The Northern Basalt Flow Vernal Pools habitat is found in only four localities within the state.

Time and erosion have split the volcanic plateau of Table Mountain into two sections, north and south.

Birds seen include golden eagle, turkey vulture and peregrine falcon, to the small canyon wren and meadowlark.

In 2003, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) added North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve to the list of reserves under Title 14, California Code of Regulations, with special regulations that prohibit horses and bicycles from entering the reserve, but allows the department to issue livestock grazing permits, and also allows deer and upland game hunting with seasonal restrictions.

Since hunting is not normally permitted on ecological reserves, the special regulations are necessary so that DFG can determine when this public use is appropriate and will cause no impacts to protected species and habitat.