Biodiverse Mojave Desert Land Trust properties impacted by York Fire
STATEMENT
For immediate release
August 1, 2023
Contact: Jessica Dacey, Director of Communications
Phone: 760-820-2275, Email: jessica@mdlt.org
Biodiverse Mojave Desert Land Trust properties impacted by York Fire
The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) owns approximately 560 acres within the burn zone of the York Fire in Mojave National Preserve. MDLT is closely monitoring the situation as it develops and working with the authorities and our partner organizations. We will assess the fire’s impact to MDLT properties once the area has been declared safe. These lands were acquired due to their significant habitat value and with the intention of conveyance to the National Park Service at a future date.
One of MDLT’s properties within the burn zone is in the Grotto Hills, at the heart of the Preserve’s Lanfair Valley. The parcel sweeps across 160 acres reaching an elevation of 4,427 feet. It is representative of the Preserve’s rich biodiversity and dense Joshua tree woodland. Another 17-acre parcel rises above a wash, its hillsides dotted with Joshua trees, juniper, and pinyon trees. The natural ore deposits once made it attractive for mining. (Click here for photos and map of MDLT’s affected properties.)
“We are heartbroken to learn of the devastating York Fire. The blaze has impacted some of the greatest ecological treasures of this National Park Service unit. It has reached one of the largest and densest forests of eastern Joshua trees in Mojave National Preserve, as well as the remote Caruthers Canyon, a spectacular example of rich Mojave Desert biodiversity. This burned portion of the Preserve is a world-class location for a desert wilderness experience appreciated by many. This fire is also tragic considering certain burn areas likely destroyed new plant growth that had begun establishing in the wake of the 2005 Hackberry Fire. The chances of survival of those new plants are almost doomed. We extend our deep gratitude to all the first responders and to National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, and Clark County Fire.” – Cody Hanford, Joint Executive Director, Mojave Desert Land Trust
Background
MDLT has protected approximately 120,000 acres across the California desert and 27,990 acres within Mojave National Preserve since 2006. MDLT currently owns and manages 4,015 acres within the Preserve.
Within the York Fire burn zone, MDLT manages 560 acres and previously conveyed over 1,500 acres to Mojave National Preserve.
MDLT has a critical role to play in preserving public lands. Much of the land acquired has been conveyed to our federal partners. This work helps piece together public lands and supports optimal management of natural resources. MDLT has conveyed more tracts of land to the National Parks system than any nonprofit since 2006.
Note to editors:
Click here for a map of MDLT’s affected lands and photos of two properties prior to the fire.
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 Colorado and Mojave Deserts. Since its founding in 2006, MDLT has conserved approximately 120,000 acres, conveying more tracts of land to the National Park Service than any other nonprofit. MDLT established a conservation seed bank to ensure the preservation of native species and operates an onsite nursery at its Joshua Tree headquarters which has grown over 100,000 native plants for restoration projects and community landscaping. MDLT educates and advocates for the conservation of the desert, involving hundreds of volunteers in our work. For more information, visit mdlt.org.