Steens Mountain – Oregon Conservation Strategy

This COA includes much of Steens Mountain’s southwestern flank before moving north and skirting along the edge of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and then east into the northern Steens Mountain uplands and High Lava Plains.

COA ID: 192

Recommended Conservation Actions

Control spread of western juniper to maintain habitat values in sagebrush, aspen, and, riparian habitats
Initiate or continue wet meadow conservation and restoration efforts
Manage livestock grazing to promote recovery and maintenance of riparian habitats
Promote early detection and suppression of invasive plants.
Restore and maintain complex, continuous sage habitat
Restore aspen woodlands and forests

Local Conservation Actions and Plans

Potential Partners

Special Features

General

Most of this area receives some degree of protection under the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act
The unique habitats in this area is widely recognized as having significant biological value for plants and animals, resulting in many rare and endemic species.
This area has an exceptional diversity of high-quality habitats with high value for a wide variety of wildlife

Previously Associated With

2006 COA ID NBR-08 (Harney-Malheur area)
2006 COA ID NBR-09 (Steens Mountain High Lava Plains)
2006 COA ID NBR-09 (Steens Mountain Uplands)

Protected Areas

Blitzen River Wilderness Study Area
Bridge Creek Wilderness Study Area
Donner Und Blitzen-Ankle Creek
Donner Und Blitzen-Fish Creek
Donner Und Blitzen-Main Stem
Donner Und Blitzen-Mud Creek
Donner Und Blitzen-South Fork
Fir Groves
Frenchglen Corral
Frenchglen Hotel State Heritage Site
High Steens Wilderness Study Area
Home Creek Wilderness Study Area
Kiger Creek
Kiger Mustang
Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
South Fork Donner Und Blitzen Wilderness Study Area

Ecoregions

Northern Basin and Range

The Northern Basin and Range ecoregion covers the very large southeastern portion of the state, from Burns south to the Nevada border and from the Christmas Valley east to Idaho. It is largely a high elevation desert-like area dominated by sagebrush communities and habitats.