Construct New West Entrance Fee Station Environmental Assessment Review and CommentEnvironmental Assessment (EA) Comments due March 11, 2022Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) has prepared an Environmental Assessment on a proposal to construct a new West Entrance Fee Station. The new fee station would be constructed approximately 1/2 mile further inside the park and would replace the existing fee station. The purpose of constructing a new West Entrance Fee Station further into the park is to resolve long-standing issues regarding excessively long traffic back-up outside the park boundary. Constructing a new fee station would enable more efficient fee collection and create safer working conditions for park staff in the desert environment. Review EA and Submit Comments 
Proposed ProjectThe project would demolish the existing West Entrance fee booth located just inside the park boundary on Park Boulevard and construct a new fee station approximately 0.5 miles further into the park. The new fee station includes:
The proposed new entrance fee station is located in an undeveloped desert setting. For setting compatibility, two key design concepts will be part of the planning of the building and structures. First, the complex will be off-grid for electricity and data. The complex would be powered by a solar PV array with battery storage and back-up propane generator. Second, because the new entrance complex is located within the Mission 66 historic district, Mission 66 design principles were used and the building architecture is uniquely compatible with desert dwellings built mid-century. Why is a new Fee Station NeededThis new location would resolve longstanding issues including long traffic back-up outside the park boundary causing blocking of private driveways and neighborhood streets adjacent to the West Entrance boundary, excessive wait times for entrance, inefficient fee collection, and unsafe working conditions for park staff. The local community has supported the project as a way to resolve the traffic issues that occur outside the park boundary. More information about the project is on the park's website. Please review the Environmental Assessment and submit comments on the proposed project here. *Comments due by midnight pst on March 11, 2022. Climbing Management Plan UpdateJTNP's climbing management team spent 2.5 hours discussing the climbing management plan during a virtual public meeting on February 8, 2022. During this meeting the park discussed proposed management actions for fixed anchors in wilderness, trails management actions, cultural and natural resource concerns, treatment area concepts, and much more. The team answered as many questions as possible during the question and answer period before ending the meeting at 8:30 pm. A recording of the meeting will be made available the week of February 14, 2022. An email newsletter will be sent with a link to the recording and additional information requested by the public at the public meeting. Visit the following links to stay up to date on the CMP. Climbing Management Plan Website February 8 Virtual Public Meeting Recording (Link available the week of February 14) **After reviewing all the available information, please submit your comments here. Comments Due February 27, 2022 I want to personally thank all the participants that took time out of their day to participate in the Climbing Management Plan virtual public meeting on February 8. Your participation will make for a better plan! If you have questions please call us or send us an email at the address below. Sincerely, David A. Smith, Superintendent (760) 367-5522 jotr_planning@nps.gov |
Last updated: February 12, 2024