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Show 300 are waterfowl hunters. Walking access to the area is available all year from the parking lot. Habitat types include: 350 acres open water 400 acres marsh 390 acres mudflats 300 acres uplands Locomotive Springs Waterfowl Management Area Locomotive Springs WMA is an isolated, spring- fed wetland located at the north end of GSL, east of Kelton. This 17,317 acre WMA is supported by six springs and provides a much needed oasis for wildlife in the middle of the West Desert. Habitat types include the following: 1,370 acres open water 3,250 acres marsh 9,077 acres mudflats 1,455 acres uplands The Civilian Conservation Corps created the Locomotive Springs WMA in 1931. DWR plans to expand the WMA by 2,600 acres to include protection of playas which are Snowy plover habitat. Wildlife viewing activities include some passerine and scrubland bird species. Public vehicle access around the dikes is permissible, except during waterfowl breeding and nesting season, and during falcon hacking. Bird watching, fishing and primitive camping are allowed year around. The entire WMA is accessible during hunting season. Locomotive Springs receives approximately 6,000 visitors a year, 5,000 of which enjoy hunting and fishing. The most significant issue facing Locomotive Springs is maintaining water flow from the springs throughout the year. Since the early 1970s the spring flow has declined by 67 percent. This has resulted in diminishing wetlands by 5,000 acres in this WMA. Diminished flows have also resulted in higher salinities in the impounded waters of the marsh which affects vegetation. Other Important State- Operated Wildlife Management Areas Other WMAs located beyond the meander line of GSL provide a variety of different habitat types for many species that depend upon the GSL ecosystem. These areas are directly associated with the lake environs and become critically important when high lake levels inundate otherwise available habitats at lower elevations. Public Shooting Grounds Waterfowl Management Area Public Shooting Grounds WMA was perhaps the first area in the nation set aside specifically for hunting when it was established in 1929. It is located 10.5 miles west of Corinne on U- 83 and is directly north of BRMBR. This 11,834 acre area includes cold desert upland plant species, extensive wetland vegetation, eleven developed ponds and mudflat areas providing great habitat diversity. Habitat types include: 2,305 acres open water 4,129 acres marsh 3,675 acres mudflats 1,455 acres uplands Camping, off- highway vehicle and air boat use are subject to restriction. Bear River Access Wildlife Management Area Bear River Access WMA was purchased in 1989 for fisherman access to the Bear River. This WMA is small, only five acres, but includes a parking area and a hardened launch ramp for easy access. The WMA is set in a riparian valley 88 |