Apricot mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua) is a dominant perennial in the vicinity of the northeast corner of the self. Its flowers make a wash of color over a large area. Both the herbage and the seeds are utilized as food. Naked cleome (Cleome sparsifolia) is a robust annual caper which is sporadic on the lower slopes and sandy borders, usually in colonies. It reaches an amazing size here, up to five feet high. Its seeds, undoubtedly, are used for food. Dotted dalea (Psorothamnus polydenius) is a dominant shrub on the lower slopes of the dunes and plays an important role there. Its large, rounded bushes provide cover and shade for rodents and reptiles, and its roots stabilize the sand for their burrows. In general, plants at the Eureka Dunes are unusual in size and vigor. Having an underground irrigation system is a great advantage in the desert. The dunegrass and the evening primrose are on the federal list of endangered species. Little has been said of the fauna. Suffice it to say that it reflects the rich flora. Reptiles and rodents are well represented. Kitfox dens are not infrequent. |
Coyotes and rabbits are there, and other large animals
may frequent the place. Bighorn sheep inhabit the Last Chance Mountains east of
the dunes, where they drink at seepage places by the high cliffs. Their trails
follow the contours of resistant rock formations and penetrate the canyons. It
is possible that endemic fauna still await discovery. At least 20 species of
beetles which are adapted to dune habitats have been collected there. At least
5 of these are endemics. Of particular interest are the migration routes, some
from the north and some from the south. Do we have clues here as to what
occurred during past geologic times? Song birds are infrequent, but birds of
prey apparently find good hunting on the dunes. Geologic evidence cannot be ignored. The dunes themselves occupy the site of a Pleistocene lake. Its shorelines are quite evident. Layered clay deposits indicate several levels. Occasional remnants of ancient landscapes show up between water courses on the alluvial fans. Cloudbursts have scoured deep gullies and poured debris out from the canyons. East of the dunes, the layered wall of the Last Chance Mountains provides a colorful display. A mud flow from that wall has left a strange form east of the dunes. The Last Chance Mountains in that area are largely calcareous, including Cambrian dolomite. It harbors many rare species and relatively rare plant assemblages. The Saline Range has poured a volcanic layer over a calcareous base. Deep canyons reveal what is underneath. The entire region is an exciting place to botanize, to photograph, or observe the scene in any way. Recognizing its sensitive environmental values, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has designated the Eureka Dunes as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). In 1983 the Eureka Dunes were designated as a National Natural Landmark. This remarkable place is now being recognized as the ecological jewel that it is, and is being given the protection that it should have. There was a period, however, when all kinds of motorized vehicles were allowed to use it as a playground. There was no interest in curbing them at that time. The evening primrose population was seriously reduced, as was the locoweed. Rodent holes were collapsed, and seedlings of the dunegrass destroyed by spinning wheels. It was a nightmare to those who valued those special forms of life. Reason prevailed eventually, however, and in 1976 the dunes were closed to vehicular traffic. After a disconcerting delay the closure was enforced and creatures at the dunes had a new lease on life. The silence was heavenly! The battered species are making a good recovery. With ongoing protection it should be |
