Burns, OR – Oregon wildlife officials are spotlighting the Northern Basin and Range, describing it as one of the state’s most ecologically unique regions and a critical hub for biodiversity, despite its dry and rugged landscape.
According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the southeastern Oregon region is dominated by sagebrush country, wide basins, isolated mountain ranges and deep river canyons. Steens Mountain rises to nearly 9,800 feet, while the surrounding basin floors sit at about 2,000 feet. Most areas receive less than 15 inches of rain annually, making it Oregon’s driest ecoregion.
The department noted that while the land appears sparse, it is home to fragile habitats including sagebrush shrublands, wetlands, riparian corridors and aspen woodlands. Species at risk such as the pygmy rabbit, Columbia spotted frog, Warner sucker, Townsend’s big-eared bat and greater sage grouse rely on these ecosystems for survival.
Much of the land is publicly managed by the Bureau of Land Management, though agriculture and ranching remain integral to the area’s economy. Local communities like Burns, Ontario, Vale, Nyssa and Lakeview help maintain traditions tied to the landscape.
Officials say conservation challenges in the Northern Basin and Range are significant. Drought, invasive plant species such as cheatgrass, altered fire regimes, overgrazing, unmanaged recreation and habitat fragmentation continue to pressure the ecosystem. The Oregon Conservation Strategy, part of the State Wildlife Action Plan, identifies priority species and lays out actions to restore habitats and preserve ecological resilience.
The agency emphasized the importance of the region, describing it not as “empty desert” but as a hotspot of biodiversity, cultural heritage and ecological value. Protecting the Northern Basin and Range, they said, is essential for safeguarding Oregon’s landscapes and wildlife for future generations.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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