In a May 14 press release, MBCA published a position statement about the short term rental crisis in the Morongo Basin. In addition, MBCA announced the release of an 8-minute locally-produced video it commissioned, intended to show decision-makers how residents and businesses have been negatively affected by the STR-triggered housing crisis.
A HUGE THANK-YOU TO THE 476 PETITION SIGNERS AND 133 COMMENTERS. THE SUPERVISORS AGREED TO A 45-DAY HIATUS ON APPROVING NEW STR APPLICATIONS THROUGH THIS URGENCY ORDINANCE.
The Morongo Basin Conservation Association scholarships go to local standout students with demonstrated commitments to include conservation or environmental interests in their education and career plans. Each $1,000 scholarship goes toward higher education expenses in the 2022-23 academic year.
The three recipients, all graduating seniors at Yucca Valley High School, include Griffin Hilderbrand, Aidan Parmley, and Aunalisa Terreri.
This is the first year MBCA has awarded three scholarships.A science, technology, engineering, arts and math, or “STEAM” Scholarship, provided anonymously by two generations of women who held careers in the STEAM fields, is new this year and was awarded to Aunalisa Terreri. Recent donations in memory of renowned local artist, conservationist, and longtime MBCA memberSteve Rieman, made it possible to offer a third scholarship.
Best wishes to these graduates as they begin their next educational adventure!
A favorite springtime native flower of many Morongo Basin residents (and hummingbirds) is the Apricot Mallow. With its upturned, bright orange-cupped flowers, and grey-green foliage, mallow fits into most any landscaping scheme. With any luck, you won't need to plant it as it will volunteer in your water-wise garden!
Sphaeralcea ambigua is common along our Basin's roadsides in spring, with its flowering dependent upon seasonal rains. Though most mallow flowers are apricot-orange, there are also pink, purple, red, white and shades in between. Prune once a year after blooming to 6"-12" above ground to help eliminate unproductive woody growth and reseeding. Do not try and shear this plant regularly as it will not respond well. Wear gloves when pruning as its leaves can be a skin irritant.
MBCA joined Lucerne Valley homeowners and Mojave Communities Conservation Collaborative in a letter to protest the "relocation" of the Sienna Solar Project in Lucerne Valley. The letter points out to the San Bernardino County Supervisors how the reapplication of the project is not simply a relocation allowed by regulations, but an expansion that violates the County's Renewable Energy Conservation Element, intended to minimize negative effects and optimize benefits to unincorporated communities.
San Bernardino County determined that a proposed 640-acre “glamping” type camping resort in Flamingo Heights does not require a full Environmental Impact Report. MBCA disagrees strongly and has submitted a letter to the Countyoutlining the many significant environmental impacts unaddressed by the mitigated negative declaration that the project received. In addition to environmental consequences, the project is not compatible with the Homestead Valley Community Action Guide, a document that was developed with local input through the Countywide Plan process. This link provides more details about the project.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has published a status review concluding that Western Joshua trees do not warrant threatened status in California. The ultimate determination is in the hands of the California Fish and Game Commission, which in September 2020 granted the species interim threatened status and implemented guidelines for its protection. The official presentation of the status review by the Department to the Commission is scheduled for April 21; however, the Commission’s vote is not expected until its June 16 meeting. This April 13 press release by the Center for Biological Diversity, which filed a petition that initiated the status review by the Commission, provides background and outlines the expected sequence of forthcoming actions. Additional information can be found in thisLos Angeles Times story and the Times' editorial opinion in favor of listing the Joshua tree.
In response to the advancement through San Bernardino County's planning process of a proposal for a 106-room hotel project in Wonder Valley, local concerned residents have established a website to inform and engage others in opposition. The development includes a 24/7 restaurant, spa, pool, 205 parking spaces, and other features. Nearby residents are concerned about excessive lighting, dangerous highway conditions and traffic, dust, groundwater levels, wastewater, etc., and feel the project is completely inappropriate for their small, sparsely populated community. The website is StopWonderInn.org.
County Mining Ordinance Revision Hearing Continued to October
The San Bernardino County Supervisors meeting on August 18 drew a large number of commenters on item 76: "Conduct a public hearing to consider the proposed ordinance to repeal and reenact local surface mining and land reclamation regulations." Commenters expressed strong concerns that through the proposed changes, the County was handing over environmental review to the recently greatly weakened federal environmental review process. After the comment period, Chair Dawn Rowe...
2025 Western Joshua Tree Legislative Report Published
This annual report required by the legislature is published by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). It covers the Western Joshua Tree issue from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. The legislative report includes an update on CDFW’s role in the implementation of the Western Joshua Tree Conservaiton Act, information on permits issued, fees collected, conservation implemented, and more. Here is the report and you can find more...
MBCA Joins Qualified Support for AB 53 Tribal Lands Bill
MBCA was among seven organizations sending a qualified statement of support for AB 53, a bill intending to provide a pathway for the transfer of public lands in California to original tribal stewardship for conservation purposes. The letter requests that the bill be reintroduced in the next legislative session to provide time to elaborate and clarify the complex conditions of land transfer for best possible outcomes. There is little time...
With a focus on health concerns in addition to support for other commenters' concerns with tourism, MBCA sent a comment letter opposing the Supervisors' August 18 impending vote to approve a recommendation that would remove the county from the permitting of mining operations with federal approval. Federal environmental guidelines have been changed to reduce effective review. The specific concern addressed is fine particles of the radioactive element Thorium unearthed in...
Development in the Morongo Basin
ATTEND the Appeal of Mercury Dry Camp Project on August 4
Renewable Energy in San Bernardino County
Federal Attacks on Environmental Protections
Attacks on California Environmental Quality Act
Good News! Balcony Solar Advances in California
Climate Stewards at University of California Riverside Palm Desert
Voluteer to support MBCA in our Adopt-a-Highway
The Initial Study for this proposal to create twelve 5-acre Rural Living-zoned lots in the Pioneertown area contains many conflicts with the County Wide Plan that are outlined in MBCA’s comment letter to Land Use Services. MBCA objects to the County's support of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project and urges a full Environmental Impact Report be completed. MBCA's comment letter and appendices describe a number of critical oversights...
MBCA has joined over 120 environmental, consumer, low-income, tenants’ rights, and clean energy organizations to support legislation that would address both energy insecurity and air pollution problems in California. The legislation introduced by Senator Wiener (SB 868) would allow Californians to install portable solar generation devices known as "balcony solar" without having to connect with public utilities (as is currently the law). These small plug-in units can provide enough electricity...
Click on the photo to enjoy MBCA's latest engaging video of a local residential landscape filled with desert native plant beauty and skillful water management.
