East Mesa

This Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) is situated at the southeastern corner of the East Mesa near the Algodones Dunes. The Mesa is a flat gravel and sandy plain which lies above the bed of the Holocene Lake Cahuilla; however, it was submerged under a Pleistocene lake at least until 37,000 B.P.

Vegetation is primarily creosote bush scrub, with Larrea tridentata the dominant. The creosote bush is unevenly scattered and occasionally occurs in relatively dense stands. There is some ironwood, Olneya tesota, as well as palo verde, Cercidium floridum, and the rare buckwheat, Eriogonum deserticola, grows here.

Animal life is typical of the region. The area supports a large population of the uncommon flat-tailed horned lizard, Phrynosoma m'calli.

There are a number of low dunes, many of which have been stabilized by vegetation.

Integrity: There has been some mining and damage by off-road vehicles; however, the area is in good condition.

Use: Research, educational, observational.

May 1982