Newsletter January 8, 2024

From the Office of the Superintendent

Hi, Jane Rodgers here, the new Superintendent! Thank you to all the community members, partners, stewards, and stakeholders for your warm welcomes and your continued feedback on how we are managing this beloved national park. Our team is small but mighty, and we are so proud and honored to care for one of the most visited national parks in the country. Joshua Tree National Park acknowledges the 15 associated tribal communities as the original stewards of the land on which Joshua Tree National Park now sits. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work with the indigenous people of this place. We pay our respect to the people past, present and emerging who have been here since time immemorial.

Looking ahead, park management continues to focus on 1) making the park a sustainable tourism destination, both environmentally and experientially and 2) preserving and maintaining the irreplaceable cultural, natural, and wilderness resources we are entrusted with. Please help us succeed in our mission by spreading the good news of stewardship and making a lasting legacy for future generations. Download the NPS App with offline maps!

Park Updates

New Lands on Northwest Boundary

• Preliminary planning is underway for the new lands designated by the 2019 Dingell Act, expanding the northwestern park boundary at multiple locations between the city of 29 Palms and Yucca Valley. Information regarding existing trails, wildlife, vegetation, and sensitive resources is being collected to inform future planning for these lands. Opportunities for public engagement will be announced in the coming year.

Climbing Management Plan

• Currently on hold pending public comment on the Evaluation and Authorization Procedures for Fixed Anchors and Fixed Equipment in National Park Service Wilderness Areas. Comment period is open to the public until January 16, 2024. Be sure to visit the link here for the latest updates from our national office.

Fee Dollars at Work

West Entrance Relocation Further Into Park and Fee Station/Lane Expansion 2024

• Contract awarded; construction expected to take 9-12 months. The West Entrance station will stay open during construction and continue providing park passes. The park will issue press releases and update the webpage and app with exact construction dates and more details. “West Entrance” is our local nickname for access into the park from the town of Joshua Tree. The 29 Palms entrance is nicknamed “North Entrance.” Yes, it doesn’t totally make geographic sense, but - tradition!
• Park passes are available online—encourage friends, clients, and visitors to purchase ahead of time.

 

 

Black Rock Improvements

• Replace Worn Fire Rings & Install Grills in Black Rock Campground, Horse Camp and Picnic Area
• Repair Black Rock Amphitheater and Provide Accessible Walkway
• Pavement Repair: addition of a 3" cap of cold patch asphalt to a half mile of roadway.
• Nature Center improvements: Flooring, walls, ceiling. Men’s and Women’s bathrooms made accessible and up to ABAAS standards.

 

 

Seasonal Outlook

• The park continues to be very popular with visitation topping over three million for the third year in a row. We encourage anyone visiting to pay close attention to and follow trip planning and safety information provided via web, social media, the park app (NPS App) and in visitor center facilities. Rangers are seeing increased search and rescue activities due to poor trip planning and preparedness.
• Please encourage everyone to download the NPS App for accurate and reliable trail maps, real time safety alerts, and recommendations for a safe, enjoyable experience.

Welcome to our newest Rangers!

Chief of Facilities Management, Alex Snay
Law Enforcement Specialist, Rebecca Davis
Chief of Planning and Compliance, Kendall Neisess
Chief of Science and Stewardship, Dr. Sheri Shiflett

From all of Us to All of You: Wishing You a Happy, Healthy, and Adventure Filled 2024!