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Mineral
Hill Unit
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Mineral Hill
Unit
Introduction
In 1991,
the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife purchased the Metcalf
Ranch near Conconully Washington, primarily to protect Sharp-tailed
grouse and shrub-steppe habitat. The original purchase has been divided
into three management units, the Scotch Creek unit (8,691acres), the
Pogue Mountain unit (1,196 acres), and the Mineral Hill unit (920 acres).
The Mineral Hill
unit was used primarily for spring and fall grazing as part of the cattle
operation on the Metcalf ranch. The perpetual timber cutting rights
were originally severed from the underlying fee ownership. However the
WDFW purchased these cutting rights in 2001 with funding by the BPA
to give us complete control of forest habitat conditions. Mineral Hill
contains 610 acres conifer forest, 253 acres shrub-steppe, and 57 acres
riparian habitats.
The Mineral Hill
unit is managed as mule deer winter range. Elevations range from 2,000
feet in the southeast corner to 3,400 feet in the northwest corner.
On an average winter snow depths in this area will move deer to lower
elevations. Enhancements planned for mule deer habitat include thinning
and prescribed burning to encourage more herbaceous plant growth on
the forest floor.
The unit is located
just two miles west of Conconully. This contiguous 920-acre parcel is
roughly divided in half with the west fork Salmon Creek running the
length of the unit in the bottom. The south half (north facing slope)
is heavily timbered with Douglas fir, Engelmann Spruce, and Ponderosa
Pine. Numerous logging skid roads cross the slope and eventually cross
Salmon Creek near the west end of the property. There is one parking/access
point off of the oiled FS road 37 to access these “trails”.
The North half of the property (south facing slope) is much drier and
contains large openings of grassland and scattered Ponderosa Pine. Again
logging skid roads traverse the area providing routes to explore, and
can be accessed off of the Mineral Hill road out of Conconully. This
is a dirt-surfaced road, not recommended for car travel. All roads/trails
off of the county road, or FS road 37 are closed to motorized vehicles.
The one-mile of West Fork Salmon Creek in the bottom provides for a
diverse riparian forest corridor.
The Mineral Hill
unit has been identified as a potential transfer into DNR ownership.
The funding source for WDFW acquisition here was intended for sharp-tailed
grouse/shrub-steppe habitats. The WDNR borders the property on the south,
and they have interest in timber property, while Scotch Creek would
gain shrub-steppe habitat more productive for Sharp-tailed grouse.
Driving Directions
Two access roads
cross the Mineral Hill unit, both leading out of Conconully, Washington.
On the north, take the Mineral Hill road west from downtown and follow
approximately three miles. On the south take the county road past
the state park and the west shore of Conconully reservoir, for approximately
2 miles. Turn RIGHT onto Forest Service road 37 for another mile to
the wildlife area unit. Motorized vehicle use off of these two roads
is prohibited, but access can be made to the property through signed
gates along these roads. No developed access points are available.
Road map enlargement
Hunting
Hunting opportunities
include mule deer, whitetail deer, and for upland bird hunters ruffed
grouse and blue grouse. Other species include black bear, cougar,
and possibly bobcat. Hunting seasons vary depending on species and
weapon of choice, so consult the Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife hunting
regulations for seasons and dates.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities
on this unit are limited to the one mile of the West Fork Salmon Creek.
This is a typical mountainous stream with populations of native salmonids
(including rainbow trout). However access is difficult and you will
need to hike one half-mile downhill to reach the stream. Other WDFW
access sites within driving distance offering fishing include, Blue
Lake (limebelt) and Green Lake. Additional fishing opportunities can
be found on the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area to the north and both the
upper and lower Conconully reservoirs. Consult Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife Fishing
Regulations for further information on seasons and the Sinlahekin
Wildlife Area Homepage.
Camping
Camping is permitted
adjacent to established roads, however that is limited in this area.
No developed sites are available. USFS camping sites are close by
and might be preferable in the Mineral Hill area. Firewood can be
gathered from downed dead wood only and must remain on the wildlife
area unit. Fire restrictions are governed by the Washington Department
of Natural Resources and Okanogan County. Consult WDNR website for
up to date fire
restrictions. Length of stay is limited to 14 days.
Other Recreation
Hiking, biking
and horseback riding:
Non-motorized
recreational activities are allowed, however currently there are no
developed trail systems on this unit. Old logging roads that traverse
the Mineral Hill unit can be used as “trails”, and can
be accessed from either road crossing the area. No parking or off
loading facilities are available.
Wildlife Observations
and Photography
Wildlife viewing
and photography encompasses a vast number of wildlife species. The
greatest diversity of wildlife will be found along Salmon Creek, with
its diversity of vegetation. Many songbirds use this area in the spring.
This is mid-elevation for mule deer and they can be found here primarily
during the spring and fall migrations.
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