Effects of Off-Road Vehicles on the Biota of the Algodones Dunes, Imperial County, California

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Abstract
The Algodones Dunes, the largest dune complex in California, contains many unique species. This dune system also receives the greatest use by off-road vehicles (ORV). Studies of paired plots (unused vs. ORV-used) and animal tracks along sand sweeps clearly demonstrate that ORV activities in the Algodones Dunes significantly reduced the biota. There were marked declines in herbaceous and perennial plants, arthropods, lizards and mammals in ORV-used areas compared with nearby controls. All sand-adapted species, including several plants considered rare or threatened species, were greatly reduced in habitats where ORV operate. The biota was negatively affected even by relatively low levels of ORV activities. Areas heavily used by ORV had virtually no native plants nor wildlife.