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> Back Flaming Gorge Country
Diversity characterizes the wild lands south of Rock Springs and Green River, collectively known as Flaming Gorge Country. The three proposed wilderness areas within this southwestern portion of Wyoming contain unique, expansive and important wildlife habitat, as well as outstanding prehistoric, historic and geologic values. These areas are dominated by deep canyons and sharply eroded badlands with a vast array of coloration from pastels to deep reds contrasting with the softer greens of juniper, pinyon and sage covered mesas and fragile watersheds. The dominant feature in this region is the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and Reservoir. Thousands of visitors from throughout the west use the area every year for boating, camping, fishing, waterskiing and other water sports. The outdoor opportunities afforded by the NRA would be complemented by camping, hiking, wildlife viewing and hunting and rockhounding available in Devil's Playground and Red Creek Badlands proposed wilderness areas. Further to the east, the vastly primitive outback country is preserved in the proposed Adobe Town wilderness area. Adobe Town represents the most spectacular and remote set of badlands and geological formations in the state. As high and dry as this region is, it still supports a vast array of rare and sensitive wildlife species such as burrowing owls, cliff chipmunk, pinyon mouse, Merriam's shrew and ringtails. These small mammals provide a significant prey base for many of the raptor species, including prairie falcons and golden eagles, which inhabit the cliff formations occurring throughout this area. Big game species such as mule deer, pronghorn antelope and elk as well as badgers, fox, are dependent on these windswept lands for their survival. Also unique to these areas are ancient 300 to 400 year old juniper and pinyon pine stands that are rare this far north. Significant archaeologic and paleontologic artifacts have been discovered in Flaming Gorge Country. The remains of several prehistoric cultures dating back to 9,000 years ago are represented by tepee rings and many cultural artifacts. Fossils of long‑extinct mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates erode from beds throughout the area. Two of the most notable finds of rhinoceros-like and tapir‑like creatures were taken from Adobe Town. This vast country opens itself to the adventurous explorer. The primitive qualities of these proposed wilderness areas, Devil's Playground, Red Creek Badlands and Adobe Town endures. |