Alluvial Fans: An Ecological Perspective. Cameron W. Barrows, Ph.D. University of California s Center for Conservation Biology

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1 Alluvial Fans: An Ecological Perspective Cameron W. Barrows, Ph.D. University of California s Center for Conservation Biology

2 Alluvial Fan Issues From an Ecological Perspective Climate change providing critical connectivity between lowlands and uplands Habitat for sensitive species Ecosystem processes and services: sand delivery for dunes and beaches aquifer recharge flood control nutrient and sediment transport for riparian habitats Cultural resources Recreation trails and open space

3 Alluvial Fan Issues From an Ecological Perspective Climate change providing critical connectivity between lowlands and uplands Habitat for sensitive species Ecosystem processes and services: sand delivery for dunes and beaches aquifer recharge flood control nutrient and sediment transport for riparian habitats Cultural resources Recreation trails and open space

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8 Alluvial Fan Issues From an Ecological Perspective Climate change providing critical connectivity between lowlands and uplands Habitat for sensitive species Ecosystem processes and services: sand delivery for dunes and beaches aquifer recharge flood control nutrient and sediment transport for riparian habitats Cultural resources Recreation trails and open space

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10 Habitat Alluvial Fan Associated Species in The Coachella Valley Little San Bernardino Mountains Linanthes (c) Palm Springs Pocket Mouse (c) Casey s June Beetle (c) Coachella Valley Ground Squirrel (c) Coachella Valley Grasshopper Coachella Valley Jerusalem Cricket Burrowing Owl (c) Le Conte s Thrasher Ecological Processes Dependent Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard (E,T) Coachella Valley Milkvetch (E,E) Flat-tailed horned lizard (c) Coachella Valley Sand-treader Cricket Movement Corridors Desert Tortoise (T) Peninsular Bighorn Sheep (T)

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13 Alluvial Fan Issues From an Ecological Perspective Climate change providing critical connectivity between lowlands and uplands Habitat for sensitive species Ecosystem processes and services: sand delivery for dunes and beaches aquifer recharge flood control nutrient and sediment transport for riparian habitats Cultural resources Recreation trails and open space

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15 Habitat Alluvial Fan Associated Species in The Coachella Valley Little San Bernardino Mountains Linanthes (c) Palm Springs Pocket Mouse (c) Casey s June Beetle (c) Coachella Valley Ground Squirrel (c) Coachella Valley Grasshopper Coachella Valley Jerusalem Cricket Burrowing Owl (c) Le Conte s Thrasher Ecological Processes Dependent Coachella Valley Fringe-toed Lizard (E,T) Coachella Valley Milkvetch (E,E) Flat-tailed horned lizard (c) Coachella Valley Sand-treader Cricket Movement Corridors Desert Tortoise (T) Peninsular Bighorn Sheep (T)

16 91% Loss of Potential Habitat

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21 Alluvial Fan Issues From an Ecological Perspective Climate change providing critical connectivity between lowlands and uplands Habitat for sensitive species Ecosystem processes and services: sand delivery for dunes and beaches aquifer recharge flood control nutrient and sediment transport for riparian habitats Cultural resources Recreation trails and open space

22 as places for people both in the present and in the future.

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24 Risk Assessment Failure to identify and protect the ecological values and services that alluvial fans provide can put regional conservation planning efforts in jeopardy. Regional conservation plans provide assurances to both conservation and development. Without them both are at risk Water supplies are going to be an increasingly important concern in the face or climate change predictions as well as predicted growth rates in southern California. Alluvial fans can be part of a solution to those concerns. In addition to ecological services, alluvial fans can provide economic (aggregate mining) and quality of life amenities (recreation, increased property values for adjacent parcels).

25 Solutions and Opportunities? Not all alluvial fans are equal Conservation needs can be addressed within the context of an alluvial fan s ecological and cultural function Protected alluvial fans can be viewed as economic, cultural and ecological assets to local and regional communities