Historically, the state department of transportation has used ecologically unsound repair methods that exacerbate the problem. This has allowed the invasion of nonnative plants, like the Pampas Grass, that choke out native flora and weaken the soil. These terraces remain long after grazing is stopped and are familiar patterns on many hillsides above Highway 1 and in the backcountry. Grazing compacts the soil in some areas and accelerates erosion. When an area is overgrazed, the runoff from heavy rains forms small channels on the semi-denuded slopes.
Subsequent rains deepen and widen the channels to form gullies and eventually larger arroyos.
Small landslides and slips are also common on overgrazed slopes. This weed is especially apparent in the heavily grazed area near Point Sur and Andrew Molera State Park. A report by John Smiley of the Big Creek Reserve is eloquently detailed and authoritative about the effects of the highway on Big Sur natural history. It contains a huge panoramic photograph of the complete area bounding Big Creek from the sea. Big Creek Highway Issues R eserve a Big Sur Lodge cottage at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park online with Pelican Network.