Calico Mountains HMA
Horses within the HMA are descendants of ranch horses that either escaped or were released into the area. The majority of horses exhibit a bay, brown or sorrel color pattern, however there are a number of paint, palomino and buckskin horses as well. It is not possible to provide any specific information on parentage of wild horses in this area.
Location:The Calico Mountains Herd Management Area is located in southwest Humboldt County and east central Washoe County, approximately 110 miles north of Reno, Nevada.
Size:The area consists of 158,086 acres of BLM land and 2,745 acres of a mix of private and other public lands for a total of 160,831 acres.
Topography/Vegetation:The terrain consists of steep north-south trending mountains made up of volcanic materials, separated by narrow valleys. Elevations within the HMA range from 4,000 feet along the Black Rock Desert to 8,491 feet at Division Peak. Climate is characterized by warm dry days, cool nights and low yearly precipitation that ranges from 6 to 8 inches at lower elevations to approximately 14 inches at higher elevations.
Vegetation varies from salt desert shrub communities along the Black Rock Desert, to low and big sagebrush/grass communities with intermingled mountain browse at upper elevations. Typical species in the salt desert shrub community include shadscale, budsage, bailey and black greasewood, indian ricegrass, and squirrel tail. Species in the low sagebrush community include low sage, needle grasses, squirrel tail and Sandbergs bluegrass. Species typical of the sagebrush/grass and mountain browse communities include mountain big sagebrush, bitterbrush, mountain mahogany, aspen, snowberry, rabbit brush, horse brush, needle grasses, basin wild rye, squirrel tail, indian paintbrush, arrowleaf balsamroot, and phlox.
Wildlife: The area is also utilized by domestic livestock during part of the year and numerous wildlife species. Typical wildlife species found in the area include mule deer, California bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, sage grouse, chukar partridge, coyote, bobcats, and various rodents.
AML: 200-333
As a seasoned expert in wildlife management and range ecology, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the discussion of the Calico Mountains Herd Management Area (HMA). Having conducted extensive fieldwork in similar ecosystems, I can provide valuable insights into the unique characteristics of this region and its diverse flora and fauna.
Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Calico Mountains HMA and Horse Descendants:
- The Calico Mountains HMA is situated in southwest Humboldt County and east-central Washoe County, approximately 110 miles north of Reno, Nevada.
- Horses within the HMA are descendants of ranch horses that escaped or were released into the area. This is a common phenomenon in many HMAs, leading to the establishment of wild horse populations with varied coat colors.
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HMA Size:
- The HMA covers a total area of 160,831 acres, comprising 158,086 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and 2,745 acres of private and other public lands.
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Topography and Vegetation:
- The terrain consists of steep north-south trending mountains made up of volcanic materials, separated by narrow valleys.
- Elevations within the HMA range from 4,000 feet along the Black Rock Desert to 8,491 feet at Division Peak.
- The climate is characterized by warm dry days, cool nights, and low yearly precipitation ranging from 6 to 14 inches.
- Vegetation varies, including salt desert shrub communities along the Black Rock Desert, low sagebrush/grass communities, and mountain browse at upper elevations. Specific plant species are mentioned, such as shadscale, budsage, bailey, black greasewood, sagebrush, grasses, and various mountain species.
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Wildlife:
- The area is utilized by domestic livestock during part of the year.
- Various wildlife species inhabit the region, including mule deer, California bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, sage grouse, chukar partridge, coyote, bobcats, and various rodents.
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AML (Appropriate Management Level):
- The Appropriate Management Level for the wild horse population in the Calico Mountains HMA is set between 200 and 333 individuals. This range is determined to maintain a balanced and sustainable population considering the available resources and ecosystem capacity.
In summary, the Calico Mountains HMA presents a complex ecosystem shaped by its topography, climate, and vegetation. The wild horse population, descended from ranch horses, coexists with domestic livestock and diverse wildlife. The management goal, reflected in the AML, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between the wild horse population and the available resources in the area.
