Headwaters for People and Wildlife
The Medicine Lake Highlands are ecologically abundant and critical to the health of not only millions of people in California, but also for threatened wildlife and plants.
Of the highest ecological value is the immense volume of water the Medicine Lake Highlands provide for California. The area serves as a headwater and freshwater aquifer for California’s downstream water needs by capturing and discharging snowmelt through Fall River Springs, the largest spring system in the state, and one of the biggest aquifer networks in the United States.
A recent hydrogeological study pointed out the need to protect this major groundwater resource for farms and cities and millions of people throughout the state of California. The freshwater aquifer and springs not only provide a buffer from increasing drought and climate change but are also key to ensuring enough drinking water for major metropolitan areas downstream.
The blue waters of nearby lakes and streams and the vast forest canopy are why the region is also home to many unique plant and wildlife species that depend on a clean and healthy ecosystem to survive.
Bald eagles and osprey fish in Medicine Lake.
Deer, elk, black bear, imperiled northern spotted owls, Sierra martens, and Pacific fishers frequent the area and many rely on the lake and nearby freshwater streams for their survival.
Cold surface water emerging at the Fall River Springs is critical to imperiled salmon runs, blue ribbon trout fisheries, and other fish species in jeopardy.
Visitors and researchers flock to the area to view and study rare bats, as well as unique geological features.
The area’s mature forests are vitally important due in part to the large amount of carbon they store as well as providing safe shelter for wildlife.
Learn More
Learn more about the Pit River Tribe by visiting the Tribal website.
Learn more about the region’s rich ecological significance and the work being done to protect the critical watershed.
