Tribal, national parks groups file suit to protect Mojave Desert from Cadiz water project

The Native American Land Conservancy and National Parks Conservation Association last month filed a federal lawsuit that challenges the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s decision in the final days of the Trump administration that benefitted the Cadiz water proposal.  According to a news release posted in the Sierra Sun Times: The BLM issued a right-of-way … Continue reading Tribal, national parks groups file suit to protect Mojave Desert from Cadiz water project

Criollo cattle once grazed in California’s Mojave Desert

It's hard to believe now, but Criollo cattle that were brought with Christopher Columbus more than 500 years ago to North America once roamed the harsh Mojave Desert of Southern California. That nugget came from John R. Beyer, a columnist for the Victorville Daily Press, in a feature about the depleted Route 66 town of … Continue reading Criollo cattle once grazed in California’s Mojave Desert

Section of Route 66 in Mojave Desert will remain closed for several more years

Those who've waited for San Bernardino County to reopen a lengthy, storm-damaged section of Route 66 in the Mojave Desert will have to wait a while longer. ROUTE Magazine reported in a Facebook post Wednesday part of the historic highway likely will remain closed likely through at least part of 2023: According to the Department … Continue reading Section of Route 66 in Mojave Desert will remain closed for several more years

A new law makes it harder for company to pump water from the Mojave Desert

A company that wants to pump billions of gallons of water from under the Mojave Desert will have a tougher time doing so after a new state law went into effect last week. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law that requires extra environmental reviews before Cadiz Inc. can pump water from a … Continue reading A new law makes it harder for company to pump water from the Mojave Desert

Wildlife officials dismiss review of Mojave Desert water project

California wildlife officials said an environmental review by Cadiz Inc. is severely flawed and a permit to extract billions of gallons of water from under the Mojave Desert cannot be approved. The Palm Springs Desert Sun reported: The California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife says scientists for Cadiz and the Orange County-based Rancho Santa Margarita … Continue reading Wildlife officials dismiss review of Mojave Desert water project

Bill won’t provide quick fix for Route 66 bridges in Mojave Desert

Don't expect a quick fix to Route 66's dilapidated bridges in the Mojave Desert -- or anyplace else -- if Congress and the president enact the Route 66 centennial bill this year. The Route 66 Centennial Commission Act, passed unanimously by voice vote earlier this week, contains a provision that requests the Secretary of Transportation to … Continue reading Bill won’t provide quick fix for Route 66 bridges in Mojave Desert

Interior Secretary recommends no changes to Mojave Trails National Monument

Ryan Zinke, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, recommended shrinking six national monuments after a review ordered by President Donald Trump. But the Mojave Trails National Monument wasn't one of them, nor did Zinke recommend any other changes to the Southern California site in his memo. The Zinke's report to the president wasn't supposed to … Continue reading Interior Secretary recommends no changes to Mojave Trails National Monument

Long-closed Mitchell Caverns slated to reopen in November

Mitchell Caverns, a Mojave Desert site off Route 66 that has been closed since 2011 because of varying infrastructure problems, will reopen Nov. 3 on a limited schedule. An official with California State Parks announced the reopening Friday, reported the Press-Enterprise. It will open at 8 a.m. Friday through Sunday and on holidays until the … Continue reading Long-closed Mitchell Caverns slated to reopen in November

Japanese pop group Exile the Second produces “Route 66” video

Exile the Second, a pop-music band based in Japan, recently released a teaser music video for the group's upcoming single, "Route 66." In case you're wondering, the song bears no resemblance to the Bobby Troup-written classic of the same title. This video uploaded to YouTube isn't the full video, either, but a teaser of about … Continue reading Japanese pop group Exile the Second produces “Route 66” video

Two hikers found dead near Amboy Crater

Two people hiking near Amboy Crater in Amboy, California, were found dead Saturday afternoon after apparently being overcome by the terrain's 113-degree temperatures. According to a news release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office, the people pronounced dead at the scene were Kathie Barber, 58, and Gen Miake, 60, a married couple from Yorba … Continue reading Two hikers found dead near Amboy Crater