S a n   B e r n a r d i n o   M t n s.
t o
S a n   J a c i n t o   M t n s.
C o n n e c t i o n

This linkage connects the San Bernardino Mountains, the highest and most extensively forested range in the south, to the montane habitats of the rugged San Jacinto Mountains, both of which are part of the San Bernardino National Forest.  This critical connection is at a contact zone of incredible species diversity linking coastal and desert habitats.  The Whitewater River is a dominant feature of this linkage.  The upper watershed is one of the most remote, roadless watersheds in southern California.  Vegetation along the river changes with elevation, ranging from Cottonwoods, Sycamore and various willow species to alluvial fan sage scrub.  Upland habitats in the linkage include desert succulent scrub, mesquite catclaw, and chaparral.  A number of focal species were selected to represent the complexity of needs among species living in or moving through the linkage.  Some species selected may subsist within the linkage, such as coast horned lizard, California whiptail, speckled rattlesnake, and various kangaroo rats, while others such as mule deer, badger, or puma may traverse the entire linkage, moving between core habitat areas.

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