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Joseph Canyon Potential Wilderness

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Joseph Canyon Potential Wilderness Joseph Canyon Potential Wilderness Wallowa County 40,221 acres Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Description: oseph Canyon exemplifies the J rugged topography of northeast Oregon characterized by canyons Swamp Creek Canyon from Starvation Ridge: photo by Dan Kelly. with very steep, grass- Hikers climb Starvation Ridge: inset photo by David Mildrexler. covered side slopes interspersed with numerous exposed basalt layers. The area is well-known, largely because of the Joseph Canyon Viewpoint, a highway pullout 30 miles north of Enterprise that overlooks the 2,000-foot depths of Joseph Canyon and is one of 38 sites that form the Nez Perce National Historical Park (http://www.nps.gov/nepe/index.htm). The Joseph Canyon Roadless Area is comprised of three main drainages: Swamp, Davis and Joseph Creeks. Joseph and Swamp Creeks are designated wild and scenic rivers within the roadless area and the Joseph Canyon Creek system is home to a large population of native Snake River steelhead, listed as threatened under ESA in August 1998. The area is renowned for wildlife and harbors old growth Ponderosa Pine woodlands. Joseph Canyon includes the historic Chico Trail and has significant historical value that embraces all of the major peoples that have shaped the region; the Nez Perce Indians; pioneers and settlers, the Forest Service, and backcountry hunters and hikers. The trails have been used since time immemorial. The proposed Joseph Canyon Wilderness area adjoins the Nez Perce Precious Lands Wildlife Area to the north (http://www.nezperce.org/Wolf/Exec_Summary.pdf). The Precious Lands are 15,000 acres of contiguous “roadless” lands including portions of Joseph Canyon and also adjoin to BLM and State lands to the north. The protection of adjacent lands significantly heightens the conservation value of Joseph Canyon. Efforts to gain the interest of U.S. Congressmen were successful in 1983 when the area was included as a part of HB 1149, a wilderness bill sponsored by Congressmen Weaver, Wyden, and AuCoin. It was not, however, included in the Senate version of the 1984 Oregon wilderness bill sponsored by Senator Hatfield. Natural, ecological and scenic value: oseph Canyon is a key travel corridor for many wildlife species J between the remote Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. This area provides escapement for elk, deer and bear during hunting seasons. Over half of this roadless area is within elk winter range and the northern part within Joseph Creek is used by a herd of bighorn sheep. The many rock cliffs provide nesting for avian species such as peregrine falcon, roosting sites for bats, and unique habitats for other wildlife species (e.g. cougars). Condor historically used Joseph Canyon and one of the historical Nez Perce names for the area was “Condor Canyon.” The areas scenic beauty is remarkable, and in addition to the Joseph Canyon Viewpoint, provides unique vistas of the Wallowas and Seven Devils. Solitude and recreation: ackcountry hunting, horse-back riding, and hiking have long B been popular in Joseph Canyon. Solitude permeates the deep, rugged canyons, separated by remote ridgetops. Starvation Ridge provides vast views and an expansive feeling of solitude. Threats: otorized recreation is the Seven Devils and Findley Buttes from Starvation greatest threat to Joseph Ridge: photos by David Mildrexler. M Canyon. The Forest Service has proposed designating the historic Chico Trail as a motorized route under the Wallowa-Whitman Travel Management Plan. The Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision provides the opportunity to recommend that the entire roadless area be designated Wilderness. For more information contact David Mildrexler at [email protected]. Hells Canyon Preservation Council, Post Office Box 2768, La Grande, Oregon 97850. .
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