PRESS RELEASE – For Immediate Release
(Photos available upon request)

June 1, 2009

Contact:
Nancy Karl
760-366-5440
nancy@mojavedesertlandtrust.org



Mojave Desert Land Trust Announces Campaign To Acquire 955 Acres in Joshua Tree, CA

Joshua Tree, CA -- Mojave Desert Land Trust announced today that it has opened escrow to acquire three parcels totaling 955 acres of pristine wildlife habitat that sits adjacent to the northern boundary of Joshua Tree National Park. The parcels are comprised of Section 11 and half of Section 13 in the Joshua Tree Highlands area. The land is situated near Nolina Peak, a 639-acre section that the Land Trust acquired in 2007 and donated to Joshua Tree National Park in 2008.

The Land Trust has launched a fundraising campaign asking for community support to save this important land for its high conservation values. As an extension of the Quail Mountain ecosystem, this beautiful view shed hosts a diverse population of wildlife that includes bighorn sheep, bobcat, desert tortoise, coyote, and dozens of bird species. It is also a key watershed area that provides necessary surface flow to the lower elevations. This area of Joshua Tree is a significant wildlife corridor that provides for the movement of animals in and out of the national park and hosts an intact, pristine vegetative community, a critical component of a healthy ecosystem.

“The conservation of lands in the Quail Mountain area on the Northern edge of the Park is extremely important for the long term health of the wildlife and plants,” said Curt Sauer, Superintendent. “The Land Trust’s effort to acquire these 955 acres significantly assists the Park with our efforts to consolidate and perpetuate the ecosystem of the area.”

Mike Cipra, California Desert Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association stated, "This is a rare opportunity to preserve a healthy ecosystem and add it to Joshua Tree National Park. These 955 acres were never grazed or developed, and they form pristine habitat and crucial wildlife corridors for animals like tortoises, bobcats, and bighorn sheep. This land is national park quality, and deserves to be protected for our children and grandchildren.”

Mojave Desert Land Trust invites all residents and visitors of the Joshua Tree area to learn more about the locations of wildlife linkages in order to preserve them, and to support this campaign to save the Quail Mountain corridor through their donations. Nancy Karl, Executive Director, states “We have a short period of time in which to purchase this pristine and important wildlife area. We hope residents and visitors alike will understand the importance of this land and appreciate the quality of life that these areas provide to all of us. Conserving the Quail Mountain ecosystem will be a great victory for the abundant wildlife in this area, and for everyone who appreciates the beauty of our natural areas.”

There are several ways to make a difference and contribute:

Make a tax-deductible donation online at www.mojavedesertlandtrust.org
Host a Land Trust membership party
Become a member of the Land Trust
Gift memberships to friends and family
Host a presentation to local clubs, churches, gatherings
Join a guided hike to see the wildlife corridor; educate friends and neighbors

To participate or learn more about the effort, community members or visitors are invited to visit the Web site (www.mojavedesertlandtrust.org), visit the Land Trust office located at 6393 Sunset Rd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, or call 760 366 5440.

Mojave Desert Land Trust, founded in 2005, is a 501(c)(3) public charity. MDLT’s mission is to protect the Mojave Desert ecosystem and its scenic and cultural resource values.