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Canebrake Ecological Reserve

Description

This approximately 7,200-acre property includes the following units: Bloomfield Ranch, Canebrake Creek, Cap Canyon, and Scodie Ranch. Habitat types include valley foothill riparian, valley foothill hardwood-conifer/blue oak-digger pine, sagebrush, Joshua tree, riverine, lacustrine, fresh emergent wetland, wet meadow, pasture, and cropland. Hundreds of bird species occur on the property, as well as numerous mammal, reptile, and butterfly species. Fish species include western suckers, hardhead, and Sacramento squawfish.

For more information, call the Central Region Fresno office Conservation Building at (559) 243-4005.

Recreational Opportunities

Wildlife Viewing Hiking Trails

Activities: wildlife viewing, hiking

Trails give access to federal lands where hunting is permitted in accordance with regulations.

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Area History

The area once supported a vibrant population of Native Americans, estimated to have first inhabited the South Fork Valley at about 1000 B.C. This site was a very important settlement during cooler months as they migrated from their summery camps in the high sierra to the lowlands. The first European presence in the valley was the United States army in 1834. Settlers soon followed. Canebrake Creek was named in 1853 when Lt. R.S. Williamson found Native Americans collecting cane there from which they would process a sweet sugary substance.

Before acquisition by the state, the property was one of the first ranches in the valley, established around 1872. Over time, various owners have operated it. This ranching history greatly altered the river system and riparian habitat. In 1990, a plan was developed to acquire and protect riparian habitat in the valley. The Department acquired the property in 1994, and it was designated as an ecological reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 1995.

Related Documents

Outdoor California Article

Map of Canebrake ER - click to enlarge in new window
Click to enlarge

Location

Central Region (Region 4)

Kern County

Directions: Hwy 178. Reserve is 10 mi east of Lake Isabella on north side Hwy 178.

CDFW Lands Viewer

Wildlife Branch - Lands Program
Mailing: P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090