Sand Mesa

Additional Information: Sand Mesa Wildlife Habitat Management Area is approximately 25 miles northwest of Shoshoni. You can access this area by traveling west on U.S. Highway 26 and then north on Bass Lake Road. Sand Mesa is a prime example of crop land that has been managed to improve habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Farmlands are also being utilized and irrigated under a contract with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Three-hundred-fifty acres of wetlands not only serve as habitat for waterfowl, but also as filters for runoff water from surrounding lands. Wetlands help filter sediments and impurities before the water enters Boysen Reservoir. The limited annual precipitation of five inches is due to the barrier created by the Wind River Range to the west and the Owl Creek Range to the north. This lack of precipitation results in a sagebrush grassland community that can survive on minimal moisture. Lake Cameahwait and Middle Depression Reservoir are superior fisheries. You might catch rainbow or cutthroat trout, largemouth bass or yellow perch. The two narrow strips of riparian (river bank) habitat along Muddy Creek also provide fair fishing opportunities. You can walk or drive through this area and observe a variety of wildlife during milder weather. Besides waterfowl, you can expect to find pheasant, mule deer and white-tailed deer, hawks, coyotes, prairie dogs, burrowing owls and rattlesnakes. White-faced ibis, Foresters tern and piedbilled grebe are among the many species of water birds you will see. There are some picnic and camping facilities provided by neighboring Boysen State Park and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. A boat ramp is also provided.