New Desert Wise Landscaping Video Launched!
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.
MBCA Joins Support Letter for SB 1250 - Wildlife Connectivity in Transportation Planning
MBCA was among 72 organizations signing on to a letter in support of California’s AB 1250, a bill that would incorporate required consideration for wildlife crossings into transportation planning. A key goal is reducing wildlife–vehicle collisions which cost Californians more than $200 million annually.
Morongo Valley Communications Tower Nears Final Approval - Residents Protest
A 30-day protest period that ends March 16 was announced as part of the final environmental assessment and land use plan amendment by the Bureau of Land Management for the proposed Morongo Canyon Highway 62 Multi-Tenant Wireless Broadband Communications Site. This proposal is for a different site than had first been planned and was strongly opposed. Local residents still maintain the project is unnecessary and disruptive to plants, wildlife, and viewsheds. A February 20 news story from radio station Z107.7 outlined the situation and provided information on a protest group. This BLM Press Release includes information about how to send protest comments.
MBCA Opposes Recission of Federal Roadless Rule
A notice issued on August 29, 2025, by the Forest Service, an agency of the Department of Agriculture, announced the intent to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The intent of the Rule is "to provide lasting protection for inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest System in the context of multiple-use management." MBCA's opposition letter describes the likely negative consequences of rolling back this rule, including environmental harm to wildlife, watersheds, and water quality, plus increased fire danger (not less). Recent polling concludes that there is also widespread public support for maintaining designated roadless areas.
MBCA Supports Grant Funding for Hwy. 62 Wildlife Overpass Planning
MBCA submitted a letter to California's Wildlife Conservation Board in support of grant funding to plan two wildlife crossing overpasses on Highway 62. Mojave Desert Land Trust is spearheading the effort. Learn more about the proposal from MDLT's August Press Release and this story from local radio station Z107.7. In MBCA's Wildlife Corridors map below, notice the bright pink area in the lower left, representing an area of "Irreplaceable and Essential Corridors" between Morongo Valley and Yucca Valley, the targeted area. Additional detailed maps can be found in MDLT's Press Release.
National Public Radio Highlights Plight of Desert Tortoise
A National Public Radio story notes the potentially negative effects of federal agency changes on California's endangered desert tortoise. The efforts of Mojave Desert Land Trust on the animal's behalf are noted, as well as research by respected desert research scientists including Cameron Barrows and Ed LaRue. Listen to or read the story here.
Ofland Project Goes Forward in Twentynine Palms Despite Community Concerns
Despite an extensive array of public comments mostly expressing concerns to the Twentynine Palms City Council about the OfLand Resort proposed for Indian Cove Area (this very large document may take a while to open) , the City Council accepted the Planning Commission's recommendation to change the zoning and approve the project with a Mitigated Negative Declaration. Local radio station Z107.7 provides a comprehensive overview of the City Council meeting, and an update on the resort developer's comments about moving forward.
"Finding Balance" Event Encourages Involvement in Local Development
About 60 people attended the "Finding Balance" Town Hall in Twentynine Palms sponsored by Indian Cove Neighbors and MBCA on Saturday, May 31. Joining moderator Cindy Bernard and Kat Talley-Jones of Indian Cove Neighbors were Pat Flanagan and Laraine Turk of MBCA, and Rich Good, local business owner.
While the Ofland Development in the Indian Cove neighborhood was a focal topic, information and discussion about other proposed developments were addressed, including the Lovemore Ranch and Joshua Tree Resort projects. MBCA Board member Pat Flanagan strongly encouraged that residents become familiar with their community's General Plan. She suggested a social approach of "Get some copies of the Plan, invite friends, add a bottle of wine, and delve into it together!"
Panelists Cindy Bernard, Kat Talley-Jones, Pat Flanagan, Laraine Turk, Rich Good
Photos courtesy Bob Wold
Broad interest was expressed in pressuring San Bernardino County to “Bring Back the MAC,” i.e. the Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory Council.” A MAC is a legal entity set up to communicate information and receive recommendations from residents in unincorporated areas.
Mojave Desert Land Trust Board member Geary Hund brought news of approval for a planning grant for two wildlife crossings on Highway 62.
Z107.7's extended online reporting on the Finding Balance Town Hall provides a thorough overview of topics covered, as does the Desert Trumpet's coverage.
Here is a link to a full recording of the meeting.
MBCA Files Comments on OfLand Project in Twentynine Palms
MBCA's comment letter to the City of Twentynine Palms Planning Department about the 100-unit luxury resort project details points of conflict with the City's General Plan but also makes suggestions for change. MBCA encourages a reduction in the size of the project, and makes additional detailed points about project deficits and discrepancies on issues including "edge effects" on wildlife; the Mojave Desert Sentinel Landscape provisions; aesthetic and viewshed degradation; and light trespass.
MBCA Comments on Proposed Changes to Wind Turbine Specifications
In this letter to San Bernardino County Senior Planner Maryn Wells, MBCA expresses concerns about a proposed Development Code amendment that would permit expansion of the generating capacity of wind turbines Countywide. With the potential for placement of 100-foot tall wind turbines within the Rural Living Zone, MBCA is calling for the imposition of a Conditional Use Permit for the permitting of wind turbines throughout the County. Especially in desert communities, the installation of 30 to 40 foot diameter turbines presents health and safety concerns as well as threats to wildlife and the natural environment.
Energy Distribution and Conservation Topics Highlight MBCA's Annual Meeting
Keynote Speaker Bernadette Del Chiaro provided an audience of over 70 gathered on January 25 for MBCA's Annual Meeting with a message that "Rooftop Solar Is Essential To California’s Clean Energy Goals." She provided detailed and incisive information (view her PowerPoint slides) about California's power distribution system and the imbalance between utility company profit goals and the need to speed up renewable energy with rooftop and distributed solar. Compelling evidence was presented showing blatant misrepresentations by utilities in their efforts to slow the adoption of rooftop solar while encouraging utility scale projects.
MBCA Board member Allan Songer presented an overview of emergency battery power options, and provided a handout of some available products.
Steve Blackledge, Director of Conservation Campaigns for Environment America, focused on wildlife conservation issues in his presentation. Geary Hund, Board member of Mojave Desert Land Trust, augmented the presentation with news of progress toward the possibility of wildlife crossings on Highway 62.
Geary Hund speaks about possible future wildlife crossings on Hwy. 62.
For a more complete overview of the presentations at the annual meeting, here is a report (with photos) in the Morongo Basin's non-profit publication The Desert Trumpet and as reported on local radio station Z107.7.
And, a recording of all presentations and Q&A sessions is available on MBCA's YouTube channel.
