BLM Rejects Industrial Proposal Next to Castle Mountains National Monument

LAS VEGAS – On Friday, the Nevada Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rejected a permit for the widely-opposed Crescent Peak Wind project, bordering Mojave National Preserve, Castle Mountains National Monument and the Wee Thump wilderness area. Construction of the project would have impacted lands sacred to desert tribes, wildlife habitat, and undermined generations of effort to manage this landscape for multiple uses.

Statement by David Lamfrom, California Desert and Wildlife Director for National Parks Conservation Association

“The BLM’s rejection of the Crescent Peak Wind energy project is not only supported by law and policy, but also common sense. The project proponent always understood that developing these wildlife-rich lands, sacred to tribes and valued by local communities had significant resource conflicts and broad opposition.

“National Parks Conservation Association commends the Fort Mojave and Chemehuevi tribes, the hunting community, residents, environmental groups, and all those with deep connections to this land who lent their voice and advocacy to stand tall in defense of this beautiful and diverse landscape.

“This culturally-significant and wildlife-rich landscape is one of Nevada’s most special, home to desert tortoises, golden eagles, bighorn sheep and the world’s largest Joshua tree forest. In rejecting this project, the undeveloped lands within viewshed of Spirit Mountain, a place of deep spiritual significance for many Native American tribes in the desert southwest and the first Traditional Cultural Property designated by the Park Service, will not become spoiled.

“While we are grateful Nevada’s most beautiful Joshua Tree forest will not be bulldozed, this case should be a wake-up call for Nevada elected officials that this landscape does not have the protections needed to avoid future threats. National Parks Conservation Association and our community partners continue to urge Clark County and Nevada federal leadership to permanently protect this wildlife-rich and culturally-significant landscape.”

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About National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its 1.3 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.