Ephemeral Desert Sand Fields

Background

Description and distribution  These are desert sand accumulations lacking dune formations and characterized by irregular deposition of sand materials such that sand accumulations are regularly blown off the habitat area. This sand may not be replaced until additional sand is deposited by a major flood event or other movement process. This community occurs within a Sonoran Creosote Bush Scrub matrix. There are approximately 4,598 acres of this community in the Plan area, primarily at the west end of the valley from the Snow Creek area to the Whitewater River Reserve where the constant high winds remove sand accumulations. Only 43% currently occurs on public land or private conservation land. Associated covered species. Species that are associated with this community are: Palm Springs ground squirrel, Palm Springs pocket mouse, flat-tailed horned lizard, Le Conte's thrasher, burrowing owl, Coachella giant sand treader cricket, Coachella Valley Jerusalem cricket, Casey's June beetle, and Coachella Valley milkvetch.