Vista, Interrupted
Posted: 04/23/2010 Filed under: Favorites, Mojave, Nature, Photography, Science, Stories | Tags: BLM, BrightSource, California, development, heartbreaking, Ivanpah, Ivanpah Dry Lake, microbiotic crust, Mojave, Mojave Desert, Mojave National Preserve, Nevada, New York Mountains, New York Peak, Primm, San Bernardino County, solar, solar development, solar installation, solar power 23 Comments »
New York Peak (7,533 ft), New York Mountains, San Bernardino Co., California, USA.
23 April 2006.
New York Peak: the first summit I ever reached without a trail.
The East Mojave view that spreads out below it is breathtaking. California to the west, Nevada to the east. Sun and sky. Bajadas and mountains. Dunes and dry lakebeds. Creosote and cactus.
Nearly unspoiled, except for the black snake of I-15 and the gaudy spectacle that is Stateline Primm.
Nearly unspoiled, that is, until later this year, when one of the largest solar installations in the world is erected near Ivanpah Dry Lake.
I am in complete support of solar development in wise places: already-degraded lands near the communities that will use the power.
But I am NOT in support of solar development on remote, vital BLM land — habitat of an endangered species, the desert tortoise — chosen for its relative lack of red tape rather than for the long-term sensibility and sustainability of its location.
Deserts are old places. But that does not make them dead places. Deserts are not wastelands. In the desert, the ground is alive. Life — plants, animals, insects — is everywhere, if you only look for it. Deserts persist on a time scale different from the rest of the world. They grow slowly. They recover slowly, if given a chance.
But from this development, that land will not recover.
The next time I climb that peak, oh, how different the view will be.
It breaks my heart.
America, let’s remember: these lands are our lands.
Why are we letting corporations plunder them for profit, when viable alternatives lie elsewhere?
It’s my understanding that the solar plant will be on the west/north side of the freeway.
There is already a power-line going across that one, and it sits between the casino and that idiotic golf course they have there.
If you know different, would love to know about it.
dean
Very Interesting, Thanks so much for sharing
Very good question… perhaps the answer they will give you is because it is “easier”, “more economical” or simply “why not”. I hope there is something you and your community could do to stop that… =/
I always wanted to travel and experience the desert…It has a haunting beauty…
great view – let’s hope it can stay that great.
http://www.tracyzhangphoto.wordpress.com/
Well argued. We can make a difference in maintaining our great views.
As long as there are people who require more than they can carry on their person to live, there will be the need to produce artificially more than the earth can supply via its natural processes and cycles. Before we go after those who seek to supply our hearts desire, we should try and think where they got the idea. If your community doesnt want the gifts of an energy-driven, technologically powered world, return to the ways of our ancestors and forsake its comforts.
I love the reptiles of the desert…
A deeper understanding is definitely necessary in regards to appreciating the desert.
An appreciation for the desert requires one to look long and hard, until the eye’s supeficiality lapses–something not many of us have the patience to do in our pixelated light-pulsing culture.
Amazing picture, lovely background at quite the height. California is a great place, lovely beaches and hot girls if I do say so myself.
Remain.Simple
Solar plants do take up an incredible amount of space, for a relatively small amount of power. At least the background you have now is very nice, and you will always have that picture.
amazing post! literally just from reading this one post i subscribed! love it..
-Shauna
the times they are a-changin’
I miss so much those views when I see them. A sense of space and large pieces of land, desert and mountain sceneries. I am now in Paris that is nice but different isn’t it?
solar energy deserves a deep thinking at the time and I do hope they won’t put the plant in that kind of beauty.
When Vince and I hiked Pyrimid Peak – 12,000″– we didn’t take the trail. What a fabulous experience! Giant Shards, straight up climbs, . . . coming down in the flats a giant bull eyed my red jacket but didn’t charge . . . we forged our way.
The problem with putting this kind of thing anywhere is that someone well object. “Already degraded areas” nearly always mean near poor people who don’t have a voice to protest. Its the Lnot in my backyard” or in this case “desert” that makes any kind of progress impossible.
We allow corporate interests to get away with this kind of thing because the corporate interests have succeeded in distracting us with gadgets, TV, accumulation, and social strife. While we’re looking over here, they’re pillaging over there, lobbying hard for their dirty little murders to be made legal (and sometimes, even mandated).
We have allowed this, plain and simple.
I weep for our progeny.
What a beautiful view, and yes the deserts are very much alive. It’s incredibly important we remember this.
dude this awesome!! i cant wait to add this to my hat list at http://thehatlist.wordpress.com/
Our seas have been pillaged – now deserts !! What next ?
Wedding Photographer South Wales
Beautiful view!!
Jan
Amazing photo. Just started following your blog and I’m already hooked. Keep up the good work!