FORM 1
DOCUMENTATION OF BLM WILDERNESS INVENTORY FINDINGS ON RECORD
1. Is there existing BLM wilderness inventory information on all or part of this area?
No
(go to Form 2) Yes ___X____ (if more than one unit is within the area,
list the names/numbers of those units.)
a) Inventory Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management,
Wilderness Review - Intensive Inventory. Final Decision on 30 Selected Units in
Southeast Oregon and Proposed Decisions on Other Intensively Inventoried Units in
Oregon and Washington. March, 1980 (p. 60-63).
b) Inventory Unit Name(s)/Number(s): _2-82H_______________
c) Map Name(s)/Number(s): U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land
Management, Oregon. Intensive Wilderness Inventory. Final Decision on 30 Selected
Units in Southeast Oregon and Proposed Decisions for Other Intensively Inventoried
Units. March 1980.
d) BLM District(s)/Field Office(s): Burns District, Andrews Resource Area
2. BLM Inventory Findings on Record
Existing inventory information regarding wilderness characteristics (if more than one
BLM inventory unit is associated with the area, list each unit/acreage and answer each
question individually for each inventory unit):
Unit #
2-82H
Size
(historic
acres)
103,850
Natural
Condition?
Y/N
Outstanding Outstanding
Solitude?
Primitive &
Y/N
Unconfined
Recreation?
Y/N
Y
Y
Y
Supplemental
Values?
Y/N
Y
Summarize any known primary reasons for prior inventory findings listed in this table:
Historic subunit 2-82H encompassed a large area described as having a diverse topography
with elevations ranging from 4,000-6,000 feet. The inventory noted the presence of about
4,000 acres of crested wheatgrass seeding in the southwestern portion of the unit (Hawk
Valley) that represented a substantially noticeable unnatural feature. All but about 6,455
acres of the subunit was found to be in a natural condition where the works of man were
substantially unnoticeable. The majority of the subunit lacked vegetative screening, but
due to the diverse topography and large size, was found to offer both outstanding
opportunities for solitude and primitive and unconfined recreation (hiking, backpacking,
photography, and sight-seeing). The area also contained interesting geology, cultural
resources, and important pronghorn antelope habitat. The final decision dropped the
crested wheatgrass seeding in Hawk Valley from the unit boundary.
1
FORM 2
CURRENT CONDITIONS: Presence or Absence of Wilderness Characteristics
Unit Number/Name: OR-015-082P/ Rincon Southwest Addition
Acreage: _2,773___
(1) Is the unit of sufficient size? (If the area meets one of the exceptions to the size criterion, check
No
“Yes” and describe the exception below) Yes X
Description: Between 2008 and 2012, BLM staff conducted field inventory of the area to update
its road and wilderness inventories. This field work included photo documentation of the
potential inventory unit boundary routes. Using BLM and (where available) citizen-provided
photos, field logs, and staff field knowledge, a BLM inter-disciplinary (ID) team completed an
analysis of motorized routes within the area in 2012. The results of the route analysis are
documented in the route analysis forms contained in the wilderness evaluation file.
The BLM ID team determined that BLM Roads 6126-00 and 6126-D0 continue to meet the
wilderness inventory definition of boundary roads and form inventory unit boundaries. In
addition, a pipeline runs along the east side of Road 6126-D0. This pipeline forms part of the
western boundary of the unit. The boundary on the east side of the unit is a topographic feature
(rim) rather than a road or property boundary. This rim also serves as the current boundary of
the Rincon wilderness study area (WSA). As noted on Form 1 above, this area was originally
part of historic unit 2-82H, but was dropped from the unit boundary due to the presence of an
unnatural crested wheatgrass seeding and brush control treatment area. At that time, the rim
appeared to be a logical place to draw the unit boundary to eliminate this unnatural feature.
The OR-015-82P inventory unit is located about 42 miles east of Adel, Oregon (Map 1). The
unit sits on a flat valley bottom known as Hawk Valley, is approximately 3.8 miles long and 1.5
miles wide, and encompasses approximately 2,773 acres of BLM-administered lands. While the
unit is less than 5,000 acres in size, it is contiguous to the Rincon WSA (Map 2) and meets the
exception to the size criteria.
Additional background on the process that the BLM ID team followed during this evaluation is
contained in the document, Wilderness Inventory Maintenance Process for the Lakeview
Resource Area, BLM, contained in the wilderness inventory file.
(2) Is the unit in a natural condition? Yes X
No _____ N/A
While the vegetation within the Rincon WSA consists primarily of big sagebrush, low sagebrush,
and antelope bitterbrush (and was found to be in a natural condition in 1980), the area within the
current unit OR-015-082P, was found to be an unnatural crested wheatgrass seeding and brush
control treatment area that was subsequently dropped from the final WSA boundary.
2
Since the original inventory was completed in 1980, rabbitbrush and sagebrush have invaded the
historic seeding/treatment area and the area is becoming somewhat more natural in appearance to
the casual observer. The majority of the Hawk Valley pipeline has been eliminated from the
current unit boundary, however there are still about 0.7 miles of pipeline, 2 water troughs, 1
waterhole, 1.6 miles of open, primitive motorized routes, and 0.8 miles of reclaiming routes
located within the unit boundary, mostly in the north end (Map 2).
Based on a review of all of the available information, the BLM ID team concluded that the
natural character of the unit has improved slightly since 1980 and is currently in a marginally
natural condition.
(3) Does the unit (or the remainder of the unit if a portion has been excluded due to
unnaturalness and the remainder is of sufficient size) have outstanding opportunities for
solitude?
Yes X
No
N/A________
The Rincon WSA was found to lack tall vegetative screening, but due to the area’s large size and
diverse topography, had outstanding opportunities for solitude particularly the rolling hills found
within much of the area, the rugged rock outcroppings around Lone Mountain and the rims and
elevation differences associated with Catlow Rim and Oregon End Table.
The 2,773-acre OR-015-082P unit, standing on its own merit, does not offer an outstanding
opportunity for solitude due to its small size, existing flat topography, and lack of tall vegetative
screening (Map 3). However, since the unit is contiguous with the Rincon WSA, the BLM ID
team concluded that it marginally enhances the size and outstanding solitude opportunities
associated with the WSA.
(4) Does the unit (or the remainder of the unit if a portion has been excluded due to
unnaturalness and the remainder is of sufficient size) have outstanding opportunities for
primitive and unconfined recreation? Yes X
No
N/A________
The Rincon WSA was found to have outstanding opportunities for primitive forms of recreation,
including hiking, backpacking, sightseeing, and photography. The BLM ID team found that the
2,773-acre OR-015-082P unit, standing on its own merits, did not offer an outstanding
opportunity for primitive or unconfined recreation. However, since the unit is contiguous with
the Rincon WSA, the team concluded that it marginally enhanced the outstanding primitive and
unconfined recreation opportunities associated with the WSA.
(5) Does the unit have supplemental values? Yes
No X
N/A______
The Rincon WSA has several supplemental values that included wildlife habitat, and geologic
and cultural values. The BLM ID team noted that the 2,773-acre OR-015-082P unit, standing on
its own merit, did not contain any supplemental values, nor did it contribute to supplemental
values identified elsewhere in the WSA.
3
Summary of Analysis*
Unit Name and Number: OR-015-082P / Rincon Southwest Addition
Summary Results of Analysis:
1. Does the area meet the size requirements?
__X _Yes _ _ _No
2. Does the area appear to be natural?
_X
Yes __ _No ___ N/A
3. Does the area offer outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and
unconfined type of recreation?
__ X_ Yes ____No ___ N/A
4. Does the area have supplemental values?
__
_ Yes _X__No __ N/A
Conclusion (Check One):
__ X _ The area- or a portion of the area- has wilderness character:
(items 1, 2 and 3 must be checked “yes”).
__ _ _
The area does not have wilderness character: (any of items 1, 2 and 3 are
checked “no”).
4
Prepared by (ID Team Member Names and Titles):
~rz._
Date
~-<
Les Boothe: Range Management Specialist
Date
Approved by:
~·
Date
Thomas E. Rasmussen
Field Manager
*This form documents information that constitutes an inventory finding on wilderness characteristics. It does not
represent a formal/and use allocation or a final agency decision subject to administrative remedies under either
43 CFRparts 4 or 1610.5-2.
/
5
FORM 1
DOCUMENTATION OF BLM WILDERNESS INVENTORY FINDINGS ON RECORD
1. Is there existing BLM wilderness inventory information on all or part of this area?
No
(go to Form 2) Yes ___X____ (if more than one unit is within the area,
list the names/numbers of those units.)
a) Inventory Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management,
Wilderness Inventory. Oregon and Washington. Final Intensive Inventory Decisions.
November, 1980 (p. 180-181).
b) Inventory Unit Name(s)/Number(s): _2-84A_/ Basque Hills___
c) Map Name(s)/Number(s): U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land
Management, Oregon. Intensive Wilderness Inventory. Final Decisions. November
1980.
d) BLM District(s)/Field Office(s): Burns District, Andrews Resource Area
2. BLM Inventory Findings on Record
Existing inventory information regarding wilderness characteristics (if more than one
BLM inventory unit is associated with the area, list each unit/acreage and answer each
question individually for each inventory unit):
Unit #
Size
(historic
acres)
2-84A
139,720
Natural
Condition?
Y/N
Outstanding
Solitude?
Y/N
Y
Y
Outstanding
Primitive &
Unconfined
Recreation?
Y/N
N
Supplemental
Values?
Y/N
Y
Summarize any known primary reasons for prior inventory findings listed in this table:
The dominant feature of historic subunit 2-84A is a plateau with scattered foothills and
rimrock. Elevations range from 4,520 to 5,909 feet. The vegetation consisted primarily of
big sagebrush, rabbitbrush, scattered patches of low sagebrush, and a variety of grasses.
The dominant vegetation in the Catlow Valley is a desert salt shrub community.
The subunit contained approximately 29 miles of fence, 54 miles of primitive ways, 13
reservoirs, 3 wells, 2 guzzlers, 0.5 of irrigation ditch, and 1,300 acres of the Hawk Valley
Seeding. The subunit was found to be in a relatively natural condition despite the presence
of these numerous unnatural features. In the final decision, the 1,300-acre seeding was
dropped from the final unit boundary to eliminate this unnatural feature.
The subunit offered some limited topographic screening, but no tall vegetative screening.
However, due to the large size of the unit, it was found to offer an outstanding opportunity
1
for solitude. The subunit provided some opportunities for hiking, backpacking, horseback
riding, wildlife and wild horse viewing, and hunting, but they were not found to be
outstanding. The subunit also provided winter antelope habitat and scenic views of
surrounding landscapes.
FORM 2
CURRENT CONDITIONS: Presence or Absence of Wilderness Characteristics
Unit Number/Name: OR-015-084G / Basque Hills Southeast Addition
Acreage: _1,375__
(1) Is the unit of sufficient size? (If the area meets one of the exceptions to the size criterion, check
No
“Yes” and describe the exception below) Yes X
Description: Between 2008 and 2012, BLM staff conducted field inventory of the area to update
its road and wilderness inventories. This field work included photo documentation of the
potential inventory unit boundary routes. Using BLM and (where available) citizen-provided
photos, field logs, and staff field knowledge, a BLM inter-disciplinary (ID) team completed an
analysis of motorized routes within the area in 2012. The results of the route analysis are
documented in the route analysis forms contained in the wilderness evaluation file.
The BLM ID team determined that BLM Roads 6126-00 and 6126-D0 continue to meet the
wilderness inventory definition of boundary roads and form inventory unit boundaries. The west
side of the unit contains a primitive, reclaiming motorized route that is not considered to be an
inventory unit boundary road. In addition, a block of private land forms part of the southwest
boundary of the unit
This primitive route also serves as the current boundary of the Basque Hills wilderness study
area (WSA). As noted on Form 1 above, this area was originally part of historic unit 2-84A, but
was dropped from the unit boundary due to the presence of an unnatural crested wheatgrass
seeding and brush control treatment area. At that time, the primitive route appeared to be a
logical place to draw the boundary to eliminate this unnatural feature from the unit.
The OR-015-84G inventory unit is located about 39 miles east of Adel, Oregon (Map 1). The
unit sits on a flat valley bottom known as Hawk Valley, is approximately 3 miles long and 1 mile
wide and encompasses approximately 1,375 acres of BLM-administered lands. While the unit is
less than 5,000 acres in size, it is contiguous to the Basque Hills WSA (Map 2) and meets the
exception to the size criteria.
Additional background on the process that the BLM ID team followed during this evaluation is
contained in the document, Wilderness Inventory Maintenance Process for the Lakeview
Resource Area, BLM, contained in the wilderness inventory file.
2
(2) Is the unit in a natural condition? Yes X
No _____ N/A
While the vegetation in the Basque Hills WSA consists primarily of big sagebrush, rabbitbrush,
grasses, scattered patches of low sagebrush, and desert salt shrub communities (and was found to
be in a natural condition in 1980), the area within the current unit OR-015-084G, was found to
be an unnatural crested wheatgrass seeding and brush control treatment area that was
subsequently dropped from the final WSA boundary.
Since the original inventory was completed in 1980, rabbitbrush and sagebrush have invaded the
historic seeding/treatment area and the area is becoming somewhat more natural in appearance to
the casual observer. No other human disturbances are known within the unit (Map 2).
Based on a review of all of the available information, the BLM ID team concluded that the
natural character of the unit has improved slightly since 1980 and is currently in a marginally
natural condition.
(3) Does the unit (or the remainder of the unit if a portion has been excluded due to
unnaturalness and the remainder is of sufficient size) have outstanding opportunities for
solitude?
Yes
X
No
N/A________
The Basque Hills WSA was found to have an outstanding opportunity for solitude due primarily
to the area’s large size. The 1,375-acre OR-015-84G unit, by itself, does not offer an outstanding
opportunity for solitude due to its small size, existing flat topography, and lack of tall vegetative
screening (Map 3). However, since the unit is contiguous with the Rincon WSA, the BLM ID
team concluded that it marginally enhances the size and outstanding solitude opportunities
associated with the WSA.
(4) Does the unit (or the remainder of the unit if a portion has been excluded due to
unnaturalness and the remainder is of sufficient size) have outstanding opportunities for
primitive and unconfined recreation? Yes
No
X
N/A________
The Basque Hills WSA was not found to have an outstanding opportunity for recreation.
The BLM ID team found that the 1,375-acre OR-015-84G unit, standing on its own merits, does
not offer an outstanding opportunity for primitive and unconfined recreation. The limited
amount of hunting that occurs in this area would contribute marginally to the primitive recreation
opportunities noted on the contiguous WSA, but would not substantially alter those opportunities
to the point of being outstanding.
(5) Does the unit have supplemental values? Yes
No X N/A______
The Basque Hills WSA was found to provide winter range for pronghorn antelope and scenic
views of mountainous features located outside of the WSA. The 1,375-acre OR-015-84G unit,
standing on its own merits, does not provide any supplemental values, nor does it add
substantially to the supplemental values found on the contiguous WSA.
3
Summary of Analysis*
Unit Name and Number: OR-015-084G / Basque Hills Southeast Addition
Summary Results of Analysis:
1. Does the area meet the size requirements?
__X _Yes _ _No
2. Does the area appear to be natural?
_X
Yes __ _No ___ N/A
3. Does the area offer outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and
unconfined type of recreation?
__X __ Yes ____No ___ N/A
4. Does the area have supplemental values?
__
_ Yes _X___No __ N/A
Conclusion (Check One):
__ X__ The area- or a portion of the area- has wilderness character:
(items 1, 2 and 3 must be checked “yes”).
__ _ __
The area does not have wilderness character: (any of items 1, 2 and 3 are
checked “no”).
4
Prepared by (ID Team Member Names and Titles):
~rz._
Date
~-<
Les Boothe: Range Management Specialist
Date
Approved by:
~·
Date
Thomas E. Rasmussen
Field Manager
*This form documents information that constitutes an inventory finding on wilderness characteristics. It does not
represent a formal/and use allocation or a final agency decision subject to administrative remedies under either
43 CFRparts 4 or 1610.5-2.
/
5
FORM 1
DOCUMENTATION OF BLM WILDERNESS INVENTORY FINDINGS ON RECORD
1. Is there existing BLM wilderness inventory information on all or part of this area?
No
(go to Form 2) Yes ___X____ (if more than one unit is within the area,
list the names/numbers of those units.)
a) Inventory Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management,
Wilderness Inventory. Oregon and Washington. Final Intensive Inventory Decisions.
November, 1980 (p. 107-108).
b) Inventory Unit Name(s)/Number(s): _1-146A / Hawk Mountain
c) Map Name(s)/Number(s): U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land
Management, Oregon. Intensive Wilderness Inventory. Final Decisions. November
1980.
d) BLM District(s)/Field Office(s): Lakeview District, Lakeview Resource Area
2. BLM Inventory Findings on Record
Existing inventory information regarding wilderness characteristics (if more than one
BLM inventory unit is associated with the area, list each unit/acreage and answer each
question individually for each inventory unit):
Unit #
1-146A
Size
(historic
acres)
72,160
Natural
Condition?
Y/N
Outstanding
Solitude?
Y/N
Y
Y
Outstanding
Primitive &
Unconfined
Recreation?
Y/N
Y
Supplemental
Values?
Y/N
Y
Summarize any known primary reasons for prior inventory findings listed in this table:
The majority of the subunit was described as a large basin ringed by hills on the west,
north, and east. The area was open to the south. Vegetation in the subunit was primarily a
big sagebrush community with sparsely scattered junipers at higher elevations. The subunit
contained five lakebed pits that were substantially noticeable in close proximity. The
subunit contained 16 miles of primitive vehicle ways, a reservoir, and a tank; all of which
were substantially unnoticeable. A 3,800-acre crested wheatgrass seeding was noted in
Hawk Valley along the northern edge of the subunit that was substantially noticeable. The
final decision removed this seeded area from the unit boundary.
The topography within the subunit provided the potential to avoid the sights and sounds of
others and was found to be outstanding. The surrounding hills and peaks within the subunit
offered ample opportunity for hiking and backpacking. The subunit unit was found to offer
a high potential for primitive and unconfined recreation. The potential presence of
1
archeological values and the adjacent proposed wilderness on the Sheldon National
Antelope Refuge were noted as supplemental values.
FORM 2
CURRENT CONDITIONS: Presence or Absence of Wilderness Characteristics
Unit Number/Name: OR-015-146C/ Hawk Mountain North Addition
Acreage: 57 _
(1) Is the unit of sufficient size? (If the area meets one of the exceptions to the size criterion, check
“Yes” and describe the exception below) Yes X
No
Description: Between 2008 and 2012, BLM staff conducted field inventory of the area to update
its road and wilderness inventories. This field work included photo documentation of the
potential inventory unit boundary routes. Using BLM and (where available) citizen-provided
photos, field logs, and staff field knowledge, a BLM inter-disciplinary (ID) team completed an
analysis of motorized routes within the area in 2012. The results of the route analysis are
documented in the route analysis forms contained in the wilderness evaluation file.
The BLM ID team determined that BLM Roads 6126-00 and 6126-C0 currently meet the
wilderness inventory definition of boundary roads and form inventory unit boundaries. The
southern boundary consists of the northern edge of the Hawk Mountain wilderness study area
(WSA) boundary and consists of a short, reclaiming unnumbered route segment that no longer
meets the definition of an inventory unit boundary road.
The OR-015-146C inventory unit is located about 30 miles southeast of Adel, Oregon (Map 1).
The unit sits on an east-facing slope, is approximately 0.3 miles long and 0.2 miles wide and
encompasses approximately 57 acres of BLM-administered lands. While the unit is less than
5,000 acres in size, it is contiguous to the Hawk Mountain WSA (Map 2) and meets the
exception to the size criteria.
Additional background on the process that the BLM ID team followed during this evaluation is
contained in the document, Wilderness Inventory Maintenance Process for the Lakeview
Resource Area, BLM, contained in the wilderness inventory file.
(2) Is the unit in a natural condition? Yes
X
No _____ N/A
The west side of the WSA is characterized by rolling sagebrush hills and low broken rimrock
grading eastward toward the lake basin known as Hawksie Walksie. To the east are buttes of
partially exposed columnar basalt, areas of colorful volcanic soils and stone, and high tablelands
incised by rocky draws. Elevation ranges from 5,600 to 7,234 feet. The vegetation consists of
primarily big sagebrush-bunchgrass communities with low sagebrush flats. Mountain shrub
communities occur on northern slopes at higher elevations. Tree species are limited to scattered
2
junipers and one grove of mountain mahogany. The WSA was found to be generally natural
because of the scattered locations of developments and large size.
Vegetation within current unit OR-015-146C consists primarily of native sagebrush and grass
species. With the exception of one drainage wing (associated with Road 6126-00) which extends
into the interior of the unit, there are no other human disturbances inside the unit boundary. The
reclaiming route that forms the southern boundary of the unit is also substantially unnoticeable.
Based on a review of all of the available information, the BLM ID team concluded that the unit
is in a natural condition.
(3) Does the unit (or the remainder of the unit if a portion has been excluded due to
unnaturalness and the remainder is of sufficient size) have outstanding opportunities for
solitude?
Yes
X
No
N/A________
The Hawk Mountain WSA was found to have an outstanding opportunity for solitude.
The 57-acre OR-015-146C unit, by itself, does not offer an outstanding opportunity for solitude
due to its small size and lack of tall vegetative screening (Map 3). However, since the unit is
contiguous with the Hawk Mountain WSA, the BLM ID team concluded that it marginally
enhances the size and outstanding solitude opportunities associated with the WSA.
(4) Does the unit (or the remainder of the unit if a portion has been excluded due to
unnaturalness and the remainder is of sufficient size) have outstanding opportunities for
primitive and unconfined recreation? Yes X No
N/A________
The Hawk Mountain WSA does offer outstanding opportunities for primitive and unconfined
recreation. The BLM ID team noted that the 57 acre OR-015-146C unit, standing on its own
merits, does not offer an outstanding opportunity for primitive or unconfined recreation.
However, since the unit is contiguous with the Hawk Mountain WSA, the BLM ID team
concluded that the limited amount of recreation potential in this small area would contribute
marginally to the outstanding primitive recreation opportunities noted on the contiguous WSA.
(5) Does the unit have supplemental values? Yes
No
X
N/A______
The Hawk Mountain WSA was noted as having potential archeological values and suggested that
the adjacent proposed wilderness on the Sheldon National Antelope Refuge was as supplemental
values. However, the 57-acre OR-015-146C unit does not contain any known supplemental
values, nor does it add substantially to the supplemental values identified for the adjacent WSA.
3
Summary of Analysis*
Unit Name and Number: OR-015-146C / Hawk Mountain North Addition
Summary Results of Analysis:
1. Does the area meet the size requirements?
__X _Yes _ _ _No
2. Does the area appear to be natural?
_X _ Yes __ _No ___ N/A
3. Does the area offer outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and
unconfined type of recreation?
_X__ Yes ____No ___ N/A
4. Does the area have supplemental values?
__ _ Yes _X___No __ N/A
Conclusion (Check One):
__ X The area- or a portion of the area- has wilderness character:
(items 1, 2 and 3 must be checked “yes”).
__ _
The area does not have wilderness character: (any of items 1, 2 and 3 are
checked “no”).
4
Prepared by (ID Team Member Names and Titles):
~rz._
Date
~-<
Les Boothe: Range Management Specialist
Date
Approved by:
~·
Date
Thomas E. Rasmussen
Field Manager
*This form documents information that constitutes an inventory finding on wilderness characteristics. It does not
represent a formal/and use allocation or a final agency decision subject to administrative remedies under either
43 CFRparts 4 or 1610.5-2.
/
5
FORM 1
DOCUMENTATION OF BLM WILDERNESS INVENTORY FINDINGS ON RECORD
1. Is there existing BLM wilderness inventory information on all or part of this area?
No
(go to Form 2) Yes ___X____ (if more than one unit is within the area,
list the names/numbers of those units.)
a) Inventory Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management,
Wilderness Inventory. Oregon and Washington. Final Intensive Inventory Decisions.
November, 1980 (p. 107-108).
b) Inventory Unit Name(s)/Number(s): _1-146A / Hawk Mountain
c) Map Name(s)/Number(s): U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land
Management, Oregon. Intensive Wilderness Inventory. Final Decisions. November
1980.
d) BLM District(s)/Field Office(s): Lakeview District, Lakeview Resource Area
2. BLM Inventory Findings on Record
Existing inventory information regarding wilderness characteristics (if more than one
BLM inventory unit is associated with the area, list each unit/acreage and answer each
question individually for each inventory unit):
Unit #
1-146A
Size
(historic
acres)
72,160
Natural
Condition?
Y/N
Outstanding
Solitude?
Y/N
Y
Y
Outstanding
Primitive &
Unconfined
Recreation?
Y/N
Y
Supplemental
Values?
Y/N
Y
Summarize any known primary reasons for prior inventory findings listed in this table:
The majority of the subunit was described as a large basin ringed by hills on the west,
north, and east. The area was open to the south. Vegetation in the subunit was primarily a
big sagebrush community with sparsely scattered junipers at higher elevations. The subunit
contained five lakebed pits that were substantially noticeable in close proximity. The
subunit contained 16 miles of primitive vehicle ways, a reservoir, and a tank; all of which
were substantially unnoticeable. A 3,800-acre crested wheatgrass seeding was noted in
Hawk Valley along the northern edge of the subunit that was substantially noticeable. The
final decision removed this seeded area from the unit boundary.
The topography within the subunit provided the potential to avoid the sights and sounds of
others and was found to be outstanding. The surrounding hills and peaks within the subunit
offered ample opportunity for hiking and backpacking. The subunit unit was found to offer
a high potential for primitive and unconfined recreation. The potential presence of
1
archeological values and the adjacent proposed wilderness on the Sheldon National
Antelope Refuge were noted as supplemental values.
FORM 2
CURRENT CONDITIONS: Presence or Absence of Wilderness Characteristics
Unit Number/Name: OR-015-146D/ Hawk Mountain Northeast
Acreage: _3,194_______
(1) Is the unit of sufficient size? (If the area meets one of the exceptions to the size criterion, check
No
“Yes” and describe the exception below) Yes X
Description: Between 2008 and 2012, BLM staff conducted field inventory of the area to update
its road and wilderness inventories. This field work included photo documentation of the
potential inventory unit boundary routes. Using BLM and (where available) citizen-provided
photos, field logs, and staff field knowledge, a BLM inter-disciplinary (ID) team completed an
analysis of motorized routes within the area in 2012. The results of the route analysis are
documented in the route analysis forms contained in the wilderness evaluation file.
The BLM ID team determined that BLM Roads 6126-00 and 6126-C0 currently meet the
wilderness inventory definition of boundary roads and form inventory unit boundaries. The
south side of the unit is bounded by a fence. This fence was used as the boundary to exclude the
unnatural Hawk Valley crested wheatgrass seeding/brush control treatment area from the historic
unit 1-146A boundary in 1980.
The current OR-015-146D inventory unit is located about 42 miles southeast of Adel, Oregon
(Map 1), is approximately 5.6 miles long and 1.2 miles wide, and encompasses approximately
3,194 acres of BLM-administered lands. While the unit is less than 5,000 acres in size, it is
contiguous to the Hawk Mountain WSA (Map 2) and meets the exception to the size criteria.
Additional background on the process that the BLM ID team followed during this evaluation is
contained in the document, Wilderness Inventory Maintenance Process for the Lakeview
Resource Area, BLM, contained in the wilderness inventory file.
No _X____ N/A
(2) Is the unit in a natural condition? Yes
The west side of the WSA is characterized by rolling sagebrush hills and low broken rimrock
grading eastward toward the lake basin known as Hawksie Walksie. To the east are buttes of
partially exposed columnar basalt, areas of colorful volcanic soils and stone, and high tablelands
incised by rocky draws. Elevation ranges from 5,600 to 7,234 feet. The vegetation consists of
primarily big sagebrush-bunchgrass communities with low sagebrush flats. Mountain shrub
communities occur on northern slopes at higher elevations. Tree species are limited to scattered
2
junipers and one grove of mountain mahogany. The WSA was found to be generally natural
because of the scattered locations of developments and large size.
Vegetation within current unit OR-015-146D consists primarily of crested wheatgrass and some
invading rabbitbrush and sagebrush. Current developments inside the unit include: 2 small
exclosure or corral fences, 4.4 miles of pipeline, 0.1 miles of water diversion ditching, 3.3 miles
of primitive motorized routes, 0.9 miles of reclaiming motorized routes, 10 waterholes, 4 water
troughs, and 1 storage tank. Due to the relatively small size of the area and relatively high
density of developments, it would be difficult for a visitor to avoid the presence of human
disturbances anywhere within the unit boundary. In addition, there are about 6.8 miles of fence
on the southern and eastern edge of this unit that is substantially noticeable and negatively
impacts the natural character of the area.
Based on a review of all of the available information, the BLM ID team concluded that the
natural character within the unit has not improved since 1980. While the vegetation within the
unit has become more natural in appearance to the casual observer, the number of other
developments in the area has increased. Overall, the unit remains in an unnatural condition
where the imprints of man are substantially noticeable.
(3) Does the unit (or the remainder of the unit if a portion has been excluded due to
unnaturalness and the remainder is of sufficient size) have outstanding opportunities for
solitude?
Yes
No
N/A___X_____
The BLM ID team did not evaluate current opportunities for solitude within this unit because the
unit failed to meet the naturalness criteria.
(4) Does the unit (or the remainder of the unit if a portion has been excluded due to
unnaturalness and the remainder is of sufficient size) have outstanding opportunities for
primitive and unconfined recreation? Yes
No
N/A___X_____
The BLM ID team did not evaluate current opportunities for primitive recreation within this unit
because the unit failed to meet the naturalness criteria.
(5) Does the unit have supplemental values? Yes
No
N/A__X____
The BLM ID team did not evaluate supplemental values within this unit because the unit failed
to meet the naturalness criteria.
3
Summary of Analysis*
Unit Name and Number: OR-015-146D / Hawk Mountain Addition
Summary Results of Analysis:
1. Does the area meet the size requirements?
__X _Yes _ _ _No
2. Does the area appear to be natural?
_
_ Yes _X_ _No ___ N/A
3. Does the area offer outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and
unconfined type of recreation?
__ __ Yes ____No _X__ N/A
4. Does the area have supplemental values?
__
_ Yes ____No _X_ N/A
Conclusion (Check One):
__ ___ The area- or a portion of the area- has wilderness character:
(items 1, 2 and 3 must be checked “yes”).
__X _ _ The area does not have wilderness character: (any of items 1, 2 and 3 are
checked “no”).
4
Prepared by (ID Team Member Names and Titles):
~rz._
Date
~-<
Les Boothe: Range Management Specialist
Date
Approved by:
~·
Date
Thomas E. Rasmussen
Field Manager
*This form documents information that constitutes an inventory finding on wilderness characteristics. It does not
represent a formal/and use allocation or a final agency decision subject to administrative remedies under either
43 CFRparts 4 or 1610.5-2.
/
5
FORM 1
DOCUMENTATION OF BLM WILDERNESS INVENTORY FINDINGS ON RECORD
1. Is there existing BLM wilderness inventory information on all or part of this area?
No
(go to Form 2) Yes ___X____ (if more than one unit is within the area,
list the names/numbers of those units.)
a) Inventory Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management,
Wilderness Inventory. Oregon and Washington. Final Intensive Inventory Decisions.
November, 1980 (p. 107-108), and U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land
Management, Wilderness Review - Intensive Inventory. Final Decision on 30 Selected
Units in Southeast Oregon and Proposed Decisions on Other Intensively Inventoried
Units in Oregon and Washington. March, 1980 (p 156-158).
b) Inventory Unit Name(s)/Number(s): _1-146A / Hawk Mountain and 1-146 /
Hawksie Walksie
c) Map Name(s)/Number(s): U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land
Management, Oregon. Intensive Wilderness Inventory. Final Decisions. November
1980, and U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon.
Intensive Wilderness Inventory. Final Decision on 30 Selected Units in Southeast
Oregon and Proposed Decisions for Other Intensively Inventoried Units. March 1980.
d) BLM District(s)/Field Office(s): Lakeview District, Lakeview Resource Area
2. BLM Inventory Findings on Record
Existing inventory information regarding wilderness characteristics (if more than one
BLM inventory unit is associated with the area, list each unit/acreage and answer each
question individually for each inventory unit):
Unit #
1-146A
Size
(historic
acres)
72,160
Natural
Condition?
Y/N
Outstanding
Solitude?
Y/N
Y
Y
Outstanding
Primitive &
Unconfined
Recreation?
Y/N
Y
Supplemental
Values?
Y/N
Y
Summarize any known primary reasons for prior inventory findings listed in this table:
The majority of the subunit was described as a large basin ringed by hills on the west,
north, and east. The area was open to the south. Vegetation in the subunit was primarily a
big sagebrush community with sparsely scattered junipers at higher elevations. The subunit
contained five lakebed pits that were substantially noticeable in close proximity. The
subunit contained 16 miles of primitive vehicle ways, a reservoir, and a tank; all of which
were substantially unnoticeable. A 3,800-acre crested wheatgrass seeding was noted in
1
Hawk Valley along the northern edge of the subunit that was substantially noticeable. The
final decision removed this seeded area from the unit boundary.
The topography within the subunit provided the potential to avoid the sights and sounds of
others and was found to be outstanding. The surrounding hills and peaks within the subunit
offered ample opportunity for hiking and backpacking. The subunit unit was found to offer
a high potential for primitive and unconfined recreation. The potential presence of
archeological values and the adjacent proposed wilderness on the Sheldon National
Antelope Refuge were noted as supplemental values.
In addition, one small 760-acre subunit was identified in March 1980 located in T.41S.,
R.29E, sections 2, 3, 4, and 10, that did not meet the size criteria and was not inventoried
further (p. 156).
2
FORM 2
CURRENT CONDITIONS: Presence or Absence of Wilderness Characteristics
Unit Number/Name: Sagehen and Basque Hills Area Small Inventory Units
Acreage: _<5,000 _______
(1) Is the unit of sufficient size? (If the area meets one of the exceptions to the size criterion, check
No
X
“Yes” and describe the exception below) Yes
Description: Between 2008 and 2012, BLM staff conducted field inventory of the area to update
its road and wilderness inventories. This field work included photo documentation of the
potential inventory unit boundary routes. Using BLM and (where available) citizen-provided
photos, field logs, and staff field knowledge, a BLM inter-disciplinary (ID) team completed an
analysis of motorized routes within the area in 2012. The results of the route analysis are
documented in the route analysis forms contained in the wilderness evaluation file.
The BLM ID team determined that BLM Roads 6126-00, 6126-C0, 6176-00, 6176-A0, and
6176-AA currently meet the wilderness inventory definition of boundary roads and form
inventory unit boundaries. As a result, 2 inventory units were identified within the Sagehen and
Basque Hills areas that did not meet the size criteria or any of the exceptions to the size criteria.
(Four other small units were identified that met the exceptions to the size criteria and were
evaluated separately). These units are located about 30-39 miles southeast of Adel, Oregon (Map
1).
The BLM ID team determined that both of these small units (numbered OR-015-0000) were
bounded by roads and consequently were adjacent to, rather than contiguous with, the Sagehen
Hills, Hawk Mountain, or Basque Hills wilderness study areas (WSAs). Refer to Maps 2A and
2B.
Additional background on the process that the BLM ID team followed during this evaluation is
contained in the document, Wilderness Inventory Maintenance Process for the Lakeview
Resource Area, BLM, contained in the wilderness inventory file.
(2) Is the unit in a natural condition? Yes
No _____ N/A X
The current natural condition of these two small units was not evaluated because they failed to
meet the minimum size requirement or any of the exceptions to the size requirements.
(3) Does the unit (or the remainder of the unit if a portion has been excluded due to
unnaturalness and the remainder is of sufficient size) have outstanding opportunities for
solitude?
Yes
No
N/A___X_____
3
The current opportunities for solitude within these two small units were not evaluated because
they failed to meet the minimum size requirement or any of the exceptions to the size
requirements.
(4) Does the unit (or the remainder of the unit if a portion has been excluded due to
unnaturalness and the remainder is of sufficient size) have outstanding opportunities for
primitive and unconfined recreation? Yes
No
N/A___X_____
The current opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation within these two small units
were not evaluated because they failed to meet the minimum size requirement or any of the
exceptions to the size requirements.
(5) Does the unit have supplemental values? Yes
No
N/A__X____
Supplemental values were not evaluated within these two small units was not evaluated because
they failed to meet the minimum size requirement or any of the exceptions to the size
requirements.
Summary of Analysis*
Unit Name and Number: Sagehen and Basque Hills Area Small Inventory Units
Summary Results of Analysis:
1. Does the area meet the size requirements?
__ _Yes _ X _ _No
2. Does the area appear to be natural?
_
_ Yes __ _No _X__ N/A
3. Does the area offer outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and
unconfined type of recreation?
__ __ Yes ____No _X__ N/A
4. Does the area have supplemental values?
__
_ Yes ____No _X_ N/A
Conclusion (Check One):
__ ___ The area- or a portion of the area- has wilderness character:
(items 1, 2 and 3 must be checked “yes”).
__X __ The area does not have wilderness character: (any of items 1, 2 and 3 are
checked “no”).
4
Prepared by (ID Team Member Names and Titles):
~rz._
Date
~-<
Les Boothe: Range Management Specialist
Date
Approved by:
~·
Date
Thomas E. Rasmussen
Field Manager
*This form documents information that constitutes an inventory finding on wilderness characteristics. It does not
represent a formal/and use allocation or a final agency decision subject to administrative remedies under either
43 CFRparts 4 or 1610.5-2.
/
5
Map 1 - Wilderness Characteristics Evaluation Area
Deschutes County
Lake County
Fort Rock
Christmas Valley
Silver Lake
395
£
¤
Summer Lake
Legend
Resource Area Boundary
Wilderness Characteristics Inventory Area
Cities
Major Utility Corridors
Valley Falls
Plush
Lakeview
Harney County
Major Roads
Lake County
Lake County
Klamath County
Paisley
0 4.25 8.5
17 Miles
.
Adel
No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management as to the accuracy,
reliability, or completeness of these data for individual or aggregate use with
other data. Original data were compiled from various sources. This information
may not meet National M ap Accuracy Standards. This product was developed
through digital means and may be updated without notification .
New Pine Creek
6-B
611
0
76
61
611
6-B
B
Legend
Reclaiming Routes
-B
611 6
Closed Routes
0
Water Developments
611 6-B C
Motorized Routes
Motorized and Non-Motorized Trails
6116-B0
Water Developments
D
00
Fences
6116-0
-B
Seeding Treatments
Wildfires
Wilderness Characteristics
Oregon WSA
611 6-B A
76
61
Other
00
Bureau of Land Management
State Agency
U.S. Fish and W ildlife Service
U.S. Forest Service
-A
76
61
A
«
0
6176-AF
611 6
-B
61 76 -A
0
6 -0
61 7
Hawk Mountain WSA
A
611 6
-D
0 61
76
-00
61
76
-
00
OR-015-0000
61
76
-
A0
61 76 -00
61
76
-
0
0.075
0.15
Sage Hen Hills WSA
0.3
Miles
Map 2A - Wilderness Characteristics in Sagehen Hills Area
A0
D
D
D
D
Reclaiming Routes
0
D
ACEC
26
61
D
Other
D
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
D0
OR-015-084G
0
61 26
-D
D D
26
61
E0
61 26 -F
A
0
D
D
D
61 26
-00
-00
D
D
D DD
DD
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
AB
61
26
-
26
61
26
61
D
AE
AG
0
0.225
0.45
0.9
Miles
00
-G
D
Hawksie-Walksie
6126-A D
82
51
-
6
61 2
C
-A
-00
OR-015-146D
D D
D
D
D
-A
D
6
61 2
61 26 -00
6126-H
D
A0
26
61
D
00
D
26
61
Hawk Mountain WSA
D
-00
61 26
61 26
-00
D
26
61
D
61 26
Map 2B - Wilderness Characteristics in Basque Hills
D
D D
D D
D
D
D
D
D D
D
D
D D D D D
D
D
D
D
D
D
D
South Area
D
D
D
D
61 26
-00
D
D
61 26 -C0
6126-F 0
D
00
61
26
-
D
61
26
-C
00
D
DD
D
D D
D
D
D
D
D D
D D D D
D D D
D D D D
D
D
D D
61
26
-
D
6126-00
-C 0
D D D
D
D D
D
D
6126 -C0
61 2
6
61 2
6
61
26
-
D
D D D
D
6176-D0
00
61
26
-
D
OR-015-146C
D
D D D
OR-015-082P
OR-015-0000
01 66
-00
61 26
-00
61 26
Rincon WSA
D
61 26 -0
0
DA
D D D D D
«
26
61
D0
D
6-
D D
61
D D
D
D
State Agency
U.S. Forest Service
7
D
Bureau of Land Management
DB
D
Oregon WSA
D
Wilderness Characteristics
D
Wildfires
D
Basque Hills WSA
Seeding Treatments
-A
Mineral Pits
Locatable Mining Disturbances
01 6
6
"
/
D
Fences
D
Water Developments
D
D
-D
61 26
Closed Routes
Water Developments
D
Motorized and Non-Motorized Trails
D
Motorized Routes
D
D
DD
District Boundary
D
D
Legend
8251-00
Legend
Wilderness Characteristics
Juniper Density Class
High
Medium
Low
Lakeview District Slope
Value
0-2
2.1 - 15
15.1 - 35
35.1 - 60
>60
­
OR-015-082P
OR-015-084G
OR-015-146C
0
0.25
0.5
1 Miles
Map 3 - Screening in Basque Hills South Area
No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management as to the accuracy,
reliability, or completeness of these data for individual or aggregate
use with other data. Original data were compiled from various sources.
This information may not meet National M ap Accuracy Standards. This
product was developed through digital means and may be updated without
notification.