Desert Sun: High Desert 'glampsite' near Yucca Valley would threaten wildlife, road safety
A “glampsite,” or glamor campsite, development known as Flamingo 640 is proposed in the high desert north of Yucca Valley. This project has created a stir among environment and wildlife protection groups, along with residents who already feel besieged by the recent additions of hundreds of short-term rentals throughout the area. A music venue and a helicopter pad are also considered within the proposed project.
Residents opposing Flamingo 640 have found an ally in the Mojave Desert Land Trust, which has taken stewardship to conserve more than 100,000 acres of prime desert habitat since it was established in 2006.
Kelly Herbinson, joint executive director of the trust, described one of many problems with the proposed development: “Protecting wildlife corridors is becoming increasingly important as development pressure increases on the Morongo Basin. Those corridors act as arteries between our national parks and wilderness areas, providing migration corridors necessary for the long-term protection of our desert ecosystem.”