§460ppp Findings

Summary

Congress says the Black Rock Desert and High Rock Canyon are nationally important and should be protected. These areas hold the last largely untouched parts of the old California emigrant trails, with wagon ruts, historic writings, and a landscape much like the pioneers saw. The region shows many Great Basin landforms and supports plants and animals such as golden eagles, sage grouse, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and free-roaming horses and burros. It includes places eligible for landmark status, like part of John Charles Fremont’s 1843–44 route and the site of Peter Lassen’s death. There are many Native American sites, wooly mammoth remains, huge natural potholes, and a dry ancient lakebed where you can see the Earth’s curve. Two large nearby wilderness areas help protect quiet and views of the trails. Public lands here have been used for livestock grazing for over a century, and grazing is expected to continue under the conservation area’s management plan and other laws. The Black Rock playa is the main draw for most visitors and for large permitted events, which are also expected to be managed under the plan and other laws.