Bear Gulch Developed Area Cultural Landscape Report

It’s easy to understand why Bear Gulch, with its tranquil reservoir and scenic rock formations, was selected as a site befitting of park headquarters for Pinnacles National Monument. In the 1940s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed the cluster of administrative facilities, the “Bear Gulch Developed Area,” deep within the box canyon near Bear Gulch Reservoir and Caves. More than 80 years later, when concern over fire safety prompted the National Park Service (NPS) to move the administrative facilities out of Bear Gulch, the organization was faced with a critical question: How could the facilities be relocated while protecting and maintaining the landscape’s unique defining characteristics and addressing contemporary needs?

To answer this question, MIG developed a cultural landscape report to guide the transition and future use of the newly vacant historic buildings and associated landscape features. The multi-departmental effort built on a strong foundation of past decisions and goals set forth in the Park’s General Management Plan. The Bear Gulch Developed Area Cultural Landscape Report explores opportunities for re-use of existing facilities, identifies appropriate changes to vegetation and circulation patterns, and recommends strategies for fire prevention and climate resiliency.

As one of the fastest growing national parks in California in terms of land acquisition and visitation, the Bear Gulch Developed Area Cultural Landscape Report provides much needed, actionable direction within the broader context of park operations.