Mojave Desert MEDC

Mojave Desert MEDC

1. Case study detail

   • Cover 57,000 km^2
   • The region gets less than 250mm of rain each year
   • Covers CA, NV, UT and AZ

2. Uses

   • Commerical farming has been done for over 100 years
   • Las Vegas has fastest rising population in USA
   • Popular with retired people due to year long sunshine. 80% of people in Sun City, AZ are over 65
   • Used to be used for mining- gold, copper, silver, lead.
     • There are still a few Borax mines
   • Tourism- main attractions are Las Vegas and Death Valley- which gets over 1 million visitors per year
   • Negative impacts of uses
     • Rapid population growth- depleted water resources
     • Farming- high water usage, soil erosion
     • Tourism- high water usage, littering, damage plants, soil erosion (off road vehicles)

3. Management strategies

   • Water conservation schemes
     • Mojave Water Agency gives money to people to replace lawns with desert plants
     • Vouchers are given to buy water efficient toilets and washing machines
     • Hotels conserve water- MGM Mirage use drip irrigation to water lawns- less water is used
     • Water is piped in from the Colorado River and Lake Mead
   • National Parks
     • Death Valley, Zion, Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon
     • Strict rules on land use- protects native species
     • Designated roads for off road vehicles to reduce soil erosion