Cronese Basin
Map SatelliteTwo frequently dry lakes lie on the floor of this basin. The amount of water, if any, in the lakes, which are fed primarily by the Mojave River, varies from year to year depending on flooding and the release of impounded water.
On the bajadas ringing most of the lake bed there is a creosote scrub with scattered Larrea tridentata. Some Yucca sp., Opuntia spp., and the uncommon Androstephium breviflorum are found here.
Among the variety of animals inhabiting the basin are desert iguana, Dipsosaurus dorsalis, Mojave fringe-toed lizard, Uma scoparia, desert horned lizard, Phrynosoma platyrhinos, and sidewinder, Crotalus cerastes.
Over 75 species of birds have been observed in the area including the Yuma clapper rail, Rallus longirostris yumanensis, merlin, Falco columbarius, prairie falcon, Falco mexicanus, and a number of water birds. Cinnamon teal, Anas cyanoptera, mallards, Anas platyrhynchos, and snowy plover, Charadrius alexandrinus, have nested here.
Integrity: There has been some grazing as well as a little off-road-vehicle activity, and a road and power-line are located in the area; however, most of the basin is in good condition.
Use: Research, educational, observational, Some private.
May 1982
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman
