Protected Areas and World Heritage Programme

IUCN Management Category II

Biogeographical Province 1.19.12

Geographical Location Portions of Wayne, Garfield, Emery and Sevier counties, Utah. 38°10'N, 111°10'W.

Date and History of Establishment 2 August 1937.

Area 97,899 ha.

Land Tenure 90,147 ha federal government ownership; 7,750 state ownership; 0.17 ha private ownership.

Altitude 1,190-2,680 m.

Physical Features The 160 km-long Waterpocket Fold, a classic example of a monoclinal flexure, is almost entirely contained within the park. Other important features include at least 15 sedimentary formations; igneous dikes, plugs and sills; gypsum plugs; a Pleistocene mud slide; and sinkholes. Topographic features include arches, natural bridges, domes, fins, dramatically eroded sandstone canyons and other formations. Particularly interesting are the exceptional strike valleys along Halls Creek. The climate is that of the Colorado Plateau - a cold desert with summer maximum temperatures over 30°C and mild winters. The Fremont River, Pleasant Creek and Oak Creek, live streams which cut through the Waterpocket Fold, are the principal hydrologic elements.

Climate No information

Vegetation Most of the park is sparsely vegetated due to clickrock, edaphic factors and scarce water. A detailed survey has not been performed but there are two distinct vegetative types: pinyon-juniper woodland (approximately 25,000 ha) of Pinus edulis and Juniperus osteosperma on mesa tops and higher elevations, with relict populations of Pinus ponderosa in sheltered locations; and a desert biome (approximatelyy 40,000 ha) supporting Atriplex canescens, Artemisia ludoviciana and Oryzopsis hymenoides. At least six plants currently being considered for threatened or endangered status are found in the park, and the endangered cactus Sclerocactus wrightiae probably occurs here.

Fauna 31 genera of mammals, 5 genera of amphibians, 12 genera of reptiles, 8 genera of fish and over 100 species of birds occur. The mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) is frequently seen. Common carnivores include ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) and gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). The mountain lion (Felix concolor) is occasional. The endangered Utah prairie dog (Cynomys parvidens) has been reintroduced. The endangered peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) nests in the park and the endangered bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is known to occur. Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) occasionally nest in the park.

Cultural Heritage No information

Local Human Population No information

Visitors and Visitor Facilities No information

Scientific Research and Facilities Numerous natural history investigations and studies have been coordinated through the Cooperative Park Study Unit at Utah State University.

A study collection of 1,000 specimens and a limited reference library exist.

Conservation Value No information

Conservation Management is protected; the remainder (7,750 ha) is owned by the state of Utah.

Approximately of the park is identified as strict natural or managed natural areas. 70,750 ha ( of the park) of private development is a subzone within the park's boundary, owned by the State of Utah.

Management Constraints Energy development likely in adjacent areas will have an adverse effect on air quality; grazing causes disturbance.

Staff 24 permanent and eight seasonal employees.

Budget Approximately US$ 610,000 for administration, protection and managed of the area in fiscal year 1980.

Local Addresses

Superintendent, Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, Utah 84775.

References

There is no single comprehensive account of the park's natural history; however, Smith et al. (1963), Geology of the Capitol Reef Area; Geological Survey Professional Paper 363, describes geologically the central part of the park.

Date March 1981