Preservation

Restoring the arrastra components at the Desert Queen Ranch. National Park Service photograph

The combination of Joshua Tree’s extreme environment, increasing visitation, and external pressures requires ongoing management to preserve its ecosystem and cultural resources. Park staff preserve archeological and historic materials that may be thousands or hundreds of years old, and monitor the landscape for potential threats such as new development on the park boundary or vandalism.

Biologists directly preserve the landscape by removing invasive species which can replace native vegetation, reduce habitat for some animals, and increase the likelihood of large destructive fires. Historic sites, like Keys Ranch, are open air outdoor museums, requiring focused efforts to protect materials from harsh desert sun and the passage of time.

Many archeological sites are sacred and culturally significant to the park’s associated tribal communities and can be easily damaged. Joshua Tree, as the steward of these places, works with the tribal communities to determine the best way to maintain and protect these sites.

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  Silver Bell Mine stabilization

  National Park Service photograph

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  Sahara Mustard (Brassica tournefortii)

  Joshua Tree National Park, JOTR 31848

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  Landscape with Sahara mustard

  National Park Service photograph

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  Outward Bound mustard pull

  National Park Service photograph

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  Wallpaper sample

  Joshua Tree National Park, JOTR 11165

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  Keys Ranch House, Parlor View

  Historic American Buildings Survey, HABS CAL,36-TNPAL.V,1A--15