounds.
X X
Provide interpretive trails. X
Address the problems of pedestrians on the narrow road from Mt, Lemmon Ski
Valley to the summit.
X
Implement Adopt-A-Trail for trail maintenance (Forest Service must provide
guidelines and monitor maintenance).
X
Correct erosion problems. X
Teach people not to pick wildflowers. X
Clean up litter. X
25

P r i o r ities
Within Within Long-Term Ongoing
2 years 10y ears
Mainta in trails. X
Consider providing "designated dispersed" campsites along Bigelow Road, Sykes
Knob Road, Incinerator Ridge Road, and the Control Road. Campsites would have
only the facilities needed to minimize resource impacts (a defined parking space and
fire ring) and each cluster of sites would share a restroom.
X X
Improve Incinerator Ridge Road, define a parking area at the end, and create a
wheelchair accessible trail along the ridge.
Pusch Ridge Wilderness Action Items
X
Require backcountry permits for overnight use. X
Enforce bighorn sheep area dog restrictions. Control dog problems by increasing
awareness, providing information, and patrols.
X X
Preserve the wilderness experience.
X X
Pick up litter.
X
Revise/update the Pusch Ridge Wilderness Management Plan. X
Provide limited trail signs which indicate trail numbers, but not distances.
Summerhaven Action Items
Increase Pima County involvement, including:
X
Restroom improvements X
Landscaping and restroom improvements (linear park) X
Flood control
Garbage collection in winter
X X
Sewer X
Consider providing National Forest land for overflow parking and shuttle to
Summerhaven and Ski Valley at the sawmill site.
Increase Forest Service and County use of partnerships with local organizations
for improvements such as parking.
X X X
Minimize providing recreational opportunities on National Forest lands that
duplicate those provided at Summerhaven.
X
Encourage citizens to rehabilitate buildings and establish an aesthetic code.
X
Seek input from Summerhaven residents and property-owners on all improvements
related to Summerhaven.
X
Consider using logs from highway reconstruction to build/fix buildings.
Encourage public transportation to this area.
X X
Improve accessibility for visitors with disabilities. X
Implement strategies to reduce vandalism. X
Implement the Interpretive Plan included in this document.
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley Action Items
X
Consider extending the west side chairlift at Ski Valley to the observatory
(outside the fence at the summit).
X
Increase Forest Service and County use of partnerships with local organizations
for improvements such as parking.
X
26

P r i o r ities
Within Within Long-Term Ongoing
2 years 10y ears
Increase Pima County involvement in garbage collection in winter. X
Get permission to use U of A tanks and springs for snowmaking X
Provide a guided trail (Aspen Draw) by the Forest Service. X
Build a vehicle maintenance facility. X
Plant trees in parking areas. X
Implement the Interpretive Plan included in this document. X
Consider creating an outdoor ice skating area.
Organization Ridge Action Items
X
Encourage development of a camp association that meets on a regular basis. X
Require master plans for all camps. Require coordination of these plans with one X
another.
Improve road maintenance.
Administrative Sites Action Items
X
Improve restroom at Palisades Visitor Center. X
Build a perimeter trail at the summit of Mt. Lemmon X
. Provide regular tours of summit. X
Interpret activities at summits with signs, brochures, etc. X
Raze unused facilities. X
Consider converting the barracks on Mt. Lemmon summit to housing for employees or
X
volunteers and fence to protect U of A's investments as needed.
Improve signs at Palisades Visitor Center to clearly show open hours. X
Implement the Interpretive Plan included in this document. X
Improve appearance of Palisades trailer court. X
Consider utilizing the flat area across the highway from Palisades for camping or a
X
visitor center.
Consider converting the existing Palisades area to administrative use only, relocate
access to the site from Organization Ridge Road, and landscape along the Byway to
screen the entire complex. Construct a new trailhead and small visitor center across
the Byway where stopping is safer and more convenient for visitors. The site should
include parking, a restroom, trailhead signs, a 24-hour information area with seating
and landscaping, and a small building.
Summerhhome Areas Action Items
Encourage summerhome owners to create a maintenance agreement for roads. X
Find a way to keep summerhome permit fees on the Santa Catalina Ranger District. X
Work toward reducing problems with permits (i.e. recordkeeping, delinquent payments,
additions, year-round residency, changes of address, etc.)
Consider providing information to the public about summerhomes. X
Consider burying utility lines. X
Install "Private Cabin", "Private Road", etc. signs where necessary. X
X
X

If 1 were in charge ...l would
provide wider shoulders for
bike riders. (Citizen Committee
member comment)
28
An architectural theme should choose
materials that blend with the landscape,
provide durable recreation facilities, and,
meet guidelines for accessibility.
(Top to bottom) Split-faced block restroom
building, native rock wall, colored concrete
picnic table, acid etched guardrail, metal
roofed shade ramada.

Design Standards
Signs
Signs along Sky Island Scenic Byway are installed and maintained by Pima County Department of
Transportation according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Signs are placed to
provide visitor information and maintain safety. Examples include speed limit signs, vista point
signs, recreation area signs, snow/ice warning signs, milepost signs, stop signs, etc.
In addition to Pima County's traffic signs, there are guidelines for Scenic Byway signing. Normally a
larger sign is placed at the beginning of a Scenic Byway and smaller "reminder" signs are placed
every 5 miles along the route. Currently there is only 1 sign at the beginning of the Byway. Additional
signs are not currently recommended.
Trailhead signs are provided by the Forest Service. These signs should always have trail name and
number, and outside of wilderness, mileage to various locations. Additional information on difficulty
of trail, dog restrictions, etc. should also be provided where needed.
Interpretive signs (at vista points, etc.) are further described in the Interpretive Plan (page 35).
A changeable electronic message board (sign) at the base of the mountain will provide information
to travelers as they begin travel on the Byway. The main messages will be related to safety. The
support structure for this overhead sign at the base of the mountain should have clean, simple lines
and be painted a dark color chosen from the surrounding landscape (such as mesquite bark).
Outdoor Advertising
There are currently no billboards or outdoor advertising along Sky Island Scenic Byway. Outdoor
advertising is prohibited along Scenic Byways (123 US Code 131 s) unless it conforms to specific
criteria.
Architectural Theme
With each passing decade, recreational use in the Catalinas brought with it new elements. Visitors
had different expectations and the choice of building materials expanded. Today, many recreation
sites in the Catalina Mountains contain an odd mixture of rustic and contemporary, natural and urban.
Sometimes variety can be charming, but in a National Forest setting it more often creates
visual clutter. It also makes maintenance more complex, since each material has its own set of
requirements.
Although people have lived on Mt. Lemmon since the turn of the century, the first public recreation
facilities were built in the 1 930s by prisoners and CCC labor. Most of these early facilities were
constructed from native materials found near the site: rock for walls, steps, campfire rings, and
picnic table bases; wood for table and benchtops, signs, and roofs. Little was built in the 1940s and
50s, but a second round of recreation site improvements came in the 1960s. Transport of materials
was much easier, and the choice building materials included slump block and CMUs ("cinder
blocks"), concrete tables and fire rings, and fiberglass and asbestos roofing materials.
These facilities from the 1930s and 60s now need replacement, and new facilities are being
constructed. Though one might argue that new facilities ought to borrow from one of the past
architectural themes, there are valid reasons not to do so. Construction from native stone is a labor
intensive process requiring skills that are difficult to find today. Wood is expensive and does not
withstand the climate and vandalism problems in the Catalinas. Slump block does not blend very
well with the landscape. Access for disabled visitors is a new concern that must also be addressed.
And with maintenance funds in short supply, finding materials requiring minimal effort to keep safe,
clean, and functional is imperative.
Sky Island Scenic Byway.
If 1 were in charge ...l would
improve maintenance of public
restrooms. (Mailed in comment)
29

The landscape character in the Santa Catalina Mountains suggests certain architectural materials.
Here are a few guidelines:
• Colors of constructed features should be chosen from the landscape.
• Materials with rough textures can mimic natural features like rocky outcrops and tree bark.
• Shiny and smooth materials contrast with the landscape and should be avoided.
• Dark colors tend to blend into the shadows and be less evident,
• Materials that are consistent from site to site help preserve the overall visual integrity.
The following is a recommended architectural theme for recreation areas along Sky Island Scenic
Byway. All of these materials are readily available, vandal resistant, meet ADA guidelines, and
blend well with the natural environment. However, while these are the best choices today; if
improved materials or facilities are found, they should be considered. When specifying these items
in government contracts, include the statement "or approved equal."
Restrooms (and most other buildings): For custom buildings use "sunburst varigated" split-faced
block with ribbed block details available from Stewart Block & Brick Co., 9311 N. Casa Grande
Hwy, Tucson, AZ 85743, 744-3890. For pre-packaged restroom kit buildings, use the "Aspen"
model, split faced block in "tan" and "charcoal grey" metal roof, available from Romtec, 18240
North Bank Road, Roseburg, OR 97470, (541) 496-3541. In sites where is a need to match an
existing architectural theme and neither of the previous options will look acceptable, (such as at
Palisades), or where there may be a need to move the restroom at a later date, options for a kit
restrooms are the "Gunnison" (1 seat) and "Tioga Special" (2 seats) models, available from CXT,
3803 N. Sullivan Rd., Bldg. #7, Spokanne, WA 99216, (800) 696-5766. Order CXT colors and
finishes to match the architecture of the site.
Roofs (restrooms, kiosks, etc,): 24 guage steel roof, standing seam, baked on enamel color "storm
grey," Available from Custom-Bilt Metals, 2517 W. McDowell, #113, Phoenix, AZ 85009, (602)
484-7015. If unpainted, use Dunn-Edwards "Charcoal" paint.
Exterior Paint: Dunn-Edwards Rancho House & Trim color "Charcoal" (dark grey, 015-67U).
Railings & Gates: Square, 14 gauge tubing, paint with Dunn-Edwards "Charcoal" paint.
Stain: Dunn-Edwards Okon Weather Pro water-based semi-transparent wood stain and water
repellent, color "Ninja Gray." Use 2 coats. Where wood has already been stained, seal periodically
with clear water repellent.
Concrete Walks & Slabs: Specify Davis color "Padre Brown" or Scofield color "Westwood Brown."
Broom finish.
Curbs: match existing curb colors within the site. If no curbs on site, use uncolored concrete. If
existing curbs are grey, specify Davis color "Dark Grey" for new curbs.
Ramadas: Polygon shelters, Hex series, available from Leisure Design Systems, Inc., 9188 E.
San Salvador, Suite 201A, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, (800) 543-2236. Roof color should be 25 gauge
dark grey metal.
Picnic Tables: Concrete "Ranchero" (96" top) or "Mini Ranchero" (48" top) from Materials, Inc.,
P.O. Box 1507, Bernalillo, NM, 87004, (505) 867-9035. Specify Davis color "Padre Brown."
Uncovered Pedestal Grills: Model B-24 (single) or C-36 (double), from Pilot Rock, R,J. Thomas
Mfg. Co., Inc., Box 946, Cherokee, IA 51012 (800) 762-5002, Group size grill Model 220-X from
Little Tikes Commercial Play Systems (previously Iron Mountain Forge), P.O. Box 897, Farmington,
MO 63640 (800) 325-8828. Drill holes in bottom for drainage.
Covered Pedestal Grills: Model BG2-C (single) from Mobilis Corp., 6809 N. 56th Ave., Glendale,
AZ 85301, (800) 266-2454, or Model 217x (group) from Little Tikes Commercial Play Systems
(previously Iron Mountain Forge), P.O. Box 897, Farmington, MO 63640, (800) 325-8828.

Campfire Rings: Model FA-30/9 from Pilot Rock, R.J. Thomas Mfg. Co., Inc., Box 946, Cherokee,
IA 51012, (800) 762-5002.
Bear-proof Trash Bins: Note: Neither of these bins is ideal. There is a need to find a trash bin
design that is bear-proof, meets accessiblity guidelines, and has adequate capacity. Best options
for now include: (1) North American Bear Society double bin design, Product Code "MP-5003,
Double Bear-proof Trash Container," with doors in the back, available from Arizona Correctional
Industries, 1918 W. Van Buren, Phoenix, AZ 85009 (602) 255-1464 (this bin mustbe installed with
a special below-grade slab to meet handicap accessibility standards), or (2) Hid-A-Bag Mini II
(accessible, 60 gallon), order with universal access and bear-proof latches, available from
McClintock Metal Fabricators, Inc., 455 Harter Ave, Woodland, CA, 95776, (800) 350-3588. Paint
all trash bins with Dunn-Edwards "Charcoal" paint, (*Ideally all trash bins should meet accessiblility
guidelines. Minimally at least 1 trash bin in each site should be accessible).
Interlocking Retaining Wall Block: Away from other block structures, use Versaloc standard, color
"goldenrod," from Yavapai Block Co., P,O. Box 786, Prescott, AZ 86302, (520) 445-4340. If other
block structures are nearby, match block in structure.
Rock Walls: Face with native rock, recessed (pointed) grouting. One source is Oracle Stoneworks,
HCR 01, Box 3350, Oracle, AZ 85623, 896-9328.
Interpretive Sian Frames, bulletin cases, & Information Kiosk Structures: Order paint color "GI
Charcoal Brown" from Hopewell Manufacturing, 11311 Hopewell Road, Hagerstown, MD 21740,
(301) 582-2342.
Interpretive Signs: (see pages 41 and 77)
Concrete Benches: "Gothic" style from Materials, Inc., P.O. Box 1507, Bernalillo, NM 87004, (505)
867-9035. Specify Davis color "Padre Brown."
Recycled Plastic/Wood Benches; Order 6' length dark brown Trex recycled 4"x4" timbers, rolled
edges on end cuts, 4 timbers on seat, 3 on back, extra wide metal base plates with double bolts, 3
extra metal plates bolted to bottom of each seat timber, support posts constructed of 3"x2"
rectangular steel, all metal painted "Sabino Chocolate" color, post length must be long enough to
allow a standard, below ground installation with concrete footer, two 6", #5 rebar to be welded to
bottom of post perpendicular to each other to prevent movement of installed bench. Available from
Concrete Molded Products, c/o Bill Gawne, 6001 Camino De La Tierra, Tucson, AZ 85741, 742-
4288.
Guardrails: Acid etched guard rails available from Five G, Inc., 3801 E Superior Ave, Phoenix, AZ
85040, (602) 437-0201. Treated timber posts.
Landscaping
Bouders and Rip-Rap Rock
Use boulders and stone from the Catalina Mountains whenever possible. Boulders and rock used on
the Byway or recreation areas should be weathered, darker colored rock, not light colored quarry
stone. Always install boulders horizontally (widest side down) and bury 1 /3-1 /2 of the boulder.
Cluster boulders and rock whenever possible and avoid placing boulders in lines.
Potential Sources: Bob's Materials Supply Sonoran Landscape Materials
2341 W. Wetmore Rd. 3201 W. Diamond St.
Tucson, AZ 85705 Tucson, AZ 85743
887-8180 232-0705.
Revegetation
The following are lists of typical plants for each vegetation community. However, every site is a bit
different. The best way to identify appropriate plants is to visit the site and see what's growing
there. If in doubt, check with a botanist or ecologist.
If 1 were in charge ...l would
provide more remote
campsites. (Citizen Committee
member comment)
31

If 1 were in charge ...l would
protect the clean air. (Comment
from public open house)
32
Plants and seeds to be planted should ideally be collected from the general area (within a 1-mile radius).
For certain species with restricted distributions or populations that are taxinomically unique, on-site
collection may be the only choice. Many other plants and seeds can be collected from the same
mountain range or a nearby mountain range in southeastern Arizona.
Where possible, allow the surrounding plants to naturally reseed an area. If soil protection is needed,
consider simply tilling and/or mulching the site, or perhaps using a cover crop of sterile, short-lived
annuals such as Regreen (Granite Seed). Where more intensive revegetation is necessary, the lists of
species on the following page can be used.
When using container plants, remember that the smaller the plant, the more successful it will generally
be. For example, seedlings (either transplanted from nearby sites or grown and supplied as conetainers
or tubelings) will adapt more quickly to a site than a 5 gallon size plant that has been watered and
fertilized for months or years. Most container plants will need to be irrigated for one or more seasons.
When using seeds, always require a certification that seed mix is free of noxious weed seeds.
Potential sources of plants and seeds:
Curtis & Curtis, Inc. Granite Seed Spadefoot Nursery
Star Route, Box 8A 1697 West 2100 North HC1 Box 347C
4500 N. Prince Lehi, UT 84043 Pearce, AZ 85625
Clovis, NM 88101 (801) 768-4422 (520) 824-3247
(505) 762-4759
Homan Brothers Seed Wild Seed
Desert Survivors Nursery 21248 N. Cave Creek Rd. P.O. Box 27751
1020 W. 22nd St. Phoenix, AZ 85024 Tempe, AZ 85285
Tucson, AZ 85713 (602) 787-8036 (602) 276-3536
791-9309
Ponderosa pines
trees and yuccas are
some of the more
common plants in
the Santa Catalina
Mountains.

Trees
foothills palo verde (Cercidium
microphyllum)
velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina)
Shrubs
creosote (Larrea tridentata)
Triangle-leaf bursage (Ambrosia deltoidia)
desert senna (Cassia covesii)
Trees
Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii)
Shrubs
turpentine bush (Ericameria laricifolia)
fairy duster (Calliandra eriophylla)
wait-a-minute bush (Mimosa biuncifera)
Trees
Mexican blue oak (Quercus oblongifolia)
Emory oak (Quercus emoryi)
Arizona oak (Quercus arizonica)
silverleaf oak (Quercus hypoleucoides)
alligator juniper (Juniperus deppeana)
Mexican pinyon (Pinus edulis)
border pinyon (Pinus discolor)
Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica)
Arizona madrone (Arbutus arizonica)
Trees
Arizona ponderosa pine (Pinus
ponderosa var, arizonica from Santa
Catalina Mountains)
Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii)
Chihuahua pine (Pinus leiophylla)
southwestern white pine (Pinus
strobiformis)
Trees
Douglas-fir (Pseudosuga menzesii)
white fir (Abies concolor)
southwestern white pine (Pinus strobiformis)
quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides au rea)
box elder (Acer negundo)
Rocky mountain maple (Acer glabrum)
big tooth maple (Acer grandidentatum)
Arizona alder (Alnus oblongifolia)
Arizona walnut (Juglans major)
Cacti
saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea)
prickly pear (Opuntia engelmannii)
chainfruit cholla (Opuntia fulgida)
staghorn cholla (Opuntia versicolor)
barrel cactus (Ferocactus wislizenii)
ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens)
Cacti
ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens)
desert spoon (Dasylirion wheeleri)
Arizona rosewood (Vauquelinia californica)
bear grass (Nolina microcarpa)
shindagger agave (Agave schottii)
mountain yucca (Yucca schnttii)
Shrubs & Vines
skunkbush (Rhus aromatics)
pointleaf manzanita (Arctostaphylos pungens)
pink bract manzanita (Archtostaphylos pringlei)
New Mexican locust (Robinia neomexicanus)
wait-a-minute bush (mimosa dysocarpa)
Arizona grape (Vitus arizonica)
Arizona
Shrubs
New Mexican locust (Robinia
neomexicana)
currants (gibes spp.)
Shrubs
red osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera)
raspberries (Rubus spp,)
Grasses
Arizona cottontop (Trichachne californica)
tanglehead (Heteropogon contortus)
sideoats grams (Bouteloua curtipendula)
purple three-awn (Aristida purpurea)
Grasses
plains lovegrass (Eragrostis intermedia)
side oats grams (Bouteloua curtipendula)
green springletop (Leptochloa dubia)
tanglehead (Heteropogon contortus)
Cacti
mountain yucca (Yucca schottii)
Grasses
blue gramma (Bouteloua gracilis)
side oats grams (Bouteloua curtipendula)
bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides)
Arizona fescue (Festuca arizonica)
Grasses
bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides)
Arizona fescue (Festuca arizonica)
spike muhly (Muhlenbergia wrightii)
Regreen (Triticum aestivum x Elytrigia
elongata)
Grasses
bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus
elymoides)
Arizona fescue (Festuca arizonica)
Regreen (friticum aestivum x Elytrigia
elongata)

If 1 were in charge ...l would
protect riparian areas. (Coronado
National Forest employee
comment)
34
Interpretation comes in many
forms. Some shown here are (top
to bottom): signs (a kiosk at
Molino Basin), exhibits (Palisades
Visitor Center), and programs (a
Forest Service interpreter).

Interpretive Plan
Interpretive Vision
Through interpretation, understanding.
Through understanding, appreciation.
Through appreciation, protection.
(Freeman Tilden)
Interpretation along Sky Island Scenic Byway will provide enjoyable ways for all visitors to learn
something meaningful when they visit this special place.
Goals of Interpretation
• Welcome and orient visitors.
• Encourage protection of resources.
• Promote a deeper visitor understanding of and appreciation for the mountain.
• Be accessible to all, including children and people with disabilities.
• Be fun, even humorous at times.
• Be consistent in themes and designs.
• Provide accurate facts and information.
• Encourage people to get out of their cars and spend time in the forest.
• Provide ways to get visitors involved: see, smell, touch, feel, do, etc.
• Incorporate a variety of media, so there is a choice of how to learn.
• Provide different depths of information so visitors with only a little time can learn something, but
those who wish to stay longer can continue learning.
• Encourage partnerships to assist with funding.
• Promote the Forest Service mission.
• Encourage visitors to conserve resources and care for the environment after they return home.
Themes and Stories
Primary Theme:
The Catalina Mountains are an island in the desert, with great beauty and biological diversity.
Stories:
1. This mountain and other sky islands in southeastern Arizona were created through a variety of
natural processes.
2. As uplift continued and the climate warmed, vegetation zones retreated up the mountain. Island
dynamics are at work here.
3. Today, erosion is a major natural changing force on the sky islands; they are being worn down
by rain and wind.
4. Mountain ecology is special; temperature, rainfall, and vegetation change with elevation,
resulting in varied life zones & vegetation communities. Diversity of vegetation results in
diversity of wildlife. Traveling the Byway is the biological equivalent to driving from Mexico to
Canada.
5. This sky island is one of many; these mountains act as corridors & flyways for some wildlife,
others can never leave.
If 1 were in charge ...l would
provide more interpreters -the
human variety. (Mailed in
comment)

Secondary Themes:
¦The Santa Catalina Mountains have a colorful history.
Stories:
1. Native peoples used these mountains for thousands of years before European settlement. They developed their
own history of the mountain, which taught appropriate behavior toward its resources and toward people.
2. Spanish explorers like Coronado led their expeditions through this region in search of gold and other early
settlers came in search of lumber, grazing lands, etc.
3. Many early Tucsonans spent the entire summer here in the mountains, They developed roads into the
mountains (Control Road, Hitchcock Highway) and established summer homes.
4. The Santa Catalinas became a Forest Reserve in 1902 and a part of the Coronado National Forest when it was
created in 1905.
5. Pusch Ridge Wilderness was designated in 1978.
¦There are many recreation opportunities along Sky Island Scenic Byway.
Stories:
1. You are welcome here; these are your public lands.
2. The Santa Catalinas offer numerous recreation opportunities.
3. There are services along the route: Palisades Visitor Center, Mt. Lemmon Fire Station, Summerhaven.
Gasoline is not available.
4. Stay safe (keep foods away from bears, carry drinking water, call 911 for emergencies, check your spare tire,
know weather & road conditions, etc.).
¦This is a National Forest; the Forest Service manages lands for forest health and a wide variety of human needs.
Stories:
1. Management is important to forest health (doing nothing does not mean that everything will stay the same).
Ecosystem Management is being implemented.
2. Fire is managed by the Forest Service through various suppression means as well as management ignited and
prescribed natural fires.
3. Wilderness is set aside to conserve areas of wild America for us and future generations,
4. Your tax dollars/user fees are well spent; the Forest Service must construct and maintain recreation facilities,
protect and develop resources, and provide many services.
¦You can help protect your public lands, your planet, and yourself.
Stories:
1. Humans are part of the ecosystem. Our activities affect natural processes. In turn, we are affected by them.
2. Conservation is important:
a. The water story: Water is a precious resource here in the mountains as well as in Tucson and the
southwest.
b. The air pollution story: Air pollution affects scenic quality, health, etc ,...you can help.
c. The soil story: Soil takes a long time to form, especially in an arid region. Please stay on the road/trail.
d. The 3 R's: Everything you buy is either grown or mined. Our earth is limited: reduce/reuse/recycle.
Please keep wild things wild. Don't feed wildlife (especially bears), don't pick flowers, don't litter. Take only photos
leave only footprints.

Proposed Interpretive Media
Proposed interpretive services for Sky Island Scenic Byway include:
• an audio cassette auto tour
• one or more free brochures
• an electronic sign at the base of the mountain
• exhibits at Palisades Visitor Center
• a generic "sign" that can be posted at all recreation areas
• campground programs
• wayside signs at vista points and special places (including one or two short, self-guided
interpretive trails)
Palisades Visitor Center has many books and maps that provide supplemental ways to learn. No
changes are proposed.
Below are brief descriptions of each item listed above.
Audio Cassette Auto Tour
The cassette tour will be a self-guided auto tour of the Scenic Byway, its overlooks, trailheads, and
various recreation facilities, as well as nearby features such as Summerhaven, Ski Valley, and Mt.
Lemmon. As visitors drive along in their cars they will learn about the mountain and be encouraged
to stop and enjoy the forest. The tour will be approximately 1.5 hours in length; one side will feature
the drive from Tucson to the top, the other side will feature the return trip. The tour will be designed
to be fun and interesting to listen to, family oriented, and highlight the natural and cultural features
of the mountains, recreation opportunities, and safety information (including information about
picnicking without attracting bears).
The tour would be given away or sold by an interpretive association at retail outlets in Tucson,
Forest Service visitor centers, the entry/fee station, etc. If it is given out free of charge, the tape
would ideally be returnable to the entry/fee station as people end their visit.
The tour should be updated as needed, probably every 5-10 years.
The tour could also be provided in a printed format. This could be distributed or sold in the same
way as the cassette tour.
An audio tour helps visitors learn about
the plants, wildlife, geology, and
history
of the area as they drive along .Sky Island
Scenic Byway.
If 1 were in charge ...l would
protect the hoodoos. (Comment
from public open house)
37

Free Brochure(s)
A Sky Island Scenic Byway recreation brochure would be available at Coronado National Forest
offices and visitor centers. It could also be distributed at the entry/fee station to people who ask, but it
is recommended that the brochure not be given out to everyone since this would be wasteful and
likely result in litter.
The brochure topics will include the following:
• A welcome to the Coronado National Forest & your public lands.
• A map of Sky Island Scenic Byway, showing recreation opportunities, services, and major natural
features.
• A brief description of the Coronado National Forest (1.7 million acres, 15 mountain ranges,
elevations from 2,400 ft. to 10,720 ft., mountains are often 20-30 degrees or more cooler than
deserts, etc.). Perhaps a small map of the Coronado.
• What is a Sky Island? (show with graphic image and text)
• A brief introduction to vegetation communities and associated diversity of wildlife.
• Mt. Lemmon is named for Sara Lemmon. Sara, and her husband John, were among the first
botanists to explore the Catalinas beginning in 1881.
• Encouragement to help protect the Coronado: pack out what you pack in; stay on the trail to
reduce erosion, avoid damaging plants and other natural and cultural features; use a map and stay
on designated roads and trails; keep dogs controlled and out of the Pusch Ridge bighorn sheep
special closure order area.
• Safety information: fire restrictions, 911, drinking water, importance of carrying a map, weather/
storms/road conditions, bears, where to report fires.
• A brief statement about volunteer opportunities and partnership opportunities and the Bighorn
sheep management area.
• User fee: 80% of the fee will be used along Sky Island Scenic Byway for resource protection and
to provide and maintain recreation opportunities.
• For more information, contact the Santa Catalina Ranger District, 5700 N. Sabino Canyon
Road, Tucson, Arizona 85750, (520) 749-8700.
Additional brochures on topics such as history, ecology, rock climbing, hiking, viewing wildlife, skiing,
birdwatching, mountain biking, etc. along the Byway are also recommended. These could be
produced by various sponsors, and distributed at Forest Service offices, visitor centers, and the
entry/fee station when people ask about a specific topic. Each should include a list of who to contact
to get more information.
Brochures should be designed to appeal to a young audience as well as intelligent adult readers.
Wherever possible there should be places for visitors to drop off unwanted brochures as they
leave the forest so others can use them.
Publication approval and format requirements are available from the Forest Service's
Southwestern Regional Office (Albuquerque).
Electronic Sign at the Base of the Mountain
This changeable, electronic message board (sign) will be located near milepost 0 (on Pima County
land) and can display a variety of messages. It's primary function is for advising travelers of safety
issues, but on many days it will welcome visitors to the forest. During winter storms it will alert
travelers to road conditions, restrictions, and closures. It also can inform visitors of special events,
maintenance activities, accidents, and construction delays. The programing unit will be located at

the base of the sign in a locked box; the Coronado National Forest, Pima County Sheriff, Pima
County Transportation Department, and Federal Highway Administration (and/or their
contractors) will all have access. It is very important that messages be accurate and changed in a
timely manner.
Exhibits at Palisades Visitor Center
Palisades Visitor
Center.
New exhibits at Palisades Visitor Center will focus on the diversity, resources, and history of sky
islands. Exhibits that can change occasionally or seasonally would be desirable. Appropriate
exhibit topics include:
• Sky Islands and vegetation communities
• Fire, firefighting, and forest health
• Wildlife: bears, hummingbirds, etc.
• Tree rings and dendrochronology
• Geology of the Catalinas
• History of the Santa Catalina Mountains
(early settlers, early trails and roads, Forest
Service & ranger stations, etc.)
• History of the Palisades area (early 1900s
Burnt Cabin, 1911 phone line from Tucson to
Soldier Camp, Knagge Camp & Cabin, 1921
Camp Lawton (& 1926 move to present
location), 1928 Palisade rock on Mt. Bigelow
named, 1934 CCC builds Palisades Ranger
Station)
• American Indian use in the Catalinas
• Recreation opportunities along Sky Island
Scenic Byway
• Vegetation change through time
Generic "Sign" that can be used at Recreation Areas
This project will provide important visitor information. It might be a sign, a poster, or a stick-on flyer
that can be posted at campgrounds and picnic areas as well as at some trailheads and dispersed
use areas. Graphics will be used to support the text and add visual appeal. Depending on the final
media, the "sign" could be attached to picnic tables or food lockers (this might be the ideal option
since visitors spend most of their time at a picnic table), posted on bulletin boards, or installed as a
permanent sign.
If 1 were in charge ...l would
provide information on what's
available [on Mt. Lemmonj.
(Coronado National Forest
employee comment)
39

Topics will include:
• Bear safety.
• Litter (decomposition time, effects on wildlife & scenery, etc.). Pack-it-in-pack-it-out.
• Dogs: leash laws within recreation areas, control/restrictions elsewhere, etc.
• Information on Federal budgets and how your tax dollars are used to maintain this site (maybe a
dollar bill divided up to show how much of each Federal tax dollar goes to Forest Service and how
each Forest Service dollar is spent (designing & constructing restrooms, tables, and other recreation
facilities, maintaining and repairing facilities, removing trash, picking up litter, repairing damage,
protecting resources, fighting fires, providing law enforcement, providing services & interpretation,
etc.).
• A message on personal responsibility to take care of YOUR public lands (basic forest rules &
etiquette).
Campground Programs
Programs for campgrounds at Molino Basin, Rose Canyon, Showers Point, Spencer, & Whitetail
need to be developed. Forest Service employees, Mt. Lemmon Volunteer Interpreters, local
organizations, and other groups and volunteers can make presentations and lead programs.
Potential topics include: black bears, bats & nocturnal creatures, sky islands, wildlife of the Santa
Catalinas, geology of the Santa Catalinas, Wilderness, history and prehistory, American Indian
use and culture, and many more. Guided hikes and tours are also recommended. Many of these
programs could be used for school programs (slideshows, talks, etc.) for environmental education
programs.
Interpretive signs can provide
visitors with enjoyable
opportunities to learn.

In addition to the site-specific message on each wayside sign, this graphic will be repeated at each location to tell a story as I
visitors travel up the Byway. The "You are Here" moves from dry deserts similar to Mexico to moist conifer forests similar
to Canada.
Wayside Signs & Exhibits at Vista Points and Special Places
Wayside signs will provide a deep, on-site level of interpretation. These signs would only be used in
developed sites, not out along trails or in remote areas. Graphics will comprise a large portion of
the signs both to attract attention and to make learning enjoyable. Every wayside sign will be similar
in layout and colors and consistent in materials and mounting. Colors will be chosen to blend
harmoniously with the landscape. All signs will utilize text sizes and colors to be accessible to
visually impaired persons.
The following guidelines apply to all wayside signs:
Size: 30"x40"
Format: Horizontal panel, installed at an angle to be easily read by pedestrians and persons
seated in wheelchairs
Material: Embedded fiberglass
Frame: Aluminum frame & posts, dark brown or dark grey (mount on/at/near wall wherever
possible to minimize visual impact on site)
Content: Title, subtitles, and text. Appropriate graphics such as maps, illustrations, or photos (the
majority of sign should be graphics).
Cost: Approximate cost per sign is $6,300. This estimate includes: $800 for a project coordinator to
complete research, refine text, oversee reviews, hire and work with a graphic artist, oversee
fabrication of the sign, purchase aluminum frames, and supervise installation; $2,000 for a graphic
artist to design and illustrate the sign and produce camera-ready mechanicals; $2,500 to fabricate
the sign (embedded fiberglass) and print backup copies; $700 to purchase an aluminum post and
frame structure; and $300 for installation. The cost can be reduced somewhat if several signs are
produced at one time.
Sponsors/partners could help with the cost, and in return receive acknowledgment on the sign.
Locations and topics for wayside signs are listed on the following pages.
If 1 were in charge ...l would
provide interpretive signs at vista
points. (Mailed in comment)
41

Summary of Wayside Sign Locations & Topics
Site Number of signs To pics
Babat Duag Vista 2 Native Americans in the Santa Catalinas. Sky
Islands, biodiversity, and the Sonoran desert.
Molino Basin Vista 3 Mysterious facts about this place. Wildlife and their
habitats. Grasslands and oak woodlands.
Prison Camp 2 Prison Camp history. Roads into the Catalinas;
the Control Road and Mt. Lemmon Highway.
Thimble Peak Vista 1 Santa Catalina geology.
Seven Cataracts Vista 1 Pusch Ridge Wildeness. Hydrology/watersheds.
Windy Point Vista 3 Mountain weather. Raptors & rock climbers. Other
sky islands seen from here and air pollution.
Geology Vista 2 Geology of the Santa Catalinas. Hoodoos and
astronomy.
Rose Canyon Lake 3 Ponderosa pine ecology: forest change. Wildlife
and habitat. Water in the southwest.
San Pedro Vista 2 History of San Pedro Valley and copper. Sky
island ecology.
Palisades Visitor Center 1 Recreation opportunities in the Santa Catalina
Mountains.
Bigelow Fire Tower 1 Fire towers and Mt. Bigelow facilities.
Sunset Trailhead (and nature trail) 3 Ponderosa pine ecology: human interaction. History
of Bear Wallow area. Riparian areas, wildlife, rare
species.
Aspen Vista 2 Mining and copper. Vegetation change through
time and leaf color change in autumn.
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley 1 Sky islands, mixed conifer forests, and birds.
Mt. Lemmon Trailhead 1 Pusch Ridge Wilderness.
Mt. Lemmon Radar Base 1 The origin of the name "Lemmon." Facilities atop
Mt. Lemmon.
Marshall Gulch Picnic Area 2 Mixed conifer & riparian vegetation, and Wilder
ness. History of the area.

Wayside Sign Locations & Topics
The following provides guidance for each site and preliminary designs for each interpretive sign.
When funding for a particular sign is available, it will be necessary to refine the message, verify
accuracy of information, and determine/review graphics.
Babad Do'ag Vista
See sign designs #1 and 2 (pages 45 and 46). Consider pay binoculars and/or sight tubes here (to
view original Tucson, 0'odham landmarks like Baboquivari and Kitt peak, A-Mountain, Santa Rita and
Rincon Mountains, San Xavier, etc.).
Involve the Tohono 0'odham Nation in text review and final design of sign #1.
Molino Canyon Vista
See sign designs #3, 4 and 5 (pages 47 through 49). This is an underused site and a site that few
visitors recognize the significance. Here you can see three vegetation communities, a nice rock face,
and many species of plants. The area could be used for children and family interpretive activities. A
short trail along the ridge could be constructed to reduce the web of unofficial trails, and plant
identification signs along the route are recommended. Animal tracks could be painted on the sidewalk
near the parking area, with labels "bear," "raccoon," "deer," etc. A compass could be installed in the
sidewalk to show north, east, south, and west, and a small sign could point out that the mountains
that surround the city serve as a compass for Tucson. Signs should encourage activity: looking,
touching, thinking, etc. Other ideas include having photographs of highway construction and building
a trail to the creek with interpretation of flash floods -- pointing out evidence of high water marks
during floods.
Molino Basin Campground & Rest Stop
No interpretive signs are recommended for here, but a directional sign for beginning of AZ trail oust
past kiosk) is needed, showing northbound and southbound and arrows. The Generic sign could be
used here. And a plaque on the base of the solar panel could describe that this restroom building has
lights and fans, but generates its power from the sun. There is a possibility of interpreting the name
Molino, which means "mill," probably referring to a sluice-box type mining operation used in the
drainageway.
Prison Camp
See sign designs #6 and 7 (pages 50 and 51). A self-guided loop trail through historic sites is
recommended for this site. Additional signs could interpret specific ruins.
Thimble Peak Vista
See sign design #8 (page 52).
Seven Cataracts Vista
See sign design #9 (page 53).
Cypress Picnic Area, Middle Bear Picnic Area, and Chihuahua Pine Picnic Area
No interpretive signs are recommended at these locations. The Generic sign could be used at these
sites.
Windy Point Vista
See sign designs #10, 11 and 12 (pages 54 through 56). The existing sign kiosk should be
removed and not replaced. New signs should be located at the vista points near the railings.
If 1 were in charge ...l would
improve facilities for equine
activities. (Citizen Committee
member comment)
43

If 1 were in charge...l would
protect the natural environment.
(Citizen Committee member
comment)
44
Windy Point is a good place for pay binoculars and/or sighting tubes to see specific things. Locations
for these items would need to be carefully chosen to avoid damage to rocks, be accessible, and
minimize congestion around them.
Geology Vista
See sign designs #13 and 14 (pages 57 and 58).
Rose Canyon Lake
See sign designs #15, 16, and 17 (pages 59 through 61). Rose Canyon is one of the most popular
recreation sites in the Catalinas. With this high level of use, a dilemma exists: while there are unlimited
opportunities to help visitors learn about the area, it would be easy to impact the setting with too many
facilities and signs. Therefore, it is recommended that signs at the lake be limited to only 1 location, at
a place along the wheelchair accessible trail where a bench is planned. Additional signs can be located
at the plaza or on the trail to the lake.
San Pedro Vista
See sign designs #18 and 19 (pages 62 and 63).
Palisades Visitor Center (24 hour information area)
See sign designs #20 (page 64).
Bigelow Fire Tower
See sign designs #21 (page 65).
Sunset Trailhead (Bear Wallow Wildlife Area)
See sign designs #22, 23 and 24 (pages 66 through 68). This area is ideal for an easy, self-guided
interpretive trail up Bear Wallow. Grades are fairly gentle, and much of the trail can follow the old road
bed. One or two simple pedestrian bridges would need to be constructed, and the trail route needs to
be better defined. Three interpretive signs along the route would be appropriate.
Aspen Vista
See sign designs #25 and 26 (pages 69 and 70).
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley (at parking & overlook near Iron Door Restaurant)
See sign designs #27 (page 71).
Lemmon Rock Trailhead (aka Observatory Ridge, Radio Ridge)
See sign designs #28 (page 72). Lemmon Meadow is a good place for a short (.8 mile), easy,
nature trail. The trail begins at the Mt. Lemmon trail at the locked gate and ties back into the
Lemmon trail .4 miles southwest of the lookout.
Mt. Lemmon Radar Base
See sign designs #29 (page 73). This area can be interpreted to a limited level outside of the gate. In
the future, if this becomes a public area/visitor center, an interpretive plan for this area will need to be
completed.
Marshall Gulch Picnic Area
See sign designs #30 and 31 (pages 74 and 75).