Tag Archive for: Joshua Tree National Park

Stopping Cadiz is Good for People, the Environment and our Water Future

When the California Desert Protection Act was signed into law 30 years ago, the United States pledged to protect the fragile desert lands in the traditional territory of Chemehuevi Native Americans, establishing places now known as Joshua Tree National Park and Mojave National Preserve. It was a turning point for the nation toward a more respectful relationship with the land, aligning with the Chemehuevi people who have stewarded this region since the beginning of time.

Preserving these lands has helped preserve our origins, history, songs, religious ceremonies, ancient sites and trails. When we protect land, it is not only for the benefit of wildlife or the natural environment, but for our well-being.

Pipe Dream: Feds Sued Over Desert Water Pipeline OK’d by Trump

Just before the Trump administration headed out the door, a federal agency this past December cleared the way for a private company to begin pumping groundwater from under the Mojave Trails National Monument in Southern California. The Cadiz water project would extract roughly 16.3 billion gallons of groundwater every year for 50 years from aquifers north of Joshua Tree National Park. The project would overtax the surrounding environment, according to environmentalists who filed a lawsuit to halt the project Tuesday.

Mission Beach Architect Raising Endangered Joshua Trees for Gardens, Landscaping

In Bob Craig’s Mission Beach house, small spiked succulents line his home, garden, and porch. During his work as an architect each day, he leaves his computer to water and check on the tiny plants that he describes as “fragile” in their first year. Looking at the diminutive plants, it is difficult to imagine that in 60 years, they will be the towering trees that make Joshua Tree National Park’s landscape stunning and otherworldly.