A critical wildlife corridor
The Land Trust acquired three private parcels totaling 623 acres in the proposed South Hart Wilderness Area. Conserving these parcels helps strengthen the South Hart WSA, which spans 99,528 acres and lies between Hart Mountain and Sheldon National Wildlife Refuges in southern Oregon and Northern Nevada.
Some of these acquired properties adjoin the 38,974-acre High Lakes Area of Critical Environmental Concern, which was designated for its unique botanical, cultural and wildlife values. The surrounding public land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
These newly protected lands in South Hart & Jack Creek are part of an important wildlife corridor linking the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge.
This area is also renowned for some of the oldest rock art and cultural sites in North America.
Getting There
These lands can be reached by driving north on Barry Ranch Road (BLM Road 61-064) from Highway 140. At ~1.9 miles the road crosses a seasonal creek below Barry Reservoir (4WD recommended if there is water). The road continues to a junction at approximately mile 2.9 (42.1076, -119.5282). Turn west (left) on a primitive two-track that continues for another ~3.5 miles to a two-way junction (42.1478, -119.5640). Continue west (left) for another 0.75 miles across an earthen dam and a seasonal creek until a junction to the entrance of the property. From here, you can walk south to the entrance of the property.
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