The analysis area is 65,000 ha (about 250 mi²). Elevations range from 230 to 1500 m (750 to 5000 ft), from the Snake River to the Craig Mountains. The canyon grassland ecosystem extends upward from the Snake and Salmon Rivers to ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and grand fir forests at the highest elevations. The area is heavily used for hunting and other recreation. The highest elevations are gently rolling, mostly forested, and roaded. Timber harvest and grazing occurs. The upper breaks are steep, dissected, with interspersed forest and grassland largely determined by aspect. The lower slopes are steep and highly dissected. The riparian and flatter areas show legacy of cattle grazing, pasture, crops and homesteading. Up to 50 homesteads were present in the 1930’s, and there were 5 schools.

Multiple streams drain Craig Mountain, some support anadromous fish (steelhead) and red-banded trout. More than 200 different bird and mammal species potentially live on Craig Mountain. Weed distribution and spread is a serious threat to the ecological integrity of the grasslands and open forests, and probably to a number of invertebrate and vertebrate species dependent on those habitats. Current invasive species include: yellow starthistle, common crupina, leafy spurge, Scot’s thistle, cheatgrass, Japanese brome and medusahead.

Much of the area (45%) is managed by the Idaho Fish and Game, the Nez Perce Tribe (17%), and the Bureau of Land Management (10%). Some of the land is private (18%). The Nature Conservancy (8%), Idaho Department of Lands (8%), and US Forest Service (1%) also manage part of this landscape. All have different management objectives. Yet all must grapple with challenging issues, including fire, weeds, and the needs of sensitive and other animal species. Idaho Fish and Game manages part of the land for elk, white-tail deer, river otter, pileated woodpecker, black-capped chickadee, and yellow warbler. The Maloney Creek fire burned about 1/3 of the landscape analysis area in 2001.

Landscape analysis assignment (team project) (PDF)

Data for landscape analysis

Powerpoint slide show introducing the Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area (Two different formats: PDF or Powerpoint)