Senator Dianne Feinstein died on September 28, 2023 at the age of 90. She served as the US Senator for California for 31 years.

“The Mojave Desert Land Trust is greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein. Today, the California desert has lost one of its greatest champions. Senator Feinstein’s steadfast and inspirational leadership led to the protection of the California desert’s most important archeological and scientific wonders, world-renowned views and recreational opportunities, and critical habitat and water sources. She helped shape California desert conservation on a landscape scale to forever support the natural connectivity of the region’s unique flora and fauna. She will be greatly missed but her legacy lives on in the growing community that is working to preserve the desert for future generations,” said Joint Executive Directors Cody Hanford and Kelly Herbinson.

The Chuckwalla National Monument Establishment and Joshua Tree National Park Expansion Act of 2023 is being introduced to federal legislators by Representative Raul Ruiz (CA-25).

The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) joins Representative Ruiz, elected officials, Tribal and community leaders, and local residents in calling on President Biden to designate the Chuckwalla National Monument in the Colorado Desert and expand Joshua Tree National Park.

The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) owns approximately 560 acres within the burn zone of the York Fire in Mojave National Preserve. MDLT is closely monitoring the situation as it develops and working with the authorities and our partner organizations. We will assess the fire’s impact to MDLT properties once the area has been declared safe. These lands were acquired due to their significant habitat value and with the intention of conveyance to the National Park Service at a future date.  

The western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) is being granted permanent legislative protection thanks to the passage of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act. The statute was passed as part of California’s budget agreement on June 27 and is expected to be signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom imminently. It will go into effect immediately upon signing.

A $3.19 million expansion of the Mojave Desert Seed Bank in support of California's 30x30 initiative is poised to help conservationists tackle the urgent need for native seed to conserve the California deserts' unique biodiversity. The California Wildlife Conservation Board grant was approved on May 25.