This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Popular Joshua Tree Trail Is Closed So Bighorn Sheep Can Get To Water During Drought
The National Park Service says bighorn sheep populations are dwindling, with only 13.000 left in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
(
NPS / Glauco Puig-Santana
/
Flickr
)
Joshua Tree National Park rangers have closed the popular hiking trail that leads to the Fortynine Palms so bighorn sheep can get to one of the park’s few oases undisturbed.
Now 100 to 200 sheep will be able to access the water without the disturbance of humans.
Starting today, June 1, the 49 Palms Trail will be closed to allow bighorn sheep undisturbed access to the oasis water. Under current drought conditions, herds must rely on this water to survive. The closure will remain until summer monsoons increase water availability. pic.twitter.com/YCK2RNwEah
— Joshua Tree NPS (@JoshuaTreeNPS) June 1, 2022
The trail will open up again after summer monsoon rains fill up other water sources in the park.
Joshua is especially dry right now, meaning less watering holes are being replenished.
The survival of the sheep is under threat as their population dwindles in the western US. The National Park Service says there are probably about 13,000 left in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
Sponsored message
The bighorn sheep aren't the only species threatened in the 800,000 acre national park. With hotter temperatures, the iconic Joshua Tree is also taking a hit. They’re drying up, sprouting less, and under threat of scorching fires sparked by warmer temperatures.
California has been in a prolonged drought for three years now, threatening the survival of the national park and many other natural ecosystems, as well as human water sources.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
