Mesquite Hummocks

Background

Description and distribution  Description and distribution. This community is composed of large clumps of low growing honey mesquite shrubs that may form hummocks over sand dunes or occur on level terrain, presumably associated with high soil moisture or springs, often associated with fault areas. This community occurs in the Plan area in the vicinity of Willow Hole, on the Coachella Valley Preserve, particularly along the southern base of the Indio Hills, associated with the San Andreas fault. Mesquite hummocks were formerly widespread from La Quinta south to the Salton Sea, but are now restricted in this area to undeveloped lots amid urban or agricultural lands. Changes in soil moisture and water table declines may have reduced the occurrence of these hummocks. Unfortunately, remaining mesquite hummocks are highly fragmented and often senescent, perhaps due to lack of water resources. Of the 1,035 acres in the Plan area, only about 12% currently occurs on public land or private conservation land. Associated covered species. The species associated with this community are Palm Springs ground squirrel, Palm Springs pocket mouse, Le Conte's thrasher, Crissal thrasher, Coachella Valley grasshopper, and Coachella Valley milkvetch. These hummocks may also be used during migration by riparian birds.