Post by Billybob on May 18, 2006 20:33:37 GMT -8
Bighorn sheep provided with fresh water source thanks to government agencies, sportsmen volunteers
ONTARIO – Bighorn sheep in the rugged and dry Owyhee Canyon Country of southeastern Oregon will soon be able to drink from two fresh water source “guzzlers,” thanks to a partnership between the Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management-Vale District, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and about 40 volunteers from regional sportsmen groups.
Informally known as “Heroes for Habitat,” the volunteers include the government agency personnel plus members of the Oregon and Idaho Chapters of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, National Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Snake River Sportsmen. This weekend, these volunteers will spend a grueling Saturday hiking the steep ridges and saddles of Leslie Gulch to install the guzzlers, 1,800-gallon plastic storage tanks that must be brought into this backcountry area by helicopter.
These fresh water sources will benefit the third oldest herd of California bighorn sheep in Oregon, a native species reintroduced to the area in 1965 with the relocation of 17 sheep from Hart Mountain. Although the herd grew to nearly 300 in the early 1990s, ODFW monitoring shows the herd has since dwindled to just more than 100 today.
ODFW studies show the two chief causes of the herd’s decline are contaminated drinking water and mountain lion predation. When temperatures reach the scorching conditions found in this high desert area, blue green algae begins to grow on water in the upper third of Owyhee Reservoir, intermittent streams and small seeps used by the sheep. As the algae decays, it releases a toxin that can be fatal to animals.
By installing guzzlers on saddles and ridgelines, volunteers provide a permanent fresh water source and reduce the need for bighorn sheep to travel to drainage bottoms to reach water, which in turn reduces opportunities for predators and poachers. Fencing and the use of natural barriers around the guzzlers restricts use by feral animals and livestock.
“Visitors to Owyhee Canyon Country are always delighted when they see bighorn sheep,” noted ODFW Wildlife Habitat Biologist Scott Torland. “The guzzler project will help ensure that future generations also have the opportunity to encounter bighorn sheep in southeastern Oregon.”
Saturday’s guzzler installations are the first of several planned for the area. The projects will be accomplished thanks to staff and financial support from all the government agencies and sportsmen volunteers.
ONTARIO – Bighorn sheep in the rugged and dry Owyhee Canyon Country of southeastern Oregon will soon be able to drink from two fresh water source “guzzlers,” thanks to a partnership between the Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management-Vale District, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and about 40 volunteers from regional sportsmen groups.
Informally known as “Heroes for Habitat,” the volunteers include the government agency personnel plus members of the Oregon and Idaho Chapters of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, National Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Snake River Sportsmen. This weekend, these volunteers will spend a grueling Saturday hiking the steep ridges and saddles of Leslie Gulch to install the guzzlers, 1,800-gallon plastic storage tanks that must be brought into this backcountry area by helicopter.
These fresh water sources will benefit the third oldest herd of California bighorn sheep in Oregon, a native species reintroduced to the area in 1965 with the relocation of 17 sheep from Hart Mountain. Although the herd grew to nearly 300 in the early 1990s, ODFW monitoring shows the herd has since dwindled to just more than 100 today.
ODFW studies show the two chief causes of the herd’s decline are contaminated drinking water and mountain lion predation. When temperatures reach the scorching conditions found in this high desert area, blue green algae begins to grow on water in the upper third of Owyhee Reservoir, intermittent streams and small seeps used by the sheep. As the algae decays, it releases a toxin that can be fatal to animals.
By installing guzzlers on saddles and ridgelines, volunteers provide a permanent fresh water source and reduce the need for bighorn sheep to travel to drainage bottoms to reach water, which in turn reduces opportunities for predators and poachers. Fencing and the use of natural barriers around the guzzlers restricts use by feral animals and livestock.
“Visitors to Owyhee Canyon Country are always delighted when they see bighorn sheep,” noted ODFW Wildlife Habitat Biologist Scott Torland. “The guzzler project will help ensure that future generations also have the opportunity to encounter bighorn sheep in southeastern Oregon.”
Saturday’s guzzler installations are the first of several planned for the area. The projects will be accomplished thanks to staff and financial support from all the government agencies and sportsmen volunteers.
