Inventoried Land with Wilderness Character (LWC) in the Battle Mountain BLM District
Current LWC Status: Proposed
Acres: 18,247
State Region: West Central
County: Eureka
Managing Agency:
Bureau of Land Management
Battle Mountain District Office
50 Bastian Rd. Battle Mountain, NV 89820
(775) 635-4000
Battle Mountain District BLM Website
Area Description:
The unit consists of rolling sage hills interspaced with surprising areas of diverse terrain. Tall limestone cliffs cap the canyon of Robert’s Creek, arches and spires are visible in strange rock shapes. Mountain mahogany trees dot these faces, giving the landscape an odd and unique Mediterranean feel. Elsewhere, sage lands are dotted with pinion pines and junipers and punctuated by the occasional cliff or rock outcrop. Ample water brings vegetation to the canyons, and springs also add splashes of green to the landscape. Dense stands of pinion and juniper can be found scatter along the walls of the west canyons and the southern aprons of this unit. Aspen groves, wild rose, and willow are but few of the many plants making up the diverse vegetation found within this unit. Vegetation and growth cover much of the region and often make passage challenging. This unit supports multiple springs providing critical water resources for wildlife. Wildlife is abundant here, as evidenced by ample scat and other signs. Mule deer and wild horses seem to be the predominant herbivores, while smaller animals are also plentiful. Reptiles, rodents, and predators all exist here in this rich ecosystem. Birds of prey roost in the many cliffs and rocks, and can often be seen soaring high above. Smaller sage birds nest here as well, and in addition to the numerous common song birds along the riparian areas. This unit provides excellent sage grouse habitat. Several leks were spotted near springs and on the hillsides during inventory work.
The high rolling terrain in the center of unit creates small isolated meadows open to the immensity of the sky and out of sight from the rest of the unit. The tall limestone cliffs above Robert’s Creek provide craggy cliffs, arches, and spires were visitors can find seclude spots. The mountain mahogany trees that dot these faces add to the opportunities for solitude. Dense stands of pinion and juniper found scattered throughout west canyons and the southern aprons of this unit provide additional outstanding opportunities. Out here one gets a sense that they are truly alone. It is quiet except for wind through the hills and the occasional call of animals. This is truly a remote and isolated place.
This unit offers outstanding opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation. Nearly every inch of this unit is accessible to the visitor with the determination and skills to traverse trackless wilderness. The numerous springs, groves, and hills provide outstanding destinations for hiking and backpacking. Many birds and wildlife are present as well, providing opportunities for viewing and excellent hunting. Mule deer, chukar, are some of the animals available for game. Rock climbing and scrambling routes also exist along the northern cliffs of solid limestone. Here the rock is firm and has plentiful holds. This rock would also be the perfect host for extensive caves. Days of exploration could be spent wandering these mountains and taking in the magnificent scenery. The area is extremely photogenic, especially in fall when the aspen forests cover the landscape with hues of red, gold, green and chocolate brown. Other activities include: cross country skiing; snowshoeing; orienteering, landscape painting and sketching; rock scrambling; hiking; orienteering; backpacking; rock hounding; bird watching; primitive camping; horseback riding, hunting, and general sightseeing. This unit is within one of the darkest regions of the United States. The opportunity for star gazing, and night sky photography are truly outstanding.
This area provides prime habitat for the Greater Sage Grouse. The wildness, remoteness, and natural integrity of this unit provide unparalleled opportunities for studies in natural history, geology, and ecology. The limestone ridges on the western side of the unit provide outstanding examples of sedimentary geological structures.
