Mineral King Potential Wilderness
 Size:
Approximately 71,492 acres.
Managing agency: National Park Service, Sequoia Kings-Canyon National Parks.
Location: Just west of Sequoia National
Park Wilderness near Three Rivers in
Tulare County.
 Description:
This proposed wilderness is geologically unusual. Unlike the majority of the
Sierra Nevada, which is made up of granitic rock formations, the Mineral King
area is composed of metamorphic rock at high elevations. This has led to unique
erosion patterns in the Kaweah watershed, allowing a variety of species to thrive
here that are not normally found in the western Sierra. The metamorphic rock
has also formed a karst topography full of springs, pits, sinkholes, and caves
that are the finest in the Sierra Nevada. In California, only the Marble Mountain
Wilderness contains karst features that are considered this extraordinary.
 The
Mineral King area contains a large portion of the Dennison-Garfield giant sequoia
grove, the largest grove in the Sierra Nevada. It also includes five giant sequoia
old-growth groves, as well as old-growth red and white fir stands.
 The
Mineral King area contains habitat for several listed species, including the
peregrine falcon and golden trout. The area was formerly used by California
condors and could be a re-introduction site in the future. The National Park
Service is also considering this area for bighorn sheep re-introduction. Other
species that make this their home include Pacific fisher, red fox, and wolverine.
 For
additional information, please contact:
Sequoia Wild Heritage Project
P.O. Box 3543
Visalia, CA 93278
Phone: (559) 739-8527
Or:
Emily Templin
California Wild Heritage Campaign
1345 East Bulldog Ave, Suite 4
Fresno, CA 93710
(559) 226-2570
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Just three miles off of Interstate 80, 
