Here are some new pictures of the Joshua Tree massacre on Pierce Ferry and Greggs Hideout (Antares on the other side of Pierce Ferry.)  They’re done drilling the new well and I’ve been told they’ll keep on clearing going up Patterson Grade, but I have no first hand knowledge.  I will do more research and I’m thrilled that Jan Emming is looking into this now as the people of Meadview and Jean Bishop are so indifferent.

The issues are not only the protection of Joshua Trees, desert tortoises and our precious eco system, but the farmers are using up our water and polluting our water and air with pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, etc.  I would not object to SUSTAINABLE agriculture producing organic food for LOCALS, but growing almonds in monoculture right there is just not right.   We have so much land all over the county (such as along 93) with not a whole lot of  vegetation to begin with.

WHY HERE?

They cleared a LOT MORE and while I was told they would go north along Pierce Ferry, they also cleared west on Greggs Hideout.

Looking north from Greggs Hideout road

Looking north from Greggs Hideout road

Joshua Trees don't burn well -- they're not trees.

Joshua Trees don’t burn well — they’re not trees.

 

The bulldozed trees look to me like fallen soldiers -- trying to protect the next section to be cleared.

The bulldozed trees look to me like fallen soldiers — trying to protect the next section to be cleared.  They’re no match for a dozer.

 

Looking north from Greggs Hideout

Looking north from Greggs Hideout

 

The new well

The new well

 

Pierce Ferry

Pierce Ferry

 

They left about a 100 ft or so of vegetation along Pierce Ferry during their latest clearing, I’m guessing to make it less obvious.

The Joshua Trees that are still standing are looking a lot better after all the rain we had the last 6 weeks.