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Sanctuary Wrecked: Joyride Rampage Leaves Rare Plants in Shambles in Death Valley National Park
Unsung Off-Roader Leaves Trail of Destruction at Eureka Dunes
For the second time in as many years, a joyrider has wreaked havoc in California’s Death Valley National Park, this time damaging rare and endangered plants at Eureka Dunes. The National Park Service is urging anyone with information to come forward about the individual(s) responsible for carving up the site in late December or early January, leaving behind more than two miles of tire tracks.
A Plea from the Park Service
"We urge the public to come forward with any information that could help identify those responsible for driving on Eureka Dunes," said Superintendent Mike Reynolds. "I’m saddened that someone would disregard the survival of a rare species for a few minutes of joyriding. 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."
Rare Plant Damage
The NPS is particularly concerned about the damage done to rare plants in the area, which are under the Endangered Species Act. Eureka Dunegrass grows exclusively in the Eureka Valley, and the vehicle tracks ran over the root systems of at least eight more rare plant species, including Eureka Dunes evening-primrose, shining milk vetch, gravel milk vetch, Hillman’s silverscale, and Wheeler’s chaetadelpha.
Small but Devastating Damage
While the damage pales in comparison to the 130 miles of unauthorized 4×4 tracks documented in the park five years ago, the NPS is still taking the vandalism seriously. A biologist documented tire damage to at least one threatened plant species, leaving the park authorities to wonder about the long-term impact.
Prevention Over Punishment
The National Park Service is asking anyone with information about the damage to come forward, rather than encouraging others to engage in destructive behavior. So, if you happened to spot a TikTok video of someone performing wheelies at California’s highest sand dune, take a moment to report it to the tip form at the bottom of this announcement.