NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK Flat-Tail Horned Lizards (Phrynosoma mcallii, "flat-tails") Surveys
Least Bell's Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) / Western Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) Surveys
Invasive Plant Removal
Sentenac Cienega Symposium
Paleo Sieving Station
A NOTE FROM DANNY MCCAMISH As the Natural Resources Program Supervisor for the Colorado Desert District of California State Parks, I hope to shed some light on why scientific research is vital for conserving and managing this unique desert ecosystem. Simply put, research in Anza-Borrego is fundamental to managing, assessing, and documenting biodiversity and ecosystem function over time. The Park is home to a remarkable variety of plant and animal species (more than 1,500), many of which are adapted to survive in extreme desert conditions. Understanding this diversity helps us comprehend the complex web of life, identify rare and endangered species, and make informed decisions to protect and conserve them for the overall health of the ecosystem. Research allows us to monitor the status of plants, animals, water quality, and microorganisms within the Park. This includes threats from invasive plants and animals, which can interrupt the unique ecosystem within all public lands. Research helps us identify these invasive species, understand how native organisms adapt, and develop effective strategies for control and removal. Climate change also affects ecosystems worldwide, and deserts like Anza-Borrego are no exception. Research provides insights into how species respond to changing climatic conditions.
