For years now, community groups along the 78 miles of State Route 247 between Yucca Valley and Barstow have pushed to have the historic, two-lane road officially designated a “Scenic Highway.” Now the possible conversion of almost 8,000 acres for utility-scale solar power production in Lucerne Valley threaten to disqualify the highway from “scenic” designation. Reporter Mike Lipsitz brings us this story about a local lady trying to keep the highway scenic…
Known for uninterrupted expanses of desert with stands of Joshua tree and yucca, geologic wonders, and world-class mountain vistas, Old Woman Springs Road, AKA State Route 247, has been classified eligible for scenic designation by both Caltrans and the county. Pioneertown artist Lakey Kolb has been involved in the effort to keep the highway beautiful for 17 years. Last year Kolb rented a billboard to raise awareness of the issue on Highway 247 and Buena Vista in Yucca Mesa. Now with contributions from local individuals and businesses Kolb has done it again. The new sign at the same location features a quote from naturalist John Muir. It reads, “Not blind opposition to progress, but opposition to blind progress.” The billboard then references an Instagram account called “Not But 247.” Follow a link in this story for an image of the billboard and more information on Scenic Highway 247.
