Project Introduction Consists of 9,040 acres of deeded land and 52,000+ acres of state and federal lands. Encompasses 16.6 miles of the South Fork and North Fork Malheur River.
The site has been managed for livestock production for the last 100 years. Acquisition would allow the Tribe and cooperators to manage this site on a landscape level for fish, wildlife, and habitat enhancement.
Project Cooperators include: ODFW The Nature Conservancy BLM DSL ARS/OSU Private interests
Subbasin Needs and Limiting Factors Expand the range of Bighorn sheep. Encourage long-term increase in sage grouse populations and suitable habitat. Increase, protect and restore riparian zones from excessive livestock grazing. Native shrub and grass cover in deer and elk winter range.
Reduce noxious weeds in big game summer and winter ranges and in riparian areas.
Our Role in Subbasin Recovery Rehabilitation of upland plant communities - Bighorn Sheep habitat/ medusahead study
Rehabilitation of riparian/ meadow plant communities - Coordination with state lands managed by ODFW - Weed control
Reduction of cattle stocking rates on associated allotments and the creation of riparian enhancement projects in cooperation with the BLM, DSL, and ODFW. Capture large-scale implementation of management through coordination with the Malheur River Wildlife Mitigation Site, agencies, and local interests.