Desert Protective Council News
Suit to End Era of Ruinous ORV Open-Riding at Ocotillo Wells
Posted by Indy Quillen on May 21, 2013
March 2011.
Photo taken in area of the park where drivers are officially only allowed on designated trails.
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Suit to End Era of Ruinous ORV Open-Riding at Ocotillo Wells
State Parks Abdicated Duty to Protect Fragile Desert and Archaeological Resources
Sacramento — The California Department of Parks & Recreation has let off-road vehicles run amok in its largest off-road park, in violation of state resource protection laws, according to a lawsuit filed today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) and the Desert Protective Council (DPC). If successful, the suit would end ORV “open-riding” beyond designated trails and require the park to implement strategies to protect the park’s rich archaeological resources and desert environment.
Wind Turbine Blade Throw Incident At Ocotillo Wind Project
Posted by Indy Quillen on May 18, 2013
On May 16th a 173 foot long wind turbine blade crashed to the ground at Pattern Energy’s $600 million Ocotillo Wind Project in the desert town of Ocotillo. The blade landed approximately 100 yards from the turbine, blocking a jeep trail on public BLM land.
In a press release Donna Tisdale stated, “This wholly avoidable public health and safety hazard occurred just one day after San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved the revised Wind Energy Ordinance & Boulevard Community Plan to remove community protections to allow 500 foot tall industrial wind turbines on private land in previously protected areas near homes, recreation areas, and sensitive wildlife—just like the BLM did for Pattern Energy’s Ocotillo Wind—despite pleas from adversely impacted community members over valid and justified safety concerns.”
Marie Barrett Reports on Alamo River Wetlands Restoration Project
Posted by Indy Quillen on April 30, 2013
Marie Barrett, Desert Wildlife Unlimited Coordinator and DPC Member reported on improvement and restoration of critical wetlands habitat in Imperial Valley.
On Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 8 to 10 AM, Imperial Valley students, parents, and associated volunteers traveled to the Alamo River Wetlands. The volunteers participated in a fun morning improving the Alamo River wetlands wildlife habitat and water quality (and the Salton Sea) by planting bulrushes along the banks of treatment cells.
Native American Heritage Commission Hearing - April 22, 2013 Update
Posted by Indy Quillen on April 26, 2013
Ocotillo desert 2012, prior to wind project construction
Monday April 22nd, the California Native American Heritage Commission conducted a long-postponed public hearing on the impacts to cultural and historic resources from the 12,000-acre Ocotillo Wind Energy Facility.
During the hearing on Monday, held in the State of California Office Building in downtown San Diego, the Commissioners listened to three and a half hours of heartfelt and eloquent testimony. Close to thirty Native Americans and a number of other concerned citizens spoke on the spiritual importance of the Ocotillo area. The Desert Protective Council’s conservation coordinator, Terry Weiner, also delivered comments in support of the tribe’s petition.
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