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Kern National Wildlife Refuge

Coordinates: 35°44′45″N 119°37′04″W / 35.74579°N 119.6179°W / 35.74579; -119.6179[1]
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Kern National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Map showing the location of Kern National Wildlife Refuge
Map showing the location of Kern National Wildlife Refuge
Map of the United States
LocationKern County, California, United States
Nearest cityWasco, California
Coordinates35°44′45″N 119°37′04″W / 35.74579°N 119.6179°W / 35.74579; -119.6179[1]
Area1,249 acres (5.05 km2)
Established1960
Governing bodyU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
WebsiteKern NWR

Kern National Wildlife Refuge is a 11,249-acre (45.52 km2) protected area located in the southern portion of California's San Joaquin Valley, 20 miles (32 km) west of the city of Delano. Situated on the southern margin of what was once the largest freshwater wetland complex known as Tulare Lake in the western United States, Kern National Wildlife Refuge provides an optimum wintering habitat for migratory birds with an emphasis on waterfowl and water birds. The wetlands provide habitat for birds as part of the Pacific Flyway.[2]

Through restoration and maintenance of native habitat diversity, the refuge also provides suitable habitat for several endangered species as well as preserving a remnant example of the historic valley uplands in the San Joaquin Desert. Approximately 8,200 visitors annually participate in refuge programs ranging from waterfowl hunting to wildlife viewing.

References

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  1. ^ "Kern National Wildlife Refuge". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. ^ Cortright, Guananí Gómez-Van (June 15, 2023). "Birds Flock to a Resurrected Tulare Lake, Peaking at Nearly the Size of Lake Tahoe -". Bay Nature.
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Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.