Wildfires threaten Joshua trees to be vital for species survival in regional parks

A fire lit up in the Covington Apartments area of ​​Joshua Tree National Park on Friday afternoon and burned 165 acres of land in the area, experts say the area is crucial for the species’ future in a warm climate.

National Park spokesman Meg Rockwell said whether Joshua trees in the area have burned, but it is not clear, but she said there are high concerns about the possibility of damage to the trees.

“The area is crucial for the long-term survival of the Joshua tree,” Rockwell said. “This is the last refuge.”

San Bernardino County fire officials said no structure was threatened.

Located in the northwest of the park, the Covington Apartments area is known as the “climate refuge” and is located at a slightly higher elevation, which brings colder temperatures and more rainfall. Experts say these slight differences may be enough to keep the Joshua tree alive and reproduce, even in the hotter and drier climates expected in the coming decades.

The iconic trees are not suitable for wildfires, which means any fire damage can be devastating.

The Eureka fire was reportedly around noon Friday, and as of 2:30 pm, the park reported temperatures at about 85 degrees Friday, with wind gusts at about 20 mph in the area. Rockwell said additional firefighters from the Department of Land Administration and San Bernardino County were asked to assist in the fire exchange.

The Joshua Tree cherishes its unique outline and its unique role as a key to the Mojave Desert ecosystem. Scientists and environmental advocates say this iconic meat quality is losing its right habitat in a light clip due to climate change, wildfires and deterioration in development.

While the Joshua tree is currently ubiquitous, climate models show that by the end of the century, there are not many suitable habitats. That's why protecting an area like Covington Apartments is so important, Rockwell said.

However, experts also found that many of these cool, high-altitude areas (more hospitality to Joshua trees) were also susceptible to wildfires, as they tend to be densely vegetated. Since 2020, two large wildfires have killed Joshua trees in and around Mojave National Reserve.

Staff writer Alex Wigglesworth contributed to the report.