This dramatic change is thought to be a result of increased tectonic activity along the San Andreas earthquake fault, that bisects the Dos Palmas basin, during that period. Shifting plates apparently forced more water to the surface, creating that improbable, jungle-like habitat surrounded by lifeless alkali flats that we see today. The Dos Palmas Preserve is cooperatively managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the California Department of Parks, the California Department of Fish and Game, and the Center for Natural Lands Management. The Center became a partner here late in 1999 in a transition from The Nature Conservancy, who had previously played an active role in both management and acquisition of Dos Palmas lands beginning in 1989. There are roughly 15,000 acres protected within the Preserve.
Public visitation is encouraged, with several hiking opportunities available.
Many threats still exist for the Dos Palmas Preserve. Without the active salt cedar control program, the preserve's wetlands would someday become a mono-culture of pure salt cedar with little wildlife value. The key here is water availability. With the exception of the horned lizards, all the focal species for protection of this site depend on an abundance of water. It is such a precious resource here, that the preserve cannot afford losing any to exotic plants or to surrounding fish farms.