Politics & Government

Joshua Tree marks anniversary of protected status

The park, which is north of Palm Desert, received federal recognition as a national monument 75 years ago.

Joshua Tree National Park officials are about to celebrate the desert geologic preserve's 75th anniversary of federal protection.

The area now known as Joshua Tree National Park was given National Monument status in 1936 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, according to park officials. The 1994 California Desert Protection Act designated the Monument as a National Park.

A state legislator who represents the nearby communities of Banning and Beaumont plans to present a proclamation to park officials on Wednesday recognizing Joshua Tree's anniversary.

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Assemblyman Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) will make the presentation in a ceremony scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Aug. 10 at park headquarters, at 74485 National Park Drive in Twentynine Palms.

"Not only is Joshua Tree National Park a beautiful destination to bring your family, it's also an economic generator for the Morongo Basin," Cook said. "Visitors headed to the park make a significant impact on our communities out here in the desert."

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Joshua Tree is world-renowned for its rock climbing, bouldering and desert vistas.

More than a million visitors a year come to the park to enjoy the rocks, desert fauna, camping, and hiking trails, said Cook, a longtime Yucca Valley resident.

Park officials have scheduled several other events, including a guest lecture series and a "Dinner in the Desert" fundraiser at the Sacred Sands Bed & Breakfast.

For more information about these events and others, call Joshua Tree National Park events coordinator George Land at (760) 367-5507 or Cook's District Office at (909) 790-4196.


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