Introduction

Crisis:  Joshua Tree Trail Closures

& New "Conservation Area"

Equestrians and equestrian groups have a long history of riding livestock in "BLM Section 6",  605 acres of "open space" near the unincorporated community of "Joshua Tree" and the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park.     In the early 60's, the BLM designated this federal land for "Recreational and Public Purpose" and subsequently conveyed to a political subdivision of the county of San Bernardino who agreed to developed the land as a park.   Now, 44 years later, the County of San Bernardino now call it the Desert View Conservation Area and closed the horse trails to equestrians.  This trail closure policy was officially implemented in December 2007, confirmed in writing on December 21, 2007, then it was backed off on based on public outcry, then reconfirmed on March 31, 2008.    We believe that the county's actions are so unfair, it would be hard to imagine they were done properly.   

Improper Actions?

The county's actions raise so many questions!  We wonder, if the land was granted for recreation, why has this land not been developed and managed like a park as a park for the 44 years?  Why was this land not included in the list of parks in County's 2006 Environmental Impact Report?  If it were listed along with the other parks it would be the 3 largest park in the desert region.  Again why is it not on this list?  Was it simply overlooked?  Does the Board of Supervisors even know it exists?  Who makes the rules for this area?  According the "the Special District Regional Manager", "the District will continue to work with community members to adjust or enact rules..."  Does this sound fair that the interests of the people San Bernardino County can be determined by what ever group can dominate a room     If the land is owned by the County of San Bernardino, why is it not managed for the people of San Bernardino?

We believe that the county's actions are so unfair, it would be hard to imagine they were done properly.    With regards to the trail closures, we believe either 1) the CSA-20 overstepped the authority by shutting down the trails without notice or a public comment period, or 2) they has no such authority because they are not a rule making organization. 

In any case, even if they do have the authority, the CSA-20 has demonstrated that they do have neither the skill nor political conviction to administer this land in a fair and equitable manner. 

We believe the county actions signal a major threat to equestrian interests and will be working hard on this issue for as long as it takes to secure our right-to-ride to these public lands.  If the county is allowed to take away our right-to-ride in "BLM Section 6", who knows where they will stop!

We believe that before the CSA-20 changes existing equestrian use in "BLM Section 6", a real regulatory arm of the county of San Bernardino needs to conduct "Public Meetings" outside the MAC process so that the legitimate concerns of equestrians can be addressed in a manner consistent with law governing such rule making.  It is insulting to have to "Beg the MAC" for permission to do something we believe we are already lawfully entitled to do. 

BLM Section 6  for additional information