McConnell

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=554 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McConnell_State_Recreation_Area The McConnell State Recreation Area is on the banks of the Merced River, about two miles northeast of Livingston (on U.S. Route 99 between Turlock and Merced). Fishing is popular for catfish, black bass and perch. There are picnic, camping and play areas.

Our Mission Spring, summer and fall offer fishing, camping, picnicking, river wading, sunbathing, hiking and nature study. The mission of the California Department of Parks and Recreation is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. GRAY DAVIS Governor MARY D. NICHOLS Secretary for Resources RUTH COLEMAN Acting Director, California State Parks California State Parks does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at the phone number below. To receive this publication in an alternate format, write to the Communications Office at the following address. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800)777-0369 (916)653-6995,outside the U.S. (888)877-5378,TTY (888)877-5379,without TTY www.parks.ca.gov McConnell State Recreation Area 8800 McConnell Road Ballico, CA 95303 (209)394-7755 © 2002 California State Parks Printed on Recycled Paper
McConnell George J. Hatfield State Recreation Areas T he Merced River, after coursing its way through the Yosemite Valley, becomes calm and inviting as it flows through McConnell State Recreation Area. Towering cottonwoods and sycamores offer relief from the dry heat of the central San Joaquin Valley. Where the Merced passes through George J. Accessible picnic area and bench on the Merced River at McConnell SRA Hatfield State Recreation Area, visitors are inspired to take advantage of a riparian habitat that NATURE PRESERVED offers fishing, swimming, rafting and other The bottomland along the river consists water-related activities. The two parks are of a rich sandy soil. Before the arrival of about 20 miles from each other, and because European settlers, this soil supported a of their proximity, they share essentially luxurious growth of trees, shrubs, vines the same ecology. and wildflowers that provided abundant The native streamside habitat may be food and a place of refuge for the Native observed while rafting or canoeing down Americans and the wildlife that inhabited the river. The river flows slowly during the the valley. Today rich farmlands surroundsummer months, and there are limited ing the parks nourish field, row and access points. Allow plenty of time to relax nut crops. Poultry and cattle ranching and enjoy the scenery. flourish in the area. The typical Central Valley climate can Valley oak, box elder and cottonwood reach from 90 to as much as 105 degrees are the primary native trees. Sycamores, in the summer, with mild spring and fall fruitless mulberries, elms and Modesto temperatures. In winter the weather can ash trees have been introduced. There drop to below freezing. The average are dense areas of native elderberries, annual rainfall is 12 inches. wild grapes and blackberries. The careful observer may see raccoons, opossums, weasels, muskrats, skunks, ground squirrels, cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits and even an occasional beaver or black-tailed deer. Common birds include valley quail, woodpeckers, robins, crows, yellow-billed magpies, scrub jays, ring-necked pheasants and several kinds of hawks, as well as ducks, geese and band-tailed pigeons during their annual migrations. McCONNELL STATE RECREATION AREA The earliest residents of what is now McConnell State Recreation Area were the Northern Valley Yokuts, who lived in small groups in an extensive area between the Coast Range and the Sierra Nevada. The Yokuts, known for their artistry in creating both coiled and twined basketry, depended on hunting and gathering for their needs. Salmon fishing, acorn harvesting and deer hunting provided a rich, stable food supply. When Europeans arrived, they discovered a native people willing to defend their lands and their way of life. About four miles upstream of the park, a Yokut village site provides evidence of their presence. Magpie McConnell State Recreation Area is a shady oasis, a small island of peace and quiet. Named after Thomas McConnell, a sheep rancher and pioneer who homesteaded the site in 1871, it offers year-round recreation. As the first state park in the San Joaquin Valley, this 74-acre recreation area opened in 1950. Several grassy fields offer youngsters ample room to play. While the low, easy summer flow of the Merced River is great for swimming, swimmers should watch out for deep holes. No lifeguard service is available. Anglers can fish for catfish, black bass and perch. A valid California sport-fishing license is required. The park’s tree-shaded camping and picnic areas have rock fireplaces, tables and piped drinking water. Family campsites are provided with food lockers and hibachi-like grills mounted on convenient, waist-high supports. A 50capacity group