FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2018
Contact: Jessica Dacey, Director of Communications
Phone: (760) 820-2275
jessica@mdlt.org

MDLT acquires 400 acres in the Mojave National Preserve

Joshua Tree, CA – The Mojave Desert Land Trust has acquired 400 acres within the Mojave National Preserve. The purchase helps piece together public land within the preserve - the third largest national park unit in the lower 48 states.

The acquisition of three separate parcels from a private family trust helps protect the integrity of the ecosystem, enhancing National Park Service management of natural resources. It also secures public access to public land, including sportsmen as Mojave National Preserve allows hunting.The properties are relatively untouched and characteristic of this area of the preserve, with creosote, saltbush and desert lily. A fringe toed lizard and a horned lizard were among several lizards observed on the properties by MDLT land stewards. The lands are located near the Soda Lake and the Little Cowhole Mountain.

Care and management of the parcels will include the clean-up of trash, elimination of unauthorized off-road vehicle use, control of weeds, and restoration of native plants where appropriate.

The Mojave Desert Land Trust plans to eventually return the lands to the Mojave National Preserve. To date, MDLT has acquired 22,365 acres within the preserve and transferred 16,906 acres to the preserve.

“This new acquisition is representative of the remote, serene nature of the Mojave National Preserve. The existence of private land within national parks leaves the door open for inappropriate development which can impact these treasured areas. We are working to ensure these spaces are returned to the National Park Service, so that both wildlife habitat and public access is secured within the Mojave Desert.” – Rich Weideman, Interim Executive Director, MDLT

The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission to protect and care for lands with natural, scenic, and cultural value within the Mojave Desert. For more information, visit www.mdlt.org