[ODFW-News] Bighorn sheep provided with fresh water source thanks to government agencies, sportsmen volunteers

[ODFW News]

Contact: David Walsh, Bureau of Reclamation, (208) 378-5026
Michelle Dennehy, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, (503) 947-6022
Debra Lyons, Bureau of Land Management, (541) 473-6218  
 
For Immediate Release Thursday, May 18, 2006
 
Bighorn sheep provided with fresh water source thanks to government
agencies, sportsmen volunteers
 
ONTARIO - Bighorn sheep in the rugged and dry Owyhee Canyon Country of
southeastern Oregon will soon be able to drink from two fresh water
source "guzzlers," thanks to a partnership between the Bureau of
Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management-Vale District, the Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and about 40 volunteers from
regional sportsmen groups.
 
Informally known as "Heroes for Habitat," the volunteers include the
government agency personnel plus members of the Oregon and Idaho
Chapters of the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, National
Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and
Snake River Sportsmen. This weekend, these volunteers will spend a
grueling Saturday hiking the steep ridges and saddles of Leslie Gulch to
install the guzzlers, 1,800-gallon plastic storage tanks that must be
brought into this backcountry area by helicopter.
 
These fresh water sources will benefit the third oldest herd of
California bighorn sheep in Oregon, a native species reintroduced to the
area in 1965 with the relocation of 17 sheep from Hart Mountain.
Although the herd grew to nearly 300 in the early 1990s, ODFW monitoring
shows the herd has since dwindled to just more than 100 today. 
 
ODFW studies show the two chief causes of the herd's decline are
contaminated drinking water and mountain lion predation. When
temperatures reach the scorching conditions found in this high desert
area, blue green algae begins to grow on water in the upper third of
Owyhee Reservoir, intermittent streams and small seeps used by the
sheep. As the algae decays, it releases a toxin that can be fatal to
animals. 
 
By installing guzzlers on saddles and ridgelines, volunteers provide a
permanent fresh water source and reduce the need for bighorn sheep to
travel to drainage bottoms to reach water, which in turn reduces
opportunities for predators and poachers. Fencing and the use of natural
barriers around the guzzlers restricts use by feral animals and
livestock.
 
"Visitors to Owyhee Canyon Country are always delighted when they see
bighorn sheep," noted ODFW Wildlife Habitat Biologist Scott Torland.
"The guzzler project will help ensure that future generations also have
the opportunity to encounter bighorn sheep in southeastern Oregon." 
 
Saturday's guzzler installations are the first of several planned for
the area. The projects will be accomplished thanks to staff and
financial support from all the government agencies and sportsmen
volunteers.
 
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