Desert tortoise burrows and named tortoises occupy private property in Indian Cove near Joshua Tree National Park. Consultants hired by developers reported no desert tortoises during a survey, and the city concluded the project did not require a full environmental impact report under California law. Neighbors express concern that noise, light, traffic and other disturbances will harm wildlife and night skies. A lawsuit by conservation and community groups alleges inadequate assessment and mitigation of traffic, water, air quality and wildlife impacts. The 152-acre site lies about a half-mile from the park and may support numerous threatened or sensitive species and a key wildlife corridor.
They note that the 152-acre project site - an undeveloped swath of creosote scrub about a half-mile from the national park boundary - may support at least 10 plant and 17 animal species that are either listed as threatened or endangered or recognized as species of concern, including loggerhead shrikes, golden eagles, burrowing owls and, of course, desert tortoises such as Big Boy and Squiggles.
The groups allege Twentynine Palms failed to adequately assess and mitigate potential environmental harms including traffic, water, air quality and wildlife impacts.
"The same noise and light issues that might disrupt our ability to see the night sky or enjoy the quiet will also affect the wildlife here," Bernard said on a recent afternoon as she pointed out a crescent-shaped hole in the ground from which she saw a tortoise emerge just days before. "We're not against this project. We're against it here."
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