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Pleasant Valley Ecological Reserve

Description

The approximately 1,200-acre Pleasant Valley Ecological Reserve has three units: Phelps Avenue, Jayne Avenue, and Southern. It has a mixture of annual grassland and saltbush scrub habitats. It also contains some seasonal riparian areas. Animals include foxes, squirrels, and lizards.

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

Recreational Opportunities

Wildlife Viewing Deer Hunting

Activities: wildlife viewing, hunting

NOTE: Visitors are responsible for knowing and complying with all regulations pertaining to the use of Department lands.

Refer to the Public Uses on State and Federal Lands section of the Waterfowl, Upland Game, and Public Use Regulations (PDF) booklet for both statewide and property-specific regulations.

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You may not operate a drone on CDFW Lands without a Special Use Permit.

Area History

Land use in the Arroyo Pasajero alluvial fan area is dominated by irrigated agriculture. In the past, common crops that were grown in this area included cotton, barley, seed alfalfa, safflower, and lettuce. Historic upland land use in the area includes cattle and sheep grazing. Several parcels of land adjacent to the reserve still support cattle grazing. Petroleum production is also important to the Coalinga area economy, and oil fields in this area were some of the first areas in California producing oil.

The property was designated as an ecological reserve in 2000. The purpose of the acquisition was to protect valley annual grasslands and saltbush scrub habitats for sensitive animal species. One project installed fencing to exclude cattle, removed tamarisk, and planted native riparian species, providing habitat for resident and migratory wildlife species.

Pleasant Valley ER - click to enlarge in new window
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Location

Central Region (Region 4)

Fresno County

Directions: Exit I-5 onto Janye Ave. Head west to El Dorado Rd. Turn right, heading north. At intersect of Phelps Ave., turn left and go west approx. 2 to 3 miles until reach an "S" shaped bend in road. Park at gate on south side of road. Access on foot through gate.

CDFW Lands Viewer