Deep Creek has been designated as a habitat for the Arroyo Toad, an endangered species. I recently received a letter from the Forest Service about how they are handling these concerns over at the Upper and Lower Big Tujunga Creeks and Alder Creek.
"This proposal would reduce the number of Forest visitors present at one time within these two areas by controlling the number of available vehicle parking spaces. ..... restricted to designated parking spaces. In addition to the proposed parking restrictions, the following is also planned: 1) informational signs describing the importance of healthy rivers will be installed and, 2) signs designed to discourage use in the most sensitive portions of Big Tujunga Creek and Alder Creek will also be utilized.
Federally listed species found in Big Tujunga Creek and Alder Creek include the Santa Ana sucker (threatened) and Arroyo road (endangered). Recreation use occurring in or adjacent to the creek poses a threat to habitat quality and may result in injury or mortality of individuals. Recreation use such as water play, recreational dam building and hiking in and along creeks can result in loss of streambank vegetation, erosion and destruction of sandbars. These activities may destroy egg masses, leave individuals stranded in dwindling pools and result in both young and adults being crushed. Another effect of recreation is the degradation of water quality through improper disposal of human waste and other refuse. "
What will the Forest Service do over at Deep Creek to protect the toad?