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Harper Lake - Site # 87 |
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Background: | The wetlands and marshes of this Mojave Desert oasis have long served to attract resident wildlife, migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds. American white pelicans, northern pintails, mallards, and several species of teal seek this secluded site. Snowy plovers, least sandpipers, and killdeer join northern and Wilson's phalaropes on or close to the muddy shores. Virginia rails have been known to breed among wetland vegetation that hides marsh wrens and yellow-headed blackbirds. More than 16 species of birds of prey have been counted here in a single day, including longeared owls, burrowing owls, northern harriers, priarie falcons, and golden eagles. |
| Up to the early 1990s, the marsh at one end of the lake bed attracted large numbers of migrating birds in addition to the resident wildlife. However, the lake went dry in the late 1990s after the alfalfa farm next to the lake shut down. The nearby solar power plant delivers water to the lake when requested by the Bureau of Land Management through an informal agreement. Up to 75 acre feet of water per year is managed by the BLM and transferred to the lake as part of a mitigation ageement concerning solar field expansion.
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The Habitat: | The existing ponds at Harper were contoured by the BLM staff in 2001 to create a diversity of depths and water habitat. Today, with water in the ponds, reeds and bulrush are planned to grow on the shallow ledge circling the ponds. The upland habitat immediately adjoining the Harper Dry Lake marsh is a small portion of an extensive saltbush community present over the west-central Mojave Desert. Dominant plant species include Mojave Saltbush (Atriplex spinifera), shadscale (A. confertifolia), allscale (A. polycarpa), and desert holly (A. hymenelytra). |
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The Experience: | This site is of exceptional ecological value because this is one of the few remaining wetlands in this region of the high desert. Native wetlands have existed at Harper Dry Lake since long before regional settlement began. Since the mid 1850s ground water pumping has lowered the regional water table and resulted in most other wetlands drying up. |
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Wildlife and Where to Find It: | The ponds can be viewed from a ? mile long series of pathways that loop around the site. Two boardwalks extend about a hundred feet out over the wetlands. The ponds and most of the site can be seen from the road or parking areas. The end of the road is less than 50' from the east pond. |
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Viewing Tips: | Wading birds and songbirds are seen year-round; songbirds are abundant in spring and fall. Moderate probability of seeing waterfowl, shorebirds, and birds of prey from fall through spring. Look for long-erred owls in woodland thickets; short-eared owls are close to marsh. Hot in summer. |
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Site Notes: | There are two primary ponds connected by a series of paths and boardwalks. The main pond is at the east end of the site and includes a couple of small islands. A pathway loops around the pond and connects to the west pond. A couple of boardwalks provide the visitor with opportunities to get out over the wetland for a better view of the site. Recent improvements include gravel parking, kiosk, interpretive signs and a vault toilet. Work is ongoing to remove invasive species and manage wetland vegetation. |
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Visitor Information: | Barstow Area Chamber of Comemrce - (760) 256-8617 - www.barstowchamber.com |
Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: |
Staff On-site: | No |
Open: | Everday |
Hours: | Daylight |
Year Round: | Yes |
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Road Information: |
Dirt. |
| Roads available year-round. |
| Road Hazards: No |
| Number of Parking Spaces: 20 |
| Parking Fee: No |
| Proximity to viewing area:Immediate |
| Pull-Through Parking: Yes |
| Parking Danger: Watch for farm equipment. |
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How to Get There: | From Highway 58 approximately 18 miles west of Barstow, turn north on Harper Road. Travel 6 miles north, then turn right (east) on Lockhart Road. Drive 2.2 miles to the southern edge of Harper Dry Lake. Last 0.2 miles is an unmaintained dirt road. |
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Contact Information |
Managing Agency: | Bureau of Land Management |
Agency Site URL: | http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/barstow.html |
Physical Address: | 2601 Barstow Road Barstow, CA 92311 |
Agency 2: | 2601 Barstow Road Barstow, CA 92311 |
Manager Phone: | (760) 252-6000 |
Contact Us: | by Email |
Site Phone: | (760)-252-6000 | | |
County: | San Bernardino |
Addition Website: |
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