Hoover Wilderness Additions

Proposed Acreage:

Approximately 79,360 acres

Proposal Summary:

The Hoover Wilderness Additions represent a classic High Sierra landscape of deeply carved glacial valleys dotted with tranquil alpine lakes and forests of lodge pole pine. The southern portion, consisting mostly of a high plateau rising above the west shore of Mono Lake, is home to a reintroduced population of the Endangered Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. Recognizing the importance of preserving the outstanding natural and recreational values of the northern Hoover Additions, which includes 12 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has recommended this magnificent country be designated as Wilderness.

Natural Values:

The rocky, alpine habitat of the southern additions supports a herd of reintroduced Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, a Federally Endangered species.
The northern Hoover Additions are home to a large wintering population of bald eagles, as well as wolverine, black bear and mountain yellow-legged frogs, a candidate Federally Endangered species. 

Cultural Values:

An early group of American settlers followed the West Walker River drainage through the northern additions as they searched for a way over the forbidding Sierra crest.
Historic structures, such as the beautiful ranger’s cabin in Paiute Meadows, will be preserved for future generations to experience.
Maintaining the recreational and natural integrity of the Hoover Additions is critical to sustaining the local, tourism based economy. 

Recreational Values:

The Hoover Wilderness Additions are one of the Eastern Sierra’s premier summer recreation destinations for horse packers, backpackers, hunters, and day hikers.
The northern additions contain 12 miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and used extensively to access the back country of neighboring Yosemite National Park.
The southern additions are currently used by Boy Scouts from the Los Angeles Area Council, who learn Leave No Trace camping techniques on the plateau overlooking Mono Lake.
With over 35 sky-blue lakes and numerous fish bearing creeks, the Hoover Additions offers spectacular back country angling opportunities. 

Land Ownership:

All of the land within the Hoover Additions is publicly owned and managed by the Inyo and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests.

Access:

Motorized access to the Warren Bench, Leavitt Lake, the Log Cabin Mine and the Boy Scout Log Cabin Wilderness Camp would not be affected by the proposal. The Lake Canyon trail up to Oneida Lake from Lundy Lake has been excluded from the Wilderness proposal to accommodate mountain bike use. Wilderness status would also not affect current hunting rules and regulations.

Threats:

Increasing unregulated and illegal winter snowmobile use in the northern portion of the additions threatens to destroy the area’s natural tranquility and disrupt wintering wildlife.
Designation of the Hoover Additions as wilderness will preserve the outstanding recreational and natural integrity of these lands for future generations.
An album with maps and more photos can be accessed here: