In efforts to protect Bighorn Sheep and be compliant with the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area Comprehensive Management Plan, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest executed an order placing restrictions on domestic sheep and goats within the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
The order prohibits, “possessing, storing, or transporting any domestic sheep or goat,” within all Forest Service Lands inside the Congressionally designated boundaries of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
Shaun McKinney, Forest Supervisor for the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, says the intent of the order is to protect the health and viability of bighorn sheep, a Region 6 sensitive species, within their core habitat.
The order is scheduled to remain in effect until May 1, 2026, unless rescinded sooner.
