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California > Klamath National Forest > Butte Valley National Grassland

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Butte Valley National Grassland

General Information

Description - The area known as the Butte Valley National Grassland was dedicated in July 1991 and became the nations 21st National Grassland. It consists of 18,425 acres and is situated at an elevation of approximately 4200 ft. The annual precipitation is 12 inches.

The designation of the area as National Grassland is not a description of the area as much as a statement of policy and effort to restore the area to a multiple of uses and benefits.

This area has endured many changes over the past 50 years. Prior to public ownership, the flat, sandy soils and lake bed enticed homesteaders to settle the area. The land was ditched, drained, plowed, and grazed. In the 1940's a portion of it was even a bombing range. The manipulations took a toll on the land. Productivity decreased and, with the drought of the 1930's, there became a need to reclaim the land and help the stranded homesteaders.

These submarginal lands were purchased by the government in 1937 and administrated by the Soil Conservation Service which started the task of stabilizing the land by planting over 4,000 acres of crested wheatgrass. Grazing continued until 1991 when the area was designated a National Grassland.

Recreation - Minimal recreational opportunities.

Location - South of Dorris, north of Goosenest Ranger District Office on US Highway 97.

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

Trip Reports:
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Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: This is an intersting area, mostly sagebrush and rabbitbrush. There are good wildlife viewing opportunities, I have seen Swainson's Hawks, Ferruginous and Rough-legged Hawks (in winter), elk, pronghorn antelope, eagles (both bald and golden), prarie falcons, and many more. The area is still grazed, and there aren't a lot of roads, a good trip is to also see Meiss Lake, which can have a great array of shorebirds.

More Information

Contact Information:
Butte Valley National Grassland, c/o Goosenest Ranger District, 37805 Hwy 97 , Macdoel, CA, 96058, Phone: 530-398-4391

Additional Information:
California National Forests & Parks - California's National Parks, Monuments and Forests cover lands from the Pacific Ocean to the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Goosenest Ranger District - The Goosenest Ranger District, although not as remote or mountainous as the other districts in the Klamath National Forest, offers perhaps the greatest diversity of attractions.
Shasta Cascade Region - The Shasta Cascade Region of northeast California is a land of dense conifer forests, volcanic landscapes, and few people. It features five national forests, five state parks, four state historic parks, and two state recreation areas.