The Arizona Joshua Tree Forest located in northern Arizona between Grand Canyon West and the Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a blend of two distinctive western landscapes - the Grand Canyon portion of the Colorado plateau and the eastern-most portion of the Mojave Desert. The area's designation presents an extraordinary opportunity to connect existing protected and iconic landscapes while ensuring its preservation for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. Its permanent designation as a National Monument would provide enhanced protections for a genuine botanical wonder that includes a large, healthy and multi-aged joshua tree forest, and finally earn it the national recognition and public appreciation it deserves.
Because most of the land within the proposed Monument boundary is relatively undisturbed at this time due to its current status as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern and proximity to other protected landscapes, the Monument offers the opportunity to provide species and communities with the space and interconnectedness they may need to help adapt. Protecting these intact landscapes will be essential if the full complement of native species and communities are to persist into the future.
In addition to the Hualapai and other Yuman speaking peoples' connection to this landscape, there are many historical features and places significant to the western expansion of the United States, such as the Ute Trail from present day Santa Fe, NM to Southern California, the U.S. government-sponsored exploratory and military expeditions, and a short-lived Pony Express Way Station. A National Monument can play an important role in educating visitors on the importance of these facets of our history as a nation.
The protection of the Arizona Joshua Tree Forest would provide continued access for spiritual and cultural uses as well as OHV use and backcountry driving on existing designated roads, hunting, camping, hiking, exploring, wildlife photography and other recreational activities. At the same time, the Monument would maintain the integrity of the outstanding viewscapes, dark night skies and natural quiet.
The establishment of the Monument can be an important economic generator over time. We’ve already seen an increase in traffic from existing amenities in the area, such as the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The greatest value of natural amenities and recreational opportunities often lies in the ability of protected lands to attract and retain people, entrepreneurs, their businesses, and the growing number of retirees, who locate here for quality of life reasons.
I support the designation the Arizona Joshua Tree Forest as a National Monument, as it will conserve our botanical wonder and quality of life, and secure the permanent protection of these lands for the benefit and enjoyment of Arizonans and local, national and international visitors alike.