Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
Southwest Region
View from the Salt Flats Tower - Looking to the NorthEast

Wildlife on the Salt Flats
The most productive area in which the selenite crystals are found has been divided into sections. Each section is used on a rotating basis to allow time for crystal growth replacement. It is also important to restrict crystal digging to particular sections because many bird species use the area for nesting purposes. Among these species are snowy plovers, endangered interior least terns, and American avocets.

Snowy plovers can be found throughout the crystal digging area. Interior least terns and American avocets are mostly seen along the streams. The birds will use the dig holes and consume the brine flies that hatch in the water in the dig holes after you have left the site.

It is important that these birds not be disturbed. Furthermore, it is illegal to harass or destroy the bird's eggs and nests.
Bird Tracks in a Dig Hole

For the pleasure of viewing wildlife, an observation tower is located at the entrance of the selenite crystal digging area. The tower is open year round from sunrise to sunset. During fall months, white pelicans and sandhill cranes can be seen in the area, also an occasional whooping crane may be sighted. In winter, several thousand geese can often be seen along the lake shoreline.  
 
Digging for Crystals as a Compatible Use on a Wildlife Refuge


Any recreational use on the refuge has to be evaluated in terms of it being compatible with the mission of the refuge. Salt Plains is an important stop-over and breeding area for migratory waterfowl and other birds. We seek to provide optimum habitat for them along their routes and during nesting season.

Because of our importance to wildlife, recreation on the salt flats is limited to April 1 to October 15. These dates are generally accepted as allowing the public to enjoy the flats while limiting disturbance to whooping cranes and other wildlife.


In addition, digging for crystals has been found compatible with our mission because old mounds from past dig seasons have been found being used as elevated nesting platforms.

The mounds give shorebirds a place to nest above the floodplain during the rainy seasons and increases their nest success. Nesting beside the mounds can offer the eggs shade from the hot sun.
Illustration of Snowy Plover using Crystal Area as Nesting Area
 

Last updated: July 30, 2007

Salt Plains Art Contest | FAQs | News | Permits | Info | National Special Events Calendar

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Home Page | Department of the Interior | USA.gov | About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | Accessibility | Privacy | Notices | Disclaimer | FOIA

U S Fish and Wildlife Service