Is dust inevitable in southeastern California’s Owens Valley? A new federal report says “no,” supported by work from Valerie Eviner, a professor in the Department of Plant Sciences.
Dust blowing into nearby communities – and the health problems it causes for people who breathe it – can be greatly reduced, the report says. Solutions include planting native plants in dust-producing areas above the largely dry lakebed, agencies and landowners working together, and including local Native America tribes in the entire process.
Invasive grasses fueled by nitrogen pollution are altering fire patterns in the Mojave Desert, threatening Joshua trees. UC Davis restoration ecologist Justin Valliere says restoration must focus on protecting key areas from frequent wildfires.
