Badlands Wilderness Celebration
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The Oregon Badlands Wilderness Area was designated on March 30, 2009 when President Obama signed into law the bill that enhanced protection for public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management across the West, including Oregon and Washington. The Oregon/Washington BLM is celebrating this occasion with a dedication ceremony Saturday, July 10 from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at the Badlands Rock Trailhead.The Oregon/Washington BLM State Director Ed Shepard said "BLM in Oregon is fortunate to have some of the most beautiful forests and wild lands in the West. These public lands offer many different recreation opportunities. Visitors are encouraged to come visit their public lands and learn more about what makes these places so special and unique. Unique is a great way to describe the Oregon Badlands Wilderness Area which holds a number of remarkable and exciting landforms and geologic features. Most of the wilderness includes the rugged Badlands volcano, which has features of inflated lava. Windblown volcanic ash and eroded lava make up the sandy, light-colored soil that covers the low and flat places in these fields of lava.A variety of wildlife species also inhabit the area including yellow-bellied marmots, bobcat, mule deer, elk, and antelope. The southern portion of the Oregon Badlands Wilderness includes crucial winter range for mule deer. Avian species include prairie falcons and golden eagles.The Oregon Badlands Wilderness is located about 16 miles east of Bend, Oregon, along State Highway 20. From Bend, go east on HWY 20, just before Mile Post 18, turn left on the paved road. Drive 1 mile to Badlands Rock Trailhead. For additional information about the celebration, call (541) 416-6700. Additional information about the Oregon Badlands Wilderness is available online.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.