The potential Matilija additions contain steep chaparral slopes, boulder-strewn creeks, dense oak woodlands, and expansive grasslands. These lands and rivers provide habitat for sixteen sensitive plant and animal species, including arroyo toad, California condor, California red-legged frog, California satintail, hoary bat, Ojai fritillary, pale-yellow layia and Palmer’s mariposa-lily among others. The additions also include the Dry Lakes Ridge Botanical Area designated by the Los Padres National Forest. The “Dry Lakes” are seasonal ponds that provide habitat for a diverse array of unique plant life. The area shelters four relictual plant species that do not occur anywhere else in the region as well as remnant groves of ponderosa pines. Perennial creeks flow through the area, and the North Fork Trail travels along the creek into the very upper portions of the watershed passing incredible waterfalls, beautiful pools teeming with native trout, and rugged canyon walls.
Western Matilija Addition – The western and nothern boundaries are formed by Forest Service Road (FSR) 6N17, the eastern boundary is Potrero Seco Road, and southern boundary generally follows FSR 5N01.
Northern Matilija Addition – The western and northern boundaries are Potrero Seco Road, the eastern boundary is private inholdings located west of Hwy 33, and southern boundary is existing Matilija Wilderness.
Eastern Matilija Addition – The western boundary roughly follows the eastern boundary of existing Matilija Wilderness, the northern and eastern boundaries are formed by Hwy 33, and the southern boundary is formed by private inholdings along Hwy 33 and Matilija Creek Road (FSR 5N13).
