NATIONAL PARK SERVICE • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

August 2011

California

Foundation Statement

Joshua Tree National Park

Contents

Description of Joshua Tree National Park.................................................... 1

Elements of a Foundation Statement ......................................................... 4

What is a Foundation Statement...........................................................................4

What is Included in a Foundation Statement ........................................................5

Park Purpose .............................................................................................. 6

Park Significance ........................................................................................ 7

Primary Interpretive Themes....................................................................... 9

Fundamental Resources and Values......................................................... 13 

Appendix A: Legislation............................................................................ 27

Joshua Tree National Park

1

Description of Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park lies along the east-west transverse ranges of the 

Little San Bernardino Mountains in southern California. The southern 

boundary of the park follows the base of these mountains along the 

northern edge of the Coachella Valley; the northern boundary is defined 

by the Morongo Basin. Ecologically, Joshua Tree National Park lies at the 

convergence of two deserts—two large ecosystems whose characteristics are 

determined primarily by elevation. Below 3,000 feet, the Colorado Desert 

encompasses the eastern part of the park and features natural gardens of 

creosote bush, ocotillo, and cholla cactus. The special habitat of the Joshua 

tree is found in the higher, more moist, and slightly cooler Mojave Desert. 

In addition to Joshua tree forests, the western part of the park also includes 

some of the most interesting geologic displays found in California’s deserts. 

The park includes five fan palm oases, which are the few areas where surface 

water occurs naturally. 

The park lands include a rich and diverse cultural history. Human 

occupation dates to the early Holocene period, with what is known as Pinto 

culture; human occupation continues throughout the historical era with 

tribes known today as Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Mojave and Serrano. In the 

last quarter of the 19th century, Euroamerican surveyors, cattlemen, miners, 

and homesteaders began to arrive and, alongside native peoples, created a 

set of enduring social and cultural legacies for these lands. 

On August 10, 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established Joshua 

Tree National Monument as a unit of the national park system through a 

Presidential Proclamation. After two boundary changes in 1950 and 1961, 

Congress designated 429,690 acres of the monument as wilderness and 
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15 53mi 85km To Victorville and To Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 3mi 5km To Amboy 30mi 48km

To 48mi 77km 40

To Parker

 60mi 96km

To Blythe

35mi 56km

To Mecca and Salton Sea 8mi 13km

To Los Angeles98mi 158km

To Mecca and Salton Sea 13mi 21km 

00 5 10 Miles

5 10 Kilometers

North

Oasis Visitor Center Joshua Tree Visitor Center

Cottonwood Visitor Center 

California

Riding and Hiking Trail

B

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Scout Trail

Keys View

Lost HorseMine

Cholla Cactus Garden

Fortynine PalmsOasis

Oasis of Mara

Barker Dam

KeysRanch

Ryan Mtn

Hidden Valley

Geology TourRoad

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Cottonwood Spring

IndianCove

Smoke Tree

Wa

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Fried Liver

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Wash

SEA LEVEL

NorthEntrance Station

West

Entrance Station

Ranger Station

Belle 

White Tank

Bajada Nature Trail

Jumbo Rocks

Sheep Pass

Ryan

Hidden Valley

 Avenue Indian 

Monterey Avenue

Alta Loma Dr Yucca Trail

Berdoo Canyon Road

Thermal

Canyo

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P ni kham Canyon Road

Black Eag e l M ni e Road

dl O

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Gold Crown Road

Utah Trail

Canyon Road Indian Cove Rd Park Blvd

Amboy Road

 

Dillon Road

One Way

 Joshua

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Black Rock Campground

Ocotillo

Patch

Old Dale

Mining

District

PALM SPRINGS

 PALM DESERT

INDIO

COACHELLA

DESERT

HOT

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YUCCA VALLEY

DESERT CENTER

CHIRIACO SUMMIT

TWENTYNINE

PALMS

La

Contenta Road

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Bouleva

rd Queen Valley Road Bighorn Pass Road

Adobe Rd

Park

Boulevard

MORONGO

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CATHEDRAL

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RANCHO

MIRAGE

Pinto

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Box Canyon Road

wT entyn ni e

Pa ml s

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Palomar

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Kaiser Road

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Desert Queen MineRoad

Odelle Road

Lost Palms Oasis

Developed landas of 2001Ranger station

Picnic area

Self-guiding trail

Medical facility

Campground

Group campground(reservations required)

Unpaved road

4-wheel driveroad

Hiking trail

Backcountry board (permit registration) Drinking water

Co ol rado Desert Mo aj ve Desert

Colorado Desert

Mojave Desert

S A N

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LOST HORSE VALLEY

PLEASANT

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UPPER COVINGTON FLAT

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LOWER COVINGTON

FLAT

Off-road driving is prohibited

Quail Mountain

5814ft

1773m

Queen Mountain5677ft1731m

5458ft1664m

Eureka Peak

5516ft

1682m

4000ft

1219m

Monument Mountain

4834ft

1474m

4747ft1447m

Aqua Peak 4416ft1346m

Eagle Mountain5350ft1631m

1705ft520m

906ft

276m

3820ft

1165m

5185ft

1581m

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46m 

1960ft 598m 2728ft 831m

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774m

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 939m

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-22m

4562ft1391m 

2957ft902m

Pinto Mountain

3983ft

1214m

Copper Mountain 3071ft936m

536ft

163m

WildernessCongress has designatednearly 558,000 acres ofJoshua Tree National Parkas wilderness. Most of thepark away from roadcorridors is wilderness. Ifyou plan to venture intothese areas, you must befamiliar with special rulesand regulations governingwilderness use.

Transition ZoneIn this ecological meltingpot, two great deserts,the Mojave and Colorado,blend together in a vibrantlandscape featuring plantsand animals representativeof both.

Locked gate10 miles ahead

Locked

gate

National Park Service • U.S. Department of the Interior Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park

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37,550 acres as potential wilderness in 1976. Then, in 1984, the monument 

was designated as part of a biosphere reserve system that included Joshua 

Tree and Death Valley National Monuments, Anza Borrego Desert State 

Park, Santa Rosa Mountains Wildlife Management Area, and Deep Canyon 

Research Center. In 1994, the California Desert Protection Act added 

234,000 acres (including 163,000 acres of new wilderness) to the park, and 

redesignated the area as Joshua Tree National Park.

The park boundary currently contains 772,676 acres in federal ownership 

and 19,834 acres of nonfederal lands. Of these lands, 595,370 acres are 

designated as wilderness and 70,557 acres of potential wilderness. The park 

lies within both San Bernardino and Riverside counties approximately 100 

miles from the Los Angeles metropolitan area—more than 18 million people 

live within a three-hour drive of the park. The natural desert expanse 

of the park provides ideal conditions for campers, photographers, star 

gazers, naturalists, as well as anyone seeking space for quiet introspection, 

exploration, or outdoor learning. In addition, the extensive granite rock 

outcrops, boulder piles, desert mountain ranges, and canyons create a 

world-class destination for rock climbers, as well as hundreds of miles of 

scenic trails for hikers and equestrians.

Given the park’s location along a transition line between two desert 

ecosystems, the park is home to a fascinating diversity of desert plants and 

animals. More than 900 species of flowering plants have been identified, 

with the most distinctive being the ocotillo, the cholla, and the Joshua 

tree. The park also preserves more native palm oases than any other unit 

in the national park system. These oases support vegetation and wildlife 

distinct from other species found in the park. The park contains highly 

diverse fauna. More than 250 species of birds have been recorded at Joshua 

Tree National Park, as have many unique species of reptiles, amphibians, 

mammals, and invertebrates. Some examples include the desert tortoise, the 

California treefrog, the desert bighorn sheep, and a species of tarantula that 

is found only in the Joshua tree plant community.

Joshua Tree National Park protects numerous archeological sites associated 

with the Pinto Culture, one of the earliest prehistoric cultures found in the 

California desert (7,000-10,000 years old). The park preserves sites and 

materials associated with at least four overlapping ethnographic Native 

cultures—the Cahuilla, Serrano, Chemehuevi, and Mojave Indians. Other 

historic sites preserve information on the history of the processing of gold 

ore, cattle ranching, rustling, and homesteading of the southwestern deserts.
Foundation Statement

4

Elements of a Foundation Statement

What is a Foundation Statement?

Each unit of the national park system needs a formal statement of the park’s 

core purpose to provide a basis for all decisions to be made about a park—a 

foundation for planning and management. The foundation statement 

records the shared understanding of the park’s purpose, significance, 

resources and values, primary interpretive themes, special mandates, and 

the legal and policy requirements related to the management of the park. 

The foundation for planning and management is generally developed (or 

revised) early in the park planning process. Partner and public involvement 

as well as scholarly analysis are incorporated into the development of a 

foundation statement.

The primary advantage of developing and adopting a foundation statement 

is the opportunity to integrate and coordinate different levels of planning 

and decision making from a single, shared understanding of what is most 

important about the park. The process of preparing a foundation statement 

helps park managers, staff, and stakeholders in understanding what is most 

important about the park and in identifying the additional information 

needed to plan for the future.

The foundation statement can be used in all aspects of park management 

to ensure that the most important objectives are accomplished before 

addressing other items that are also important but not directly critical to 

achieving the park purpose and maintaining its significance.
Joshua Tree National Park

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What is included in a Foundation Statement?

The foundation statement has the following elements: 

Park purpose is the specific reason(s) for establishing a particular park. 

Statements of the park’s purpose are grounded in a thorough analysis of 

the park’s legislation (or executive order) and legislative history, including 

studies prior to authorization go beyond a restatement of the law to 

document shared assumptions about what the law means in terms specific 

to the park.

Park significance statements express why the park’s resources and values 

are important enough to warrant national park designation. Statements of 

the park’s significance describe why an area is important within a global, 

national, regional, and system-wide context are directly linked to the 

purpose of the park are substantiated by data or consensus reflect the most 

current scientific or scholarly inquiry and cultural perceptions, which may 

have changed since the park’s establishment. 

Primary interpretive themes connect park resources to relevant ideas, 

meanings, concepts, contexts, beliefs, and values. They support the desired 

interpretive outcome of increasing visitor understanding and appreciation 

of the significances of the park’s resources. Primary interpretive themes are 

based upon park purpose and significance. 

Special mandates are legal requirements and administrative commitment 

that apply to a specific unit of the national park system. They are mandated 

by Congress or by signed agreements with other entities. They are specific to 

the park, and are not an inventory of all the laws applicable to the national 

park system.

Fundamental resources and values are the most important ideas or 

concepts to be communicated to the public about a park and warrant 

primary consideration during planning and management because they are 

critical to achieving the park’s purpose and maintaining its significance. 

They may include systems, processes, features, visitor experiences, stories, 

scenes, sounds, smells or other resources and values.
Foundation Statement

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Park Purpose 

The park purpose is a clear statement(s) of the reason or reasons for 

which the park was set aside as part of the national park system. It is the 

most fundamental criteria against which the appropriateness of all plan 

recommendations, operational decisions, and actions are tested. The 

purpose is derived from law and policy. However, developing the park 

purpose often requires some interpretation of the language in the park’s 

establishing legislation or presidential proclamation. 

Based on review of park legislation, previous park management documents, 

and discussions with park staff, and public review, the planning team 

generated the following purpose statement for Joshua Tree National Park: 

Joshua Tree National Park preserves and protects the 

scenic, natural, and cultural resources representative 

of the Colorado and Mojave deserts’ rich biological 

and geological diversity, cultural history, wilderness, 

recreational values, and outstanding opportunities 

for education and scientific study.
Joshua Tree National Park

7

Park Significance

Statements of significance clearly define what is most important about 

park resources and values and are based on the park’s purpose(s) and what 

attributes make the park’s resources and values important enough for the 

president(s) to establish this unit of the national park system. Joshua Tree 

National Park contains many significant resources, but not all the resources 

contribute to the park’s significance. The significance statements are used to 

guide management decisions and planning alternatives, interpretive themes, 

desired conditions, in addition to setting priorities. 

The following significance statements were developed Joshua Tree National 

Park and these statements take into account park legislation and previous 

management and resource plans:

Significance Statement 1: Joshua Tree National Park preserves a worldrenowned, undisturbed population of Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia), an 

integral component of the Mojave Desert ecosystem.

Significance Statement 2: Outstanding examples of Mojave and 

Colorado Desert landscapes that converge at Joshua Tree National Park 

create a biologically rich system of plant and animal life characterized by 

iconic Joshua tree woodlands, native palm oases, and vast expanses of 

creosote scrub that are uniquely adapted to desert conditions. The park 

also contributes significantly to the connectivity of open lands and large 

protected areas across the California desert.

Significance Statement 3: Joshua Tree National Park provides accessible 

and diverse opportunities in a remote desert to large and burgeoning urban 

populations.

Significance Statement 4: Joshua Tree National Park preserves a rich array 

of prehistoric, historic, and contemporary resources that demonstrate 

the integral connection between desert ecosystems, land use, and human 

cultures.

Significance statements

•  describe why an area is important within a global, 

national, regional, and system-wide context

•  are directly linked to the purpose of the park

•  are substantiated by data or consensus

•  reflect the most current scientific or scholarly inquiry 

and cultural perceptions, which may have changed 

since the park’s establishment
Foundation Statement

8

Significance Statement 5: Joshua Tree National Park lies along of one of 

the world’s most active earthquake faults, the San Andreas Fault. Geologic 

processes, including tectonic activity, have played and continue to play a 

major role in shaping the mountains, valleys, and basins of the park. 

Significance Statement 6: Joshua Tree National Park offers unparalleled 

opportunities for research of arid land ecosystems and processes, 

adaptations of and to desert life, sustainability, and indications of climate 

change. The proximity of the park to urban regions of Southern California 

and Nevada enhances its value for scientific research and education.

Significance Statement 7: Huge, eroded monzogranite boulder formations 

are world-renowned natural features that provide unique aesthetic, 

educational, and recreational opportunities for Joshua Tree National Park 

visitors. 

Significance Statement 8: Geologic, climatic, and ecological processes 

create scenic landscapes unique to deserts and fundamental to the character 

of Joshua Tree National Park.
Joshua Tree National Park

9

Primary Interpretive Themes

Primary interpretive themes describe what needs to be interpreted to provide 

people with opportunities to understand and appreciate the park purpose 

and significance. Identification of primary themes is part of a park’s basic 

foundation statement. Themes are derived from—and should reflect—park 

significance. Additional perspectives may be obtained from the identification 

and analysis of fundamental and other important resources and values. It 

is anticipated that the primary interpretive themes may be revised through 

development of the park’s future comprehensive interpretation plan. The 

following primary interpretive themes have been developed for Joshua Tree 

National Park:

Primary Interpretive Theme 1: Joshua Tree National Park encompasses two 

desert ecosystems within its boundaries; the higher, cooler Mojave Desert 

in the northwestern portion of the park merges with the Colorado Desert, a 

region of the lower, warmer Sonora Desert, creating an unusual ecological 

transition zone rich in desert biodiversity.

Primary Interpretive Theme 2: The Joshua tree, with its iconic shape and 

adaptations, is a perfect species to help us understand the interdependence 

of organisms living in the desert; it is an important symbol and indicator 

species of the Mojave Desert. Other desert plants and animals, such as 

the desert tortoise, creosote bush, and kangaroo rat, demonstrate creative 

solutions to the problems of desert survival.

Primary Interpretive Theme 3: The park area has been occupied since 

the early Holocene period by Native American groups. Habitation and 

ceremonial sites, petroglyphs, and bedrock mortars remind us that human 

cultures can adapt successfully to life in a desert environment.
Foundation Statement

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Primary Interpretive Theme 4: Historic properties from the late 1800s through 

the 1960s offer evidence for the era of prospectors, miners, cattle ranchers, and 

homesteaders. These popular visitor destinations help depict the challenges of 

rural life in an arid environment. The industry and resourcefulness of desert 

homesteaders, such as the William F. Keys family, in this challenging desert 

environment provide a compelling view of the desert’s past.

Primary Interpretive Theme 5: Mountain ranges, desert basins, and massive rock 

outcrops were created by dynamic processes such as plate tectonics, volcanism, 

earthquakes, and erosion.

Primary Interpretive Theme 6: Current human activity creates external and internal 

forces that influence Joshua Tree and present continuing challenges for balancing 

public use with resource preservation.

Primary Interpretive Theme 7: Approximately 595,000 acres of designated 

wilderness make Joshua Tree one of the largest wilderness areas in southern 

California. The wilderness experience is characterized by both physical and 

intangible qualities such as solitude, freedom, isolation, refuge, and connection 

with nature. These qualities provide contrast to an increasingly urbanized regional 

landscape and emphasize the park’s value.

Primary Interpretive Theme 8: Joshua Tree’s diverse desert landscapes provide 

internationally significant outdoor recreation opportunities to more than 1.3 million 

annual visitors.

Primary Interpretive Theme 9: Extensive granite rock outcrops, boulder piles, 

desert mountain ranges and canyons create a world-class destination for rock 

climbers as well as hundreds of miles of scenic trails for hikers and equestrians.
Joshua Tree National Park

11

Primary Interpretive Theme 10: The natural setting provides ideal 

conditions for campers, photographers, star gazers, and explorers. The 

desert offers many lessons for those interested in outdoor learning and 

nature exploration.

Primary Interpretive Theme 11: The park provides opportunities for quiet 

introspection, reflection, cleansing, nurturing, and emotional healing. The 

ruggedness of the Joshua Tree landscape offers opportunities for physical 

exertion and the promotion of physical fitness and general well-being.

Primary Interpretive Theme 12: The story of the park illustrates the 

ongoing struggle between forces reflecting different visions for the 

management of desert landscapes.
Foundation Statement
Joshua Tree National Park

13

Fundamental Resources and Values 

The preeminent responsibility of park managers is to ensure the conservation 

and public enjoyment of those qualities (features, systems, processes, 

experiences, stories, scenes, etc.) that are critical (fundamental) to achieving 

the park’s purpose and maintaining its significance. These qualities are called 

the park’s fundamental resources and values. Parks may also have other 

resources and values that may not be fundamental to the park’s purpose and 

significance but are nevertheless determined to be particularly important 

considerations for general management planning. These are referred to as 

other important resources and values.

The identification of fundamental and other important resources and 

values should not be interpreted as meaning that some park resources are 

not important. This exercise is primarily done to separate those resources 

or values that are covered by the service-wide mandates and policies, from 

those that have important considerations to be addressed in the GMP. In 

addition current conditions and trends and current and potential threats 

were identified for each fundamental resource or value.

The following fundamental resources and values have been identified for 

Joshua Tree National Park and are listed with their related significance 

statement, the current conditions and trends, and current and potential 

threats.
Foundation Statement

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Fundamental 

Resources and 

Values

Current Conditions and Trends Current and Potential Threats

Joshua trees Adult populations of Joshua trees are stable.

Knowledge of community structure, distribution, etc. is incomplete 

and trends are unknown.

The Joshua tree is one of a multitude of plant species in the park 

that has an important role in the desert ecosystem. However, in 

the public eye, the Joshua tree is an iconic feature of the park and 

is also symbolic of a healthy desert ecosystem.

Climate change 

Fire

Limited seed distribution. The seed 

distribution for Joshua trees was previously 

attributed to a large ground sloth, which is 

now long extinct. Small mammals now serve 

as the primary seed distributors for the trees, 

but do not travel as far as the sloth had. It 

is uncertain whether this more limited seed 

distribution would allow the tree to “move” 

fast enough to keep up with changing 

climatic conditions. 

Joshua trees are a slow-growing species. 

Therefore, threats may outpace research and 

understanding of the species.

Threats may result in an isolated “island 

effect” for the species. 

Significance Statement 1: Joshua Tree National Park preserves a world-renowned, undisturbed population of Joshua 

trees (Yucca brevifolia brevifolia), an integral component of the Mojave Desert ecosystem.
Joshua Tree National Park

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Fundamental 

Resources and 

Values

Current Conditions and Trends Current and Potential Threats

Oases and other 

Riparian Areas

Ecologically critical areas are threatened.

Some oases are unspoiled and well-protected.

Water impoundment safety is questionable (if impoundments fail, 

riparian areas both downstream and upstream are impacted).

Water sources are variable.

Groundwater table has been lowered in multiple areas.

Oasis of Mara is likely being affected by both natural and 

unnatural factors. Unnatural attributes include a lowered 

groundwater table from adjacent water uses/drawdown and 

supplemental watering to sustain the oasis (by NPS and adjacent 

landowners). Natural attributes could include hydrogeologic 

changes associated with the shifting fault line that could block/

reduce spring flows.

Knowledge of local and regional groundwater hydrology is 

incomplete. Specific causes of lowering groundwater tables are 

not entirely known.

Management of oases (especially fire management) is variable.

Groundwater aquifers are threatened by 

drawdown by adjacent domestic/urban water 

use and possibly from previous geological 

events (e.g., earthquakes).

Inefficient urban/domestic water use adjacent 

to park. Several communities around park are 

not maximizing water conservation potential 

(in both supply systems and demand). 

Continued urban growth and associated 

increased water demands will compound 

matters.

Lack of accurate baseline data and 

understanding of hydrogeology limits the 

park’s ability to manage for surface and 

groundwater protection.

High visitor use and impacts at Cottonwood 

oasis and others

Water quality and quantity are at risk due to 

urban and agricultural diversions.

Invasive species (plants)

Habitat for the 

desert tortoise

Populations have dramatically declined, but have somewhat 

stabilized in recent years at very low numbers.

The Mojave desert portions of Joshua Tree National Park provide 

roughly 266,000 acres of high-quality tortoise habitat.

Habitat is stable within the park, but habitat is degrading outside 

the park.

Urban growth (habitat loss and 

fragmentation)

Ravens (often correlated with urban growth) 

and other predators

Upper Respiratory Tract Disease (URTD)

Alternative energy development is resulting 

in habitat loss and fragmentation

Fire threat includes increased fire intensities, 

sizes, and frequencies from exotic plant 

infestations.

Invasive species

Increasing vehicle traffic

Poaching

Climate change

Significance Statement 2: Outstanding examples of Mojave and Colorado Desert landscapes that converge at 

Joshua Tree National Park create a biologically rich system of plant and animal life characterized by iconic Joshua tree 

woodlands, native palm oases, and vast expanses of creosote scrub that are uniquely adapted to desert conditions. The 

park also contributes significantly to the connectivity of large protected areas across the California Desert.
Foundation Statement

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Fundamental 

Resources and 

Values

Current Conditions and Trends Current and Potential Threats

Interconnectivity 

of California 

desert lands

Certain areas of public land connectivity are already compromised 

by transportation corridors and urban developments.

Collaboration on north boundary of park is acceptable, 

collaboration with south boundary communities could be 

improved.

Most municipalities have master planning and zoning policies but 

limited implementation and enforcement.

Future possible addition of two national monuments could 

strengthen interconnectivity.

Urban sprawl and transportation corridors

Lack of comprehensive master planning and 

zoning implementation and enforcement in 

and between local communities

Climate change may affect landscapes and 

natural resource populations.

Production and development of alternative 

energy

Biological diversity 

and healthy 

ecosystem 

function 

Biological diversity is generally high, but varies from site to site. 

Stability of the diversity levels is unknown.

Intact ecosystems exist in many areas due to relatively large, 

unfragmented landscape.

There is a lack of scientific information and knowledge.

Remote sites are not regularly monitored.

Climate change

Invasive species

Fire

Development of social trails

Habitat fragmentation from park 

development and visitation

ORVs

Poaching 

Impacts on water quality from visitors

Urban growth and encroachment (edge and 

island effects)

Visitation is expected to increase 

Human disturbances in wilderness areas

Significance Statement 2: (Continued)
Joshua Tree National Park

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Fundamental 

Resources and 

Values

Current Conditions and Trends Current and Potential Threats

Wilderness values 

and wilderness 

accessibility 

Given the large amount of wilderness area in the park, ample 

opportunities exist for visitors to enjoy the solitude and untrammeled 

landscape that are characteristic of a high quality wilderness 

experience. However, during periods of high visitation or in areas 

radiating from popular wilderness access points, some wilderness 

values are diminished (e.g., social trail development, encounters with 

other visitors).

Dumping along wilderness perimeters

Increased visitor use in wilderness, 

reducing opportunities for solitude

Adjacent solar and wind power 

development

Adjacent groundwater/ hydroelectric 

projects, and other similar large-scale 

geologic and hydrologic alterations

Recreational 

opportunities and 

values

Graffiti

Fires – bonfires and campground fires

Camping – Seasonal crowding, generally campground design not 

adequate for today’s camping equipment or visitors. Questionable 

campsite inventory versus visitor expectation (climbing parties versus

serene or family camping opportunities – very different expectations 

and desires). Difficulty managing/permitting camping (e.g. reservation 

system may need improvement). 

Campsite capacity averages 80% full during peak 5 months of the 

year.

Hiking- Social trails forming or expanding in several high use areas. 

Visitors become confused as to where trails go or which ones to use, 

resulting in further proliferation of social trails.

Passive uses, such as photography, night sky observing, and wildlife 

and nature appreciation, are being impacted by a large variety of 

sources (e.g. graffiti, overcrowding, external threats, etc.) 

Climbing – There is heavy use and expectations for access. 

Unbalanced management focus toward climbing activities. 

Management of routing and bolting could be improved. Climbing 

access areas are in need of improved signage and fencing to better 

direct climbers. While not a large user group (in number), climbers 

spend a large amount of time in the front and back country with 

large amounts of gear, and thus have some of the most notable 

impacts on natural and cultural resources.

Picnicking – There are changing demands based on changing visitor 

demographics

Parking areas are crowded.

Road biking – Unsafe and inadequate road biking conditions 

exist due to road design (narrow shoulders), road surface quality 

(deteriorated pavement), and road signage (driver and biker 

education) 

Mountain biking – Mountain bikers express concern regarding lack of 

singletrack mountain biking trails and very limited overall mountain 

biking opportunities.

Equestrian – Staging facilities are adequate, but equestrians feel trail 

opportunities are limited. Expansion of equestrian trails could have 

notable effects on natural resources.

Graffiti 

Biking conditions unsafe

Overcrowding

Vandalism

Trash 

Noise

Illegal campfires 

Light / air pollution

Social trails and degradation of resources 

in the proximity of climbing areas. 

Spread of exotic species via animal 

excrement. 

Significance Statement 3: Joshua Tree National Park provides accessible and diverse opportunities in a remote desert 

wildland to large and burgeoning urban populations.
Foundation Statement

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Fundamental 

Resources and 

Values

Current Conditions and Trends Current and Potential Threats

Night sky The night sky is impacted in most areas of the park, except for the 

eastern portion of the park.

There is a “floating baseline” regarding the night sky. Baseline data 

is being currently being collected and will be used to establish trends 

related to development around the park and areas for improvement 

(e.g., working with developers, lighting suppliers, and local 

governments).

Declining quality of night sky experience is resluting from urban 

development, both near and far. Without active efforts to mitigate 

the threats (urban development lighting), the trend of declining 

quality will likely continue.

Park staff are currently working with San Bernardino County on 

promoting light pollution mitigation.

Growing urban centers and commercial 

activities around the park contribute to 

poor conditions

Local governments do not have effective 

lighting ordinances; there is also an 

unwillingness of local governments 

south of the park to enact light pollution 

mitigation policies.

Where ordinances exist, there is a lack of 

enforcement 

Large-scale urban growth in distant areas 

(e.g. Las Vegas) affect the night sky.

Clean and 

breathable air 

Ozone levels are in nonattainment status and are not improving. 

Although levels have been relatively stable in recent years, they can 

be expected to rise as development adjacent to the park continues 

to expand.

Dust (both natural and resulting from land use change). The park 

is in nonattainment status for fine particulate matter (PM10 and 

PM2.5). Particulate levels can be expected to increase as the result of 

anticipated Salton Sea water loss.

Photochemical smog (brown haze) effects on visibility are 

considerable. Levels have been relatively stable in recent years, but 

can be expected to rise as urban encroachment continues.

Development adjacent to the park is 

expected to affect ozone levels.

Dust (both natural and resulting from land 

use change) is expected to increase.

Urban encroachment is expected to 

continue, increasing photochemical smog 

(brown haze)

Natural quiet 

(Soundscape)

Natural quiet is altered under current conditions (as a result of 

surrounding land uses, aircraft, etc.). The trend may worsen as 

adjacent development continues.

Military activities (overflights, bombing)

Commercial aircraft

Construction activities for proposed 

energy developments near the eastern 

portions of the park

Internal effects: Generators in 

campground, motorcycles, camping 

activities, noisy school groups, climbing 

noises (shouting) 

Significance Statement 3: (Continued)
Joshua Tree National Park

19

Fundamental 

Resources and 

Values

Current Conditions and Trends Current and Potential Threats

Prehistoric sites 

and ethnographic 

resources relating 

to American 

Indian inhabitants, 

including the type 

site for Early Pinto 

culture

Frontcountry sites are showing increased negative impacts from 

visitation. Retroactive site treatment and interpretation of heavily 

disturbed sites are proving to be somewhat effective.

Backcountry sites tend to be more stable than those in the 

frontcountry because of remoteness and inaccessibility. However, 

these same factors inhibit archaeological condition assessment and 

site protection.

Surveys are ongoing in an effort to increase the archaeological 

knowledge base and expand site inventory (currently 4% of the 

park has been surveyed). Numerous reported sites are still in need 

of official site recording and documentation (over 3,000 reported 

isolates).

There is a heavy reliance on volunteers to conduct site monitoring 

and stewardship activities.

Oral history program is actively gathering interviews on a variety 

of topics, but is still incomplete. There is a need to complete more, 

particularly with tribal elders. 

Park staff is currently working with tribes on two potential 

Traditional Cultural Properties: Oasis of Mara and Queen Mountain.

There is insufficient staffing to cope with the task of maintaining 

recorded sites, recording new sites, conducting area surveys, 

accessioning and processing artifacts, and completing compliance 

documentation. 

Several ethnographic projects have been funded, but internal limits 

(travel ceiling) are limiting collection of oral histories and related 

archival research.

Vandalism

ORVs

Development of social trails and the 

associated direct and indirect site 

deterioration

Urban encroachment and pollution

Expansion of park operations and facilities

Monetary value of artifacts and commercial 

looting

Advertising of archeological sites via the 

internet, guidebooks, and word of mouth

Increased recreation, in terms of both the 

number of visitors and the areas of the park 

that are receiving use

Increased visitation to the backcountry by 

individuals and commercial guided groups

Wind and water erosion; bioturbation

Lack of visitor education (e.g., signs, 

materials, outreach)

Lack of law enforcement availability to 

patrol the many sites

Climbing impacts (e.g., bolts, chalk) on 

known and unknown sites

Potential narrators of oral history are being 

lost as they die or move

Lack of park employee education and 

awareness relating to cultural resources and 

concerns

Lack of qualified and specialized staff 

members to record, assess, maintain, and 

preserve sites in park

Lack of funding

Travel restrictions, which limit collection of 

oral histories

Limits of government time tables and 

differences in tribal business culture

Significance Statement 4: Joshua Tree National Park preserves a rich array of prehistoric, historic, and contemporary 

resources that demonstrate the integral connection between deserts, land use, and human cultures.
Foundation Statement

20

Fundamental 

Resources and 

Values

Current Conditions and Trends Current and Potential Threats

Historic and 

ethnographic 

resources related 

to European 

American 

inhabitants

Although there is good representation of structures related to 

ranching and mining, these remain largely neglected leading to 

deterioration. Sites on the List of Classified Structures are better 

maintained.

Oral history program is still incomplete, in spite of the active 

gathering of interviews on a variety of topics.

Three historic landscapes are present, in fair condition, and are 

eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Backcountry sites tend to be more stable than those in the front 

country because of remoteness and inaccessibility. However, these 

same factors inhibit archaeological condition assessment and site 

protection.

Surveys are ongoing in an effort to increase the archaeological 

knowledge base and expand site inventory. Currently, only 4% of 

the park has been surveyed.

Historic sites, including roads, artifact scatters, dams, and mines are 

still in need of official site recording and documentation. Numerous 

other reported sites are still in need of official site recording and 

documentation (there are over 3,000 reported isolates).

Because of insufficient staffing, there is a heavy reliance on 

volunteers to conduct site monitoring and stewardship.

There is insufficient staffing to cope with the task of maintaining 

recorded sites, recording new sites, conducting area surveys, 

accessioning and processing artifacts, and completing compliance 

documentation.

Several ethnographic projects have been funded, but internal limits 

(travel ceiling) are limiting collection of oral histories and related 

archival research.

Weathering, bioturbation

Wildfires and the methods used to contain 

them

Urban encroachment and pollution

Expansion of park operations and facilities

ORVs

Vandalism and theft

Monetary value of artifacts and commercial 

looting

Ineffective fences, gates, and closures of 

structures and areas (e.g., Lost Horse Mine, 

Wall Street Mill, Keys Ranch)

Advertising of archaeological sites via the 

internet, guidebooks, and word of mouth

Increased visitor use and the resulting 

inadvertent damage

Increased recreation, in terms of both 

number of visitors and the areas of the park 

receiving use

Development of social trails and the 

associated direct and indirect site 

deterioration

Lack of visitor education (e.g., signs, 

materials, outreach)

Lack of law enforcement availability to 

patrol the many sites

Lack of park employee education and 

awareness relating to cultural resources and 

concerns

Lack of qualified and specialized staff 

members to record, assess, maintain, and 

preserve sites and structures in the park

Lack of funding

Travel restrictions, which limit collection of 

oral histories

Potential narrators of oral history are being 

lost as they die or move

History of 

the desert 

preservation 

movement

Ongoing efforts to improved public awareness of deserts due to 

general lack of understanding and apathy about these areas

Renewed appreciation and understanding of deserts (i.e. Desert 

Protection Act 2010)

Withdrawal of areas within the park (previously monument) 

prompted the establishment of park advocacy efforts and 

organizations

Historic lack of appreciation of desert

Lack of education about desert values

Significance Statement 4: (Continued)
Joshua Tree National Park

21

Fundamental 

Resources and 

Values

Current Conditions and Trends Current and Potential Threats

Museum 

collections of 

archives, natural 

history specimens, 

and archaeological 

artifacts, including 

the Campbell 

Collection 

Storage facility is providing a stable and climate-controlled 

environment for artifacts. However, the storage facility is nearing 

capacity.

Increasing researcher use and interest in collections

Available exhibit space is inadequate to house museum property 

(e.g., secure, climate-controlled)

Museum archive collections are expanding rapidly

Limited artifact storage space (approaching 

capacity)

Researchers who receive collecting and 

science permits do not complete the 

required processing and accessioning of 

collected materials

The lack of appropriate exhibition space 

parkwide makes it difficult to share 

knowledge with visitors

There is a lack of funding and staffing to 

maintain collections and catalogs, assist 

researchers, and create exhibits

Significance Statement 4: (Continued)
Foundation Statement

22

Fundamental 

Resources and 

Values

Current Conditions and Trends Current and Potential Threats

Geological 

resources

Geological resources are dynamic and continuously evolving with 

time. The rate of change may be imperceivable on human time 

scales, but change is inevitable. Episodic events are anticipated 

(e.g., large scale earthquakes) and will likely alter the landscape 

considerably.

Knowledge of paleontogical resources is growing

Geologic resources in wilderness are generally well-protected due to 

their isolation

Earthquakes

Paleo resource impacts from ORVs, visitors

Climbing impacts (e.g. damage to lichens) 

Hydrological 

resources

Some hydrologic resources (quantity and quality) are starting to be 

affected by outside impacts (e.g. aquifer at Oasis of Mara). 

Oasis of Mara is likely being affected by both natural and unnatural 

factors. Unnatural attributes include a lowered groundwater table 

from adjacent water uses/drawdown and supplemental watering 

to sustain the oasis (by NPS and adjacent landowners). Natural 

attributes could include hydrogeologic changes associated with the 

shifting fault line that could block/reduce spring flows.

Most interior hydrologic resources are not being directly altered by 

exterior actions.

Internal withdrawals are not being recharged (e.g., Cottonwood 

aquifer may be at risk due to overdraft without recharge).

Withdrawal / drawdown of groundwater 

from adjacent land uses (i.e. urban growth, 

agriculture, and alternative energy). For 

example, the eastern aquifer may be 

threatened by the hydropumped storage 

project and other energy development that 

uses water.

Water quality impacts from visitors (e.g., 

visitor use at 49 Palms Oasis)

Desert Landforms Desert varnish is being impacted by visitor use and other activities 

in park.

Roads in park have altered overall desert landform.

ORV use (especially along southern 

boundary areas)

Earthquakes

Trail construction and use

Desert varnish is threatened by rock carving, 

vehicle use, graffiti, and other construction/ 

maintenance activities.

Significance Statement 5: Joshua Tree National Park lies along of one of the world’s most active earthquake faults, the 

San Andreas Fault. Geologic processes, including tectonic activity, have and continue to play a major role in shaping 

the mountains, valleys, and basins of the park.
Joshua Tree National Park

23

Fundamental 

Resources and 

Values

Current Conditions and Trends Current and Potential Threats

Ever-expanding 

knowledge base

Knowledge of baselines for various resources is increasing, although 

still limited in hydrology and certain biological resources

Research projects are driven by what funding is available; funding 

is driven by project dollars and funding calls. This leads to a lack of 

knowledge in certain areas 

Prioritization of resource inventories and research across the whole 

park is inconsistent; some resources receive more attention than 

others

Inventory and monitoring efforts are improving

Data management and technology are improving

Research and cooperation are improving

I&M network structure allows improved communication between 

parks

Lack of funding for staff to perform 

resource surveys.

Lack of accountability and deliverables (e.g. 

external researcher impacts site but doesn’t 

produce results and/or extracts resources)

Destruction of archeological sites without 

any research results 

Mandates redirecting resources

Opportunity to 

understand, apply, 

and share this 

knowledge to 

benefit the park 

and beyond

Increased awareness of the need to communicate externally and 

internally

I&M program has guided and provided structure for communication

Data management and technology is improving

Research and cooperation is improving

Enhanced and potential for enhancing educational and research 

opportunities at all levels (K-old, including citizen science)

Permitting of research and students is improving

There is a lack of focus in management 

strategies

Priorities are a moving target

Changing technology presents challenges to 

the agency

Climate change issues (political and 

scientific) offer a great degree of complexity

Threats to credibility

Significance Statement 6: Joshua Tree National Park offers unparalleled opportunities for research of arid land 

ecosystems and processes, adaptations of and to desert life, sustainability, and indications of climate change. The 

proximity of the park to urban regions of Southern California and Nevada enhances the value of the park for scientific 

research and education.
Foundation Statement

24

Fundamental 

Resources and 

Values

Current Conditions and Trends Current and Potential Threats

Recreational 

activities centered 

around the 

boulders and rock 

formations

Camping – Seasonal and/or weekend crowding, and crowding 

during special “events” (e.g. New Year’s Eve). 

Campground design is not adequate for today’s camping 

equipment or visitors. Questionable campsite inventory in 

relationship to visitor expectation (climbing parties versus serene 

or family camping opportunities; groups have very different 

expectations and desires). Campsites get enlarged and denuded. 

Campsites may need better delineation and signs.

Hiking – There is confusion regarding where trails go or which one 

to use (proliferation of social trails).

Photography

Climbing – Heavy use and expectations for access. Unbalanced 

management focus toward climbing activities. Management of 

routing and bolting could be improved. Large groups (often novice 

climbers, commercial and other groups) denude large areas within 

the formations and create social trails. Insufficient signage and 

fencing in and around high-use areas (e.g. providing climbers more 

information to direct use and/or avoid sensitive natural or cultural 

resources).

Picnicking – changing demands based on changing visitor 

demographics

Parking areas are crowded

There are ample opportunities for recreational use in the rock 

formations

Overcrowding

Vandalism

Trash and human waste

Noise from climbers

Illegal campfires 

Poorly placed/managed bolts and routes

Dispersed, heavy use (creates large 

networks of social trails and trampled 

vegetation)

Closures for cultural and natural resource 

protection

Filling all campgrounds half of the year 

Significance Statement 7: Huge, eroded monzogranite boulder formations are world-renowned natural features that 

provide unique aesthetic, educational, and recreational opportunities for Joshua Tree National Park visitors.
Joshua Tree National Park

25

Fundamental 

Resources and 

Values

Current Conditions and Trends Current and Potential Threats

Viewsheds Views of surrounding lands from the park are poor or at risk.

Viewsheds within the park are good, with the exception of those 

views that are affected by external development along boundary 

(water tanks, utility lines, urban developments).

Viewsheds offer contrast to urban areas outside the park. 

Land use changes (solar farms, alternative energy developments) are 

occurring around the park.

Communication towers are being developed.

FAA use and access is protected via the California Desert Protection 

Act. A new antenna is being constructed for public safety purposes 

by Riverside County. 

Surrounding urban development/

boundary encroachment

Land use change (solar farms, alternative 

energy developments)

Communication towers

Facility development inside the park 

Access to scenic 

vistas 

Several scenic vistas are very accessible (e.g. Keys View) except in 

eastern area of park. 

Some areas of the park are accessible at the level defined by 

wilderness policy and existing road network

Topography is a limitation to access

Visibility Visibility is impacted sometimes and in some places by particulates, 

smog, etc.

Photochemical smog is a unique threat to visibility – different from 

ozone

Particulate matter from Salton Sea may increase if water levels are 

further drawn down

Invasive plant species contribute to increased fire frequency (emitting 

smoke/particulates) 

Dust from increasing land use change decreases visibility

Urban uses, commercial uses, 

transportation

Changes in climate (Salton Sea, wind)

Photochemical smog

Changes in water use (particulate matter 

from Salton Sea)

Invasive plant species contribute to 

increased fire frequency (resulting in 

increased smoke/particulates) 

Dust (land use change)

Significance Statement 8: Geologic, climatic, and ecological processes create scenic landscapes unique to deserts and 

fundamental to the character of Joshua Tree National Park.
Foundation Statement
Joshua Tree National Park

27

Appendix A: Legislation

Legislation for Joshua Tree National Park (and Monument)

Proclamation (No. 2193) of August 10, 1936

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF 

AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS certain public lands in the State of California contain historic and 

prehistoric structures, and have situated thereon various objects of historic and 

scientific interest; and 

WHEREAS it appears that it would be in the public interest to reserve such lands 

as a national monument, to be known as the Joshua Tree National Monument:

Now, THEREFORE, I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of 

America, under and by virtue of the authority vested in me by section 2 of the 

act of June 8, 1906, ch. 3060, 34 Stat. 225 (U. S. C., title 16, sec. 431), do proclaim 

that, subject to existing rights and prior withdrawals, the following-described 

lands in California are hereby reserved from all forms of appropriation under 

the public-land laws and set apart as the Joshua Tree National Monument:

SAN BERNARDINO MERIDIAN

T. I S., R. 5 E., sees. 19 to 36, inclusive. T. 2 S., R. 5 E., sees. I to 6, 11 to 13, inclusive, and those parts of secs. 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15 and 24 lying north of the north 

boundary of the Colorado River Aqueduct right-of-way. T. I S., R. 6 E., sees. 19 to 

36, inclusive.

T. 2 S., R. 6 E., sees. I to 18, 21 to 26, inclusive, and those parts of secs.19, 20, 27, 

28, 34, 35 and 36 lying north of aqueduct right-of-way.

T. 3 S., R. 6 E., that part of sec. 1 lying north if aqueduct right-of-way.

Ts. 1 and 2 S., R. 7 E. (Partly unsurveyed).

T. 3 S., R. 7 E., sees. 1 to 6, 8 to 16, 23 to 24, inclusive, and those parts of secs. 7, 

17, 18, 21, 22, 25 and 26 lying north of aqueduct right-of-way.

Ts. I and 2 S., R. 8 E. (partly unsurveyed).

T. 3 S., R. 8 E., sees. 1 to 30, 33 to 36, inclusive, and those parts of secs. 31 and 32 

lying north of aqueduct right-of-way.

T. 4 S., R. 8 E., those parts of secs. 4 and 5 lying north of aqueduct right-of-way.

T. 1 S., R. 9 E., secs. 5 to 9 and 16 to 36, inclusive.

Ts. 2 and 3 S., R. 9 E. (partly unsurveyed).

Ts. I to 3 S., R. 10 E. (partly unsurveyed).
Foundation Statement

28

T. 5 S., R. 10 E., secs. 1 to 30, inclusive, and those parts of secs. 31 to 36 lying 

north of aqueduct right-of-way.

Ts. I to 4 S., R. 11 E. (partly unsurveyed).

T. 5 S., R. 11 E., secs. 1 to 30 and 32 to 36, inclusive, and that part of sec. 31 lying 

north of aqueduct right-of-way.

T. 6 S., R 11 E., those parts of secs. I to 6 lying north of aqueduct right-of-way.

Ts. 1 to 5 S., R. 12 E. (partly unsurveyed).

T. 6 S., R. 12 E., those parts of secs. 1 to 6 lying north of aqueduct right- of-way.

Ts. 1 to 4 S., R. 13 E. (partly unsurveyed).

T. 5 S., R. 13 E., secs. I to 24, inclusive, and those parts of secs. 28, 29, 30 and 31 

lying north of aqueduct right-of-way 

(partly unsurveyed).

Ts. 1 to 3 S., R. 14 E. (partly unsurveyed).

T. 4 S., R. 14 E., secs. 1 to 11, 14 to 23, 27 to 34, inclusive, and those parts of secs. 

12, 13, 24, 25, 26 and 35 lying west of aqueduct right-of-way (unsurveyed).

Ss. I and 2 S., R. 15 E. (partly unsurveyed).

T. 3 S., R. 15 E., secs. 1 to 19, inclusive, and sec. 24; those parts of secs. 20, 21, 22, 

23, 25, 26, 29, 30 and 31 lying north of aqueduct right-of-way (partly unsurveyed).

T. 4 S., R. 15 E., those parts of secs. 6 and 7 lying west of aqueduct right-of-way; 

containing approximately 825,340 acres.

Warning is hereby expressly given to all unauthorized persons not to appropriate, injure, destroy, or remove any feature of this monument and not to locate 

or settle upon any of the lands thereof.

The Director of the National Park Service, under the direction of the Secretary 

of the Interior, shall have the supervision, management, and control of the 

monument as provided in the act of Congress entitled “An Act To establish a 

National Park Service, and for other purposes,” approved August 25, 1916 (ch. 

408, 39 Stat. 535, U. S. C., title 16, secs. 1 and 2), and acts supplementary thereto 

or amendatory thereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the 

United States to be affixed.

DONE at the City of Washington this 10th day of August, in the year of our Lord 

nineteen hundred and thirty-six and of the Independence of the United States 

of America the one hundred and sixty-first.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT. 

By the President:

WILLIAM PHILLIPS,

Acting Secretary of State.
Joshua Tree National Park

29

1976 Designation of Joshua Tree Wilderness

PUBLIC LAW 94-567 [H.R. 13160] : OCT. 20, 1976

NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM-WILDERNESS DESIGNATED

 An Act to designate certain lands within units of the National Park System as 

wilderness; to revise the boundaries of certain of those units; and for other 

purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States 

of America in Congress assembled, That in accordance with section 3(c) of the 

Wilderness Act (78 Stat. 890; 16 U.S.C. 1132(c)), the following q lands are hereby 

designated as wilderness, and shall be administered by the Secretary of the Interior in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Wilderness Act:

(g) Joshua Tree National Monument, California, wilderness comprising four 

hundred and twenty-nine thousand six hundred and ninety acres, and 

potential wilderness additions comprising thirty- seven thousand five 

hundred and fifty acres, depicted on a map entitled 

“Wilderness Plan, Joshua Tree National Monument, California”, numbered 156-

20,003-D and dated May 1976, to be known as the Joshua Tree Wilderness.

Sec. 2. A map and description of the boundaries of the areas designated 

in this Act shall be on file and available for public inspection in the office 

of the Director of the National Park Service, Department of Interior, and 

in the office of the Superintendent of each area designated in the Act. 

As soon as practicable after this Act takes effect. maps of the wilderness 

areas and descriptions of their boundaries shall be filed with the Interior 

and Insular Affairs Committees of the United States Senate and House 

of Representatives, and such maps and descriptions shall have the same 

force and effect as if included in this Act: Provided, That correction of 

clerical and typographical errors in such maps and descriptions may be 

made.

 Sec. 3. All lands which represent potential wilderness additions, upon publication in the Federal Register of a notice by the Secretary of the Interior 

that all uses thereon prohibited by the Wilderness Act have ceased, shall 

thereby be designated wilderness. 

Sec. 4. The boundaries of the following areas are hereby revised, and 

those lands depicted on the respective maps as wilderness or as potential 

wilderness addition are hereby so designated at such time and in such 

manner as provided for by this Act:
Foundation Statement

30

1994 Designation as Joshua Tree National Park

TITLE IV - JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK.

SEC. 401. FINDINGS.

The Congress finds that

a proclamation by President Franklin Roosevelt in1936 established Joshua Tree 

National Monument to protect various objects of historical and scientific interest;

Joshua Tree National Monument today is recognized as a major unit of the National Park System, having extraordinary values enjoyed by millions of visitors;

the monument boundaries as modified in 1950 and 1961 exclude and thereby 

expose to incompatible development and inconsistent management, contiguous Federal lands of essential and superlative natural, ecological, archeological, 

paleontological, cultural, historical, and wilderness values; 

Joshua Tree National Monument should be enlarged by the addition of contiguous Federal lands of national park caliber, and afforded full recognition and 

statutory protection as a National Park; and

the non-designated wilderness within Joshua Tree should receive statutory protection by designation pursuant to the Wilderness Act.

SEC. 402. ESTABLISHMENT OF JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK.

There is hereby established the Joshua Tree National Park, (hereinafter in this 

section referred to as the “park”), as generally depicted on a map entitled 

“Joshua Tree National Park Boundary – Proposed”, dated May 1991, and four 

maps entitled “Joshua Tree National Park Boundary and wilderness”, numbered 

in the title one through four, and dated October 1991 or prior, which shall be on 

file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Superintendent of 

the park and the Director of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. The Joshua Tree National Monument is hereby abolished as such, the lands 

and interests therein are hereby incorporated within and made part of the new 

Joshua Tree National Park, and any funds available for purposes of the monument shall be available for purposes of the park.

SEC. 403. TRANSFER AND ADMINISTRATION OF LANDS.

Upon enactment of this title, the Secretary shall transfer the lands under the 

jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management depicted on the maps described 

in section 402 of this title, without consideration, to the administrative jurisdiction of the National Park Service for administration as part of the National Park 

System. The boundaries of the park shall be adjusted accordingly. The Secretary 

shall administer the areas added to the park by this title in accordance with 

the provisions of law generally applicable to units of the National Park System, 

including the Act entitled “An Act to establish a National Park Service, and for 

other purposes”, approved August 25, 1916 (39 9 Stat. 535; 16 U.S.C. 1, 2-4).
Joshua Tree National Park

31

SEC. 404. MAPS AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION.

Within six months after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary shall 

file maps and legal description of the park with the Committee on Energy and 

Natural Resources of the United States Senate and the Committee on Natural 

Resources of the United States House of Representatives. Such maps and legal 

description shall have the same force and effect as if included in this title, except 

that the Secretary may correct clerical and typographical errors in such legal 

description and maps. The maps and legal description shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service, 

Department of the Interior.

SEC. 405. WITHDRAWAL.

 Subject to valid existing rights, all Federal lands within the park are hereby 

withdrawn from all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public 

land laws; from location, entry, and patent under the United States mining laws; 

and from disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing, and mineral materials, and all amendments thereto.

SEC. 406. UTILITY RIGHTS-OF-WAY.

Nothing in this title shall have the effect of terminating any validly issued rightof-way or customary operation maintenance, repair, and replacement activities 

in such right-of-way, issued, granted, or permitted to the Metropolitan Water 

District pursuant to the Boulder Canyon Project Act (43 U.S.C. 617-619b), which 

is located on lands included in the Joshua Tree National Park, but outside lands 

designated as wilderness under section 601(a)(2). Such activities shall be conducted in a manner which will minimize the impact on park resources. Nothing 

in this title shall have the effect of terminating the fee title to lands or customary operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement activities on or under such 

lands granted to the Metropolitan Water District pursuant to the Act on June 18, 

1932 (47 Stat. 324), which are located on lands included in the Joshua Tree National Park, but outside lands designated as wilderness under section 601(a)(2). 

Such activities shall be conducted in a manner which will minimize the impact on 

park resources. The Secretary shall prepare within one hundred and eighty days 

after the date of enactment of this Act, in consultation with the Metropolitan 

Water District, plans for emergency access by the metropolitan Water District to 

its lands and rights-of-way.
Foundation Statement
Joshua Tree National Park

33

Omnibus Public Land Management Act 

Of 2009

PUBLIC LAW 111-11 [H.R. 146] : MARCH 30, 2009

TITLE I

(F) JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK WILDERNESS ADDITIONS- In accordance with 

the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), certain land in Joshua Tree National 

Park, comprising approximately 36,700 acres, as generally depicted on the map 

numbered 156/80,055, and titled `Joshua Tree National Park Proposed Wilderness 

Additions’, and dated March 2008, is designated as wilderness and is incorporated in, and shall be deemed to be a part of, the Joshua Tree Wilderness designated by section 1(g) of Public Law 94-567 (90 Stat. 2692; 16 U.S.C. 1132 note).

(c) Joshua Tree National Park Potential Wilderness-

(1) DESIGNATION OF POTENTIAL WILDERNESS- Certain land in the Joshua Tree 

National Park, comprising approximately 43,300 acres, as generally depicted on 

the map numbered 156/80,055, and titled `Joshua Tree National Park Proposed 

Wilderness Additions’, and dated March 2008, is designated potential wilderness 

and shall be managed by the Secretary of the Interior insofar as practicable as 

wilderness until such time as the land is designated as wilderness pursuant to 

paragraph (2).

(2) DESIGNATION AS WILDERNESS- The land designated potential wilderness 

by paragraph (1) shall be designated as wilderness and incorporated in, and be 

deemed to be a part of, the Joshua Tree Wilderness designated by section 1(g) of 

Public Law 94-567 (90 Stat. 2692; 16 U.S.C. 1132 note), effective upon publication 

by the Secretary of the Interior in the Federal Register of a notice that--

(A) all uses of the land within the potential wilderness prohibited by the Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) have ceased; and

(B) sufficient inholdings within the boundaries of the potential wilderness have 

been acquired to establish a manageable wilderness unit.

As the nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most 

of our nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes fostering sound use of our land 

and water resources; protecting our fish, wildlife, and biological diversity; preserving the environmental 

and cultural values of our national parks and historic places; and providing for the enjoyment of life 

through outdoor recreation. The department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to 

ensure that their development is in the best interests of all our people by encouraging stewardship and 

citizen participation in their care. The department also has a major responsibility for American Indian 

reservation communities and for people who live in island territories under U.S. administration.

NPS 156/110291; August 2011/Printed on recycled paper.
Foundation Statement • Joshua Tree National Park

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR