Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge Plan

The Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Nevada-Oregon border, is developing a comprehensive conservation plan to address threats and opportunities in managing this vast, remote area of the sagebrush-steppe. After livestock were removed in the 1990's, the primary Refuge purpose was restoration of damaged Refuge lands which are critical to pronghorn antelope, sage grouse, bighorn sheep and many other sagebrush-dependent critters. The small population of wild horses and burros in 1990 has now burgeoned into nearly 1,000 animals, reversing restoration efforts and consuming over 50% of the Refuge budget. Wild horse advocates have so far successfully objected to US Fish and Wildlife Service efforts to reduce numbers and impacts to the Refuge. The threats of increasing population pressure, new mining and utility corridor proposals, as well as global warming should also be addressed in the Plan.

Please send your comments to the US Fish and Wildlife Service and make these points:

The Sheldon Refuge should continue to be managed to restore and maintain healthy habitats for sagebrush-dependent animals and plants.

Wild horses and burros should not be allowed to displace native wildlife and damage the sagebrush ecosystem on the Refuge.

Human uses, including recreation, roads, inholdings, mines and utility corridors, should also be managed to restore and maintain a healthy sagebrush ecosystem on the Refuge.

While the formal comment period has ended, it is important for wildlife managers to hear from the public about their concerns. You can send your concerns to: SheldonCCP@fws.gov

You may also send via US Mail:
Paul Steblein, Complex Manager
Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge
PO Box 111
Lakeview, Oregon 97630