It was once a sacred site to Native Americans. Now it’s home to an array of ancient petroglyphs. So last week (May 22), the county Board of Supervisors transferred ownership of 30.25 acres of unincorporated Joshua Tree land to the Native American Land Conservancy for safekeeping.
The area – known locally as Coyote Hole – was deeded to the county in the late 1970s by the State of California with the intention of utilizing it for flood control. It was never used for the purpose, though, following the discovery of its cultural and historic value.
Third District Supervisor James Ramos says the conveyance is more than just a land transfer. “We entrust the preservation of our culture and history to a group whose mission is to protect Native American lands for future generations,” he said.
Michael Madrigal, president of the nonprofit Conservancy, responded in kind, saying that the organization was “honored to become stewards of [these] sacred lands.”
