's Discovery

Main theme: As the northernmost portion of the Great Basin, Oregon's high desert is characterized by wetland oases and isolated mountain islands. Rich in natural resources, these areas have attracted wildlife and humans for thousands of years. Burns Open dependent upon inside vs. outside location Projected average length of visit: 10 minutes

Facilities and services available to the visitor Orientation sign in visual format/Tourism information (including facilities and mileage) Printed informational maps/brochures/newspaper

Visitor experience "Through design of simple display utilizing symbols, visitors will easily locate what there is to see and do within the Oregon High Desert Discovery focusing on the USFWS/BLM facilities. *Interpretive information will provide visual introduction to the overall theme of the entire loop from Burns to Lakeview. *Orientation map will include symbols indicating where to find gas, lodging, campgrounds, picnic and contact stations. 'Information will be included for advertisements of local services such as lodging, food and gas stations. Topics 1. How far away major facilities are, how long it takes to get there, highlights of what there is to see and do with a sampling of activities and the amount of time it takes to do them with more specific detail on the northern end of the loop. 2. Photographs/drawings which highlight the major habitats, activities and facilities including scenic byways.

Wrights Point Open year-round Projected average length of visit: 10 minutes

Facilities and services available to the visitor: Orientation/Interpretive Signs with seasonal updates

Visitor experience *Orientation information/map will simply and quickly welcome and orient visitors to the USFWS/BLM facilities and opportunities available within the Oregon High Desert Discovery "Interpretive information will introduce the overall theme of the entire loop from Burns to Lakeview . "Orientation map will include symbols indicating where to find gas, lodging, campgrounds, picnic and contact stations. "Future driving tour brochure will highlight the history of Wright's Point. Messages /Topics 1. Orientation information will include more specific focus on the northern end of the loop: "Malheur, Steens and Diamond Craters and byway driving times and mileage 2. Signs will briefly highlight the themes and stories of Steens, Malheur, and Diamond Craters: "the wetland habitat of Malheur and pre-history "the glacial mountain habitats and historic heritage of the Steens "the volcanic features of Diamond Craters 3. Signs will utilize the scenic views from Wright's Point to: "introduce the basin and range landscape. "create a sense of adventure and anticipation for the diversity of experiences awaiting the visitor. 4. Safety and regulatory information will be positively interpreted including reasons why they exist. Profile of Visitor Experience: Malheur National Wildlife Refuge April 29, 1991 Profile of Visitor Center: Accessible to visitor: . Open year-round, 7 days a week . Closed major holidays Facilities and services available to visitor: . Restrooms * . 2 Educational classrooms/meeting rooms . Water fountain* . Observation deck with spotting scopes * . Exhibits . Staffed Information/Reception area . Gift shop * These facilities accessible to visitors 365 days a year The visitor experience: . Scenic and wildlife viewing: . Outdoor observation deck with spotting scopes overlooking Malheur Lake . Interior windows provide panoramic view of Malheur Lake . Exhibits: Main exhibit theme: The wetlands of Malheur NWR are a relatively abundant and reliable source of water in an otherwise dry environment. As such, they are and have been important to both wildlife and humans for thousands of years. . Exhibits will acquaint visitor with: 1. reasons why refuge is important to wildlife 2. concept of diverse habitats, especially wetland habitats 3. concept that different species use different habitats; some use a variety of habitats 4. reasons why refuge is managed 5. overview of human use of resources at Malheur 6. concepts of archaeology Projected average length of visit: 30 minutes

Buena Vista Overlook: Accessible to visitor: . Year round, 365 days a year Services available to visitor: . Exhibits . Refuge map with information and orientation The visitor experience: . Excellent opportunity to see great variety of wildlife, esp. waterfowl . Panoramic overlook of ponds and fields . Exhibits will acquaint visitors with: 1. Waterfowl brood rearing needs 2. How and why management helps meet these needs 3. Other types of wildlife that also rely on these ponds throughout the year Projected average length of visit: 10 minutes Benson Ponds: Accessible to visitor: . Year round, 365 days a year Services available to visitor: . Exhibits . Refuge map with information and orientation The visitor experience: . Large shade trees invite visitors to rest and look for wildlife . Excellent place to see wildlife, esp. trumpeter swans and owls . Exhibits will acquaint the visitor with: 1. Concept of endangered species 2. History, recovery and needs of trumpeter swans 3. Habitat and dietary needs, and unique adaptations of several species of owls 4. Trees attract different species of wildlife Projected average length of visit: 15 minutes

Knox Ponds: Accessible to visitor: .Year-round, 365 days a year Services available to visitor: .Exhibits .Refuge map with information and orientation The visitor experience: . Excellent place to see sandhill cranes and other wading birds . Exhibits to acquaint visitor with: 1. Variety of habitats needed by sandhill cranes 2. Concept that habitat loss makes refuge critical to sandhill populations, putting heavy de on the refuge 3. Life history/"gee whiz" information on cranes 4. Concept of colonial nesters, e.g. white-faced ibis Projected average length of visit: 10 minutes

P Ranch: Accessible to visitor: . Year-round, 365 days a year Services available to visitor: . Exhibits . Refuge map with information and orientation The visitor experience: . Visitors can walk informally among the several remaining historic and reconstructed structures of French's residential site . Visitors can walk through the Long barn . Visitors get a good look at a variety of Malheur's habitats here . Exhibits will acquaint visitors with: 1. Pete French and the empire he built 2. French's innovativeness and resourcefulness 3. Riparian, river and meadow habitats and associated species Projected average length of visit: 15 minutes Interpretive Themes and Topics: Malheur National Wildlife Refuge April 29,1991

Main theme for Malheur NWR: The wetlands found on Malheur NWR are a relatively abundant and reliable source of water in an otherwise dry environment. As such, they are and have been important to both wildlife and humans for thousands of years.

Visitor Center topics: I. Water makes Malheur NWR an important oasis that provides critical habitat for many species of birds, especially waterfowl.

A. Water in the desert: a vital and scarce commodity B. Water creates a variety of habitats for wildlife 1. Wetlands: If you've seen one wetland, have you seen them all? Not from a bird's point of view! 2. Riparian zones attract a great diversity of wildlife 3. Meadows: This transition from wetlands to upland provides food and nesting cover for many species typically associated with wetlands; provides habitat for the widest array of wildlife needs on the refuge 4. Uplands: Although Malheur's wetlands attract many birds, there are species who depend on the uplands

II. Humans have been drawn to Malheur's abundant resources for thousands of years. (A walk back through time) A. The refuge today, a magnet for people who enjoy observing the abundant resources B. CCC: helped shape the refuge, constructions to enhance habitats C. In the late 1800s, plume hunters wreaked havoc, nearly decimated the grebe and egret populations at Malheur. D. Cattle barons, esp. Pete French, were drawn to the lush grasslands and abundance of water E. Fur trappers scoured the area for beavers F. Historic Native Americans G. Prehistoric Native Americans Malheur: Topics for selected interpretive sites

Buena Vista: 1. These ponds, and the surrounding areas, are important to ducklings, goslings, and cygnets. 2. Without management these ponds and the surrounding habitats would not meet the demands of so many waterfowl. 3. These ponds attract other wildlife year-round. 4. Refuge map and orientation panel

Benson Ponds: 1. The variety of habitats here attracts different species of wildlife. 2. The survival of trumpeter swans depends on ponds like these. 3. Different species of owls find the food and habitat they need here. 4. Owls: These silent hunters in the night have unique adaptations Knox Ponds: 1. Sandhill cranes need a variety of habitats. 2. Life history/"Gee whiz" information on cranes 3. White-face ibis: colonial nesters: There are advantages to flocking together!

P Ranch: (part of interpretive trail from Frenchglen Visitor Center) 1. Through his drive, know-how and innovativeness, Pete French rose from hired hand to cattle baron, building the largest single cattle ranch in the U.S. 2. Remaining structures are testimony to French's innovativeness 3. Thanks to habitat diversity, the greatest variety of wildlife on the refuge is found here. Steens Mountain

Profile of Frenchglen Visitor Center Projected Average Length of Visit: 30-45 minutes Open seasonally, 7 days a week

Facilities and services available to the visitor:

All facilities will be barrier free including hearing and visually impaired Interpretive displays and exhibits Sales Area Orientation/Reception Area Auditorium/Meeting Room/Classroom with AV Capabilities Possible outside amphitheater Possible small research/pleasure library Interpretive trail to P Ranch Outbuildings Outdoor interpretive signing in partnership with Frenchglen Hotel 24 Hour Orientation outside information/Restrooms/Drinking Fountain Two Offices

The visitor experience

*Displays/Orientation/Center Design should warmly welcome visitor and introduce themes. *Should feel immersed in natural landscape and lifestyle of area through arch, design Opportunity to view AV presentation/use small library Opportunity to experience interpretive trail through wetland area to Ranch outbuildings Opportunity to attend guided special programs in outside amphitheater or indoor auditorium Opportunity to volunteer in interpretive programs Outdoor Porch with benches offers view to small wetland area *Wander in town and view outside interpretive signs for Frenchglen Hotel

Central Theme

Contrasting desert playa to large fault block mountain, the Steens has had a major influence on the natural and cultural patterns of life within the Northern Great Basin.

Displays will introduce the following support themes: 1. Water, flowing or frozen has created the surounding environment and controls the life within it. 2. Stout-hearted ranchers and early homesteaders shared the hardships of rural living as they competed for an existance in the desert wilderness. 3. As a geologic island rising from playa to alpine, the Steens supports a diversity of plants and animals. 4. Magma at Diamond Craters forms an outstanding diversity of volcanic features in an array of shapes and sizes.

Topics and Message Objectives: 1. Reveal past experience's of early settlers and homesteaders such as Pete French and his control of land and water, the Riddle Brothers and others to provide unique insight into the conditions which shape the values, attitudes and lifestyles of this region. This includes information on how these lands are managed today with mention of General Land Office and transition to BLM. Stories include mention of large cattle ranching operations in . Explores the changing role of management to value balancing human and resource needs in the Great Basin-this includes grazing. The diversity of specially managed areas in the Steens will be included-WSA's, RNA's, ACEC's, Wild and Scenic Rivers and Recreation Lands inclusion of private landowners. The historic flavor will influence the design of the rest of the displays. 2. Introduce the geologic and glacial picture focusing on the Steens formation including creative explanation of fault-block, uplift, Alvord Basin sinkage, and glaciation with keys to how to recognize features seen today. Brief mention of resulting water patterns, cycles and rain shadow effect which contrasts the east and west sides of the mountain. Malheur wetlands included here. 3. Introduce the characteristics of the Northern Great Basin including temperature and precipitation as a brief setting to focus on the life zones and plant and wildlife distribution from the Alvord desert to the alpine at the top of the Steens. The various plant communities will be introduced as a blend of environmental conditions, plants and wildlife stressing relationships and adaptations, striking elevational changes in brief distance. Wild Horse Herds and grazing mentioned. 4. Simple and easy orientation to regional and Steens recreation opportunities including major opportunities and features of Diamond Craters, scenic byways. Messages related to sensitive resources will be included.

Frenchglen Hotel " Interpretive Media: Interpretive Sign Projected length of visit: 10 minutes

Visitor Experience 1. Messages promote a look into the past history of the community of Frenchglen to provide unique insight into the conditions which shaped the values, attitudes and lifestyles of these rural communities. 2. This sign will tell the story of the hotel and the community in a possible partnership with Oregon State Parks.

Frenchglen Visitor Center Interpretive Trail Interpretive Media: Two Outside Interpretive Signs on trail to P Ranch Projected length of visit: 15 minutes

Visitor Experience 1. Message will introduce the importance of water to people and the power which it brought to those who controlled it in an arid setting. Messages encourage sensory stimulation utilizing shade, sounds of water to create perspective of living in this region. This serves as an introduction to signs at the P Ranch. Steens Loop Road Selected Sites-Seasonal Use

Kiger Gorge Interpretive Media: Interpretive sign to enhance viewing of spectacular canyon Projected Length of visit: 10-30 minutes

Visitor Experience: Theme: Water, flowing or frozen has created the surounding environment and controls the life within it. 1. Messages promote exploration of an ice age past which has greatly influenced the physical landscape we see today. Messages will create a visual painting of the ice age landscape-glaciation stories, identification of features, head waters of Malheur, Diamond Area, how canyons formed, 2. Messages will utilize creative examples to illustrate pressures of ice-not text book examples of glaciation to explain to people-more contemporary.

East Rim Overlook Interpretive Media: Interpretive sign Projected length of visit: 10-30 minutes

Visitor Experience: Theme: A geologic island, the Steens offers a diversity of living conditions for wildlife ranging from playa to alpine. 1. Messages will promote contrasting steep mountain slopes which drop to a vast desert expanse and the idea that the Steens is a composite of climatic and geologic events which influence the presence of life found here. 2. Messages will explain the origin of the Steens, fault block and basin sinkage, Great Basin characteristics and rain shadow effect which creates contrasting east and west ecosystems.

Summit /Wildhorse Overlook Interpretive Media: Interpretive trailhead sign to introduce theme and orientation to trails and botanic features, Interpretive sign at Summit and Wildhorse Lake overlooks. Projected length of visit: 30 minutes-1 hour

Visitor Experience: Theme: This geologic island serves as biologic crossroads, supporting a diversity of creatures along this ecological staircase from playa to alpine. Water, flowing or frozen has created the surounding environment and controls the life within it. 1. Messages for the Summit trail will introduce the Steens as a botanic crossroads that is home to an alpine plant community not usually associated with the desert. 2. Messages for the Summit will highlight patterns of life on top of the mountain including the ecology of the sub-alpine and alpine including plant i.d. and adaptations. Trail orientation messages will include sensitivity of plant community to human impacts. 3. Messages will motivate people to hike to the overlooks. 4. Message at Wildhorse overlook will provide insight into formation of hanging valley formed during the second glaciation. Foot of Little Blitzen Trail/Overlook Interpretive Media: Interpretive Sign, trailhead orientation sign with length of trail Projected length of visit: 20 minutes

Visitor Experience: Theme: Water, flowing or frozen has created the surounding environment and controls the life within it. 1. Messages will offer a more aesthetic poem, insight or reflection for this overlook that serves as a welcome or a conclusion to their experience on the loop road. 2. Short interpretive trail to overlook will end at sign that promotes reflection of the idea that water and the sounds of life spring from often hidden places in the high desert. These natural resources have long attracted people to settle and make their home in this region. Mention of wild and scenic river status.

Big Indian Gorge Overlook Interpretive Media: Interpretive Sign Projected length of visit: 10 minutes-30 minutes

Visitor Experience Theme: This geologic island serves as biologic crossroads, supporting a diversity of creatures along this ecological staircase from playa to alpine. 1. Messages will promote identification of upland plant community including commonly seen plants, and wildlife including birds.

Wild Horse Viewing Area Interpretive Media: Interpretive Sign Projected length of visit: 10 minutes

Visitor Experience: Theme: The sight of a wild horse in this scenic landscape is a symbol of the rural character of the Steens and the past and present human lifestyles associated with it. 1. Messages will promote understanding of the history of how wild horses came to be living in the Steens mountain region and the history of the various stock with mention of the Riddle brothers. 2. Messages will include basic field marks and coloration for identification of the different breeds. 3. Messages will include how the needs of the horses are balanced with wildlife and livestock and the management of herds for carrying capacity and the Adopt-A-Horse program.

Diamond Valley Interpretive Media: Interpretive Sign Projected length of visit: 10 minutes 1. Messages promote a look into the current livestock and grazing activities surrounding the community of Diamond, providing insight into the seasonal changes and conditions which shape ranching lifestyles of this valley. 2. This sign will also interpret the history of the community in a possible partnership with local groups. Campground Orientation Boards Page Springs Fish Lake Jackman Park

Media: One orientation board at each site

1. Messages provide a map and orientation to the area, highlight recreational opportunities. 2. Messages include safety and resource messages. 3. Each board will provide a brief interpretive theme related to each setting.

Diamond Craters Selected Sites

Profile of Opportunities: Self-guided use, open year-round Average length of stay: 30 minutes to 4 hours

Facilities and services available: *Interpretive Trail "Interpretive Signs *Driving Brochure

The visitor experience: Scenic viewing of outstanding volcanic features. Hiking opportunites which encourage discovery and observation of a volcanic landscape and associated life. A sense of wildness and remoteness encouraged by rustic and low-profile nature of facilites provided.

Central Theme: Magma at Diamond Craters forms a diversity of volcanic features in an array of shapes and sizes.

Supporting Themes: 1. Collision of plates beneath the earth's crust creates bodies of magma which in rise to the surface, create a spectacular assortment of features. 2. Woodrat closets and lake deposits reveal stories of past climates in a stash of seeds, plants and sediment. 3. Sagebrush and grassland stretch between pockets of aspen and juniper sheltering a surprising abundance of life.

Lava Pit Crater/Orientation Kiosk Interpretive Media: Orientation Board /Two Interpretive Signs Average length of visit: 10 minutes

Visitor Experience: Theme: Magma at Diamond Craters forms a diversity of volcanic features in an array of shapes and sizes.

1. Messages will provide a map and welcome and orient visitors to hiking and viewing opportunities within Diamond Craters, including length, distance and safety information such as carrying water. 2. Messages will introduce the theme and overall formation and significance of Diamond Craters and will highlight the key features and where to find them in the area. 4. Messages will creatively motivate people about the significance of the resources, instill pride to encourage protection and encourage leave the rocks there. 5. Messages will include an aerial photo of the Craters "pancake". 6. Sign will include basic identification of key features: cored bombs, pahoehoe lava, aa lava, driplets and spatter cones, grabens, maars and craters. 7. Interpretive sign will include an explanation of Lava Pit Crater and lava lakes, quiet eruptive forming of benches and flank flows. 8. Briefly introduces regional geologic history formation utilizing views into the distance to interpret past volcanic events including Devine Canyon Tuff, Diamond Crater basalts. Trail head to Graben Dome Overlook Media: Orientation Sign Average length of visit: 5 minutes

Visitor Experience: 1. Map and orientation to the trail including length and distance to Graben Dome overlook. 2. Brief explanation of its significance, size, and it's explosive formation in contrast to other formations in the Craters.

Malheur Maar Interpretive Media: One orientation sign, Two interpretive signs Projected length of visit: 20 minutes

Themes: Woodrat closets and lake deposits reveal stories of past climates secreted in a stash of seeds, plants and sediment. A unique assemblage of plants, reptiles and numerous forms of life find a niche amongst the lava.

Visitor Experience 1. Trailhead orientation sign will orient people to the central theme, distance of the trail. 2. Two signs at lake overlook will focus on formation of Malheur Maar, the pollen core research and brief introduction to life within the Craters. Messages will provide visual picture of the past landscape. The plant communities and ecology of this site will highlight inhabitants including bats, redwing blackbirds, insects and other wildlife species. The ecotone of life surrounding the Maar will be introduced. A cross-section of a woodrat home will be offered. 3. Messages will include focus on the life found in association with the volcanic features including specific adaptations such as melanism in lizards including basic id of wildlife and birds. 4. Contemporary questions will be posed to consider climate change and the increasing information research reveals. 5. Formation messages will include the idea that volcanic events and processes remove as well as create new aquatic systems on the.planet.

Driving Tour Brochure Interpretive Media: Self-guided brochure corresponding to numbered posts Projected length of visit: 1-1/2 hours

Themes: Magma at Diamond Craters forms a diversity of volcanic features in an array of shapes and sizes.

1. Collision of plates beneath the earth's crust creates bodies of magma which in rise to the surface, create a spectacular assortment of features. 2. Woodrat closets and lake deposits reveal stories of past climates in a stash of seeds, plants and sediment. 3. Sagebrush and grassland stretch between pockets of aspen and juniper sheltering a surprising abundance of life.

Visitor Experience 1. This auto tour brochure will introduce all of the themes for Diamond Craters and offer direct observation of the landscape and interpretation of major features. 2. Messages will be designed to avoid duplication of messages presented on the interpretive signs. Interpretive Theme and Topics for Selected Sites and Profile of Visitor Experience: National Antelope Refuge April 29,1991

Main theme for Hart Mountain: Hart's wealth of upland habitats, combined with its crucial wetlands, attracts and is vital to a great variety of wildlife in this high desert environment.

Headquarters: Accessible to visitor: . Year round, potentially 365 days a year Services available to visitor: . Exhibits . Refuge information The visitor experience: . Visitor can see historic CCC buildings . Exhibit topics: 1. CCC: Shaping the refuge 2. Homesteaders were attracted to Hart's plentiful resources Projected average length of visit: 10 minutes

Lookout Point Accessible to visitor: . June - November Services available to visitor: . Exhibits The visitor experience: . Panoramic view of Beatty's Butte and Catlow Valley . Exhibit topics: 1. Lakebeds and waterholes: a place to eat, drink and gather Sidebar: Pronghorn migration: when, where, and why? 2. The open range: a safe place for pronghorns. Projected average length of visit: 10 minutes

Blue Sky: Accessible to visitor: . June - November Services available to visitor: . Exhibits The visitor experience: . Visitors can see a remnant stand of ponderosa pines . Site of historic Camp Warner . Exhibit topics: 1. Ponderosa pines: Remnants of the Pleistocene. 2. Camp Warner: Memories are all that remain. Projected average length of visit: 10 minutes Hot Springs: Accessible to visitor: . Year round, potentially 365 days a year Services available to visitor: . Campground . Hot springs bath house . Exhibits . Refuge map with information and orientation The visitor experience: . Primitive campground/hot springs facilities . Exhibit topics: 1. Campground information 2. Refuge map 3. What puts the "hot" in hot springs?

Flook Knoll: Accessible to visitor: . Year round, potentially 365 days a year Services available to visitor: . Exhibits . Refuge information The visitor experience: . Panoramic view . Good look at effects of controlled burn . Exhibit topics: 1. This sagebrush meadow habitat may appear desolate, but it is important to sage grouse and other wildlife. 2. Burning: When is destruction highly productive? Projected average length of visit: 10 minutes

Northeast Entrance: Accessible to visitor: . Year round, potentially 365 days a year Services available to visitor: . Exhibits . Refuge map with information and orientation The visitor experience: . Exhibit topics: 1. Entrance sign 2. Refuge map 3. Where to look for wildlife Projected average length of visit: 10 minutes Profile of Visitor Experience: Hart Mountain/Warner Wetlands Visitor Center

Profile of Visitor Center: Accessible to visitor: . Open year-round, 7days a week . Closed some major holidays Facilities and services available to visitor: . Restrooms* . Versatile auditorium/meeting/changing exhibit room . Water fountain* . Observation with spotting scopes* . Exhibits . Orientation map with recreation/service information, road conditions, etc.* * These facilities accessible to visitor 365 days a year The visitor experience: . Scenic and wildlife viewing: . Visitor has elevated view of wetlands and can look up at scarp of Hart . Outdoor observation deck with spotting scopes . Exhibits: Main Exhibit theme: Hart Mountain and Warner Wetlands are 2 different worlds within the northern Great Basin: one is primarily upland, the other is mainly wetlands. As such, they attract distinct types of wildlife which rely on the dissimilar water systems. . Exhibits will acquaint visitor with: 1. concept that environment of area has changed over time 2. overview of prehistoric and historic human use and its affects on natural resources of this area 3. concept that research helps us understand the natural world and our part in it 4. several species of upland flora and fauna, their needs and adaptations 5. several species of wetland flora and fauna, their needs and adaptations 6. importance of these habitats, esp. wetlands, in desert 7. reasons why we manage and restore areas Projected average length of visit: 20 minutes Interpretive Themes and Topics: Hart Mountain/Warner Wetlands Visitor Center April 29,1991

Main theme for Hart MtnTWarner Wetlands Joint Interpretive Center Hart Mountain and Warner Wetlands are 2 different worlds within the northern Great Basin: one is primarily upland, the other is mainly wetlands. As such, they attract distinct types of wildlife which rely on the dissimilar water systems.

Visitor Center topics: I. Setting the stage 1. Geologic events shaped the area a. Events created 2 separate worlds, Hart uplift, Warner block tilt b. Shaping of water regimes 2. Over thousands of years, there have been many changes in the climate,landforms, wildlife, and flora of this area. a. e.g. Evolution of present lake, arcunate dunes b. How do we know this? (Through research) 3. The present day environment is demanding, stressful, unpredictable, and fragile. 4. People and wildlife, past, present and future, put demands on water resources in the high desert. a. Prehistoric and historic overview

II. Life in the desert has adapted to and depends on many factors, the most critical of which is water. A. Hart Mountain: Hart's wealth of upland habitats, combined with its crucial wetlands, attracts and is vital to a great variety of wildlife in this high desert environment. 1. Hart's combination of rich uplands and critical riparian habitat is a magnet for upland species. a. Pronghorn: The Range Runners 1. Habitat, diet, adaptations, when, where to see b. Bighorn: The Cliff Dwellers 1. Habitat, diet, adaptations, when, where to see c. Sage Grouse: At Home in the Sage 1. Habitat, diet, adaptations, when, where to see d. Sidebar: Mule Deer e. Human use of Hart has impacted wildlife 2. Riparian habitat covers only 3% of the refuge, yet is important to 80% of the wildlife on Hart. a. What is a riparian area? b. Why is it important? c. What affects riparian areas? d. Why a healthy riparian? 1. Sidebar: Restoration, what's being done B. Warner Wetlands: Through cycles of wet and dry spanning thousands of years, Warner Wetland endures, yet today requires careful balance of human and resource needs in order for the wetlands to survive. 1. Warner Wetlands provides important habitat for plants, insects, fish and wildlife, who flourish even in seasonal and extended shifts in water cycles. a. Plant and wildlife response to climate change and water level fluctuation b. The dry season is a special part of the wet season symphony (highlight life brief vignettes of wetland inhabitants) 2. Ongoing management activities related to protection and restoration of wetland habitat and cultural resources a. ACEC b. Threatened and endangered species programs c. Cultural resource programs 3. The role of research a. Studies of global climate change and weather 1. Long-term vs. annual records to pose contemporary questions on human response to changes. b. May include possible vision of the landscape in 500 years

Topics for outdoor panels on deck: 1. CCC: Making the grade 2. Where to look for bighorn sheep 3. Rock art: A window to the past (and overview of native use of natural resources at Hart and Warner) Warner Wetlands Selected Sites

Central Theme Through wet and dry cycles spanning thousands of years, Warner wetland endures yet today requires a careful balance of human and resource needs in order for the wetlands to survive.

Supporting Themes 'Major geologic and atmospheric events have and will continue to shape the landforms we see today. "Over time, both wildlife and humans respond to the cyclic patterns of the wetlands. *Warner Wetlands provides important habitat for plants, insects, fish and wildlife, which flourish even in seasonal and extended change from dry to wet cycles.

Topics and Message Objectives 1. Messages will promote the idea that even in a dry season, a closer look will reveal hidden water in the life cycles of plants, insects, fish and wildlife. 2. Introduce the idea that over time, people also respond to the cyclic patterns of the wetlands. 3. Provide a perspective of the geologic, hydrologic and atmospheric processes that continue to shape the landforms around and within the wetland. 4. Highlight the importance of research to people's lives and its' input into future management. 5. Use the phrase a "wetland legacy" to describe the results of BLM and private eforts at protection and restoration of wetland habitats.

Hart Lake Bar Open year round for self-guided use Projected length of visit: 10 minutes to 1 hour

Facilities and services available to the visitor: All facilities will be barrier-free including hearing and visually impaired access Orientation signs Interpretive signs Interpretive trail Restrooms Benches

The visitor experience: "Orientation signs close to the parking area will warmly welcome and simply and rapidly orient visitors to the recreation opportunities of the wetlands including a map and information on bird and wildlife viewing-where to see wildlife and when etc. * Orientation signs will also introduce the central theme of the wetlands * Interpretive signs at the north end of the parking area on the wetland edge serve as an introduction to the wetlands and motivate visitors to experience the short interpretive trail and explore other sites in the ACEC. * Opportunity to sit on benches at trailhead and view surroundings without noise from parking area or intrusion of architecture or built facilities. , "Opportunity to observe and experience the wetland through use of short interpretive trail with angled podium mount interpretive signs. Central theme Through cycles of wet and dry spanning thousands of years, Warner wetland endures yet today requires careful balance of human and resource needs in order for the wetlands to survive.

Support themes *Over time, people respond to the cyclic patterns of the marsh. *Warner Wetlands provides important habitat for plants, insects, fish and wildlife flourishing despite seasonal shifts in water.

Topics and Message Objectives: 1. Sign grouping at the edge of the site at the interpretive trailhead will introduce visitors to the beauty of Warner Wetlands, the central theme of its short and long term cyclic nature over time and the ongoing management activities related to protection and restoration of wetland habitat. Messages will motivate people to take the interpretive trail. 2. Introductory messages will create a vision for this basin and range setting as being a "whole system". 3. The interpretive trail signing will offer an aquatic as well as terrestrial view of life in the wetlands including identification of major plants characteristic of this ecotone of greasewood flats and marsh within the wetland. Topics include plant response to water or lack of it, the relationship of dry cycles to increased productivity , water vs. salt tolerant plants, emergent types of vegetation, soil seed reserves, perinnial vs. annual, presence of blue-green algae, seed dispersal etc. Tactile signs will feature life cycles of toads and amphibians or larval stages of insects and associated wildlife such as waterfowl, songbirds. Ibis, wintering bald eagels, kangaroo rats, jack rabbits etc. 4. Messages will contrast past human modified landscape which created an upland landscape with current human introduction of water to restore landscape. 5. Orientation messages will relate contemporary human response to wet years vs. dry with examples related to fishing, camping etc. 6. Messages and experiences will inspire respectful attitudes towards resources and encourage individuals to join in restoration projects.

Hart Mountain Overlook Interpretive Media: Two interpretive signs Projected length of visit: 15 minutes

Visitor Experience Theme: Through cycles of wet and dry, Warner wetland endures. Ancient lakeshore terraces radiate rings revealing drastic changes in landscape and climate that affects the lives of plants and animals.

1. Messages will introduce a bird's eye view of the Warner Wetlands and focus on the theme of the wet and dry cycles in a concept of time that spans across many years-possible inclusion of pleistocene lakes, adaptations of plants and life to these cycles. Lakeview Chamber of Commerce Projected length of visit: 10 minutes

Facilities and services available to the visitor Orientaion sign/Tourism information Printed informational maps/brochures/neiuspapers

Visitor Experience *Visitors will easily locate what there is to see and do within the Oregon High Desert Discovery focusing on BLM/FWS facilities. "Visitors will be introduced to the overall theme of the entire loop from Lakeview to Burns.

Topics 1. How far away major facilites are, how long it takes to get there, highlights of what there is to see and do with a sampling of activities and the amount of time it takes to do theme with more specific detail for the southern end. 2. Include advertisements for local services such as food, lodging, gas stations. 3. Include regulatory and safety messages in positive way Plush Interpretive Sign Projected length of visit: 10 minutes

Facilities and services available to the visitor: Orientation/Interpretive Signs with seasonal updates

Visitor Experience I. Orientation information/map will simply and quickly welcome and orient visitors to the FWS/BLM facilities and activities available within the Oregon High Desert Discovery "Interpretive information will introduce the overall theme of the entire loop from Lakeview to Bums. *Orientation map will include symbols indicating where to find gas, lodging, campgrounds, picnic and contact stations. Messages/Topics 1. Orientation information/map will include more specific focus on the southern end of the loop: Hart Mountain, Warners wetlands and driving times and mileages including byways. 2. Messages highlight the themes and stories of Warner Wetland and Hart Mountain. 3. Interpretive sign will highlight the history of Plush and the human response to water.