Agua Fria Ranch

Merced County

Open Spaces for the San Joaquin Kit Fox

The conservation easement on this ranch conserves 287 acres of rolling hills and valleys, and preserves the habitat for the San Joaquin kit fox, burrowing owl, American badger, golden eagle, Swainson’s hawk, Northern harrier, white-tailed kite, California horned lark, prairie falcon, and loggerhead shrike. This ranch also sustains a healthy population of California ground squirrels which enhances both burrowing owl and kit fox denning opportunities and safeguards the scenic views along State Route 152 and Interstate 5. This was a mitigation project with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.