Sensitive Species and Resource Conflicts

The use of Off Highway Vehicles (OHVs) at St. Anthony Sand Dunes has increased dramatically in recent years. Unfortunately, this use has spurred a noticeable decline in vegetation critical to wilderness quality and sensitive species. Please ride only on the open sand and on designated routes.  The following species are not listed as threatened or endangered, but are species of special concern.

1.) Dunes Tiger Beetle
Color: Bronze Shell, Legs: 6, Size: 2” long
Lifespan: Less than 1 year, Location: On edges of dunes among the plants

2.) Evening Primrose
Color: white to Pink, Petals: 4-Heartshaped
Leaves: 10" narrow, toothed, Height: 4-5"
Location: Grows among the lava rocks and sagebrush.

If you see Evening Primrose plants, please go around them and do not ride over or through them. 

3.) Bald Eagles (sensitive species) and Swainson’s and Ferruginous hawks (sensitive species) hunt, nest and breed in the area.