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| Biosphere Reserve Information | ||||
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SAN JOAQUIN |
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| General Description |
Situated on the western slopes of the central Sierra Nevada mountains, this biosphere reserve represents the California steppe and California woodlands with blue oak (Quercus douglasii), interior live oak (Q. wislizenii) and digger pine (Pinus sabiniana). In 1934, the U.S. Forest Service established this experimental range to investigate resource and animal husbandry problems associated with maintaining a commercial cattle herd on a year-round basis on the foothill rangelands. Today, long-term records on livestock gains and herbage yield and utilization are available. Parts of the range have served as a Research Natural Area, protected from fire and ungrazed by domestic livestock since 1934. Remaining portions of the range have been grazed by various classes of livestock during different seasons. Some range units have been modified through the application of fertilizers. Prescribed burning has been used in some units for forage improvement. A cowherd and facilities at the experimental range also provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience in the commercial cattle industry. |
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| Major ecosystem type | Evergreen sclerophyllous woodland | |||
| Major habitats & land cover types | ||||
| Location | 37°05'N; 119°43'W | |||
| Area (hectares) | ||||
| Total | 1,832 | |||
| Core area(s) | ||||
| Buffer zone(s) | ||||
| Transition area(s) when given | ||||
| Altitude (metres above sea level) | +213 to +518 | |||
| Year designated | 1976 | |||
| Administrative authorities | San Joaquin Experimental Range USDA, Forest Service | |||
| Last updated: 2/26/2007 |
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