Wilderness Area Status
Designated Wilderness Area Year Designated: 2004
Act or Law: Lincoln County Conservation, Recreation and Development Act of 2004 Acres: 43693 State Region: Eastern Nevada County Regions: Lincoln
Management
Managing Agency: Bureau of Land Management Local District: Ely Field Office Contact Info: (775) 289-1800 702 North Industrial Way HC 33 Box 33500 Ely, NV89301 Visit the website (will open a new window)
Area Description
Part of the Wilson Creek Mountain Range, Parsnip Peak Wilderness provides an outstanding array of recreation and solitude. The area is pristine, with riparian areas, wildlife and forest. The rugged nature of this land prevents much use by livestock, hence its springs and riparian areas are relatively free of livestock trampling.
Recreation This area is good for hiking and camping, riding and rock climbing, hunting and trapping, plus the study of archaeology and geology.
Archaeology Abundant prehistoric sites exist here. The Mount Wilson Archaeological District was delineated in the north end of the wilderness and is eligible for nomination for the National Register of Historic Places. Pre-historic sites include campsites, rock rings, rock shelters and rock art. A unique feature is the "Indian Playground", an elaborate maze-like rock alignment which can be clearly seen from the air.
Flora & fauna Forest cover varies with elevation and aspect, with aspen groves and Douglas fir predominating on the north and east facing slopes and thickets of mountain mahogany blanketing the south. Deer, elk and other ungulates browse these stands. Golden eagles like the pockets of fir which survive in craggy niches in the higher elevations. Native grasses flourish throughout the wilderness.
This wilderness is a component of the Bureau of Land Management's National Conservation Lands.
Wildlife:
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