by Laraine Turk
1393sc
on August 21, 2024
A new
study in the online journal Ecology Letters focuses on changes to Joshua tree viability and blooming since the early 20th century. The study uses data from citizen scientist reports of Joshua trees and their blooms through the
iNaturalist app, plus historic data. While climate change seems to be increasing the frequency of Joshua Tree blooming, it is also negatively affecting the survival of Joshua tree seedlings. A
Los Angeles Times article explains the study and includes comment from Kelly Herbinson, Mojave Desert Land Trust Executive Director.
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by Laraine Turk
1393sc
on August 20, 2024
As the California Legislative session draws to a close, MBCA has joined with 93 other organizations signing
a letter opposing efforts to "gut and amend" legislation that would weaken environmental protections without public input.
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by Laraine Turk
1393sc
on August 20, 2024
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by Laraine Turk
1393sc
on August 08, 2024
A new YouTube
video explores the history of protection for Joshua trees and the controversially approved destruction of 4000 Joshua trees for the Aratina Solar Project in Kern County.
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by Laraine Turk
1393sc
on August 07, 2024
Local Joshua Tree residents alerted MBCA about receiving a notice from the County about a proposed housing project in their neighborhood. Recipients were offered the opportunity to comment on a Tentative Tract map application to subdivide about 18.5 undeveloped acres into 64 parcels of "minimal impact" homes. MBCA's comments highlight the lack of information on the project and insufficient time window for providing comments. We question any claims concerning sustainability and responsible growth and development. Also addressed is the lack of progress on encouraging affordable housing after acknowledgment by the Supervisors of the ill-effects of a surfeit of STRs in Joshua Tree. We emphasize this is a project requiring analysis under CEQA for impacts due to aesthetics, flooding, flora, traffic, and wastewater.
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by Laraine Turk
1393sc
on August 07, 2024
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by Laraine Turk
1393sc
on July 26, 2024
A County Update reports that the addition of a third Code Enforcement Team has improved the availability of the South Desert Team that serves the Morongo Basin. Code Enforcement Chief Ignacio Nunez states that “The new Central Desert Team has helped to reduce the number of cases handled by other desert officers, allowing them to respond more quickly to new cases and follow up on ongoing cases. Officers now have more time to assist the public.” The South Desert Team provides services to the unincorporated communities of Rimrock, Pioneer Town, Flamingo Heights, Yucca Valley, Landers, Homestead Valley, Yucca Mesa, Joshua Tree, Morongo Valley, 29 Palms, Wonder Valley, Vidal Junction, Havasu Lake and Needles. San Bernardino County Code Enforcement information and services can be accessed here.
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by Laraine Turk
1393sc
on July 26, 2024
A new
video highlighting Joshua Tree's
Desert View Conservation Area has been produced by San Bernardino County, whose Special Districts department oversees the preserved acreage. This free daytime recreation area north of Joshua Tree National Park has received improvements for visitors in recent years and additional educational signage is planned.
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by Laraine Turk
1393sc
on July 22, 2024
Among its many programs to create and build community among veterans, service members, and civilians,
Mil-Tree has a program teaching how to create vegetable gardens in the desert, with group instruction and activities twice a week. The demonstration garden is based at the
Joshua Tree Retreat Center. This
video highlights the development of the gardens.
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by Laraine Turk
1393sc
on July 12, 2024
There are reports in various locations of the Morongo Basin of dead rabbits and hares likely dead of the hemorrhagic disease that was virulent several years ago. Read
this information from the state for recognizing and handling dead animals that might carry the disease. It is important to note that this type of virus is only known to affect rabbits and hares, not other animals or humans.
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