ADDITIONAL 80 ACRES IN THE SODA MOUNTAINS READY TO BE INCLUDED IN THE SURROUNDING PROTECTED AREA
View of protected parcel in the Soda Mountain WSA
In February, the Trust purchased an additional inholding comprising 80 acres within the Soda
Mountains Wilderness Study Area (WSA) near Baker, California. The Trust previously protected two other
parcels in the Soda Mountains WSA and has increased the acreage of land recently acquired to 320 acres.
The protected parcels within the Soda Mountain WSA share the same exit off I-15 as Afton Canyon, thereby
increasing the threat of the development of these inholdings. Afton Canyon is known for its recreational
opportunities, including bird and wildlife viewing, hiking, hunting, camping, rock hounding, horseback
riding, and vehicle touring.
The WSA contains multicolored canyons, cultural sites including salt and hunting camps used by Chemehuevi
Native Americans, and intermittent lakes that provide habitat for wintering and migrating waterfowl and
endangered shorebirds. The Mojave Desert habitat of the WSA is dominated by creosote scrub. Barrel
cactus, cholla, yucca, and the rare crucifixion thorn (Castela emoryi) can also be found in the area.
