Episode Summary

This episode of the "90 Miles from Needles" podcast does a racing dive into the fascinating topic of monsoonal rainstorms in the desert, focusing on their effects and significance.

With detailed insights into recent rain events in Twentynine Palms, California, Chris shares the challenges and celebrations that accompany these powerful meteorological phenomena. Amid the backdrop of a biome shaped by water scarcity, the podcast explores both the danger and the necessity of monsoon rains, sparking reflections on desert life and conservation.

Clarke elaborates on how water, despite its scarcity, is the primary sculptor of desert landscapes and essential for the survival of unique flora and fauna. He details the local impact of monsoonal rains on infrastructure and wildlife, emphasizing the importance of respecting and preparing for these natural events.

Key Takeaways:

• Monsoonal rainstorms are pivotal in shaping and maintaining the unique ecosystems of deserts.
• Deserts are defined by their lack of water, with meteorological events like monsoons highlighting the delicate balance between scarcity and abundance in these environments.
• Human safety during monsoonal rains is paramount, as flash floods pose a significant risk to life and property, underscoring the importance of mindful interaction with desert landscapes.
• An engaging description of the scent of wet creosote after a monsoon provides a sensory glimpse into the captivating transformations brought about by these rainstorms.
• Environmental advocacy and awareness are crucial for protecting desert ecosystems from threats and promoting sustainable interactions with these fragile areas.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Monsoons are a reminder that the best days in the desert are full of passionate intensity, while the worst lack all convection."
2. "For every thousand people celebrating a monsoon, one person gets really badly damaged, sometimes through no fault of their own."
3. "When the monsoon comes, it's hard not to celebrate."
4. "Water is like currency in the desert. It's scarce, and therefore, it's valuable."
5. "Desert varnish and playa, even the visual symbol of how deserts are dry, got there because there used to be water there."

Resources:

• "90 Miles from Needles" Podcast Website: 90milesfromneedles.com
• National Weather Service for weather tracking and forecasts: https://www.weather.gov/
• Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta event details for the El Paso Zoo https://chihuahuandesert.org/fiesta-information/

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke dives into recent legislative developments surrounding the protection of the iconic Western Joshua Tree in California. The conversation highlights the intricacies of conservation laws, the intricate process of implementing these policies, and the pushback from various stakeholders navigating this environmental directive. The discussion is enriched with insights from returning guest Brendan Cummings of the Center for Biological Diversity, who shares his expertise on species protection under the California Endangered Species Act.

The episode provides a comprehensive update on the California Fish and Game Commission's approval of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan. This plan is required by the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act passed in 2023, seeking to protect Joshua trees threatened by climate change, development, and wildfires. Cummings, who was pivotal in initiating the process by petitioning to protect the Western Joshua Tree in 2019, offers an in-depth exploration of the process, the challenges faced, and the compromise built into the legislation.

Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for the episode's conclusion, featuring the moving song "Joshua Tree" by Melanie Marshall, which thematically underscores the significance of preserving this desert species.

Key Takeaways:

Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act: The act passed in 2023 addresses climate change threats and simplifies permits for relocating or removing Joshua Trees, aiming for the species' long-term survival by 2033.

Collaboration and Compromise: The passing of protections involved compromise between environmentalists and industries, balanced by setting more straightforward processes for developers and prioritizing protection through coordinated conservational efforts.

Adapting to Climate Threats: The Conservation Plan identifies climate threats, prioritizing refugia and high-elevation areas for sustained Joshua Tree populations, with a focus on reducing invasive species and fire risks.

Community and Tribal Involvement: Engagement with local governments and Native American tribes plays a significant role in implementing conservation methods, highlighting cultural ties to the land and species.

Future Directions: By 2033, effectiveness will be reassessed, potentially reconsidering the species' threataned status if current measures do not mitigate the threats effectively.

Notable Quotes:

Brendan Cummings: "The Western Joshua Tree Conservation act signed into law in July 2023 was the first state law by California that recognized the climate threat to biodiversity."

Brendan Cummings: "The goal was to protect the species and to ensure Joshua trees continue to be a part of our desert communities."

Brendan Cummings: "The overriding threat, of course, is climate change. We also have increased fires fueled by invasive grasses, and then the most immediate threat, which is Joshua trees getting chopped down."

Robert Gomez: "I want to look at the cultural aspect of the Joshua Tree for our particular tribe… It means a lot to us."

Brendan Cummings: "We can hopefully figure out how to reduce the impacts or frequency of fire in Joshua tree habitat, but we're not going to stop it."

Resources:

Center for Biological Diversity: https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/

California Department of Fish and Wildlife: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Environmental-Review/WJT/WJTCA

Melanie Marshall's Music: https://soundcloud.com/melaniemarshallmusic

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Chris Clarke delves into the profound impact of the Dome Fire on the cherished Joshua Tree forest within the Mojave National Preserve. Marking the five-year anniversary of the Dome Fire, Clarke reflects on personal experiences and the broader ecological ramifications. The devastating event shifted his life, carving a definitive "before" and "after" in his approach to desert protection. Listeners are taken on an emotional journey through the charred landscape of Cima Dome, providing striking narratives about recovery efforts and the ongoing challenges posed by invasive species like cheatgrass and red brome.

Clarke's introspection includes insights from Cima Dome experts like Drew Kaiser and Debra Hughson. They highlight both the devastation wrought by the Dome Fire and the collaborative restoration efforts underway. The episode serves as both a sobering reminder of what has been lost and a hopeful testament to resilience in the face of environmental upheaval.

Key Takeaways:

• The Dome Fire of 2020 dramatically altered the landscape of the Joshua tree forest, marking a pivotal moment of change for environmental activists like Chris Clarke.
• Restorative efforts in the Mojave National Preserve highlight the complexities of ecosystem recovery, facing challenges from invasive species such as red brome and cheatgrass.
• Personal and ecological narratives intertwine as Clarke discusses the grief of environmental loss and the slow process of healing for the affected landscapes.
• The episode underscores the importance of maintaining awareness of environmental destruction while finding hope and actionable paths for positive change.
• Clarke explores the idea of "solastalgia," feeling deep nostalgia and loss for a place he once knew as both an environmentalist and a deeply connected individual.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Every time I come back here, it looks worse. The memories of how it used to be become more clear and more ever present in my mind."
2. "I feel as if I'm visiting someone that I have loved for a long time in hospice after all of their brain activity has ended."
3. "When I die, I want to be burned to ash and I want the people that love me to bring those ashes here."
4. "My being around to see it, if you take that literally, is a choice on my part. And I'm not sure why I keep coming back."

Resources:

• 90 Miles From Needles Podcast website: https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/
• Mojave National Preserve web page on the Dome Fire: https://www.nps.gov/moja/learn/nature/dome-fire.htm
• DAMN Chihuahuan Desert Travel Fund: https://90milesfromneedles.com/elpaso

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.