New Petition Filed for Joshua Tree Protection
The Desert Sun reports that the Center for Biological Diversity recently filed a petition with the state's Fish and Game Commission for protection of the Western Joshua Tree from climate change by listing it as a threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act. The news article provides scientific and political background on the issue. The Commission has 10 days to certify the petition and send it to the Department of Fish and Wildlife, which then has 90 days to provide an initial recommendation. Here is the LA Times story on this topic.Concern about Tortoises in Joshua Tree National Park
The Los Angeles Times published a comprehensive article on the status of tortoises in Joshua Tree National Park. The reduction in numbers over past decades, and especially the deaths of a number of female tortoises in the southern area of the Park in recent years is of concern. The scientists interviewed share data and hypotheses about the current and future status of the Park icon.
National Monuments Guest Commentary
A guest commentary by MBCA Director Pat Flanagan on the importance of National Monuments to the County of San Bernardino and its desert communities was published on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. We have made available a printable version of Pat's commentary or you can view the story on the Sun's website.
Cadiz Water Project Moves a Step Forward
Turn off lights for Earth Hour
National Park Proposed Land Transfer
The Department of the Interior recently announced the latest step in the process of adding about 20,000 acres to Joshua Tree National Park. The "Eagle Mountain Boundary Study" began about two years ago and the current action moves another step toward final action.
Read moreJoshua Basin Water District Receives Award
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) presented its Huell Howser Best in Blue Award to the Joshua Basin Water District on December 1, 2016, for its innovative outreach program encouraging the public to plant water-saving native plants.
Among its outreach efforts, JBWD created a water wise demonstration garden that is valuable for Morongo Basin residents to see mature plants arranged in a variety of desert garden arrangements. JBWD has been a supporter of MBCA's Desert-Wise Living Series and we are pleased to see their outreach efforts honored.
Eblast: September 26, 2016
- Eagle Crest Pumped Storage Transmission Line Alert
Please read this important alert provided by MBCA Board member Seth Shteir. MBCA loves our National Park and this issue is critical for the healthy future of the Park.
Read moreCadiz Valley Water Project
Cadiz Valley Water Conservation, Recovery and Storage Project
Read moreNew National Monuments!
WE'RE CELEBRATING THREE NATIONAL MONUMENTS IN THE CALIFORNIA DESERT!
On February 11, 2016, President Obama designated three new national monuments, including Sand to Snow in our own backyard, plus National Trails and Castle Mountains. A BIG THANK YOU to the many MBCA members and supporters who wrote letters and appeared at events to support this.
Read about the new Monuments in this LA Times article.
Read more