This project will map Bighorn habitat  for a newly established herd and survey the largest  herd in the area in the John Day Basin, under supervision of the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Bighorns in the West declined from 2 million in the late 19th century to 50,000 today, mostly as a result of unregulated hunting and diseases carried by domestic sheep. Bighorns were extinct in Oregon by 1915.

In the past two decades the State of Oregon reintroduced California Bighorns to the lower John Day Canyon lands.  A large herd (600-650) is now thriving north of Clarno, and a new herd (15) has recently established itself some 40 miles to the South near Service Creek on the John Day River. The John Day Canyonlands provide some of Oregon's best native habitat for the return of the Bighorns.

Day 1. Bighorn Habitat mapping near Service Creek.  We will map side canyons occupied by the first California Bighorn herd in a century in the mid John Day canyon. For the past four years a new herd of 15 bighorns has lived near Service Creek on private ranches and BLM lands.  Spring is a good time to spot this herd, especially ewes and lambs. This project will map habitat features that support this herd, including seasonal springs and prime habitat areas. Within the bighorn range, the project will also survey  a one mile long riparian restoration project for riparian conditions and practices .

Day 2 Bighorn Field Survey in the John Day Canyon north of Clarno This will involve spotting and recording the lower John Day Canyon herd, one of the largest in Oregon. This will be conducted using standard wildlife survey techniques and compared to prior surveys and habitat information developed on Day One.

During the day and evenings, participants will identify the unique geology of the John Day canyon. These include massive Columbia River basalt lava flows, 3-4000 ft deep canyon formation, Mt Mazama (Crater Lake) ash deposits, and the area's world-renowned fossil bed landscapes.

Terrain and Elderhostel Activity Level: This project should be rated at Level 5 of 6 in Elderhostel Activity Rating. It requires hiking over steep and uneven terrain, off trail. On Day One the riparian survey (at canyon bottom)  is a less strenuous option than the habitat mapping. Good binoculars are required equipment.

Instructors:

1. Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife, District wildlife biologists, Steve Cherry and Shannon Jewitt,

2. Ellen Bishop, Oregon Paleo Lands Institute Executive Director

3. Richard N. Ross, owner, Muleshoe Creek Ranch