z 

 > 



CO 



Landmarks must be determined. > 



Of the coastal lagoons. Lake Earl is one of the most mature and interesting. It — 



is presently in private hands; but if it could be assured of protection. Lake Earl Q 



would certainly be worthy of landmark status. Action on this area deserves high 33 



priority. The complex of lagoons starting with Freshwater Lagoon on the north 

 and ending with Big Lagoon on the south comprises a significant complex, some 

 of which is already in public ownership. Their propinquity to the Redwoods Na- 

 tional Park suggests that immediate action be taken by the National Park Ser- 

 vice to assure their protection. The wetland at Bodega Head should also be in- 

 vestigated. The San Joaquin Marsh may eventually be acquired by the Universi- 

 ty of California, Irvine, as a natural area. It is pretty well surrounded by develop- 

 ments. 



The delta of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, an extensive wetland 

 complex, and the bottomlands along the Colorado River are two areas for which 

 no data were received. They warrant further investigation. 



Of the desert basin areas, Fish Slough and Deep Springs Marsh are each 

 unique; the former is perhaps the area that should be given the higher priority as 

 a landmark. 



The special wetlands included in this report are so different that comparisons 

 are difficult. The Darlingtonia Swampy Area within the Six Rivers National 

 Forest would gain added protection as a landmark. Duncan Mills Marsh, the Pit- 

 kin and Atascadero Creek Marshes, the Laguna de Santa Rosa, and Bennett 

 Mountain Lake Area are each quite different. All are in private hands and all 

 are probably worthy of recognition if the cooperation of the ownership could be 

 assured. The Pixley Vernal Pools are now under the protection of The Nature 

 Conservancy and may be the only sample of this unique habitat under protec- 

 tion. The desert springs and water courses are very precious. All those listed 

 deserve special protection. Saratoga Springs already lies within Death Valley 

 National Monument. However, this feature apparently needs more supervision 

 than it is presently receiving from the National Park Service. The Mohave 

 Desert Camp and Afton Canyon on the Mohave River need custodial care; the 

 former is also being threatened by dam construction. Deep Canyon is a substan- 

 tial natural area unit, including riparian habitat. It might better be classified 

 under a different theme study; but it is worthy of consideration as a landmark. 

 Landmark status should be helpful in preserving the remaining areas — Carrizo 

 Creek, Pushawalla Palms, and San Felipe Creek. An attempt should be made to 

 resolve ownership and management commitments. 



Eagle Lake was suggested for inclusion in this report. It is apparently an out- 

 standing body of water that should be given consideration for landmark status 

 under the appropriate theme study. 



Literature cited 



Mason, H. 1957. A flora of the marshes of California. Univ. of California Press, 

 Berkeley. 



