Habitat Restoration

Habitat Restoration

The project will restore habitat at 46 sites throughout the park in order to protect the natural and cultural resources from continued damage. The sites include vehicle trespass routes, illegal camping areas, and other damaged areas where vegetation has been removed and soils are compacts or eroded. Without restoration, these desert habitats would require decades or centuries to recover. The "vehicle mulch" technique will be used in which cut stems of shrubs will be planted and "soil potting" will be used where small holes (5 in. wide and 3 in. deep) will be dug in compacted soil. These techniques help to trap windblown seeds, retain moisture, and become nursery sites for natural plant recovery. Eroded areas will be restored by installing check dams. Newly restored sites will be protected by rock lines. The appearance of restored sites disguised old trespass routes and prevents further damage. Planting holes will be dug by hand with post-hole diggers and shovels, or a power auger if needed. No heavy equipment will be used. Fencing will be installed in selected areas where the great resource damage has occured. DPR-approved standard project requirements have been incorporated into this project.

Kern