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Great Basin and Owyhee Uplands

66. Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge


Left: Backview of HQ. Center: Geomorphology of area. Right: Removed fence posts (by volunteers) at HQ.

GPS Data

Hart Mountain National Antelope HQ at 5437 feet elevation, 42.52.53 North | 119.43.12 West

 

GPS Data

Above boundary sign of Hart Mountain at 4950 feet elevation, 42.40.48 North | 119.21.55 West.

OWESA geographic model: | geomorphology | climate | vegetation | wildlife | human settlement |

Geomorphology

Of the uplifted blocks in this part of Oregon, the Hart Mountain and Steens Mountain blocks are the most prominent. The sheer scarp of Hart Mountain is more than 3000 feet above Warner Valley. The lower right image above is a back view of this uplifted block mountain.


Climate
Vegetation

Sagebrush (twelve species), juniper, and native bunch grasses are the predominant vegetation, with aspen and pine goves present in canyons and along steep, precipitous, and spectacularly beautiful rims. Note above images.

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Wildlife

Antelope heards can be seen behind the USFWS Hart Mountain National Antelope Headquarters (lower right image) however they are difficult to get close enough for a good photograph unless one had 300mm lens or better. Along with Pronghorn antelope, California bighorn sheep, mule deer, and sage grouse are among the common species. Over 260 species of birds have been recorded here, inclduding the endangered bald eagle and peregrine falcon. See the Oregon Wildlife Viewing Guide (1994) for important additional details on wildlife description, viewing information, and directions to wildlife viewing sites.

Human Settlement

Northern Paiute indigeneous people inhabitated this area previous to Euro-Americans arrival. Some of the original people to promote this area as wildlife sanctuary were hunters in the 1930's. Hart Mountain NAR is located 68 miles north of Lakeview, with the nearest town Plush 27 miles away. The roads are maintained well to Hart Mountain however there is a back country road from Hart Mountain NAR to Steens Mountain Loop road that may not be passable with deep ruts and water hazzards. Today special regulations regarding public access and use are in effect. Contact Refuge Headquarters for applicable regulations and current road conditions. (541 947-3315)

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Sources

Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge ,Oregon.. June 1991. USFWS, Department of the Interior.

Orr, l., Orr, W., and Baldwin, E. 4th Ed., 1992. Geology of Oregon. . Kendall/Hunt, Dubuque, Iowa.

Sullivan, W., Exploring Oregon's Wild Areas . 1988. The Mountaineers, Seattle.

Visitor Directory, Pacific Region . n.d.. USFWS, Department of the Interior. Portland, Oregon.

Yuskavitch, J., Oregon Wildlife Viewing Guide . 1994. Falcon Press, Helena, Montana.

Copyright

Phil Kessinger, 1997

Eugene,Oregon USA

All Rights Reserved

phil_k

at

efn.org

Revised December 2002