Wheeler Flats / Burcham Acquisition

Lead CDFW biologists: Tim Taylor, Alisa Ellsworth

In October 2007, the State of California purchased 1,160 acres on Burcham and Wheeler Flats in northern Mono County for the protection of critical sage grouse habitat in the Fales/Desert Creek Population Management Unit. Habitat loss and modification from land development was identified as a primary risk to the Fales population. The acquisition included sage grouse breeding, brood rearing and wintering habitat encompassing the last two remaining active leks in the Fales portion of the Population Management Unit. The 1,160 acres will be protected in perpetuity and managed as a State Wildlife Area to provide optimal benefits to sage grouse and other wildlife.

Sage grouse habitat acquired in Wheeler Flats / Burcham area
Burcham and Wheeler Flats Wildlife Area (2007)

Sage grouse habitat acquired in Wheeler Flats / Burcham area
Burcham and Wheeler Flats Wildlife Area (2007)