Conservation
A BIGHORN SHEEP OR A MICROWAVE TOWER? WHICH WOULD YOU RATHER SEE?

Why support the California Desert Protection Act?
  • Due to the pressure of growing population, there is a time limit on the freedom of the desert.

  • Wilderness and National Park status will prevent new microwave towers and associated roads from cropping up on included mountain ranges. The DPS doesn't need drive-up peaks.

  • DPS leaders have researched the impact of the Act's restriction on peak climbs and found them to be minimal. Many problems with camping, parking and hot springs use can be worked out with the area's administrators under the provisions of wilderness and park status.

  • Access to certain DPS peaks is threatened by Fort Irwin's expansion proposals.

  • Expansion of mining will not be permitted, including the cyanide heap-leach method.

  • Grazing by cattle in the East Mojave threatens the survival of the desert tortoise, and bighorn sheep.

  • Native Americans will continue to have access for traditional cultural and religious uses.

  • While closing 1,000 miles of road to protect desert plant and animal habitats, the Act will leave 37,000 miles of roads and routes free for 4-wheel drive vehicle use. The Act leaves available over 740,000 acres of BLM land exclusively for Off Road Vehicle use.
It is an unfortunate fact that the days of laissez-faire freedom of the desert are numbered by the march of population and technology. Passage of the California Desert Protection Act, is the DPS's opportunity to contribute our values and vision to the shape of the desert's future.

The Act's proponents need help to ensure that the Act passes, and that it protects those areas we feel most need protecting. For this, documentation is the key. Each area identified in the bill needs witnesses. Written testimony and photographs are needed to persuade Congress that these areas are valued by those who are familiar with them. This documentation will also ensure that areas will not be cut out of the bill during the political process, for lack of visible testimony and support. During your trips to the desert this fall and winter, you can observe and record the scenic and ecological values of the areas you visit, and also record any evidence of destructive activities such as mining or Off-Road Vehicle use.

Below you will find a partial list of areas frequented by DPS trips which are included in the Act. Notes are included for a few. We encourage leaders to learn more about the special features of the areas you will be hiking in by calling a member of the Conservation Committee. We also encourage leaders and participants to take sharp, clear photographs (slides preferred) and to write letters addressed to your Senators and Congressmen, and to forward these to a member of the Conservation
 
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