Joshua Tree National Park future land expansion
Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) recently announced it has successfully completed the acquisition of the 690-acre Quail Wash property in Joshua Tree, a landmark achievement that was nearly ten years in the making. This parcel, located adjacent to the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, was part of the original Joshua Tree National Monument proclaimed by President Roosevelt in 1936, but was removed by Congress for mining activity in 1950.
Due to generous grantor and donor gifts (including a local campaign that raised over $10,000 from the neighboring community), this land will be forever protected from development. MDLT plans to restore the property and then to donate it back to the National Park for all to enjoy. The property has important biological significance. It contains Joshua Tree woodlands,
desert tortoise habitat, desert wash and mountainous terrain. The land remains largely undisturbed and is located in a critical part of the wildlife linkage corridor that follows Quail Wash from the peak of Quail Mountain inside the Park into the dispersed community of Joshua Tree. National Park Superintendent David Smith recently commented on its significance
stating, “Parks are not just islands in the midst of our landscapes. They are connected to other public lands and crucial habitats through wildlife corridors, washes and mountain chains. Continued on page 9
Did You Know?
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