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>Map >Satellite Though primarily for recreational use, the area gives some protection to 11.5 kilometers (7 miles) of Colorado River waterfront and many hectares of low-desert scrub habitat. The desert scrub includes mesquite, Prosopis glandulosa var. torreyana, beaver-tail cactus, Opuntia basilaris, desert ironwood, Olneya tesota, burro weed, Ambrosia dumosa, ocotillo, Fouquieria splendens, and Psorothamnus spp. The saguaro, Carnegiea gigantea, is here near its southern limit in the State. The river edges and backwaters, including several lakes, are lined with a freshwater marsh association dominated by tule, Scirpus americanus, and cattail, Typha spp. Further from the water are the cottonwood, Populus fremontii, and the imported tamarisk, Tamarix aphylla. The shallow backwater lakes and dense vegetation provide an ideal habitat for numerous animals. A great variety, over 205 species, of birds have been sighted in the area, including numerous migrant shore and waterfowl. There is a heron rookery within the area. The endangered Yuma clapper rail, Rallus longirostris yumanensis, has been observed here. Some 34 species of mammals frequent the area, including beaver, Castor canadensis, ringtail, Bassariscus astutus, and bighorn sheep, Ovis canadensis. At least fourteen species of lizards, 15 of snakes, the desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizi, and the Texas softshell turtle, Trionyx spiniferus emoryi, constitute the reptile population. The area is primarily Quaternary alluvium, with some Plio-Pleistocene nonmarine sediments in the mountain outliers to the west. Integrity: Developed for recreation, with campsites, marina, boat landings, etc. The complex of the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge and of this area is the least modified habitat on the entire lower Colorado. Use: Research, educational, observational, light recreation. September 1976
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2008 Steven Louis Hartman
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