Stressors
Stressors
Since 2014, Bushy Lake has faced many natural and anthropogenic stressors. The most notable events include ongoing homeless encampments; a 2016 fire that burned the highest-quality riparian habitat of Bushy Lake; a 2017 flooding event; and a 2021 fire that burned over 125 acres, including the in-situ restoration study area. Read the report on the 2021 fire at Bushy Lake.
While each of these events have been distressing, they provide an opportunity to expand our research and fortify our conceptual restoration plan for science-informed policies and conservation efforts for the ARP. Recently, off-road bicycles have posed a threat to nesting adult female turtles moving to the uplands to nest, and to juveniles attempting to return to the aquatic habitat after hatching.
Pictured at left: Trash from a homeless encampment near the water inlet to Bushy Lake
Pictured below: Burned restoration area near Bushy Lake