New plan aims to 'streamline' development in protected areas

MOJAVE DESERT - Boasted of as "an unprecedented comprehensive approach to protecting environmental resources while accommodating development of private land over the next 30 years," the West Mojave Conservation Plan (WEMO), 12 years in the making, was just released for public review and protest by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

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What the document intends to do primarily, according to the BLM's press release, is to streamline the process by which public agencies and private parties can comply with requirements of the state and federal Endangered Species Acts. These acts' requirements have long been criticized as causing an unreasonable delay to development project schedules. The compliance oversight is a function of the California Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, neither agency known for its speedy dispatch in matters requiring its signature.

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In the past two years I've watched entire areas of the desert stripped bare to be replaced by tract houses. We have never had tract housing out here! In a few years I expect our once tranquil landscape to resemble the San Fernando Valley.

environmental rape. What's the deal with all of these developments in the desert. This is a huge problem. We've got Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, etc. that are out there using a shit load of water watering their lawns and building nice fountains. Hello! It's the freaking desert.