In recent days, Z107.7 news brought attention to problems caused by the influx of visitors to the Desert View Conservation Area, aka section 6, in Joshua Tree. Reporter Mike Lipsitz brings us this story of another local area taking a beating from the recent overflow of visitors and about a community meeting on the problem…
Along with the steady growth of visitors to Joshua Tree National Park, spillover into alternative camping and wilderness areas also increased over the recent holidays. Giant Rock in Landers is another area that has taken a beating. In excess of a hundred vehicles including campers, motorhomes, vans, and trailers, plus dirt bikes, quads and other off-highway vehicles amassed in the area around the iconic natural wonder. The area is under the jurisdiction of the woefully understaffed federal Bureau of Land Management. And while camping is permitted, the New Year’s holiday weekend saw widespread illegal activities including fireworks, graffiti, and unpermitted campfires. The problem and possible solutions will be discussed at tomorrow’s 3 p.m. meeting of the Landers Association. The meeting takes place at Belfield Hall on Reche Road just east of the Landers Post Office. Everyone is invited to attend.
