A 28-year legal battle over the use of the former Kaiser Eagle Mountain Iron Mine property is over. United States District Judge Robert Timlin ruled December 18 that the 2,846 acres of land be returned to the public, setting aside a planned land exchange and any further development plans for the area surrounded on three sides by Joshua Tree National park. The judge also ruled that former railroad properties be turned over to the BLM. News Director Gary Daigneault fills in the details…
The land in question has been the scene of prolonged legal wrangling, having first been proposed as a large landfill, then as a mine, a hydroelectric plant, and most recently as the site of a huge solar generation tower. Donna Charpeid of the Desert Protection Society, who brought the suit against The Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management said, “None of us ever thought that we would have such a long, monumental battle, but our perseverance has paid off in a huge way. This is a tremendous victory for our Desert Communities and Joshua Tree National Park.” Charpied told Z107.7 News, “We would like to see the former Eagle Mountain Mine property become part of Joshua Tree National Park.” When queried about a possible acquisition, Park Superintendent David Smith said, “There are benefits to having those lands protected by the National Park Service, The wildlife corridor is important to Big Horn Sheep and the mine itself is of historical value, illustrating the historical and cultural affects of the Kaiser Mine.” As far as the former Eagle Mountain lands becoming part of Joshua Tree National Park, Smith deferred, saying, “The decision whether or not to bring those lands into the park is a decision that will be made in Washington, D.C.”
LEGAL BATTLE OVER EAGLE MOUNTAIN IS OVER
