The Bouse Dunes (also known as the Parker Dunes) comprise a large dune field between Parker and Bouse, divided by Bouse Wash, a tributary to the Colorado River. The northern part of the dune field (north of SR 72) is largely included within the BLM’s Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area, while the southern portion (south of SR 72) is a mix of BLM, Colorado River Indian Tribes, and Arizona State Land Department lands. These dunes have their Quaternary origin in sediments derived largely from the Colorado River. This dune system supports a disjunct population of Mohave fringe-toed lizard. The dunes also support a host of sand specialist plants, including the unusual hemiparasitic plant, scaly sandplant, known in Arizona only from this site. The greatest threat to the integrity of these dunes, especially in the southern section, is invasion by Sahara mustard, which completely covers the sand field during years of good winter rains, and appears to out-compete many of the native ephemeral plants. Irresponsible OHV use also damages the sensitive dunes habitats.
Conservation Goals
- Reduce the population (and seedbank) of Sahara mustard, and in general protect the integrity of this active dune field.
- Improve management of OHV use in the area to reduce adverse effects to sensitive habitats.
Map
Primary Threats
6. Energy Production and Mining
7. Human Intrusions and Disturbance
8. Invasive and Other Problematic Species
11. Transportation and Service Corridors
Potential Conservation Actions
2. Land and Water Management
- Eradicate, control and/or prevent introduction and spread of invasive and/or other problematic plants, especially Sahara mustard, that are adversely-affecting native habitats.
- Restore sensitive habitats that have been degraded by OHV use and other human disturbance.
3. Species Management
- Improve management of dune-obligate plant and animal species, including Mohave fringe-toed lizard and resplendent shovel-nosed snake.
4. Education and Awareness
- Increase awareness efforts to educate the public about irresponsible OHV use and other recreational activities.
5. Law and Policy
- Increase patrols and improve enforcement of regulations to reduce negative impacts of irresponsible OHV use and other recreational activities.
7. External Capacity Building
- Work with local OHV clubs and other recreation groups to promote responsible use.
Habitats Present
Strategy Species
Birds
Cactus Wren, Bendire's Thrasher, Gilded Flicker, Sage Thrasher, LeConte's Thrasher, Loggerhead Shrike
Mammals
Plants
Reptiles
Desert Iguana, Long-nosed Leopard Lizard, Mohave Fringe-toed Lizard, Sidewinder, Resplendent Shovel-nosed Snake
Fish
See Associated Aquatic COAs for fish species.
Protected Areas and Other Areas of Conservation Value
- East Cactus Plain Wilderness
- Cactus Plain Wilderness Study Area
Potential Partners
- Bureau of Land Management
- Colorado River Indian Tribes
- Arizona State Land Department
- Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC)
Relevant Conservation Plans
- No associated Conservation Plans
Associated Aquatic COAs
- No associated Aquatic COAs