The Centre for Biological Diversity and a neighbourhood group sued the city of Twentynine Palms on Wednesday for approving a luxury glamping resort near Joshua Tree National Park without thoroughly evaluating environmental harms.
In July, the city council approved the Ofland Hotel on a 152-acre site a half-mile from the national park. The city did not conduct a thorough study on how the 100-unit resort would affect sensitive wildlife, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental factors.
“If we want people to enjoy the great outdoors, we have to support responsible development that doesn’t desecrate it. Unfortunately, Ofland Hotel isn’t a responsible development,” said Meredith Stevenson, an attorney at the Centre. “The law is clear in requiring projects to identify and reduce wildlife harms, air pollution and other irreversible consequences. The future of this unique desert community relies on leaders following the law.”
Wednesday’s lawsuit was filed in San Bernardino County Superior Court by the Centre and Indian Cove Neighbours.
“We moved to Twentynine Palms because it borders one of the most beautiful national parks in the country,” said John Talley-Jones, a Twentynine Palms resident. “I know I’m not the only one who values the open space and daily visits by wildlife — even the rattlesnakes, tarantulas and scorpions. I welcome growth, but it has to respect what makes this place special. When projects touch the park’s buffer zone or wildlife corridors, we need strict review.”
The lawsuit says the city violated the California Environmental Quality Act by approving the project without considering how it would harm the habitat of desert tortoises, burrowing owls, American badgers and other sensitive animals and plants. The project site is located in a critical wildlife corridor that links the national park to undeveloped land.
Wednesday’s lawsuit also says the city failed to adequately consider how traffic from hundreds of resort guests would increase greenhouse gas emissions and harm air quality.
The project would include 100 cabins with pools, splash pads, a spa, an outdoor movie theatre, a restaurant and other amenities.
“This is about more than opposing a single development. It is about honouring the natural harmony of this desert community, where people and the environment are deeply connected,” said Tonya Jones, a Twentynine Palms resident.
