Las Cienegas National Conservation Area

Description:

• There are no developed facilities like campgrounds or picnic sites. Camping, at least 1/4 mile from wildlife watering areas, is allowed for up to 14 days. There are no services available, but may be acquired in the local communities such as Sonoita.

  Water: Numerous invaluable streams and perennial springs, including portions of Cienega Creek, where water flows year round. Significant portions of the Creek's watershed also provides important regional groundwater recharge and flood prevention measures for the community of Tucson.

  Vegetation: The Las Cienegas NCA includes a variety of unique and rare vegetative communities including five of the rarest habitat types in the American Southwest: cienegas (marshlands), cottonwood-willow riparian forests, sacaton grasslands, mesquite bosques, and semi-desert grasslands.

  Fish and Wildlife: These vegetative communities on the NCA support a diverse assemblage of plants and animals; species include 60 mammals, 230 birds, 43 reptiles and amphibians, and three native fish. Included in this list are 33 species which are federally listed as threatened or endangered, identified as species of special concern by the State of Arizona, or designated as sensitive species by the BLM. Among the special status species are the endangered Gila topminnow, lesser long-nosed bat, and southwestern willow flycatcher; the Chiricahua leopard frog, proposed for endangered species listing; and the Gila chub, a candidate for federal listing. Large game animals include mule and white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, javelina, and mountain lion.

  Archaeological and Historical Values: Rare prehistoric sites, historic travel routes, mines, and mining towns are all present in the NCA and Acquisition Planning District. The Empire Ranch House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is being restored with the help of the Empire Ranch Foundation in partnership with the BLM. Contributions are being matched by a White House Save America's Treasures Millennium Grant.

  Scenic Views: The NCA and Acquisition Planning District have spectacular vistas of expansive native grasslands, rolling oak woodlands, towering mountain ranges, riparian corridors, and vast desert landscapes. Two state-designated scenic highways traverse the area. Exceptional night sky views beckon stargazers. Vast open spaces make it a popular area for artists and photographers

  Recreation Opportunities: Dispersed and permitted recreation opportunities on the NCA include hiking, camping, mountain biking, picnicking, horseback riding, birding, back-country road touring, hunting, and photography. A 10.5-mile stretch of Cienega Creek has been rated as eligible for national Wild and Scenic Rivers designation.

  There are two main access points to the NCA. The best is located off State Road 83 about seven miles north of Sonoita. This maintained dirt road leads three miles to the Empire Ranch House and continues to other areas within the NCA. Another, less developed, entrance is located five miles east of Sonoita off State Road 82.