The Silver Island Mountains have never been thoroughly inventoried for cultural resources, but because of their proximity to known sites and the favorable environmental conditions, it is likely that cultural sites exist within the proposed wilderness. The cultural resources in this region have no commercial value but are of scientific interest. There are also significant biological, geological, and historical values in the Silver Island Mountains. The path of the Donner Party skirts the northern boundary and is still visible in some locations. Studies Needed Rising to an elevation of 7,500 feet, the Silvers are not high enough to wrest much moisture from the parched desert air.
Small mammals are present as well as some deer, coyotes, and an occasional cougar.
Thorough biological inventories of sensitive, threatened, or endangered species have not been done. However, a variety of raptors nest in the area or migrate through, including hawks, falcons, and eagles. We recommend that Congress designate 27,200 acres in the northern portion of the Silver Island Mountains as wilderness. This excludes abandoned mines on the south end of the area. The easternmost part of the range, divided from the main part by a well used jeep trail, is included in our proposal.