“This new scientific study highlights the need for further review of the environmental science underpinning the Cadiz Inc. groundwater pumping project," noted Joshua Friedes, Executive Director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust, which funded the study.

"Participants also heard from newly-appointed Mojave Desert Land Trust Executive Director Joshua Friedes, who spoke of the trust’s desire to build partnerships of its own in the community."

Jon Christensen, a UCLA professor and board member of the land trust, said Friedes joins the land trust at a key moment: "The Mojave Desert is more popular than ever. And Joshua has the experience and vision to help us dramatically expand support for conservation in the California Desert among the diverse communities who enjoy the desert and care about its future."

According to the Mojave Desert Land Trust, a nonprofit conservation group located in Joshua Tree, the Cadiz project would greatly affect the springs that migratory birds, bighorn sheep and native desert plants all rely on to survive.

"A recent study funded by the Mojave Desert Land Trust, a nonprofit conservation group that opposes the Cadiz project, found the proposed groundwater pumping would imperil the largest spring in the southeastern Mojave Desert, which nourishes bighorn sheep, migratory birds and dozens of species of native plants."

A new film screened in Redlands highlights the impact the Land and Water Conservation Fund has had on Latino and urban communities throughout the United States and emphasizes why Congress needs to permanently reauthorize the program before it expires at the end of September and why it should be fully funded. LWCF has supported more than 41,000 national, state and local parks and projects across the nation and its absence would have a significant impact on outdoor access and the conservation of public lands.