Issues at Morongo Basin Conservation Association

Concern about Tortoises in Joshua Tree National Park

Posted on MBCA News by · May 16, 2017 10:16 AM · 1 reaction

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.

Progress for Morongo Basin Bike Trails

Posted on MBCA News by · May 04, 2017 5:37 PM

A grant is now in place with the County to begin planning bicycle trails across the Morongo Basin. MBCA Board of Advisors member Greg Gilbert has worked toward this goal for a number of years. As reported on KCDZ radio, "The bike trails project would stretch approximately 100 miles altogether, uniting the Morongo Basin communities." Here is the full story.

E-Blast May 2, 2017

Posted on Eblasts by · May 02, 2017 2:17 PM

2017 Desert-Wise Landscape Tour a huge success!
Sand-To-Snow and Mojave Trail National Monuments under review by Trump
Eagle Crest Pumping Project
County Renewable Energy Element Final Draft

County RE Element Final Draft

Posted on MBCA News by · April 25, 2017 10:25 AM

This is a message from the County about the latest status of the Renewable Energy and Conservation Element of the County's General Plan.

Cadiz Water Project Moves a Step Forward

Posted on MBCA News by · April 05, 2017 9:46 AM

An administrative move within BLM management at the federal level has reduced the obstacles still in place for the Cadiz Valley Water Conservation, Recovery and Storage Project that seeks to move water from desert aquifers to urban areas of southern California. This April 5 story by our local radio station includes a map of the Cadiz location, and this LA Times article provides more details.

Rural Roads and OHV Limits

Posted on MBCA News by · April 03, 2017 2:52 PM

[Commentary and documents provided by Pat Flanagan]

The BLM believes they have the legal right to connect public land parcels together using county un-maintained dirt roads. I believe this is incorrect – our dirt roads, a legacy of the Small Tracts Act (STA), are considered by the County, based on case law and the STA, to constitute legal right-of-way (ROW) for those entitled to use them, i.e. the public and utility companies.

Altamira Project On Hold

Posted on MBCA News by · April 02, 2017 12:00 PM

While we cannot say that there has been an end to plans for the Alta Mira housing project in the Friendly Hills area of Joshua Tree, the JT 105 Alliance citizens' group has informed MBCA that the developers have recently offered the project land for sale. Below is an update from the Alliance and also links to some of the documents involved in the ongoing legal efforts to stop or change the plan for the Alta Mira Housing Development in the Friendly Hills area of Joshua Tree.

DHS Development Stopped Again

Posted on MBCA News by · March 25, 2017 9:05 AM

Several MBCA Directors have attended recent Desert Hot Springs City Council meetings to support their Planning Commission's decision to deny an extension for a developer's plans to create a large housing complex near Mission Creek Preserve and the Sand to Snow National Monument. At the Council meeting on March 22, a procedural situation resulted in the denial being upheld. This Desert Sun article explains more about the circumstances and possible future actions by the developer.

JT Airport Solar in a Legal "Stay" Status

Posted on MBCA News by · March 17, 2017 12:00 PM

NextEra /JT Solar project is officially in a "legal stay" for six months as requested by NextEra. The Southern California Edison’s RAM PPA for the project has expired and NextEra has stated no work on the project has gone forward. The group Joshua Tree Community for Responsible Solar took the lead in opposing the project and initiated legal action. This Hi Desert Star March 17 article provides more information about the status.

Desert Sun Editorial on Eagle Crest Project

Posted on MBCA News by · February 21, 2017 1:46 PM

The Desert Sun Editorial Board has published an opinion piece criticizing Governor Jerry Brown's request for federal assistance to develop the Eagle Crest pumping station project. This is the "giant battery in the desert" hydroelectric project proposed for the Eagle Mountain Mine lands at the southeast border of Joshua Tree National Park. The privately owned mine area was not included in the recent study recommending return of about 22,000 acres of nearby land back to the National Park. Read the Desert Sun editorial to learn more about why the project is "not a wise use of precious desert water." You can also read more about the Eagle Crest project by scanning past articles on MBCA's Water Issues page.

Pages tagged "Issues"

Desert-Wise Landscape Tour Inspiration Contest Winners 2023

MBCA Comments on Golden Current Solar Project

MBCA Awards Scholarships to Three Local High School Seniors

MBCA Supports Water Conservation Landscaping Act

Eblast April 10, 2023

Eblast March 20, 2023

A Change in Direction for Cadiz Water Project?

Wonder Inn Resort Proposal Denied by Planning Commission

Letter: Group Comment on Public Health Emergency Due to Warehouse Growth