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Hampton Butte and Cougar Well WSAs straddle the Deschutes-Crook County line along Highway 20, approximately 60 miles southeast of Bend.  The rolling hills of sagebrush and juniper forests in the WSAs are enhanced by many natural features, such as basalt outcroppings, a small canyon and perennial springs. 

 The WSAs provide key winter habitat for Pronghorn antelope, as well as supporting nesting populations of golden eagles and sage grouse.

The two WSA’s are separated by route OR-5-43, which is described as a BLM maintained road in the BLM’s 1991 Wilderness Study Report.  Current records do not indicate any routine maintenance of this route, and ONDA has reason to believe that it may have reverted back to an overgrown and rarely used way.  If further inventory indicates that this road is no longer being maintained by mechanized means, ONDA would recommend that Hampton Butte and Cougar Well WSA’s be combined to form one 29,035 acre Wilderness area.