Sequoia Wild Heritage Project - Mineral King Wilderness Proposal

[John Krebs Wilderness was created in 2009.]

National Park Service,
Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks

Location

Sequoia National Park

Description

The Mineral King potential wilderness is comprised of a half dozen roadless areas totaling nearly 50000 acres of remote and pristine wilderness that boast grand views, tumbling streams and towering forests. The steep, rugged landscape of this potential wilderness area ranges from low elevation blue oak woodland to montane red fir forests above 7,500 ft. In between is a diverse landscape of canyons and ridges clothed in chaparral, ponderosa pine, and giant sequoia. Not only botanically diverse, the Mineral King wilderness provides homes for black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, many breeding bird species, and more than a dozen species of reptiles and amphibians. Rarer animals include the southern spotted owl, fishers, Townsend's long-eared bats, and western pond turtles. Caves in some of the canyons contain stunning mineral formations and harbor endemic species.

Opportunities for recreation abound. Numerous trails provide access for day hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. Hunting is permitted in the BLM parcels and whitewater kayaking is popular along the North Fork. The East Fork flows through a series of deep pools carved out of solid granite, while the North fork is notable for its numerous waterfalls. he North fork was the interface between two Native American cultures, and is also the site of the historic Kaweah utopian colony of the late 1800s.

The BLM determined the North and East Forks of the Kaweah River to be eligible for National Wild and Scenic River status in recognition of their outstanding scenic, cultural, and wildlife values. Wild & Scenic status prohibits new dams and ensures that the public lands are managed to protect the river's outstanding values.

Additional photos within the Mineral King Proposed Wilderness.

Cave Formations — Delicate and pristine cave formations are found in more than 100 caves known from the potential wilderness areas in the Southern Sierra Nevada.

Sequoia Tree with fire scar. — A Giant Sequoia Tree in Redwood Canyon, North Fork potential wilderness, Kings Canyon National Park.

Mineral King Valley, Sequoia National Park — Beautiful Mineral King Valley along the East Fork of the Kaweah River, Mineral King potential wilderness, Sequoia National Park.

Marble Cliff along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River, Sequoia National Park. — Summer along the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River in the North Fork potential wilderness, Sequoia National Park.

Trail with person and wildflowers along the South Fork of the Kaweah River. — Spring near the South Fork of the Kaweah River, Mineral King potential wilderness, Sequoia National Park.

Page credit to John A. Vink

Additional photos within the Mineral King Proposed Wilderness.

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