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3. RECOMMENDATION: Sites listed above remain closed for restoration, revegetation, erosion control, or protection of sensitive resources. Based upon resource assessments, the following sites are added to the closed list:

* Dragon's Den; (arbitrary, and not needed. How can they even think to close the entire Den? Hundreds of problems lost forever!)

* Alcove containing Laguna Prieta (Northwest corner of North Mountain).

M. Volunteer Hours

1. PUBLIC USE-Restriction PLAN: The Public Use-Restriction Plan encouraged increased use of volunteers in many facets of park operations. The Volunteer Guard Program is viewed as a vital supplement to park staff conducted programs and activities. Members of the Friends of Hueco Tanks (FOHT) are considered to play a significant role in the daily operation of the park.

2. ASSESSMENT: From September 1, 1998 through August 31, 1999 Hueco Tanks has recorded 6,304 volunteer hours. Friends of Hueco Tanks members have contributed approximately one-third of these hours. Many of the 32 certified guides have contributed to the total hours. Volunteer hours are up approximately 2% from the same time last year. Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmate crews (slave labor) have not worked at the park in the past six months.

3. RECOMMENDATION: Volunteers should remain a vital part of operating Hueco Tanks SHP. Training for park volunteers should continue for all interested individuals. Increased effort should be made to return inmate labor (am I the only one bothered by the use of slave labor at Hueco?) crews to the park to assist with maintenance and other appropriate tasks.

N. Special Use Permit System

1. PUBLIC USE-Restriction PLAN: Special Use Permits are provided for groups wishing to conduct ceremonial or religious activities, educational activities (why is teaching my kid how to climb not classified as an educational activity?), special activity events, etc. Requests for permits are evaluated on a case by case basis. Fees may be waived for individuals participating in approved activities.

2. ASSESSMENT: To date, several groups have requested fee waivers under this provision, including members of the Tigua, Mescalero Apache, Kiowa, and Kalpulli Native American Tribes. The Apache, Kiowa, Kalpulli, and Shoshoni participated in the one-day archeology field school and the taping of segments for the video disorientation being produced by Texas Parks and Wildlife.

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