|
Map Satellite Much of the granitic domelands in the southeastern portion of the Kern Plateau is included in this wilderness area. Several plant communities are present; the largest, in terms of coverage, are the Jeffrey pine forests and the pinyon woodlands. In much of the area the Jeffrey pine, Pinus jeffreyi, forms an open parkland; however, in the western portion, ponderosa, sugar and Western white pines, Pinus ponderosa, Pinus lambertiana and Pinus monticola, become important members of the forest. The white pine is at its southern limit here. Pinyon woodland with pinyon pine, Pinus monophylla, and California juniper, Juniperus californica, are found in the eastern and southern sections. Chaparral, which occurs as a prime cover or undercover, includes Arctostaphylos spp., Ceanothus spp., chinquapin, Chrysolepis sempervirens, and mountain mahogany, Cercocarpus ledifolius. Bitter-brush, Purshia tridentata, is common in the pinyon woodland. Nolina parryi is found in the area. There are several meadows in the Wilderness, as well as various creaks. Cottonwood, Populus fremontii, occurs along some of the lower stream courses. Approximately a sixth of the area is barren, or virtually so. Animals are typical of the southern Sierra. Integrity: There are trails in the area and portions are grazed. It has been a Wild Area since 1960. Use: Research, educational, present. May 1981
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
|
