MCCRARY, S.P.; GONZALES, R.J.; SIMOVICH, M.A.: Correlation between Crustacean Fauna and Chemical Properties of Desert Dry Lakes at Edwards Air Force Base and 29 Palms Marine Base for Use in Management Planning.

Temporary wetlands are disappearing across the world at an alarming rate. Our understanding of these systems is unfortunately limited because of their unpredictable appearance and duration. One of the least understood areas is the aquatic fauna of desert dry lakes and playas. These wetlands are important in ground water recharge, as habitat for aquatic fauna, and as important feeding grounds for migrating waterfowl. Many of the dry lakes of Western North America are located within large military bases where, while protected from large-scale development, they are subjected to various military activities. A better understanding of these systems is necessary in order to prevent their degradation and loss. In this study, we compared the crustacean fauna and the physical and chemical characteristics (alkalinity, pH, TDS, and salinity) from several dry lakes at two different locations in the Mojave Desert (Edwards Air Force Base and 29 Palms Marine Base). These data will help us understand what factors might be responsible for species composition and diversity differences within and between sites. Our results will be used to make recommendations for management.