Dixie Valley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dixie Valley |
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 Dixie Valley
Location in Nevada
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| Area | 2,990 sq mi (7,700 km2) |
| Geography | |
| State | Nevada |
| Borders on | West: Stillwater Range East: Clan Alpine Mountains South: Pirouette Mountain |
The Dixie Valley is a special valley located in Nevada. It is known as an "endorheic basin." This means that water flows into the valley but does not flow out to the ocean. Instead, it collects within the valley itself. Long ago, this area had plenty of natural underground water from "artesian wells." These wells provided free-flowing water, which helped ranches grow in the valley.
In 1995, the United States Navy bought Dixie Valley for $100 million. They use it as a training area for their pilots. This area is especially important for electronic warfare training. Pilots from the nearby Fallon Naval Air Station practice their skills here. The famous TOPGUN school also moved to Nevada, making this valley a key location for military training.
The lowest part of Dixie Valley is over 3,000 feet (about 914 meters) above sea level. This area is part of the Great Basin Desert. It has different types of natural environments, called "ecoregions." These include areas with salt-loving shrubs and dry lakebeds. At higher elevations, you can find sagebrush slopes and other plant communities.
Dixie Valley is unique compared to other valleys in West Central Nevada. Its lowest point is about 3,300 feet (1,006 meters) high. Most other valleys in the area are at least 3,800 feet (1,158 meters) high. A special animal, the Dixie Valley toad, lives only in this area. This means it is an "endemic" species, found nowhere else in the world.
Dixie Valley Military Training Area
The military training area in Dixie Valley is part of a larger complex. This complex is called the Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC). It is used by the US Navy for various training exercises.
What is in the Military Area?
The Dixie Valley military range has a simulated air defense network. This network helps pilots practice fighting against enemy defenses. It includes about 20 working radar installations. Radar uses radio waves to detect objects, like airplanes. Many old, "demilitarized" armored vehicles are also spread across the area. "Demilitarized" means they have been changed so they cannot be used for war anymore. They are used as targets or markers for training.
Public Access to the Area
Most of the Dixie Valley military area is open to the public. However, there are some parts you cannot enter. These are the areas right around the radar installations. These specific spots are restricted for safety and security reasons.
