One of the largest tracks of preserved grassland in the United States is right here in Jefferson County

Established in 1960 by the National Forest Service, the 155,000-acre Crooked River National Grassland was returned to government ownership through the purchase of submarginal and drought-stricken homestead lands.

This grassland was tilled up between 1880 and 1930 after it was mistakenly reported that the land was suitable for dryland farming. By 1930 nearly 700 homesteaders had moved out, unable to make a living on the land.

The government took on the massive task of rehabilitating the land in 1954 and, after replanting devastated areas with crested wheat grass, the project was considered a success.

For a look back in time, the Grassland holds a variety of unique opportunities. Evidence of homesteaders such as stone shelters, tools ,cans, log cabins, barns and water troughs still remain as a reminder of their brief presence and tragic history.

These unrenewable cultural resources on the National Grassland are comprised mainly of archaeological, paleontological and historical evidence, artifacts and sites, which are protected by the Antiques Act of 1906. It is a violation of the act to disturb or remove these artifacts without an Antiquities permit.

Currently, the Grassland provides a variety of habitat for 375 known or expected to to be present species of wildlife. These include deer, elk, antelope, mountain lion and other small and large mammals. There are also various species of songbirds, waterfowl, shore birds, upland game birds and raptors, which include the threatened Northern Bald Eagle and the endangered Peregrine Falcon.

With the wide open nature of the Grassland and so many interesting species, the area is a prime spot to view wildlife.

Halfway between Madras and Prineville, on U.S. Highway 26, is one of the Grassland's best viewing areas, Rimrock Springs Wildlife Management Area:

The 4350acre Rimrock Springs Wildlife Management Area has since been closed to all hunting and trapping and has emphasized non-consumptive wildlife uses including recreational and educational activities. The best time to view wildlife here is in the spring and fall but Rimrock Springs is open year-round to the public.

As far as visitors go, the Grassland is very user friendly. There are many campgrounds dispersed throughout the area, which include developed as well as undeveloped sites. The two developed campgrounds are just south of haystack Butte on Haystack Reservoir and at the Cove Palisades State Park. The undeveloped sites are dispersed throughout the Grassland.

Located just south of Madras on Highway 97, Haystack Campground is open from Memorial Day weekend through late October. There are 24 sites and several boat docks for swimming and fishing.

the Cove Palisades State Park, which is visited by over a half a million adventure seeking annually, is located in the upper northwest section of the Crooked River National Grassland. The short, 10-mile drive southwest from Madras leads to a scenic canyon filled with steep walls topped with rimrock and Lake Billy Chinook.

The lake area, created by Round Butte Dam, offers camping and three-day-use areas perfect for boat launching, fishing, picnicking, swimming as well as other recreational accommodations including boat rentals and access to off-road vehicle trails.

Other recreational opportunities through the Grassland include world-class rockhounding and cross-country skiing.

When traveling through the Grassland it's recommended that visitors carry a travel plan map. These can be picked up at the Crooked River National Grassland office located at 813 SW Hwy. 97, Madras, OR. The office can also be reached by calling 475-9272.