On a recent episode of the “Z107.7 Up Close Show” Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent Jane Rodgers and the National Park’s Emergency Services Program Manager Myles Landry discussed a number of topics and issues with host Gary Daigneault.
When asked about unusual rescues in the park, Landry advised visitors to be prepared and keep their wits about them, especially as the use of psychedelic drugs within the park is on the rise.
“Gary Daigneault: Any wild and crazy rescues that come to mind?
Myles Landry: The ones that come to mind are people that have chosen to take illicit drugs – mushrooms or acid and they get into a position climbing rocks or going on a hike and they are not able to understand where they are or their surroundings. Those are the most memorable because people are not acting how you think they would act…
Gary Daigneault: That reminds me of an incident years ago where two men chose to come to Joshua Tree National Park and make a very strong tea out of the Native Datura and subsequently died. It was summer and they just went out in the sun and it was very, very sad. Are you warning people perhaps you need to keep all of your wits about you when you are in a dangerous situation?
Myles Landry: Most definitely… I don’t think we specifically ask about illicit drugs, but we definitely try to raise awareness that this is a dangerous environment. There’s a lot of hazards out there so you need to be on top of your game, and also to have a plan if something goes wrong… what is your next step?
We definitely tell people that there is an emergency phone at the Hidden Valley Campground, as we all know there’s no cell phone service or it’s very limited in the park. So knowing the location of that emergency phone – which goes directly to our Dispatch Center and they get a hold of us – that’s very important to know.”
Links:
Joshua Tree National Park Alerts and Conditions
National Park Service App – Google Play Store
National Park Service App – Apple App Store
