The National Park Service is looking for leads to identify the driver who trespassed on the Eureka Dunes at Death Valley National Park, according to a recent park release.
Illegal off-roading occurs nearly once a week in Death Valley, spokesperson Abby Wines told SFGATE. But rarely do people trespass at Eureka Dunes.
Eureka Dunes is home to several rare species of plants, including Eureka dunegrass, which is classified as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The driver reportedly destroyed one plant and damaged the root systems of many others, perhaps causing widespread damage across the area.
In addition to the documented damage to Eureka dunegrass, the two miles of vehicle tracks may have harmed five other rare plant species that exist on the dunes.
The Eureka Dunes are the tallest in California and are designated as a National Natural Landmark.
Because of the protected nature of the plants on these dunes, the fine for off-roading here is much steeper than other areas of the park, according to Wines. In other areas, illegal off-roading could cost you $750. At Eureka Dunes, you could land fines of up to $25,000 and six months in jail.
“I 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.”
“Information from visitors is often very helpful to investigators. You don’t have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know,” wrote the NPS in their release.
Anyone with information can share it with the park by:
- Calling the NPS Tip Line 888-653-0009
- Emailing nps_isb@nps.gov
- Submitting an online form go.nps.gov/SubmitATip.
