Mojave Desert Land Trust Acquires Samuelson’s Rocks Property

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2017
Contact: Frazier Haney, Conservation Director, Mojave Desert Land Trust
Phone: 760-820-2275
frazier@mdlt.org

Mojave Desert Land Trust Acquires Samuelson’s Rocks Property

Joshua Tree, CA – In June, the Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) finalized the acquisition of a 60-acre parcel of land containing Samuelson’s Rocks, a unique cultural site inside Joshua Tree National Park.

A long-time favorite spot for local hikers, the property is best known for its eight boulders carved with quotes from John Samuelson, a homesteader and Swedish immigrant who worked in an area goldmine starting in 1927. Samuelson carved his philosophies into the boulders around his property. Though his spelling and grammar are not perfect, the engraved boulders that remain on the land provide insight to early homesteading life.

“We look forward to managing and stewarding the Samuelson’s Rocks property,” commented Frazier Haney, Conservation Director, MDLT. “Protecting this inholding to eventually transfer to the national park helps unify park management and the conservation of these cultural resources. We hope to help tell the story of Samuelson’s Rocks for generations to come.”

MDLT acquired the property with support from the Wildlands Acquisition Program of the Resources Legacy Fund. Support through this program has allowed MDLT to save a total 164 parcels inside Joshua Tree National Park, totaling about 9,580 acres of scenic and biologically important land.

“Samuelson’s Rocks is truly one of the most unique historical sites we have in the California desert. It opens the door to a time when people were discovering the desert as a way of finding peace and rejuvenation,” commented David Smith, Superintendent, Joshua Tree National Park. “Having it in public hands is a wonderful gift to the American people. This would not have been possible without the leadership of 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