Weldon, CA – In mid-August Audubon California purchased the Cyrus Canyon parcel (1,666 acres) located just northwest of Audubon's Kern River Preserve in Kern County. The parcel is adjacent to Sequoia National Forest and public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This rugged and beautiful canyon holds a seasonal stream and supports a narrow cottonwood-willow forest interspersed with scenic waterfalls and uplands covered by scrub oak, chaparral and desert grassland. This property has strategic conservation values because it connects public lands to the north and south providing a corridor for the movement of wildlife. Also by removing the potential of rural subdivision into this remote canyon we help to reduce problems for local fire suppression and protection agencies. This acquisition also protects one of only a few known populations of Kelso Creek Monkeyflower (Mimulus shevockii) a very rare and beautiful little flower (land under another significant local population has been graded for housing).

Audubon has transferred the parcel to the Bureau of Land Management. The agency will be the long-term manager of this property. Audubon's purchase of the property for $550,000 was made possible by a donor that wishes to remain anonymous.

We also extend out thanks to the Sprague Family who demonstrated great patience and generosity to help Audubon see this protection effort succeed.