District Size: 702,579 acres Overview: The South Fork Valley is located along the South Fork of the Ken River about 60 miles northeast of Bakersfield along Highway 178. Indians of the Tubatalbal tribe roamed the valley for centuries before the arrival of European settlers in the 1850's. Mining camps developed along the hillsides while cattle and hay production dominated the agricultural-based valley floor.
Valley elevations is about 2600 feet. The rich alluvial soils and a high water table provide a dense growth of trees and shrubs along the South Fork of the Kern River. The Great Valley Cottonwood Forest habitat is the largest contiguous riparian area in all of California, and includes the Kern River Preserve. The riparian forest contains only two major species of trees: Fremont's Cottonwood and Red Willow. Intermixed are dense stands of mule fat, sandbar willow, and stinging nettle. Catttails, tules, and yerba mansa abound in the wet areas. The beautiful Mariposa Lily grows in moist areas near the river. Above the valley floor are timbered vegetation types including wilderness and national forest lands.
Wildlife in the region is both varied and abundant. More than 240 species of birds have been observed. The valley is also home to various desert bird species. Mammals include deer, coyote, beaver, dusty-footed wood rat, weasels, ground squirrels, and occasionally bear and mountain lions.
