PUBLIC LANDS -- A natural area in the Wallowa Mountains of northeastern Oregon has been given a special distinction this week by Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell

The Mount Howard-East Peak National Natural Landmark has been designated the nation’s newest in that category of wild areas because it is an outstanding example of Montane Grasslands, the National Park Service announced in a media release.

It's the 598^th national natural landmark after being identified and evaluated through a rigorous process that includes a scientific evaluation and public comment period. The designation formally acknowledges the site’s outstanding biological features.

The area is in the Wallowa-Whitman National forest, but the designation to the National Natural Landmarks Program, established in 1962, is administered by the National Park Service.

 Mount Howard-East Peak has the best quality and most diverse example of Montane Grasslands remaining in the Columbia Plateau. The area has outstanding examples of other montane habitats and exceptional botanical diversity. This landmark site provides habitat for a number of Wallowa Mountain endemic and rare plant species.

 “National natural landmark sites are designated for their outstanding condition, illustrative character, rarity, diversity and value to science and education” said National Park Service Director Jonathon B. Jarvis. “Landmark designation not only recognizes significant natural features, but establishes partnerships with landowners, managers and partners to cooperatively conserve outstanding sites and promote appreciation of natural heritage beyond units of the National Park System.”

 National natural landmarks are owned by a variety of public and private land stewards and the federal designation imposes no new land use restrictions that were not in effect prior to designation.