Powder River
"Too thick to plow, too thick to drink." That was the humor of early
settlers describing the mud swept downstream each spring in the Powder.
The river was named the "Powder" because its banks have a black brittle
gunpowder appearance. This river carries water from melting snows high in
the Bighorn Mountains north to the Yellowstone River in Montana.
Powder River country is a land of heritage and tradition.
Native Americans lived here for over 8000 years before the first explorers and
immigrants. The famous "Hole-in-the-Wall" hide out of Butch Cassidy and
the Sundance Kid was on the Middle Fork of Powder River, 60 miles southwest of
where you now stand. Today these open expanses of prairie are home to hard
working ranch families - a cultural heritage passed on from the pioneer cattle
barons of the late 1800's.
Once the habitat for great herds of bison, Powder River country now
supports a blend of agriculture and nave prairie wildlife. Cattle and
sheep graze the land along with herds of antelope, deer and elk. Riparian areas
(the lush green areas bordering the river) are of special importance in
fulfilling the habitat needs of people, livestock and wildlife importance in
fulfilling the habitat needs of people, livestock and wildlife.
This country has seen years of oil development, and is now a prime source
of low sulfur coal for the U.S. - helping to reduce air pollution from power
generation plants in many parts of the country. The Powder River basin now
produces one-sixth of the worlds energy.
As you pass through this area it appears endless and barren, but life
abounds on the vast Powder River landscapes. Land ownership along the
river is mixed between private, state and federal. Pioneers tended to
homestead the lowlands close to water, leaving the federal lands now
administered by BLM. These lands are currently used for grazing, wildlife,
minerals and other multiple uses. Prairie vegetation is produced on soil
rich in nutrients and minerals and nourished by sunshine, snow and rain.
Ranchers raise cattle and sheep which convert prairie plants to meat, wool,
leather and other products used to feed and clothe the nation. Through
good stewardship and cooperative management of the prairie, wildlife and
livestock.
You are in the heart of Powder River country - a special place for
wildlife and people. A cowboy culture and wildland romance. - text of
marker