The MAB Program United States of America
Biosphere Reserve Information - General Description
San Joaquin
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 liveoak (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.
Last updated: 06/27/2005