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Map Satellite One of, if not the largest level valley in the Sierra Nevada, the area is criss-crossed by numerous creeks and rivers, all tributary to the Middle Fork of the Feather River, which form permanent and temporary marshes. These wetlands provide an important habitat for a number of animals including at least 14 species of waterfowl and 25 species of water-associated birds, as well as a number of other birds. The valley is an important wintering area for raptors, including the golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos, and the endangered southern bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus.
Though the marsh flora is typical Sierran, some Great Basin species are found here.
There are a number of artesian springs in the valley including several hot springs. (See Marble Hot Springs). Following the post-Warner Plio-Pleistocene faulting which lifted the Sierra to its present height, the valley was a lake.
Integrity: Much of the wetlands have been destroyed by agricultural encroachment; more are threatened.
Use: Private
May 1975
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
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