Characteristics/Values
- The Owyhee Canyonlands are located in the southwestern corner of Idaho. It is a remote, scenic, and wild area with over 160 miles of river, associated basalt and rhyolite canyons, and sagebrush covered plateaus.
- The Canyonlands have been recommended for both Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River designations.
- The Canyonlands are inhabited by the largest population of the rare California bighorn sheep in existence. The current population is 800-900 bighorns but the Idaho Department of Fish and Game estimates a potential population of 1600-1800 bighorns.
- The Canyonlands have many other wildlife values associated with the rivers, canyons and adjacent plateaus. Common to abundant game species include mule deer, pronghorn antelope, sage grouse, chukar, valley quail, and smallmouth bass. Other common species include bobcat, river otter, golden eagle. Rare species include redband trout, spotted frog, spotted bat, and several rare plant species.
- The 45 Ranch is a key private land inholding within the heart of the Owyhee Canyonlands. It is located along the South Fork Owyhee River at the mouth of the Little Owyhee River. There are 240 acres of private land plus 68,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management and state grazing permits.
- The Ranch provides the only yearlong ranch facilities within the entire Owyhee Canyonlands area in Idaho. Improvements include two residences, one of which is a modern log home, shop, horse barn, corrals, irrigated hay fields, and an air strip. There are also two native stone cabins that are over 100 years old.
- The Ranch supports a year-long, 220 head, cow-calf cattle operation.
- The Ranch provides the only vehicle accessible put-in and take-out point for whitewater river recreation along the South Fork Owyhee River in Idaho.
Proposed TNC Management Program
- Improve the habitat for bighorn sheep and other wildlife on the 45 Ranch.
- Manage livestock grazing on the 45 Ranch in a manner compatible with wildlife needs.
- Use the ranch facilities as a base-of-operations for cooperative wildlife conservation programs.
- Provide opportunities at the ranch for conservation education programs.
- Maintain a stakeholder position to improve habitat management throughout the Owyhee Canyonlands.
- Preserve public access to river.
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