Last Wednesday was a treat. The effervescent Karin Jaffie, from Friends of the Desert Mountains, gave a lively and informative presentation for our monthly Morning Insights gathering. On the second Wednesday of every month, valley entrepreneurs and innovators meet at CVEP’s office to exchange ideas and network about our regional economy. Eye-opening presentations from local leaders and innovators jump-start these conversations. Laura James, our interim CEO, has hit it out of the park this year, putting together a roster of fascinating speakers.

Karin was invited to inform us about the efforts to designate a new national monument in our nearby desert, The Chuckwalla National Monument, and an expansion of Joshua Tree National Park.

Please note that the proposed monument boundaries in this map are an approximate sketch of the official boundaries

This map shows the location and extent of the proposed new national monument. The main section will run from the City of Coachella to the Colorado River, roughly following the south edge of Interstate 10 and north of the Chocolate Mountain Air Gunnery Range. There are an additional five proposed areas straddling north of Interstate 10. These efforts also include a roughly 17,000-acre expansion of Joshua Tree National Park in the Eagle Mountain area adjacent to the existing park area. The Bureau of Land Management will manage the new Chuckwalla National Monument while the National Park Service will manage the Joshua Tree expansion.

Why a National Monument? Such designations “protect nationally significant lands with cultural, historical, ecological, and scientific importance.” National monument designation does not create a protected wilderness but permanently withdraws extractive uses (like mining). Existing legal Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) routes remain, as well as existing recreational uses.

Karin outlined six objectives for protecting these lands:

  1. Improve access to nature and support diverse recreational uses
  2. Honor cultural landscapes and historic sites
  3. Protect unique biodiversity
  4. Conserve wildlife habitat and improve Habitat Connectivity
  5. Complement the Desert Renewable Energy and Conservation Plan (DRECP)
  6. Safeguard a rich history

Moreover, conserving public lands has been shown to improve local economies. Entrances to the Chuckwalla National Monument will be closer to the Coachella Valley than any existing conserved lands, especially to the eastern valley communities. With that comes a spike in visitor needs – restaurants, lodging, supplies, groceries, gas, tours, etc. New businesses will be started. Jobs will be created.

So it is no surprise that over 225 businesses and business groups support this designation. Other supporters include local cities and agencies, legislators, and organizations like Visit Greater Palm Springs.

Protect Chuckwalla is a collaborative effort. Over 25 organizations, from Friends of the Desert Mountains, to The Wildlands Conservancy, are working together on this momentous effort. CVEP encourages local businesses to support the monument. Add your name to the list of supporters.

Many thanks to Karin Jaffie, Friends of the Desert Mountains, for sharing the content of her presentation with us, and you!