The land is mostly used for grazing, apparently not being economically suited for much else. Some land has been de-stoned and is planted to pasture but the low permeability of the soil makes it difficult to build on these soils. Problems with septic tanks and leach fields, as well as subsidence, may occur if special steps are not taken to prevent these problems. The most interesting and potentially enlightening form of plant found on the rocks that border the mounds is the lichen. Lichen is a symbiotic union of an algae and fungi and there are several types in the study area as is evidenced by the many colors and shapes of lichen that cling to the rocks.
Lichens are long-lived and grow slowly.
It appears that the main alteration of the mound formations in Siskiyou County is due to construction activities. Interstate 5 cuts a wide swath through the mounds as does the Weed Airport. Several smaller roads have also been cut through the patterned ground . However, the mounds seem to have been largely left intact as the soil is not conducive to growing crops. The stony soil, high clay content, and hardpan layer all make tilling and irrigation difficult.