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Piute Creek Ecological Reserve

Description

The 139-acre Piute Creek Ecological Reserve has overstory vegetation dominated by willow and cottonwood. Common understory species include narrowleaf willow, mule fat, and California bulrush. The rocky, well-drained slopes and alluvial fans surrounding the creek support a great diversity of shrubs and cacti. This site contains a rich diversity of bird species. It is an important breeding and wintering site for both resident and migratory bird species and supports a large number of game species. It also provides an important water source for a population of Nelson's bighorn sheep.

For more information, call the Inland Deserts Region Ontario office at (909) 484-0167.

Recreational Opportunities

Wildlife Viewing Hiking Trails Quail Hunting

Activities: wildlife viewing, hiking, hunting

Area History

Native Americans have been known to inhabit this area periodically since 9000 B.C. In more recent years, several expeditions of Jesuit priests have traveled through. A government road was established along the Creekside and a military fort was constructed as a way station for pioneers.

The purpose of the acquisition was to maintain and protect this important desert riparian habitat and wildlife water source. The parcel, in conjunction with the adjacent BLM lands, contained the only perennial stream in the Piute Range and supported the largest riparian area in the eastern Mojave Desert. The property was designated as an ecological reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 1986.

Piute Creek ER - click to enlarge in new window
Click to enlarge

Location

Inland Deserts Region (Region 6)

San Bernardino County

Directions: Hwy 95 10 mi south of junction with Hwy 163. West on graded utility road to reserve.

CDFW Lands Viewer

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