You are here

Home » National Park Service Proposing New Salt Creek Boardwalk At Death Valley

National Park Service Proposing New Salt Creek Boardwalk At Death Valley

Share

Published Date

May 24, 2024

Pickleweed along banks of Salt Creek. A damaged section of the original boardwalk is in the background/NPS

A plan to replace the Salt Creek Boardwalk in Death Valley National Park that was destroyed by a flash flood two years ago calls for rebuilding the half-mile-long walkway.

The proposal, now open for public review, was devised by the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration.  

Salt Creek is the only habitat of the Salt Creek pupfish (Cyprinodon salinus salinus). For decades, the half-mile-long boardwalk provided wheelchair access, while preventing people from trampling the pupfish’s spawning ground and surrounding riparian plants. Loss of vegetation would decrease shading along the creek, which is a critical component of the pupfish's habitat.

A flash flood in August 2022 destroyed the boardwalk and vault toilet. The parking lot and road were further damaged during the remnants of Hurricane Hilary in 2023.

The proposal calls for the two agencies to reconstruct the 1.2-mile unpaved road to its pre-flood condition, restoring vehicle access to the site. Material will be buried to protect portions of the road from future floods. The parking lot location will be shifted slightly eastward, and will have an improved layout. The agencies plan to rebuild the boardwalk to its original length, with a slightly different route and using helical piles to anchor it. The damaged single vault toilet will be replaced with a double vault toilet. Damaged infrastructure will be removed. All public access to the site will be closed during construction, which is planned for fall 2024 through spring 2025.  

The public comment period on the Salt Creek Boardwalk Replacement Project Environmental Assessment is open through June 23. A previous round of civic engagement in March 2023 helped park staff refine the project designs and provided valuable input as to which environmental considerations would be carried forward for further analysis.

The public is invited to submit written comments on the environmental assessment online at parkplanning.nps.gov/SaltCreekEA,  Comments may also be submitted by mail to:

Death Valley National Park
ATTN: Salt Creek Boardwalk Replacement
P.O. Box 579
Death Valley, CA 92328

Related Stories:

National Park Service Wins Court Battle Over Cashless Policy
4th Annual Threatened And Endangered Parks | National Parks And The Mines Next Door
4th Annual Threatened And Endangered Parks: Steep Lodging Rates Price Out Some Visitors

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.