Celebrating 25 Years of California Desert Protection: How Conservation Has Fueled Thriving Tourism

October 31 marks more than Halloween—it's the 25th anniversary of the California Desert Protection Act (CDPA), a landmark law signed in 1994 that celebrates the enduring legacy of California's desert conservation.

This historic legislation elevated Death Valley and Joshua Tree to national park status, established the Mojave National Preserve, and safeguarded millions of acres of wilderness. The CDPA sparked 25 years of dedicated conservation efforts, resulting in the largest contiguous expanse of protected lands in the lower 48 states and delivering substantial benefits to the region.

Most notably, Senator Dianne Feinstein's persistent advocacy led to the bipartisan California Desert Protection and Recreation Act of 2019. Additionally, the 2016 Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP)—an update to the 1980 California Desert Conservation Area Plan—emerged from unprecedented collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies. It designated 4.2 million acres of unique desert landscapes for conservation while pinpointing sites for renewable energy to advance California's climate objectives.

Today, three national parks, four national monuments, and millions of acres of public lands prioritize recreation, cultural heritage, history, and biodiversity. These treasures attract millions of global visitors annually, supporting local economies and generating jobs.

“It's fantastic to celebrate these 25 years of desert protections that have enriched our community,” said Joyce Kiehl, Communications Director for Visit Greater Palm Springs. “The California desert offers residents and visitors unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife, hike, stargaze, and enjoy recreation. These visitors inject millions into local businesses yearly, fostering jobs and economic growth.”

Desert tourism's economic impact—spanning visitor spending, industry earnings, and government revenue—has surged from $5.5 billion in 2010 to $7.62 billion in 2018. Employment in the travel sector has grown over 35% since 2010, reaching an estimated 73,000 jobs in 2018.

Spanning millions of acres across southeastern California—from northern Death Valley to the U.S.-Mexico border—these protected public lands remind us of conservation's vital role. This milestone underscores the need to preserve these pristine areas for current enjoyment and future generations.

Join the festivities with guided hikes, stargazing, ranger-led tours, art exhibits, stewardship events, and more through early November. Visit DesertLands.org/25years for local events. Share your desert adventures online using #ProtectCADeserts and #25yearsCADesertProtection.

Here's to 25 more years of safeguarding California's desert treasures!