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Arid Valleys and Canyonlands

Ecoregion in AZ, CA, NV

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The Arid Valleys and Canyonlands ecoregion includes steep canyons and benchlands below 2000 feet elevation near the Colorado River. It is one of the hotter and drier parts of the Mojave. Rocky colluvial soils cover eroded slopes and deeper soils occur on benches. Vegetation is a sparse, but diverse, shrub cover that includes creosotebush, white brittlebush, white bursage, and occasional Sonoran desert elements, such as ocotillo. Along the rivers, exotic tamarisk is replacing native riparian vegetation such as Fremont cottonwood and willow. The presence of the Colorado River, Lake Mead, and Lake Mohave greatly influences the management and ecology of this ecoregion.

— EPA

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Ecoregion