Offices for nonprofit protecting local mountains closes amid government shutdown
Gavin Nguyen
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The offices for Friends of the Desert Mountains, a nonprofit that partners with the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, have closed due to the ongoing government shutdown.
The organization has weathered government shutdowns before, but this is the first time they have been unable to continue operations. Their offices are located on federal land at the start of the monument off of Highway 74.
Tammy Martin, the nonprofit’s Executive Director, explained, “I think it’s probably due to the administration and the rules that are coming down from higher up. And they had they just have to follow what’s being directed to them.”
Martin says the nonprofit does not pay rent or utilities to operate its offices and gift shop at the visitor center because of the close partnership it has with its federal counterparts. That agreement, though, is what led to the closure amid the shutdown. And according to Martin, the timing is detrimental.
“In season, it’s overwhelming with people. They’re going on guided hikes. They’re just coming to check out things. They want to know what to do in the valley – that’s why they’re here. So, yes, with the government being shut down and this being in season right now, it’s hitting us hard,” she said.
The nonprofit said because of the shutdown, less donations are being given due to canceled programs and income has been lost since it cannot operate its gift shop. Other programs, like upcoming anniversaries for the monument, could also be postponed if funding is not restored in the coming weeks.
Ten of the nonprofit’s employees are still working off-site, but their services are limited for now. Programs that are continuing are still being hosted on the organization’s website, like native planting lectures.
But in the meantime, hikers in the area said locals have lost a vital source for knowledge and education about our natural landscape.
“If I was a kid, this would be a place that I would like to enjoy the education,” said Raymond Rubio. He is an avid hiker who frequents the trails in the area who is very familiar with the programs Friends of the Desert Mountains provides. “It’s a necessity to this part of the valley.”
“I just wish that this would all be over with if I didn’t know that this place is closed down. And that’s too bad, because those are good people that are in there that are trying their best to to do what they believe in,” Rubio hoped.