National Natural Landmarks Program

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Bitter Lake Group

Bitter Lake Group. Photo by S. Martin.

Located within the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, the Bitter Lake Group contains more than 30 natural sinkhole depressions formed by solution of gypsum-bearing rocks. The highly saline artesian lakes provide habitat for the only inland occurrence of a marine alga and two rare fish species. The site offers one of the best examples of undisturbed shrub-grassland and the process of succession and restoration to natural conditions following a disturbance.

Location: Chaves County, NM

Year designated: 1980

Acres: 10,804

Ownership: Federal

For additional information see:

http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/newmex/bitterlake/index.html

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Please remember, National Natural Landmarks (NNLs) are not national parks. NNL status does not indicate public ownership, and many sites are not open for visitation.

Last Updated: June 28, 2012