The latest regulations and protocols for California's Western Joshua Tree Relocation program were issued on July 1. A public comment session on the latest version of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan was offered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on July 11. The prior comment session from April 4 is available on YouTube.  When available, the video for July 11 will also be linked here.

The “Rocket”/76 gas station in Joshua Tree and the Chevron station in Twentynine Palms have both appeared for the first time on a list of “Green Mojave Gas Stations,” a program of the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District. The designation requires that “pollution prevention and reduction techniques are successfully employed as part of routine operating procedures.” There are 24 Mojave Desert gas stations currently meeting the requirements.

The expected destruction of thousands of Joshua trees for the Aratina Solar Project in Boron and the subsequent social media outrage has triggered a number of media stories.  Riverside Press-Enterprise columnist and well-known desert writer Ruth Nolan published a column "Honoring the Joshua trees of the Mojave Desert town of Boron." A Los Angeles Times story focuses on "rescue plans" for the trees. 

Loving Joshua Tree, an episode of Earth Focus that debuted in April on PBS SoCal, examines many of the issues MBCA regularly follows. The approximately half-hour video focuses on Joshua Tree National Park and its growing popularity and visitation due to social media; the desert's biodiversity and wildlife; the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act; and issues of short-term rentals and local housing needs. Interviewees include many folks well-known to MBCA supporters, including Chris Clarke (Desert Advocacy Media Network), Frazier Haney (The Wildlands Conservancy), and Park Superintendent Jane Rodgers. Additional perspectives come from Laura Crane (Nature Conservancy); Alicia Pike (Chris Clarke's former partner on the 90 Miles from Needles podcast); Glen Steigelman & Steve Halterman, proprietors of The Station in Joshua Tree; local journalist and STR owner Hilary Sloane; and Crossroads Cafe restaurant employee Tiffany Hopkins. MBCA is mentioned in Chris Clarke's comments about our impact on the development of AutoCamp starting at timestamp 20:42.

MBCA was among 14 Inland Empire non-profit groups supporting a comment letter concerned with the Rio Vista Specific Plan for the Riverside County City of Jurupa. The Plan includes a warehouse and other industrial development that, in addition to air quality, water, and urban heat impacts, would endanger the over 13,000 year old Jurupa oak, among the oldest living things on the planet. The letter contains extensive analysis of problems with the plan and offers two alternatives. Read this Los Angeles Times article for more background.

Senate Joint Resolution 16 in support of Chuckwalla National Monument successfully passed a floor vote in the California State Senate and now moves to the Assembly for a final vote this summer. MBCA has strongly supported the establishment of the Monument. This measure would urge the President to use the Antiquities Act of 1906 to establish the Chuckwalla National Monument, and to establish a National Park Service managed Joshua Tree National Monument adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park. 

The iconic and unique history of Giant Rock brings visitors including ufologists, climbers, ragers, and spiritual seekers, sometimes to the disturbance of the site and its Landers neighbors. The LA Times reports on Giant Rock's unusual history as well as current tensions related to gentrification, short-term rental developments, site damages, and cleanup efforts.  

MBCA President Steve Bardwell shares the story of the years-long effort to improve San Bernardino County's regulations on lighting with 90 Miles from Needles podcast host Chris Clarke and local night sky photographer Mitch Miller. The episode was recorded during an art show with a night sky theme at MazAmar Art Pottery in Pioneertown. The 46-minute podcast is available here.