MDLT Joins Thousands in Support of Senator Feinstein’s Desert Monument Proposal

For Immediate Release
October 21, 2015
Contact: Shauna Tucker
760.366.5440
shauna@mojavedesertlandtrust.org

Mojave Desert Land Trust Joins Thousands in Support of Senator Feinstein’s Desert Monument Proposal

Joshua Tree, CA – On Tuesday, October 13, 2015 Senator Dianne Feinstein hosted officials from the Obama Administration, the U.S. Congress, the state of California, and County and local governments to discuss and listen to public comment on the proposed Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow, and Castle Mountains National Monument designations.

A diverse group of over 1,000 people who live, work and recreate in the California Desert came from near and far to attend Senator Feinstein’s meeting at the Whitewater Preserve. Many spoke passionately about the California Desert – nearly 3 to 1 in favor of the monument proposals. Amongst the varying voices, one unifying message rang clear: The California Desert is a critical resource for outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, economic development, public health and well-being and much more. The majority of people from across southern California and beyond stood united in support of Senator Feinstein’s proposal urging President Obama to utilize the 1906 Antiquities Act to designate the areas.

“The Mojave Desert Land Trust applauds Senator Dianne Feinstein for engaging our officials and our community in a meaningful dialogue on the proposed California Desert Monument designations, and for her continuing efforts to champion the protection of our treasured public lands. Many of our MDLT members and supporters are among the numbers who have joined in the discussion and we’re truly inspired by the overwhelming response to this historic initiative,” said MDLT Executive Director, Danielle Segura.

In addition to the strong turn-out at the meeting, to date, thousands of public voices have joined together in sending their letters and signing petitions in support of permanent protection of these significant landscapes and resources. The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) collected nearly 1,500 signatures and letters from people across the region, the country and around the world. The proposed Sand to Snow National Monument is the closest of the three monuments to MDLT headquarters and Joshua Tree National Park, an area which is visited by over 2 million travelers annually. Local Morongo Basin residents and regional business owners were deeply expressive of their support for immediate monument designations, noting the designations will bring added tourism dollars, greater protections and enhanced recreation opportunities to the area.

MDLT’s 3,330 acre Hidden Valley property is just one of many important areas that will benefit from Monument protection. Accessible from historic Route 66, and nestled within the proposed Mojave Trails National Monument, this wide open space is a core area for Bighorn Sheep, which will help populate surrounding mountain ranges. It also serves as nesting and foraging habitat for golden eagles and habitat connectivity for the desert tortoise.

“While MDLT remains committed to Senator Feinstein’s more comprehensive California Desert Conservation and Recreation Act legislation, we recognize Monument status as a key pathway for moving forward. The designations will ensure protection of vulnerable landscapes and habitats that hold biological, cultural and historical significance and drive vital tourism and economic benefits to our region. We urge full support for these National Monument proclamations, and we encourage others to join the momentum by adding their voices to the collective community of supporters,” Segura said.

Additional Descriptions of the Proposed National Monuments:

The proposed Mojave Trails National Monument would preserve striking desert lands linking Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave National Preserve. It features the most intact stretch of historic Route 66, a significant landmark in the geography of California and the American West. The lands in the proposed National Monument are habitat for desert tortoises and bighorn sheep and hold archeological and scientific wonders, including 550 million-year-old fossils in the Marble Mountains Fossil Beds. National monument status would protect existing uses of these lands for outdoor recreation, visiting Route 66, exploring geology, and preserving wildlife corridors between national parks and wilderness areas.

The proposed Sand to Snow National Monument rises from the Sonoran Desert floor to the top of southern California’s tallest mountain, Mount San Gorgonio. It contains a rich tapestry of landscapes and habitats including alpine peaks, Joshua tree woodlands, mountain vistas, rivers and wetlands, and desert. These lands also hold 25 miles of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail and the headwaters of southern California’s longest river, the Santa Ana, as well as the headwaters of the Whitewater River. Recreational opportunities in the proposed Sand to Snow National Monument include hiking, horseback riding, backpacking, fishing and bird watching. At higher elevations, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail. National monument status would protect these existing uses.

The proposed Castle Mountains National Monument includes rocky peaks, native desert grasslands, Joshua trees, and piñon pine and juniper forests. It offers stunning vistas of the California and Nevada desert mountain ranges, including a view of Nevada’s Spirit Mountain, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a location revered by numerous southwestern Native American tribes. The proposed Castle Mountains National Monument includes rich cultural and historical resources, such as Native American archaeological sites and the historic gold mining ghost town of Hart. The area is also rich with wildlife, such as golden eagles, bighorn sheep, mountain lions and bobcats.

For more information about the benefits that will accrue to the region if President Obama supports Senator Feinstein’s request, and for a local perspective on the importance of this effort, contact Shauna Tucker at shauna@mojavedesertlandtrust.org, or 760-366-5440.

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 54,000 acres of desert land.