DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK – An illegal off-road driver caused significant damage to rare plants that can only be found in Death Valley National Park.
The National Park Service says in late December or early January, someone went off-road, leaving more than two miles of vehicle tracks on sand dunes and damaging at least nine Eureka dune grass plants, which only grow on dunes in Eureka Valley. The plants are listed as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“I’m saddened that someone would disregard the survival of a rare species for a few minutes of joyriding,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. “There are multiple areas on BLM land nearby, such as Dumont Dunes, which are set aside for this type of recreation but the sensitive dune systems in the National Park are set aside to be protected.”
Contact the National Park Service with information. You can remain anonymous:
Phone: 888-653-0009
Email: nps_isb@nps.gov
Online: go.nps.gov/SubmitATip
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