Burns Paiute Tribal Properties
Ben Gordon
watch
Stewardship Pronghorn Fence
Stewardship Pronghorn Fence
listen
Cottonwood Canyon Riparian Soundscape
Cottonwood Canyon Riparian Soundscape
fact
Bitteroot
Bitteroot
Bitteroot blooms on north-facing cliffs in western North America.
The Paiute name for bitteroot is kangedya. Traditional Native American uses of the plant included eating the roots, mixed with berries and meat, and using the roots to treat sore throats.
About these Places
The ancestors of the present-day members of the Burns Paiute Tribe signed a treaty in 1869 with the United States government to create the 1.8 million-acre Malheur Reservation in eastern Oregon’s high desert. This treaty was never ratified, the reservation was eliminated, and tribal communities were removed from their homelands. These lands are now federal public lands that stretch from the Strawberry Mountains south to the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
Eventually, Tribal members returned to eastern Oregon and re-established their community on a small reservation on the outskirts of Burns. In addition to their reservation, the Burns Paiute Tribe owns three properties in Oregon’s high desert: Logan Valley, Jonesboro Ranch, and Beech Creek. These properties are managed to protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat. Tribal members also sustain traditional practices including gathering roots, hunting and fishing at these locations.
ONDA partners with the Burns Paiute Tribe to support our shared goals to improve the ecological health of the landscape.
Logan Valley
Located at the base of the Strawberry Mountains, the Logan Valley property encompasses several miles of essential streams that form the headwaters of the Malheur River. The property contains critical habitat for bull trout, pronghorn, and many other sensitive species of fish and wildlife. Rare and endangered plant species are also present here.
ONDA has partnered on a number of restoration projects at Logan Valley that include planting streamside trees, collecting native seed, and installing bluebird and kestrel nest boxes.
Jonesboro Ranch
Located within core greater sage-grouse habitat along the Malheur River, the Jonesboro Ranch property is managed by the Tribe for conservation and restoration.
ONDA has supported the Tribe’s restoration efforts by removing juniper that is encroaching on sage-grouse habitat, planting trees along the Malheur River, and collecting native plant seeds to be used in revegetation efforts.
Beech Creek
Located in the upper John Day River watershed, the Beech Creek property contains six miles of important native fish habitat.
ONDA has planted streamside trees and shrubs to support fish and wildlife, and we’ve removed juniper to improve habitat for deer and elk.