Shoshone Mountains

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The Shoshone Mountains, in central Nevada, are among the longest mountain ranges in the state. The range runs in a North-South direction, mostly in Nye County, but also occupies part of Lander County. Named for the Shoshone Indians, the range receives 15 inches or less of precipitation in an average year and occupies about 715 square miles.

About 58% of the mountain range is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, with the Forest Service in charge of almost 42% of the area. A small part of the range is occupied by an Indian reservation and private land.

The North Shoshone Peak rises to 10,313 feet above sea level. The small community of Ione lies to the west of the range, and Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is situated in the range east of the Ione Valley. Vegetation is mostly Sagebrush scrub and Pinon-juniper. The Shoshone Mountains are home to mule deer, chipmunks, coyote, elk, and many other small animals such as shrews and squirrels. At least 21 species of birds can be found in the range during the year, including sparrows, woodpeckers and orioles.

[edit] References

  • Biological Resources Research Center - [1]