Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is known primarily for its lake-based recreation opportunities, but did you know that the park is rich in biodiversity? Species from different areas and habitats from different climates collide here, and fire is a constant. To learn more about Whiskeytown's complex natural systems, click on the links below...
Biodiversity - learn more about Whiskeytown's chaparral-woodland and Klamath Mountains mixed forest ecoregions, fire-adapted species like the knobcone pine, and rare plants including the MacNab Cypress and Howell's Alkali Grass.
Saving the Salmon - discover reasons for the major decline of salmon species on lower Clear Creek and learn about the remarkable restoration efforts currently occuring within the park.
Climate Change at Whiskeytown- learn what climate change is and how today's climate change is different than past climate changes. Also seed how climate change is affecting your favorite national recreation area.
Fire at Whiskeytown - fire has been both a natural and cultural part of the landscape here for centuries, but in 2018, the most destructive fire in National Park System history occured at Whiskeytown.
Plants - Whiskeytown is home to 750 species of vascular plants, from ponderosa pine and California live oak to manzanita bush and an abundance of springwildflowers.
Birds- the park is home to 160 different bird species, from osprey to hummingbirds.
Mammals - aside from humans, there are 62 species of mammals that can be found inside Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. The feared mountain lion and black bear, the elusive fisher and coyote, mule deer...
Reptiles - Indiana Jones said that he hates snakes, but snakes and other reptiles are important! There are 33 species of reptiles in the park.
Amphibians- from Pacific giant salamander to the yellow-legged frog, Whiskeytown has a diversity of amphibians.
Fish- there are eight native fish species within Whiskeytown.
In addition to the vascular plants and vertebrates, the park boasts a diversity of less obvious but equally important species such asLichens,Bryophytes, andFungi.
Interested in Researching in the Park? Scientists interested in performing research in the park can apply for a research permit online. Click on the link above to be redirected to the National Park Service Research Permit and Reporting System website.