Active Desert Dunes

Background

Description and distribution  Description and distribution. These are essentially barren expanses of actively moving sand whose size and shape are determined by abiotic site factors rather than by stabilizing vegetation. The dunes may intergrade with stabilized and partially stabilized dunes. This community occurs within a creosote bush scrub matrix. In the Plan area, these are remnants of once extensive dunes. Approximately 561 acres still exist in the Plan area. About 85% of this acreage is currently protected on the Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard Preserve. The remainder occurs near Windy Point. For both of the remaining dune areas, protecting the sand sources and sand transport systems that sustain the dunes is essential. Additionally, there is a small patch of active dunes at the east end of the Indio Hills, west of Dillon Road and north of Interstate 10. Associated covered species. Covered species associated with this community are the flat-tailed horned lizard, Le Conte's thrasher, Coachella giant sand-treader cricket, Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket and Coachella Valley milkvetch.