Advocacy

Protecting Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is not as simple as it sounds. Occasionally issues arise that pull the attention away from the day-to-day work of supporting the Park, and require people to defend the space they have designated to be untouched.

Victory in the Fight Against Sunrise Powerlink

We are victorious in our efforts to maintain the integrity of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park! In a decision made on December 18, 2008, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) officially rejected the northern path of San Diego Gas & Electric’s Sunrise Powerlink, the 500 kV power line project which was routed through the heart of the Park. Through your vigilance and activism, we have again protected this desert treasure!

We are successful largely because of the grassroots effort of a diverse coalition of groups and volunteers who came together to protect Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (ABDSP). The coalition raised funds to wage the legal battle, provide independent studies, and inform and motivate the public to attend hearings and write letters. There have been an incredible number of hours and dollars invested in this battle by many individuals who were paid only in the satisfaction of knowing that their efforts and sacrifices were not wasted.

The CPUC’s final decision favored the alternate southern route. Although the southern route avoids current ABDSP lands, it will impact Cleveland National Forest and other sensitive lands. This ruling is a victory for one conserved space but the battle still remains to protect others.

Our thanks are extended to the people who have come to defend Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. A special thanks to Diana Lindsay, Vice President of Environmental Affairs, for the hours she spent on the project, the miles driven to meetings across the state, and the voice she gave to this cause. And she is joined by many of you who rose up in opposition to the project. Thank you!

Potential Threats

Desert Cahuilla Property (Freeman/Truckhaven)

Of critical concern to Anza-Borrego Foundation is the protection of the natural and cultural resources found on this 15,000-acre project area located north of County Highway S22 and west of State Highway 86. The Freeman Property is a checkerboard of sections totaling approximately 4,000 acres that were acquired by California State Parks in 2006. Recently, it has been degraded by for unauthorized off-highway vehicle use.

Due to concerns expressed by various stakeholder groups and organizations and to address management issues arising during the planning period, State Parks convened a Freeman Operations Review (FOR) Team. The team is comprised of Mike Wells (Colorado Desert District Superintendent), Kathleen Dolinar (Ocotillo Wells District Superintendent), Linda Tandle (Anza-Borrego Foundation Executive Director), and Meg Grossglass (Media Relations & Land Use Representative for the Off-Road Business Association-ORBA). The purpose of this group is to develop agreements and monitor day to day management of the Freeman Property during the interim management period. The team is currently drafting an Interim Management Protocols and Procedures document that will guide management of the property pending completion of a permanent management plan.

The Freeman Property will have its own separate planning process in light of its unique status of geological, natural and cultural resources and its history of motorized vehicle use. For more detailed information on California State Park’s planning process for this property click here.

"Wilderness needs no defense, only more defenders."
Edward Abbey