Molave National Preserve Life-giv ng Waters Heavy rains bring dry washes to life, but a few Mojave Desert streams always run. One of these is Piute Creekl Through rainy years and droughts, the creek ows for several miles beneath a canopy of cottonwood, willow, baccharis, and mesquite. The lush vegetation creates a brightgreen band that is a delightful contrast to the ' _ earth tones of the surrounding desert. In August 2004. a fire swept through the streamside vegetation. It cleared out a two mile strip, leaving cottonwood and willow skeletons along with a thick coating of ash. Although its exact cause is not known, the fire has been attributed to careless visitors, as there was no lightning in the area. Please be careful with fire. National Park Sewrce u.s. Department ol the Interior DesAtrudion and Renewal Park scientists have established photo points to monitor changes in stream configuration and vegetation over the coming years. with a steady water source. willows and other streamside plants have quickly returned since the (ire.