Protecting the California Desert

The California desert represents arguably the most intact and connected landscape in the lower 48 states. The existing preserved land, anchored by national parks creates a conservation framework for a network of protected lands similar in scope to Yellowstone to Yukon and stitches together protected landscapes similar to international tourist destinations with reserve designs such as Costa Rica (Amistad NP), Peru (Manu-Tambopata), and Tanzania (Serengeti-Masai-Mara). This opportunity differs strategically from efforts in other landscapes, as restoration is not a primary objective, but administrative and legislative tools are required to protect existing corridors and landscapes. We will focus on the habitat and movement of desert species, existing planning efforts underway to provide significant protections, and filling the gaps necessary in order to ensure the continued vibrancy of this larger landscape.