Sand Butte WSA

General Location: About 35 miles northeast of Shoshone, Idaho in Lincoln County.

Natural Features: It lies adjacent to the Raven’s Eye WSA. Sand Butte, the most prominent feature, is an excellent example of a maar crater, which is formed by the explosive generation of steam caused by magma contacting ground water. The remainder of the area is a relatively flat, older lava flow covered by wind-blown soil deposits.

Total Acres: 20,792

Acres Supported by BLM for Wilderness Designation: 20,792

Rationale for BLM's Recommendation: The WSA has outstanding geologic and wilderness values. Sand Butte is a unique formation among the many other volcanic cones on the Snake River Plain. The area would add landform diversity to the National Wilderness Preservation System in Idaho.