Bald and Pine Mountains
Map SatelliteLocated on the eastern edge of the Kern Plateau, this area includes conifer forests and extensive granite ridges. Lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana, is the dominant cover in the conifer forests. Rosa pinetorum and bitter cherry, Prunus emarginata, are important elements in the understory.
There are several large meadows, with the non-native Poa pratensis, Juncus macrandrus and Trifolium monanthum among the more conspicuous members of the association. Several rare or uncommon plants occur in the area, including Astragalus subvestitus, Abronia alpina and Nemacladus twisselmannii.
Animals are abundant and typical of the southern Sierra. Of note is the possible occurrence of the rare wolverine, Gulo luscus, which here is near the southern limit of its range and which has been reported a few kilometers to the south. Other mammals present are porcupines, Erethizon dorsatum, fisher, Martes pennanti, and mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus.
Integrity: There are some trails in the area, but most of the area is virtually pristine.
Use: Research, educational, observational, present, on public lands. Some private.
June 1981
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
