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Presenter outlines 627,000-acre proposal south of Joshua Tree, cites tribal and business support
Summary
A visitor presented a proposal to permanently protect roughly 627,000 acres south of Joshua Tree National Park, including a 17,000-acre park expansion; the presenter cited tribal stakeholders and said over 200 businesses and organizations support the proposal, and corrected a labeling error that initially listed 'Imperial Immigration' rather than Imperial Irrigation District.
An outside presenter addressed the Holtville City Council to describe a proposal to expand protected federal land near Joshua Tree National Park.
The presenter said the proposal covers about 627,000 acres from the Coachella Valley to the Colorado River and identified the national park expansion area as roughly 17,000 acres. He said the plan was designed with local stakeholders and several tribes—naming Port Indian tribe, Forest Martinez, the 29 Almspan and the Kawakaswam Band of Michigan Indians (as spoken)—and that the effort seeks to protect the environment, expand recreational access, and preserve off-highway vehicle trails while remaining compatible with desert renewable energy and restoration plans. The presenter also said more than 200 businesses and organizations have signed on and cited a nonprofit study linking conservation with local economic benefits from tourism.
During questions, council and presenter clarified a transcription error: letters of support came from the Imperial Irrigation District, not "Immigration" as the presenter first read. The presenter apologized for the mistake and confirmed the irrigation district had submitted support letters.
The presenter noted the proposal would apply only to federal Bureau of Land Management parcels and would not affect private property. No formal action or recommendation by the council was recorded during the meeting; the presentation concluded with council thanks and the presenter closing the video.
