FORTIFICATION CREEK WILDERNESS STUDY AREA

Values

The WSA provides opportunities for experiencing naturalness, solitude, and primitive and unconfined recreation. The landscape of the WSA is a steeply sloping, highly divided and gullied terrain. Narrow ridges and numerous drainages dominate the area. Moderate to heavy stands of juniper are found in the larger drainages, with sagebrush and grasses on the open slopes and flats. Approximately 99 percent of the WSA is considered crucial yearlong range for elk as designated by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Elk have historically used the area for winter range because of the available forage and cover.

Visitation Information

There is no direct public access to the Fortification Creek Wilderness Study Area (WSA). Access is controlled by adjacent private landowners and landowner permission is required to cross any private lands. Motorized travel is expressly prohibited. Additionally, the WSA is closed to mineral entry, including gold panning.

Visitor Advisory

Access to wild lands inherently requires good navigational skills and four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles. Visitors should be prepared for adverse weather and road conditions. The WSAs in the BLM Field Office are primarily accessed by unnamed or unsigned two-track roads that in many cases may be difficult to find without sufficient navigational skills and equipment.

Wilderness Study Areas

WSAs are undeveloped federal lands that retain their primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, and are managed so as not to impair their suitability for preservation as wilderness. Backcountry recreation is a common use along with Leave no Trace Outdoor ethics. Please be advised these areas are restricted and do not allow for the use of motorized and mechanized equipment.