Sevier Plateau / Mount Dutton

Description

Smith Canyon, Casto Bluff Proposed Wilderness

The Sevier Plateau, commonly known as Mt. Dutton, is located on the Powell Ranger District of the Dixie National Forest. Striking volcanic peaks, plugs, necks and canyons top colorful sedimentary features found in the Red Canyon and Casto Bluff area. Pink and white limestone cliffs capped with sandstone conglomerates of the Wasatch formation define the dramatic scenery in the southern portion of the area. The land rises to reveal remarkable green cliffs, capped with tuffaceous volcanic flows. The scenic uplift that defines the peak of Mt. Dutton is visible from a great distance to the west, and provides striking views from the community of Panguitch. The general area contains the following roadless areas: Casto Bluff, Horse Valley, Deer Creek, and Blind Spring Mountain. The preceding areas contain 202,000 acres proposed for wilderness protection.

A survey of Natural Landmark Areas of the North Portion of the Colorado Plateau, Biotic and Geologic themes, conducted by Brigham Young University scientists, released in May 1980, found two highly significant areas within the Sevier Plateau area. The first, The Red Canyon/Sevier Fault zone was found to be of high priority for protection for its geological and ecological values. It was deemed biologically significant due to its unique substrate, which produced a series of narrowly restricted plant species. The report stated: "Perhaps no other region is shared as a locality by so many taxa as is Red Canyon." Geologically, the area was found significant due to faulting which produced a dramatic contrast between black basalt and the red-hued rock of the Wasatch formation. The second area, Casto Bluff, was also found to contain unique geologic and biotic themes.

Sand Wash, Casto Bluff Proposed Wilderness

The Sevier Plateau area falls within The Wasatch and Uinta Mountains level III ecoregion. The area contains three level IV ecoregions: high plateaus subsection, mountain valleys subsection and semiarid foothills subsection. The nearest designated wilderness is the Box-Death Hollow Wilderness Area, at a distance of approximately 24 air miles. Some of these roadless areas are directly contiguous to large tracts of roadless BLM lands that have been identified as having wilderness character by the BLM. Casto Bluff is directly adjacent to the UWC's Rocky Ford proposed wilderness unit.

The Utah Forest Network proposes the bulk of the roadless areas on the Sevier Plateau for wilderness designation. The highly scenic qualities of the landscape, previous validation of the uniqueness of the area by the Forest Service and BYU scientists, hunting, hiking and rock climbing opportunities, stunning long range views, deep and rugged canyons, presence of TES species, and its location adjacent to a large BLM roadless area make the area an excellent candidate for wilderness protection.

Threats

The Sevier Plateau faces fragmentation threats from ORV users who travel cross-country and on user-created routes. Large-scale range vegetation manipulation, ostensibly to increase available forage for domestic livestock, is also a threat to functioning ecosystems and habitat for the Greater sage-grouse. Small stands of commercial timber are located in the area. High elevation clear cuts adjacent to the roadless area show poor regeneration, and the area has problems with an excess of timber routes that were not closed and decommissioned after the conclusion of their intended use. The timber has been uneconomical to log due to transportation costs, but recent fires and endemic spruce beetle attack may trigger ill-advised salvage and insect related logging in the future.

Location

Mt. Dutton, Casto Bluff Proposed Wilderness

The easiest access to the proposed Sevier Plateau Wilderness is from Highway 12, a scenic byway, as it climbs through Red Canyon. At the top of Red Canyon, travel into the interior of the area can be accomplished on forest road 117 to the north, then forest road 120 up Tent Hollow to the Casto Bluff area. The core of the area is approximately 15 miles northeast of the community of Panguitch, Utah. Access from Panguitch is via low standard dirt roads up the Right Fork of Sanford Creek. This route provides excellent views of Blind Spring Mountain and Hancock Peak. Another way to reach the core of the area is via a loop route on forest road 125. Beginning in the community of Antimony, to the northwest of the area, the route climbs through the pinon/juniper zone, sage steppe, aspen, and then spruce/fir forests near the high point of Mt. Dutton. The route continues the loop past Adam's Head, a J.W. Powell survey point, down through the successive life zones, ending in John's Valley at highway 22. Recent fire in the area provides an opportunity to see vigorous aspen regeneration, with prolific suckers sprouting even in the middle of the main road. Forest road 125 provides access to many fine hiking trails, some of which can stretch into multi-day backpacks.

Wilderness Characteristics

Geology and Landforms

The area rises from broad sage filled valleys at approximately 6,600 feet to Mt. Dutton, a forested peak at an elevation of 11,041 feet. Highly varied, the area contains volcanic peaks, deep canyons, gentle sage steppe slopes, ponderosa pine, aspen, and mixed conifer types. The high elevation portions of the area contain spruce/fir forests. Unique features include Casto Bluff, Red Canyon, Casto Canyon, Losee Canyon, Forest Creek Canyon, Deer Creek Canyon, Deep Creek Canyon, and Cottonwood Peak. Volcanic activity is evident throughout much of the plateau, providing an intriguing contrast to the dominant sedimentary structure of the greater area. The area boasts views of Boulder Mountain, John's Valley, The Tushar Mountains, Circleville Mountain, and the Circle Valley.

TES species

Threatened, endangered, or sensitive species known to occur in the area are:

Plant Communities

Red Canyon North Proposed Wilderness

The vegetation of the Sevier Plateau country is highly varied, representing five dominant types. Riparian corridors, intermittent streams and wetlands exist, such as those in Forest Creek, Deep Creek, Deer Creek, and Cottonwood Creek. The lower elevations of the roadless area consist of Pinon/Juniper and sage steppe vegetation types. Richly diverse Boreal Forests are found here. Old-growth Ponderosa are found in the middle elevations. The area rises to majestic aspen stands in the middle and upper elevations, providing diverse habitat for wildlife. The highest elevations of the roadless area are dominated by Englemann spruce and sub-alpine fir. Due to the rapid change in elevation and location, the Sevier Plateau area contains transitions between ecosystems and habitats.

Wildlife

The Sevier Plateau contains suitable summer and winter range for mule deer, and houses one of the largest elk herds in the state. Expansive stands of healthy Aspen ecosystems provide high value habitat for wildlife. Raptors and cougar are found in the area. Other residents include sage grouse, rabbits, bobcats, coyotes, ravens, variegated ground squirrel, and numerous small birds.

Opportunities for solitude primitive and unconfined recreation

Opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation are many. Deep canyons and isolation from impacts enhance the sense of solitude. The area's remoteness is palpable, even from the main route through the area. It offers abundant opportunities for hunting, day hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, fishing, photography and rock climbing, and retains a high degree of naturalness due to its large size and lack of human intrusion. A sense of remoteness and solitude can be found even on the main roads of the area due to the lack of sights and sounds of civilization.

Roadless Areas within the Mount Dutton region