A 640-acre parcel of land in Yucca Valley that had been slated for a housing development will instead be protected forever, thanks to the Mojave Desert Land Trust. The Land Trust announced Tuesday that it has purchased the acreage—located south of the intersection of Acoma Trail and Golden Bee Drive—and will own and manage the land. The Land Trust said residents will be able to hike, ride horses, and enjoy nature on the property, and eventually, it will by conveyed to the National Park Service for inclusion into Joshua Tree National Park. Park Superintendent David Smith said “This project will help Joshua Tree National Park manage adjacent public land and improve access for the public in the remote western edge of the Park.” Funding for the purchase came from the California Natural Resources Agency’s Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program, and the Marine Corps. Mojave Desert Land Trust will work to restore the property by cleaning up dumping sites, improving trails for hikers, horses, and mountain bikers, and restoring damage from irresponsible off-road vehicle use.
640 ACRES SOUTH OF YUCCA VALLEY PURCHASED FOR EVENTUAL INCLUSION INTO JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
