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| Kern National Wildlife Refuge | |
|---|---|
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
Map of theUnited States | |
| Location | Kern County, California, United States |
| Nearest city | Wasco, California |
| Coordinates | 35°44′45″N119°37′04″W / 35.74579°N 119.6179°W /35.74579; -119.6179[1] |
| Area | 1,249 acres (5.05 km2) |
| Established | 1960 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Kern NWR |
Kern National Wildlife Refuge is a 11,249-acre (45.52 km2) protected area located in the southern portion ofCalifornia'sSan Joaquin Valley, 20 miles (32 km) west of the city ofDelano. Situated on the southern margin of what was once the largest freshwater wetland complex known asTulare Lake in the western United States, Kern National Wildlife Refuge provides an optimum wintering habitat for migratory birds with an emphasis onwaterfowl and water birds. The wetlands provide habitat for birds as part of thePacific Flyway.[2]
Through restoration and maintenance of nativehabitat diversity, the refuge also provides suitable habitat for severalendangered species as well as preserving a remnant example of the historic valley uplands in theSan Joaquin Desert. Approximately 8,200 visitors annually participate in refuge programs ranging fromwaterfowl hunting to wildlife viewing.
This article incorporatespublic domain material from websites or documents of theUnited States Fish and Wildlife Service.