Desert Cahuilla Prehistoric Area:
Round 1 was a Success, Now on to Round 2

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Take Action Now!

We had a successful letter-writing campaign promoting conservation for the Desert Cahuilla Prehistoric

Vehicle scars mar the desert pavements of the Desert Cahuilla Area Photo by Phil Farquharson

Area during the first round of public comment, which closed February 13th (see previous alert HERE). But we’re not stopping there! We’re asking members of the public to keep sending letters to California State Parks Director Ruth Coleman and Resources Secretary Mike Chrisman, requesting interim protections for Desert Cahuilla during the 2- to 3-year planning process.

You can submit comments two ways, either by writing to your public officials at the addresses below, or by using CitizenSpeak, a quick and easy online tool to make your voice heard. If you choose the first option, you’ll find several “talking points” below the addresses to use in your letter.

Whichever way you choose, be sure to include your own personal comments with your reasons for supporting preservation of the area, your experiences in the desert, and any other knowledge or information that will set your letter apart.

Send your letters, via regular mail, e-mail, or FAX if available, to:

Ruth Coleman, Director
California Dept. of Parks & Recreation
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296
E-mail: directorATparks.ca.gov

Mike Chrisman, Secretary
Resources Agency
1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fax: (916) 653-8102
E-mail: secretaryATresources.ca.gov

Please also send a copy of your letter to us at connect AT dpcinc DOT org.

TALKING POINTS:

• Over the years, many natural and cultural features of the Desert Cahuilla Area, including fossilized trees, ancient trails, cleared circles, California fan palm groves, and populations of sensitive plant species such as Salton milkvetch, have been damaged, degraded or destroyed by careless or malicious off-road vehicle activity. Since acquisition of the Freeman properties in 2006, this senseless destruction has only increased, not only in the new acquisitions, but all over the Desert Cahuilla Area.
• Unless interim protections are put in place immediately, much more destruction will inevitably occur while the general plan is being crafted. Since this process is likely to take two to three years, or even longer, the area should be closed to all vehicles until a plan is complete. At the very least, vehicles should be limited to the street-legal variety, and confined to designated routes in wash bottoms.
• To ensure a fair and open process, the general plan should be taken out of the exclusive control of the OHV Division. Staff from the Colorado Desert District of State Parks should be fully involved in the planning process, including crafting the scope of work for resource survey contractors and environmental consultants writing the Environmental Impact Report and associated general plan.