San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge

San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Map showing the location of San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge

Map of the United States

Location Cochise County, Arizona, United States
Nearest city Douglas, Arizona
Coordinates 31°20′52″N 109°15′37″W / 31.3479°N 109.2604°W / 31.3479; -109.2604Coordinates: 31°20′52″N 109°15′37″W / 31.3479°N 109.2604°W / 31.3479; -109.2604[1]
Area 2,309 acres (9.34 km2)
Established 1982
Governing body U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Website San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge

The San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge is located on the U.S.-Mexican border in Cochise County, Arizona. Situated at 3,720 to 3,920 feet (1,190 m) elevation in the bottom of a wide valley, the refuge encompasses a portion of the headwaters of the Yaqui River, which drains primarily western Chihuahua and eastern Sonora, Mexico. The 2,309-acre (9.34 km2) ranch was acquired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1982 to protect the water resources and provide habitat for endangered native fishes.

This area is part of the basin and range geologic region, characterized by linear mountain ranges which are separated by broad, flat basins. The region was impacted by relatively recent volcanic activity, leaving volcanic plugs and cinder cones visible throughout the San Bernardino Valley (Arizona). Earthquakes have further altered the region and helped allow the flow of many springs and seeps. All of these dynamic geological events have played major roles in shaping the valley, catching and storing crucial water, helping determine the variety of plants and animals present, and creating a beautiful landscape for humans to enjoy.

The San Bernardino Valley once supported permanently flowing creeks, springs, and marshy wetlands. In addition, the giant sacaton grassland in the valley was once described as "a luxuriant meadow some eight or ten miles long and a mile wide." The dependable source of water and grass made the area not only invaluable to a huge diversity of fish and wildlife, but also a center of human activity for centuries.

With expanding settlement beginning in the late 19th century came farming, mining, and livestock production, all of which competed for the same precious water. While the extensive wetlands here once provided historic habitat for eight different kinds of native fish, the lowering water table led to severe changes in the habitat and the eventual local extinctions of many species.

References

  1. ↑ U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (28 March 2011). "Environmental Assessment for San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge Projects Associated with Mitigation for Department of Homeland Security Tactical Infrastructure". p. 45. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 November 2011. Retrieved 27 November 2011.

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

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