San Bernardino County Public Works – Special Districts said the Board of Supervisors approved the construction contract and related actions for Phase II of improvements at the Desert View Conservation Area on Nov. 3; the county said work is expected to start in November 2026 and, weather permitting, finish in late spring 2027.

The project covers planned recreational upgrades within the existing, approximately 605-acre conservation and recreation area; the county said the roughly $2.7 million effort is supported by grant funding from the California Wildlife Conservation Board.

When complete, visitors will find enhanced trails with informational kiosks and maps, directional and mileage signs, shade structures, picnic tables, benches and rest areas; the project will add educational displays on desert habitat, geology, native plants and wildlife, and Native American history and culture, plus viewing areas and rehabilitation of worn or eroded trail sections.

Following environmental review under CEQA, the county said the work includes biological monitoring, pre-construction wildlife surveys, safeguards for desert tortoises and western Joshua trees, nesting bird protections and designated construction areas to limit habitat disturbance.

Phase II does not add new trails or expand the Desert View Conservation Area; the improvements are limited to enhancing visitor access and interpretation within the existing footprint.

Planning for recreational improvements grew from community engagement that began in 2010; the county said Phase I, completed in Sept. 2020, added parking, a restroom, an informational kiosk, trail routes and signage to improve access while preserving the natural character.

Public Works – Special Districts manages the site on behalf of County Service Area 20 Joshua Tree; the county framed Phase II as the completion of a community-driven vision to balance conservation and recreation in the Morongo Basin.

Sources & methodology

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County of San Bernardino

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