For Immediate Release
December 20, 2016
Contact: Frazier Haney
760-366-5440
Frazier@mdlt.org

MOJAVE DESERT LAND PROTECTED ADJACENT TO JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Yucca Valley, CA – A 640-acre parcel of land adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park, which had been slated for development, will instead be protected for local residents to use and recreate on. Local residents will be able to hike, enjoy nature, and eventually enter into Joshua Tree National Park from the newly-protected Joshua Tree Foothills parcel.

The land, located south of the intersection of Acoma Trail and Golden Bee Drive in Yucca Valley, was previously owned by a developer who sought to turn the property into a residential housing subdivision.

The successful protection effort was announced by the Mojave Desert Land Trust, who will own and manage the land.

“Connecting people to outdoor opportunities and protecting wildlife corridors are two of the primary goals of the Mojave Desert Land Trust. This land is a landmark achievement for our organization, and we couldn’t do it without strong partnerships.”- Danielle Segura, Executive Director of Mojave Desert Land Trust

“The National Park Service applauds the work of our partners in acquiring the Joshua Tree Foothills property. This project will help Joshua Tree National Park manage adjacent public land and improve access for the public in the remote western edge of the Park.” - David Smith, Superintendent of Joshua Tree National Park

Funding for the purchase came from two sources, including the California Natural Resources Agency’s Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program and by the Marine Corps to ensure continued readiness at Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center.

The property will eventually be conveyed from the Mojave Desert Land Trust to the National Park Service for inclusion in Joshua Tree National Park. Mojave Desert Land Trust will work to restore the property by cleaning up dumping sites, improving trails hikers, horses, and mountain bikers use, and restoring damage from irresponsible off-road vehicle use.

The Mojave Desert Land Trust, founded in 2005, is a 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to protect the Mojave Desert ecosystem and its scenic and cultural resource values. Located in Joshua Tree, CA, Mojave Desert Land Trust has preserved over 65,000 acres of desert land through acquisition, land stewardship, and strategic partnerships. The Land Trust will announce a volunteer workday on the property in January 2017. For more information about this event or the Land Trust contact Jacqueline Guevara at 760-366-5440 or visit mdlt.org