TOP TO BOTTOM: Marlene Keene on an outcrop near Anderson Peak. Trekking up Anderson Peak

ANDERSON PEAK CORRAL-HORSE BASIN
WILDERNESS STUDY AREA CHALLIS BLM DISTRICT

On June 21, the Summer Solstice, we met BLM field manager Dave Rosenkrance at Broken Wagon road and talked of issues including the agency's travel plan process.

We drove up Dry Canyon to start our upward trek to Anderson Peak, 9339'. Pronghorn, wild horses and elk were seen. Also, the impressive fuschia-colored flower called "rabbits foot crazyweed", an oxytropis. To the west we viewed vast, wild country that would become the Jerry Peak Wilderness if CIEDRA passes.

An unfortunate problem in the Corral-Horse Basin WSA is over-grazing by cattle. There's no summer water on Anderson Peak, so cattle impacts there are less then the nearby Horse Basin lowlands where springs and streams are quagmires. Improvement attempts by BLM in lessening harmful impacts by cows to flora and fauna are moving slowly. This arid area is a good candidate for grazing permit buyout and retirement.

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