Mojave Desert (Rich Region)

Mojave Desert (Rich Region)

1. ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

   • Commercial farming
     • cattle ranches in the region for over 100 years
   • Water for farming and people
     • from groundwater, the Mojave River & Colorado River
   • Tourist Destination
     • Las Vegas, Death Valley and Grand Canyon
     • Death Valley Nat. Park gets around 1 million visitors per year
       • tourists attracted by wildlife, geology & activities (camping, hiking, horse riding, off-road driving)
   • Mining
     • Past: gold, silver, copper, lead and salts (although most are closed)
     • few borax mines still working in California

2. BACKGROUND

   • USA, 57,000km2
   • less than 250mm rain/year

3. NEGATIVE IMPACTS

   • Rapid Pop. Growth depleted water resources
   • Farming uses lots of water= cause soil erosion
   • Tourists
     • deplete water resources
     • drop litter
     • damage plants
     • soil erosion (from off-road vehicles)

4. MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

   • Water conservation schemes in the area
     • Mojave Water Agency
       • gives ppl vouchers to buy water efficient toilets & washing machines
       • pay ppl to remove grass lawns (lots of water needed) and replace with plants that don't use as much water
     • Sustainable: don't deplete water supplies as much=more for future gen.
   • 4 National Parks
     • Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Zion & Grand Canyon
       • strict rule on landuse (mining to reduce environmental damage)
       • native species are protected
     • Sustainable: conserves the area, so future gen. can use
   • Designated roads for off-road vehicles
     • sensitive areas fenced off so they can't get in
     • Sustainable: conserves the plant life
   • Hotels in Las Vegas trying to conserve water
     • MGM Mirage Hotels use drip-irrigation to water lawns
     • Sustainable: doesn't use as much water as other irrigation methods