Raymond Wildlife Area is one of two AZGFD wildlife areas primarily dedicated to the conservation and management of American bison (the other is House Rock Wildlife Area). This wildlife area, which includes private and State Trust Land, is managed by AZGFD. It is open to the public most of the year and consists of approximately 14,637 acres. Elevations vary from 5,000 to 6,000 feet with habitat dominated by desert scrub grassland and Great Basin conifer woodland. The area functions as a year-round range for American pronghorn, mule deer, elk, and American bison. Long-term drought is the primary threat to this COA.
Conservation Goals
- Support populations of American bison, elk, mule deer, and American pronghorn.
- Manage ungulate populations and vegetation to support high range quality and ecological integrity.
- Continue to improve health of grasslands through removing woody vegetation and prescribed fires.
- Conduct population surveys for native mountainsnails to help inform their management needs and habitat protection.
Map
Primary Threats
3. Climate Change and Severe Weather
Potential Conservation Actions
2. Land and Water Management
- Reintroduce fire into historic grasslands to improve habitat health.
- Control juniper expansion into historical grasslands.
3. Species Management
- Managing specific plant and animal populations of concern such as the American bison, Gunnison’s prairie dog, and pinyon jay, and other SGCN.
Habitats Present
Strategy Species
Birds
American Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Horned Lark, Juniper Titmouse, Mountain Bluebird, Northern Harrier, Pinyon Jay, Lark Sparrow, Western Burrowing Owl
Invertebrates
Mammals
American Pronghorn, Black-tailed Jackrabbit, Gunnison's Prairie Dog
Fish
See Associated Aquatic COAs for fish species.
Protected Areas and Other Areas of Conservation Value
- Coconino National Forest
Potential Partners
- Diablo Trust
- Hopi Three Canyon Ranch
Relevant Conservation Plans
Associated Aquatic COAs
- No associated Aquatic COAs