Joshua Tree National Park faces $1.2 million funding cut
JOSHUA TREE, Calif. — Joshua Tree National Park is facing a $1.2 million funding block affecting 10 projects as the U.S. Department of the Interior withholds more than $25 million in planned National Park Service funding nationwide.
According to documents reviewed by The Washington Post, Joshua Tree has more affected projects than any other national park. The funding was intended for wildfire preparation, restoration of burned areas and removal of rodents that can carry hantavirus.
An internal assessment warned that without the wildfire-related work, “the park will be unable to fight wildfire.”
Former Joshua Tree Superintendent Mark Butler, a 38-year National Park Service veteran, criticized the decision, saying he had never seen anything like it during his career.
The blocked projects had already secured funding through congressional appropriations, federal programs and internal National Park Service resources. At least 16 positions were also expected to be supported by the Joshua Tree projects.
The cuts come as the park faces significant infrastructure needs and ongoing wildfire risks, raising concerns about its ability to protect visitors, maintain facilities and respond to emergencies.
Joshua Tree is one of several California parks affected by the funding decision, alongside Yosemite, Death Valley, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Mojave National Preserve and other National Park Service sites.
Click here to follow the original article.