$7M deal reached to conserve nearly 4,000 acres in Palm Springs
Valley conservationists are celebrating what they say is the largest acquisition of land in Coachella Valley History.
In a deal that has been decades in the making, Oswit Land Trust announced the purchase of nearly 4,000 acres above Highway 111 in Palm Springs – a move that will protect land loved by both hikers and wildlife from future development. The area is known as Palm Hills or the "goat trails."
"Development is just too encompassing and it's a huge worry," said hiker Doug Craft, who said it's the stunning views of the valley and serene moments on the trail that keep him trekking back to the the newly conserved area.
"Tremendous panoramic views to the north over the city," Craft said. "I love to watch the airport – aircrafts coming in, aircrafts taking off... It's just a site that is truly wonderful for me."
Jane Garrison, founder and executive director of Oswit Land Trust, was instrumental in negotiating the $7 million deal – which was paid for by government agencies Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy and the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission.
"We are not permitted to pay more than the appraised value. So getting that owner to that point sometimes can take a lot of effort," Garrison said. She declined to name the owner.
Local conservationists have been trying to preserve the land since the early 2000s, after Palm Springs city council approved a massive development there of thousands of homes, a hotel and a golf course.
In 2020, Garrison's group successfully saved more than 100 acres in south Palm Springs called Oswit Canyon from residential development.
"Our success in saving that beautiful canyon made us realize that there was other important places that needed to be saved and protected," Garrison said.
Conserving the land will protect endangered big horn sheep, Garrison said, keeping treasured open space for wildlife and humans alike.
"It's a wonderful sight. And I hope to use it more and more," Craft said.
Oswit Land Trust has new conservation projects in the works, including one that is currently in escrow in Palm Springs, Garrison said.
The group is looking for volunteers. If you're interested in helping, head to oswitlandtrust.org.
