Special
Resource Study
Natural Resources - Route 66
OVERVIEW
The natural topography, geology, wildlife, scenery, vegetation, and air quality enhance
the Route 66 traveling experience. Especially in the western reaches of Route 66, vistas
of undisturbed woodlands, rugged mountains, and prairie grasslands are broken by small
town main streets and occasional cityscapes. Scenes of human development increased with
population and urbanization, but natural resources remained an important ingredient of
Route 66.
NATURAL RESOURCE REGIONS
Natural resources do not line up with recognizable state and county boundaries. In
order to provide a workable natural resource description, the Route 66 corridor from
Chicago to Los Angeles has been divided into seven natural regions that closely conform to
the biological and geographical distribution of natural resources. These natural zones are
segmented into traditional ecosystems and correspond geographically with Fenneman's
Physiographic Divisions (1928), the natural regions classification outlined in Natural
History in the National Park System, and the National Registry of Natural Landmarks (NPS
1990).
1. Central Lowlands
This natural region surrounds the route within the state of Illinois, the St. Louis
area in Missouri, all of the route in Kansas, and the majority of the route in Oklahoma.
Climate. The area is warm-temperate and characterized by long hot summers and
very cool to cold winters. Average summer temperatures (degrees Fahrenheit) range from the
mid 70s to the mid 90s with winter temperatures in the 30s. Precipitation varies from
about 27 inches to as much as 42 inches per year. Much of the region is subject to winds,
localized severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes.
Topography/Geology/Soils. The topography is largely the result of glacial drift
that filled low places. It is flat with a slight downward gradient toward the Mississippi
River. East of the Mississippi the elevation varies from less than 600 feet at Lake
Michigan to a low of about 400 feet at the Mississippi River near St. Louis. Oklahoma
varies in elevation from approximately 2,100 feet in the west to about 800 feet in the
east.
Prime and Unique Farmlands. The majority of land in the lowlands region is
suitable for agricultural production, and soils identified as prime farmland vary between
12% and 70%.
Vegetation. Various subdivisions of the eastern deciduous forest, including
beech-maple, maple-basswood, northern hardwoods, and oak-hickory occupy much of the
region, with tall grass and mixed grass prairies in the western portion.
Wildlife. Animal species are diverse and widely distributed. Representative
mammals are red and gray fox, mink, raccoon, muskrat, opossum, white-tailed and mule deer,
and skunk. Resident and migrant bird species, such as bobwhite quail, American woodcock,
meadowlark, thrushes, mourning dove, ducks, and geese can be found. Black and white bass,
bullhead, channel catfish, crappie, and carp are found in many of the ponds and streams
along with turtles, frogs, and snakes in moist areas.
Threatened and Endangered Species. An inventory of all identified plant and
animal species protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1977, as amended, has been
made. Entries are listed by county and state in a document available from the Technical
Information Center, Denver Service Center, P.O. Box 25287, Denver, Colorado, 80225.
Floodplains and Wetlands. There are 100- and 500-year floodplains along Route
66, primarily along the watercourses that intersect and immediately parallel the road.
Many types of wetlands exist in low areas and along stream-courses, especially in Illinois
and the St. Louis area. In the prairie lands of Oklahoma, wetlands are mainly associated
with intersecting watercourses and potholes.
Water Resources. Surface water is primarily from intermittent small streams in
the prairie lands and from major rivers of the Mississippi valley. Water quality varies
from excellent to poor.
Air Quality. The majority of the route within this natural region is classified
as in attainment for National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The metropolitan area
of Chicago, Illinois is considered in non attainment for NAAQS criteria pollutants of
ozone (extreme and severe classification), PM-10 (particulate matter less than 10
microns), and sulfur dioxide. The St. Louis, Missouri, metropolitan area is considered in
non attainment for the NAAQS criteria pollutants of ozone (moderate classification) and
PM-10.
2. Interior Highlands
This region type encompasses the majority of the route corridor within the state of
Missouri.
Climate. The region is generally hot in summer with an average temperature of
approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall is fairly heavy and well distributed
throughout the year with an average annual precipitation of approximately 40 inches.
Winters are moderately cool with a common temperature of about 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow
falls nearly every winter but usually melts within a few days.
Topography/Geology/Soils. Several large plateaus dominate the area with caverns
and springs common in the limestone plateaus of Missouri. Elevation relief, because of the
plateau topography, is minor and varies approximately 600 feet. Assorted silt loams
comprise the vast majority of soil types within the region. Cherty silt loam on slopes
from 0 to 35 degrees is the most typical.
Prime and Unique Farmlands. The soils in the counties that encompass the Route
66 corridor are identified as having from 10% to 50% prime farmland soils.
Vegetation. Oak-hickory forest is the dominant vegetation throughout this
region.
Wildlife. There are many animal species; representative mammals include red fox,
fox squirrel, muskrat, opossum, skunk, white-tailed and mule deer, and raccoon. Resident
and migrant bird species include bobwhite quail, northern cardinal, mourning dove, ducks,
and geese. Bullhead, crappie, carp, and sunfish are found in many of the ponds and streams
along with turtles and frogs.
Threatened and Endangered Species. An inventory of all identified plant and
animal species protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1977, as amended, are listed
by county and state for the entire route. The document is available from the Technical
Information Center, Denver Service Center, P.O. Box 25287, Denver. Colorado, 80225.
Floodplains and Wetlands. The route intersects many floodplains along the stream
channels within this region. Approximately 50% of the corridor may intersect or be
adjacent to wetlands. Wetlands are associated with stream channels and low- lying areas.
Water Resources. Water quality varies from excellent to poor. No major water
courses are associated with the Route 66 corridor, but numerous small streams drain the
area into both the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.
Air Quality. The Route 66 corridor within this natural region is classified as
in attainment for NAAQS criteria pollutants. Three areas adjacent to the corridor in
Missouri are designated in non attainment of NAAQS standards for lead.
3. Great Plains
The plateau-like zone encloses the route through the Texas panhandle and the eastern
third of New Mexico.
Climate. Summers are hot and winters vary from mild to cold. The average summer
temperatures (degrees Fahrenheit) range from the 80s to low 90s, while the winter
temperatures average in the upper 30s. Total annual precipitation is generally between 15
and 20 inches. Spring is often windy and thunderstorms are frequent during the summer.
Topography/Geology/Soils. Topography is a result of eastward alluvial outwash
from the Rocky Mountains creating a relatively flat surface with a slight lowering grade
to the east. Elevation is highest in the west at about 4,700 feet and lowest in the east
at about 2,100 feet. Clay loam and sandy loam soils are the most common soil types.
Prime and Unique Farmlands. Soil types identified as prime farmland comprise
approximately 10% to 15% of the area. The majority of these soil types need irrigation for
agricultural crops.
Vegetation. Short-grass prairie is the most widespread vegetation type. It is
interspersed with juniper-oak savannah. Grasses and herbaceous plants such as fescue, love
grass, brome grass, bluestem, wheatgrass, grama, and goldenrod are typical of the prairie.
The juniper-oak savannah also includes shrubs such as bitter bush, mountain mahogany, and
big sagebrush.
Wildlife. Prairie wildlife includes pronghorn, white- tailed deer, red fox,
coyote, cottontail rabbit, meadowlark, lark bunting, field sparrow, a variety of snakes
and other reptiles.
Threatened and Endangered Species. An inventory of all plant and animal species
protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1977, as amended, is available through the
Technical Information Center, Denver Service Center, P. O. Box 25287, Denver, Colorado,
80225.
Floodplains and Wetlands. Floodplains are identified with all watercourses. The
low grade and relatively level surface expands the distance of the 100- and 500-year
floodplains from the stream channels. Wetlands are primarily restricted to stream channels
and prairie potholes.
Water Resources. Low gradient rivers, fewer permanent streams, and few lakes
characterize the region. Water quality is highly variable from moderate to poor.
Air Quality. This segment of the Route 66 corridor within this natural region is
considered as in attainment for all NAAQS criteria pollutants standards.
4. Chihuahua Desert-Mexican Highland
The heart of this ecological zone is in Mexico, but the desert areas of Route 66 that
lie at 4000 feet and above in the central one-third of New Mexico are within this regional
type.
Climate. The climate ranges from arid to semiarid in the valley areas to sub
humid in the higher elevations. Annual precipitation is about 10 inches in the valleys and
about 20-24 inches in the higher elevations. Daytime temperatures vary and average annual
temperature is approximately 40 degrees F. in the mountainous areas to 60 degrees F. in
the valleys.
Topography/Geology/Soils. The terrain and elevations of this highland region
vary widely. Elevation relief varies between 5,000 feet to as high as 7,500 feet.
Geologically diverse types of mountains rise above the valleys with sand dunes common.
Soils are diverse, but loams, loamy sands, and rock outcrops comprise the largest
percentages of soil types.
Prime and Unique Farmlands. The vast majority of the lands in this region do not
meet the criteria for prime agricultural purposes. Irrigation is required and less than
10% of the soils are classified as prime farmlands.
Vegetation. Plants of this desert-highland region never develop a high density
of ground cover. Ocotillo, creosote-bush, mesquite, and numerous cactus species are among
the most conspicuous plants. Grassland and shrub savannah occur, especially along the
bottom land of the Rio Grande drainage. Mountains contain chaparral at the middle
elevations and dry coniferous forests higher up.
Wildlife. The distribution of wildlife species is influenced by topography and
land uses. Typical mammal species are mule deer, pronghorn, coyote, bobcat, cottontail
rabbit, ground squirrel, prairie dog, and raccoon. Bird species vary widely with both
resident and migrant species, including scaled and Gambel's quail, raven, wild turkey,
road runner, and mourning dove. Several fish species occupy the limited surface waters in
the area.
Threatened and Endangered Species. An inventory of all plant and animal species
protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1977, as amended, by county and state has
been done. The document is available through the Technical Information Center, Denver
Service Center, P. O. Box 25287. Denver. Colorado, 80225.
Floodplains and Wetlands. Floodplains within this region are associated with the
Rio Grande River and to a lesser extent along the intermittent arroyos and runoff channels
that intersect the route. A variety of riverine wetland types are associated with the Rio
Grande and a smaller amount of wetlands along arroyos.
Water Resources. The Rio Grande is the major river transecting the route in this
region and other surface water is uncommon. Ground water quality and quantity varies
greatly.
Air Quality. The majority of this natural region is in attainment for NAAQS
criteria pollutant standards. The metropolitan area of Albuquerque is considered NAAQS
non- attainment for carbon monoxide (moderate classification).
5. Colorado Plateau
This dry and deeply incised plateau includes the western one-third of New Mexico and
the eastern two-thirds of Arizona.
Climate. The climate of the area is variable because of the diversity of terrain
and elevation. Precipitation mainly falls during the summer months and averages between 8
and 15 inches annually. Summers are characterized as mild and daytime temperatures
(degrees Fahrenheit) average in the 70s and 80s. Winters are cool and daytime temperatures
average in the 30s and 40s.
Topography/Geology/Soils. The high, dry, and deeply- incised Colorado Plateau
ranges in elevation from 7,000 feet to as low as 5,000 feet. Reddish-colored sandstone is
the predominant rock formation with basaltic and shale rock as secondary formations. Soils
are derived from these parent rocks, with well-drained, nearly level loamy sands, clay
loams, sandy clay loams and gravelly loams forming the majority of the soils.
Prime ant Unique Farmlands. Soils for agricultural purposes are dependent on
irrigation to produce crops. Less than 30% of soil types are identified as prime farmland.
Vegetation. Much of the region is semi-arid to arid and has vegetation
characterized by sagebrush and shade scale. Grasslands may have once been common, but are
now greatly disturbed and invaded by sagebrush. Dry coniferous forest is widespread.
Wildlife. Wildlife is the product of the land, and its abundance is directly
related to the extent and diversity of habitat. Big game, small mammals, waterfowl, and
non-game birds exist throughout this region. Bird species include: wild turkey, mourning
dove, chickadee, common raven, pinion jay, and plain titmouse, Pronghorn antelope and mule
deer are the primary large mammals. Small mammals include squirrels, chipmunks, and
cottontail rabbit.
Threatened and Endangered Species. An inventory of all identified plant and
animal species protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1977, as amended, has been
made. Species are listed by county and state and the document is available through the
Technical Information Center, Denver Service Center, P. O. Box 25287, Denver, Colorado,
80225.
Floodplains and Wetlands. Both floodplains and wetlands are infrequent and
associated with arroyos and other intermittent water runoff channels. A 100 and 500 year
floodplain and a variety of riverine wetland types are adjacent to the Colorado River.
Water Resources. Surface water is uncommon and the Colorado River is the major
river system. Ground water quality is closely related to stratigraphic formations and
ranges from good to poor. Water quantity is erratic depending on seasons and locations.
Air Quality. The majority of this natural region is in attainment for NAAQS
criteria pollutant standards. The metropolitan area of Albuquerque is considered NAAQS
non- attainment for carbon monoxide (moderate classification).
6. Mojave-Sonora Desert
This region consists of the western one-third of Arizona and the eastern two-thirds of
southern California.
Climate. The climate can be characterized as semi-arid, with warm winters and
hot summers. Average summer daytime temperature (degrees Fahrenheit) is in the 90s and
average winter daytime temperature is in the 50-60s. Sunshine is abundant throughout the
year. Precipitation is moderate to light with average rainfall approximately 10-15 inches
and unevenly dispersed throughout the year.
Topography/Geology/Soils. The physiographic features are desert basins separated
by mountain ranges. The desert area of this region has the lowest elevation of
approximately 500 feet at the Colorado River. Higher relief occurs at the eastern and
western edges of the region. The eastern portion in Arizona is approximately 5,000 feet
and in the western portion at the foothills of the coastal mountain ranges of California
it is about 3-4,000 feet. Loamy sands, sandy loams and rock outcrops comprise the largest
percentages of soil types in the area.
Prime and Unique Farmlands. Desert soils are not considered prime agricultural
lands without irrigation. Approximately 20% to 30% of the area meets the requirements as
prime farmland.
Vegetation. The Mojave Desert has simple plant communities dominated by creosote
bush and bursage, with Joshua Trees at 3000- 4000 feet. Vegetation species representative
of this region are creosote bush, rabbit brush, mesquite, ocotillo, and Joshua tree.
Vegetation associated with riparian or water areas are represented by cottonwood, willows,
and tamarisk.
Wildlife. Desert wildlife species depend on the food and cover associated with
water. Gray and kit fox, desert cottontail, kangaroo rat, Gambel's quail, mourning dove,
thrashers, horned lizards, desert tortoises are representative of this desert region. Some
human maintained ponds support introduced warm water fish species such as largemouth bass,
bluegill, and channel catfish.
Threatened and Endangered Species. An inventory of all identified plant and
animal species protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1977, as amended, has been
made. Species are listed by county and state, and the document is available through the
Technical Information Center, Denver Service Center, P. O. Box 25287, Denver, Colorado,
80225.
Floodplains and Wetlands. Both floodplains and wetlands are infrequent and
associated with arroyos and other intermittent water runoff channels. Most of the region
is susceptible to flash floods. A 100 and 500 year floodplain and a variety of riverine
wetland types are adjacent to the Colorado River.
Water Resources. Ground water wells provide the majority of the water for the
area and the availability of suitable ground water in this region determines the pattern
of land use. Water quality ranges from good to poor. The lower Colorado River is the only
major surface water course within the area.
Air Quality. The majority of this region is classified as attainment for NAAQS
criteria pollutant standards. San Bernardino California is classified as non-attainment
for ozone (extreme and severe). carbon monoxide (moderate) and the western area of the
county is in a PM-10 non-attainment area due to multiple types of emissions.
7. South Pacific Border
This region encompasses the coastal one-third of California in the greater Los Angeles
metropolitan area.
Climate.Annual precipitation is generally between 10 and 15 inches. Summer
temperatures (degrees Fahrenheit) are usually in the 80s and 90s and winter temperatures
average in the 60s.
Topography/Geology/Soils.Elevations and topography of the region vary from the
sea-level beaches of Santa Monica to the 4.100 foot Cajon Pass area of the San Gabriel and
San Bernardino coastal range mountains. Numerous faults underlie the region and
earthquakes are a relatively common occurrence.
Prime and Unique Farmlands. Urbanization and commercial development severely
limits agricultural production throughout the majority of this natural region. Less than
10% of the land surface is identified as prime or unique farmland.
Vegetation. Dry coniferous forests of the mountains and chaparral of the coastal
range slopes are the principal native vegetation types. Coastal sage scrub and chaparral
habitat is being replaced by residential development and exotic plant species, such as
palms and sub-tropical flowers. Coastal plants, salt marshes and freshwater marshes once
dominated on beaches and dunes, but have disappeared because of intense development. A few
remaining native coastal habitats remain in private or public preserves.
Wildlife. Urbanization of this region has altered both wildlife species
composition and populations. Introduced species such as spotted dove, African clawed frog,
bullfrog, Norway rat, and parrots have become established. Representative native species
include desert cottontail, coyote, striped skunk, mule deer, American crow, gopher snake,
and southern pacific rattlesnake.
Threatened ant Endangered Species. An inventory of all identified plant and
animal species protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1977, as amended, has been
made. Species are listed by county and state, and the document is available through the
Technical Information Center, Denver Service Center, P. O. Box 25287, Denver, Colorado,
80225.
Floodplains and Wetlands. Water development, flood control projects, and storm
drainage facilities have substantially reduced the floodplain and riparian wetlands of the
region. Mountainous regions are susceptible to rainfall caused mudslides. Salt marsh and
freshwater marsh wetlands once dominated on beaches and dunes, but have disappeared
because of intense development.
Water Resources. Approximately two-thirds of the area's water is imported. Local
groundwater basins and surface water sources provide the remaining needs. Water quality
varies from poor to generally good. Many of the local water sources currently used for
irrigation are unacceptably high in salinity for domestic use.
Air Quality. The Los Angeles metropolitan area is classified as non-attainment
for ozone (extreme and severe), carbon monoxide (serious), nitrogen dioxide, and PM-10 due
to multiple types of emissions. The area is attainment for other criteria pollutants.
Reprinted from:
Special Resource Study Route 66
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service (See Credits)
NPS D-4 July 1995.
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