JOSHUA TREE to NATIVE AMERICAN
LAND Conservancy


Tuesday,
May 22, 2018, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors authorized the
conveyance of 30.25 acres of unincorporated area in Joshua Tree to the Native
American Land Conservancy (NALC), which will take appropriate steps to ensure proper
preservation of this sacred Native American land and culture.
The
State of California issued the title of the land to the County of San
Bernardino in the late 1970’s with the intent to utilize it for flood control
purposes. Identified as a Native American scared site and home to a number of
ancient petroglyphs, the land was ultimately never put to use. The land, which
has been dubbed “Coyote Hole”, has undergone recent preservation efforts by
local volunteers. Since the discovery of the land’s cultural and historical
value, the County dedicated resources to aid in protecting and preserving the
area while seeking an optimal solution for the long-lasting preservation of the
area.
“This
conveyance is more than a transfer of land. Today, we entrust the preservation
of our culture and history to a group whose mission is to protect Native
American lands for future generations to enjoy,” stated Third District
Supervisor James Ramos. “As a strong advocate for cultural preservation, I am
elated to see this land conveyance come to fruition. I know Coyote Hole is in
good hands.”

Supervisor James Ramos with member of NALC.
Gentleman in blue,
next to Supervisor, is NALC President Michael Madrigal
Photo courtesy of Ramos
The
NALC is an intertribal, State registered, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
dedicated to preserving and protecting endangered Native American sacred sites
and areas. The NALC accomplishes its mission through acquisitions and
cooperation with various entities such as tribes, conservation groups and state
agencies to develop long-term protective land management programs for Native
American traditional cultural properties.
The
NALC provides cultural awareness programs designed to promote intercultural
understandings, strengthen tribal relations, and pass on traditional teachings
to future generations.
“The
Native American Land Conservancy is honored to become stewards of the sacred
lands at Coyote Hole in the community of Joshua Tree,” stated Michael Madrigal,
President of NALC. “This landscape is filled with awe inspiring natural and
cultural features. Most notably, the record of human history recorded there
through the area’s numerous archaeological resources.”