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Monache Meadows Wildlife Area

Image of Monache Meadows WA

Description

Monache Meadows Wildlife Area is 248 acres within the Inyo National Forest. Monache Creek and the South Fork of Kern River cross this area. The river that transverses the meadow is home to some of the last remaining native populations of golden trout in the world. In addition, it includes suitable habitat for the Sierra Nevada fox, wolverine, and the spotted owl.

For more information, call the Central Region Fresno office at (559) 243-4005 ext. 151.

Map of Monache Meadows WA - click to open in new window
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Location

Central Region (Region 4)

Tulare County

between Golden Trout Wilderness & S. Sierra Wilderness and south of Hessian Meadow

Access: 4WD access only. Northeast of California Hot Springs & Johnsondale on Sherman Pass Road to S. Fork Kern River at Monache Creek.

Detailed Map (PDF)

CDFW Lands Viewer

Photo Gallery

Recreational Opportunities

Fishing Deer Hunting Wildlife Viewing

Activities: fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing

Hunting:

Type C: Monache Meadows Wildlife Area does not require the purchase of a hunting pass for entry. Entry permits and/or passes or special drawing may be required for hunting on some Type C wildlife areas.

Area History

The Monache Meadow area has tremendous archaeological resources, and was an extremely significant meeting and trading center 10,000 years ago. Livestock grazing (both sheep and cattle) has been a part of the meadow since the 1890s. The wildlife area has been spared most of the damage caused in the early years due to the private ownership of this parcel. Even so, grazing by private horse stock has caused some damage to the ecosystem of the wildlife area.

Until the purchase of this property by The Trust for Public Land and the subsequent purchase by the Wildlife Conservation Board, the use of this land was limited to private ownership. The property was designated as a wildlife area by the Fish and Game Commission in 1994.

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