| Alkali Sink Ecological Reserve | |
|---|---|
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)[1] | |
  Location in California Show map of California Location in United States Show map of the United States | |
| Location | Fresno County, California |
| Nearest city | Mendota, California |
| Coordinates | 36°43′27″N120°17′01″W / 36.72408°N 120.28373°W /36.72408; -120.28373 |
| Governing body | California Department of Fish and Wildlife |
TheAlkali Sink Ecological Reserve is aprotected conservation area spanning approximately 930 acres in theCentral Valley of California. The reserve contains a variety of habitats, such asalkali sink scrub andannual grasslands, and serves as an essential refuge for numerous migratory birds, waterfowl, and endangered species. Established in 1979 by theFish and Game Commission, the reserve aims to preserve the remaining Alkali Sink Scrub habitat, which has been largely extirpated due to agricultural expansion, urbanization, and infrastructure development.[2][3]
The Alkali Sink Ecological Reserve is characterized by its alkali sink communities, dominated by annualforb and grass vegetation, as well as salt basin andhigh marsh. Prominent plant species includealkali heath (Frankenia salina),iodinebush (Allenrolfea occidentalis),saltgrass (Distichlis spicata), andpickleweed (Salicornia virginica). These communities typically occur in areas with highlyalkaline soils, which have been largely displaced from the Central Valley.[3]
The reserve provides critical habitat for several endangered species, such as the federally and state-endangeredFresno kangaroo rat (Dipodomys nitratoides exilis) and thepalmate-bracted bird's-beak (Cordylanthus palmatus). The reserve is also an important area for migratory birds, includingsandhill cranes,northern harriers,Swainson's hawks,mountain plovers,burrowing owls, andtricolored blackbirds. Additionally, raptors forage for rodents, rabbits, hares, small birds, and reptiles in the reserve.[4]
The Fresno kangaroo rat, last captured within the boundaries of the reserve in 1992, has narrow habitat requirements and occupies alkali desert scrub communities between 200 and 300 feet (61 and 91 m) abovemean sea level. The reserve serves as a crucial habitat for this endangered species.[4]
The palmate-bracted bird's-beak is known to exist in only eight localities, mostly in theSacramento andLivermore valleys. The population within the Alkali Sink Ecological Reserve is considered critical to the species' recovery, as it incorporates uniquegenetic information not found elsewhere.[5]
Prior to its acquisition as a reserve, the area was heavily grazed bylivestock and managed as privatewaterfowl hunting clubs. However, there was minimal development of waterfowl hunting ponds, as members primarily hunted over floodedvernal pools.[4]
The Alkali Sink Ecological Reserve may provide suitable adjacent habitat for sensitive species located within the Mendota Wildlife Area (MWA). The reserve is not hydrologically connected to theFresno Slough and is not directly impacted by the construction of the proposed groundwater recharge basin in the area.[4]