San Bernardino National Forest Land Management Plan - Part 2

Land Management Plan Part 2
San Bernardino National Forest Strategy
September 2005
The recommended Wildhorse RNA focuses on Wildhorse Meadow, which is highly
representative of the rare montane meadow habitat type in the San Bernardino Mountains. The
wet meadow habitat supports two federally endangered plant species, as well as several Region 5
sensitive and watchlist species. In addition, the recommended RNA includes several inclusions
of undisturbed, characteristic pebble plain habitat, which also support federally listed species.
National Forest System road 2N93 would provide easy access into the RNA for researchers.
Special Interest Areas
Baldwin Lake Holcomb
Valley
Acres: 10,790
Botanical, Zoological,
Cultural
Places: Big Bear, Big Bear
Back Country
Located on the Mountaintop Ranger District, the North Baldwin Lake and Holcomb Valley
Special Interest Area (SIA) is recognized for its unique botanical, zoological, pre-historical and
historical values. The pebble plain and wet meadow habitat here support one of California’s
highest concentrations of threatened, endangered, rare and endemic plant species. Federally
threatened bald eagles are present around Baldwin Lake in the winter months, and when full, this
lake supports one of the largest concentrations of waterfowl in southern California. Other unique
wildlife species such as the unarmored three-spine stickleback fish, southwestern willow
flycatcher, California spotted owl, and Andrew's marble butterfly are also present within the SIA.
Prehistoric and historic heritage resources are also found here and the area is highly valued by
tribal members who regard Baldwin Lake as the epicenter of the Serrano creation. The remains
of the Bairdstown (Doble) and Belleville mining towns (sites of the largest gold rush in southern
California history) can be accessed via a motorized interpretive route in Holcomb Valley.
Numerous other National Forest System roads and trails provide access throughout the SIA.
Black Mountain Botanical and Scenic Places: Idyllwild, Santa Rosa
and San Jacinto Mountains
National Monument
Acres: 6,606
The Black Mountain Scenic SIA (located on the north end of the San Jacinto Ranger District) is
an area of old growth Jefferey and sugar pine with large, unique rock outcrops and scenic vistas,
which makes it a popular vistor attraction. Fires have burned over a significant portion of the
area, particularly on the steep slopes of the west and north sides of Black Mountain. California
State Highway 243 and National Forest System roads provide access around and within the SIA.
Arrastre Creek Botanical, Zoological, and
Heritage Resources
Acres: 3,551 acres
Places: Big Bear Back
Country, Big Bear, Desert Rim
Description of Values: The Arrastre Creek Special Interest Area (SIA) is notable for its high
diversity and quality of biological resources, as well scenery and solitude. Arrastre Creek is one
of only a few perennial streams on the desert side of the San Bernardino Mountains, and
provides valuable habitat for many wildlife species. The riparian corridor of Arrastre Creek
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