The Dune Lakes in central coastal California: Why are they dry?. Issue 2 (15th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kofron, Christopher P.
• Is Part Of: Lakes & reservoirs. Volume 24:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 190
• Page End: 194
• Publication Date: 2019-04-15
• Subjects: California -- Cirsium scariosum var. loncholepis -- drought -- Dune Lakes -- groundwater extraction -- La Graciosa thistle; Lakes -- Periodicals; Reservoirs -- Periodicals; Gestion de l'environnement; Gestion écologique; Lac; Lac de barrage; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 333.9163
• DOI: 10.1111/lre.12261
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1320-5331

Abstract

Abstract: The Dune Lakes comprise 10 natural lakes in the Callender Dunes in central coastal California, USA. These lakes are wetlands in an arid environment, being important habitat for native wildlife and plants, including three occurrences of the federally endangered/State threatened wetland plant, La Graciosa thistle ( Cirsium scariosum var. loncholepis ; Asteraceae). This plant is known from 21 occurrences, of which only five are extant in 2019. One extant occurrence persists at the lakes and where two other occurrences are likely extirpated. Nine lakes have recently dried, one having been dry for 5 years (2012–2017). Understanding the hydrology of the Dune Lakes is essential for conservation planning and to help prevent extinction of La Graciosa thistle. The best available information points to a combination of two primary causes for drying of the lakes. The first is extensive groundwater extraction beneath Nipomo Mesa to the east. The second is severe drought. The competing demands for water and continued development on the mesa will be obstacles to restoration of the lakes and to recovery of the endangered plant.