Near Lander in Fremont County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Sinks Canyon - Corridor to the Winds
This slope is home to wildlife that prefers dense forest habitat. Found here are the tiny pygmy owl, the agile goshawk, brilliant red and yellow western tanagers, blue grouse and the Townsend’s solitaire. Mammals seen here include black bear, mule deer, moose, porcupines, pine martens, snowshow hares, and red squirrels.
Canyons walls rise from the riparian zone along the river, wet, lush riparian habitat along the middle fork of the Popo Agie provide water, food and a travel corridor through the canyon for wildlife.
The crumbling tan cliffs visible through the trees are comprised of Madison formation limestone. It is in this thick, soft rock that “The Sinks” are found. The Middle Fork flows down the canyon and into cracks in this limestone where it sinks, disappearing underground until the river reappears in “The Rise,” ¼ mile downstream.
During the 1940s and 50s most of the lower half of Sinks Canyon was purchased by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to preserve and manage important habitats for wildlife. Through a cooperative management agreement with the State Parks and Historical Society the canyon continues to provide critical winter habitat for many animals because it remains relatively snow free and has food, shelter and water available during even the toughest winter months.
Erected by Wyoming Fish and Game Department.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.
Location. 42° 44.886′ N, 108° 48.57′ W. Marker is near Lander, Wyoming, in Fremont County. Marker is on Sinks Canyon Road (State Highway 131), on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3148 Sinks Canyon Road, Lander WY 82520, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. "The Sinks" (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rise of the Sinks (approx. 0.4 miles away); Popo Agie Power (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sinks Canyon (approx. 0.9 miles away); Site of Fort Augur (approx. 7 miles away); Noble Lane Building (approx. 7.1 miles away); Fremont Hotel (approx. 7.1 miles away); M.N Baldwin Co. (approx. 7.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lander.
More about this marker. This marker is located next to the Visitors Center in Sinks Canyon State Park, about 7 miles southwest of Lander.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 430 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 14, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.