Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities


** 700,000-acre monument proposed near Joshua Tree National Park
------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Joshua Tree National Park, Christopher Michel ([link removed](15112433079).jpg) , ([link removed](15112433079).jpg) CC BY 2.0 ([link removed]) , via Wikimedia Commons ([link removed](15112433079).jpg)

California conservation groups are proposing ([link removed]) a new national monument ([link removed]) adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park in southern California. The proposed Chuckwalla National Monument—named for a lizard found in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts—would protect roughly 700,000 acres ([link removed]) of fragile desert habitat called the Chuckwalla Bench ([link removed]) on the southern edge of the existing national park.

The proposed monument includes the microphyll woodlands ([link removed]) , which comprise only five percent of the acreage ([link removed]) in the Sonoran Desert but host about 90 percent of migrating birds in California deserts. The Chuckwalla Bench is also critical habitat for the threatened Agassiz's desert tortoise and the endangered Sonoran pronghorn, as well as home to several species of plants that exist nowhere else on earth, according to the Mojave Desert Land Trust. ([link removed])

Local groups including the California Wilderness Coalition and Protect California Deserts are working to get local lawmakers on board ([link removed]) with the proposal. The groups are also working to add about 20,000 acres ([link removed]) of Bureau of Land Management land southeast of Joshua Tree to the national park.
Quick hits


** Joshua Tree National Park could get new neighbor—a national monument
------------------------------------------------------------

The Press-Enterprise ([link removed])


** In remote Nevada valley, race for more lithium comes down to water
------------------------------------------------------------

Nevada Independent ([link removed])


** Outspoken cattle defender's research funded by Big Beef, files show
------------------------------------------------------------

New York Times ([link removed])


** In Nevada, a tribe and a toad halt a renewable power plant
------------------------------------------------------------

Washington Post ([link removed])


** Biden to suggest windfall profits tax if oil companies don't boost production
------------------------------------------------------------

Washington Post ([link removed]) | Bloomberg ([link removed]) | New York Times ([link removed])


** Opinion: Thompson Divide protections are just as significant as Camp Hale designation
------------------------------------------------------------

Colorado Newsline ([link removed])


** Do bedrock conservation laws need a makeover?
------------------------------------------------------------

High Country News ([link removed])


** New reservation system could fill unclaimed campsites in national parks
------------------------------------------------------------

Outside ([link removed])
Quote of the day
” We must do more to ensure that Native Americans have every opportunity to succeed and that their expertise informs our Federal policy-making. That is why my Administration is engaging in meaningful consultation with Tribal leaders, particularly when it comes to treaty rights, reserved rights, management and stewardship of Federal lands, consideration of Indigenous Knowledge, and other policies that affect Native peoples. That is also why I appointed Secretary Deb Haaland to be the first-ever Native American Cabinet Secretary, and why more than 50 Native Americans now serve in significant roles across the executive branch.”
—President Joe Biden, Proclamation on National Native American Heritage Month ([link removed])
Picture this


** @USFWSMtnPrairie ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
You're in for a treat because the USFWS Canine (K9) Program is back with dynamic duo costumes. See more in the thread below. Tell us your favorites!

============================================================
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Medium ([link removed])
** Instagram ([link removed])
Copyright © 2022 Center for Western Priorities, All rights reserved.
You've signed up to receive Look West updates.

Center for Western Priorities
1999 Broadway
Suite 520
Denver, CO 80202
USA
** View this on the web ([link removed])

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])