For Immediate Release
February 11, 2016
Contact: Shauna Tucker
760.366.5440
shauna@mojavedesertlandtrust.org 

Mojave Desert Land Trust Celebrates Three New California Desert Monuments

Monument status helps secure MDLT’s commitment to preserving the extraordinary and one-of-a-kind resources, connections, and intact landscapes of the Mojave Desert.

Joshua Tree, CA – Mojave Desert Land Trust applauds President Obama for his visionary leadership in designating three new California desert National Monuments this week: Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow, and Castle Mountains. The announcement comes after nearly a decade of tireless work by local leaders to protect significant biological, cultural and historical resources in the California desert. Last year, Senator Dianne Feinstein called upon the President to designate these national monuments, building upon years of effort to pass legislation for the protection of these one-of-a-kind resources, connections and intact landscapes. MDLT extends its great appreciation to Senator Feinstein for her foresight and dedication to the preservation of these treasured desert lands.

Mojave Desert Land Trust joins a diverse group of voices from the desert region, across California, and around the world in a showing of widespread bipartisan support for these new national monuments. Local elected officials, community and cultural leaders, business owners, veterans, Native American and Latino organizations, faith leaders, sportsmen, historians, artists, scientists, conservationists, and others who live, work and recreate in the California Desert all have called for the protection of these unique and special places.

“We at Mojave Desert Land Trust have been truly inspired and energized by the myriad of voices joining in support of protecting and connecting these landscapes. Our community has a deep appreciation and connection to our public lands that knows no boundaries. We value that our nation’s newest national monuments preserve uninterrupted landscapes, ecosystems and opportunities for future enjoyment, discovery and adaptation to a changing biosphere,” said MDLT Executive Director Danielle Segura.

MDLT Conservation Director Frazier Haney added, “MDLT celebrates this historic moment and action by President Obama to permanently protect pristine lands in the California desert. Proactively conserving and connecting our public lands strengthens the ability of our communities and ecosystems to respond to climate change impacts now and in the future.”

Mojave Desert Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to protect the Mojave Desert ecosystem and its scenic and cultural resource values through acquisition, land stewardship and strategic partnerships. Since 2006 the organization has protected over 56,000 acres of desert land.