Wild places > Central Sierra: Regional Map

Bell Potential Addition to the Emigrant Wilderness

Size: Approximately 8,888 acres

Managing agency: Stanislaus National Forest

Location: Along the western edge of the Emigrant Wilderness in Tuolumne County.

Description:

• The Bell Meadows area is considered the "Gateway to the Emigrant Wilderness."
• This proposed Wilderness contains two Research Natural Areas.
• The Bell Meadows area contains key habitat for sensitive plant and animal species.
• The Bell Meadows area offers outstanding opportunities for solitude and a scenic wilderness experience.

Breathtakingly beautiful, the Bell Meadows area is also the "Gateway to the Emigrant Wilderness" with three major trailheads and ten miles of existing trails. This is one the region's most popular roadless areas, especially for Bay Area and Central Valley residents, because of its easy access and outstanding scenic features. These include meadows, forests, rock formations, granite canyons, lava ridges, and cascading streams.

The Bell Meadows area also contains highly diverse wildlife habitat including patches of old-growth trees growing amidst large stands of closed-canopy conifers. Deer fawning grounds include meadows, brush fields, and lush riparian cover. Large aspen groves provide brilliant fall color displays, as well as wildlife habitat.

For additional information, please contact:
John Buckley
Central Sierra Environmental Resource Center
Box 396
Twain Harte, CA 95383
Phone: (209) 586-7440
Email: cserc@sonnet.com
www.cserc.org