Oswit Land Trust Purchases Mesquite Ridge

ANOTHER victory for Oswit Land Trust, conservation, wildlife and hikers! Nearly 4 years ago, Oswit Land Trust saw a for sale sign go up on a 30 acre property adjacent to the wildly popular South Lykken hiking trail.

The property was being marketed to build 95 condos or a hotel. At the time, Oswit Land Trust believed it was an important piece of property to get into conservation to retain the peace and tranquility of the South Lykken trail. However, further research revealed that nearly half a mile of the Lykken trail went through this privately owned property that was slated for development. Oswit knew it had to jump into action and save this property and essentially save the south Lykken trail.

Oswit Land Trust partnered with Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy (CVMC) to secure funding through two government programs: the California Natural Resources Agency’s EEMP grant and the US Fish & Wildlife Service’s section 6 grant, administered through the states Wildlife Conservation Board. Oswit Land Trust also received assistance from one of its incredibly generous donors to fill the gap of the funding needed.

With this purchase, Oswit Land Trust is the bookend for the South Lykken trail as it now owns both sides of the trail on the Oswit Canyon side and the Mesquite Avenue side. This acquisition protects the trail for residents and visitors to Palm Springs in perpetuity.

ANOTHER victory for Oswit Land Trust, conservation, wildlife and hikers!