In a significant show of support for environmental protection, the Amargosa Valley recently hosted a powerful public rally and meeting aimed at securing the future of Ash Meadows. The event, held on February 27 at the Amargosa Valley Community Center, brought together local residents, conservationists, and key stakeholders to voice their unified support for a proposed mineral withdrawal in the region.
The rally, which saw participants traveling from as far as Palm Springs, and included Tecopa’s own Friends of the Borehole caravan (pictured), was marked by impassioned speeches from community leaders from across the political spectrum including Amargosa Conservancy Executive Director Mason Voehl, Amargosa Valley Town Board Chair Carolyn Allen, Beatty Town Board Chair Erika Gerling, and Nye County Commissioner Bruce Jabbour. Each speaker expressed strong backing for the mineral withdrawal, which would protect the area’s water resources and its unique ecosystems from potential mining operations.
The gathering culminated in a public meeting with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), where more than 25 individuals spoke in favor of the proposal, with no opposition voiced. Voehl described the event as a pivotal moment in raising awareness of the area’s ecological importance, likening it to “a lightning bolt hitting the river,” sparking a collective realization of the fragile state of the region’s water resources. The public comment period for the BLM’s review remains open until April 15, with many hopeful that continued community engagement will ensure the protection of Ash Meadows for generations to come.
While the fight to preserve Ash Meadows continues, the Amargosa Conservancy has also been busy advancing other vital conservation projects in the region. One such effort is a new three-year restoration planning project for the Amargosa River, funded by a grant from the California Wildlife Conservation Board.
Launched in mid-February, the project began with a field tour that included a hydrology walk and a hike through the upper half of Amargosa Canyon, where experts from organizations such as River Partners, the American Bird Conservancy, and the California Botanic Garden gathered to assess the ecological health of the river’s riparian wetlands. The Amargosa River, which flows perennially south of Tecopa, is a vital water source for wildlife and communities in the area, and the restoration project aims to enhance and protect its ecosystems. The team of botanists, fish biologists, hydrologists, and restoration ecologists will work together over the next three years to better understand and restore the ecological health of the river and its surrounding wetlands.
“The Amargosa River is a critical resource, not just for the wildlife that depends on it, but for the broader community as well,” said Voehl. “This project is an exciting opportunity to restore the river to its full ecological potential and ensure its vitality for future generations.”
Alongside these restoration efforts, the Amargosa Conservancy is welcoming a new addition to its team: Morrigan DeVito, who has joined as the Restoration & Plant Stewardship Coordinator. A naturalist, writer, and educator, DeVito brings a deep understanding of desert ecosystems and a passion for reconnecting people with nature. Originally from Henderson, NV, DeVito’s love for the Mojave Desert began through her fascination with birds and has grown into a broader commitment to preserving the region’s unique habitats.
With a B.A. in English and Communications, DeVito is skilled in storytelling, and she has long used her talents to educate others about the desert’s diverse organisms. She volunteers with the Red Rock Audubon Society, where she leads birding events, and with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, where she teaches about native bees and other important insects. As Restoration & Plant Stewardship Coordinator, she will work to promote the restoration and preservation of the region’s delicate ecosystems.
DeVito’s appointment is a welcome addition to the Amargosa Conservancy’s growing team, which continues to spearhead critical environmental initiatives in the region. From efforts to protect Ash Meadows and its surrounding water resources to ongoing restoration projects aimed at enhancing the ecological health of the Amargosa River, the Conservancy remains committed to ensuring that the unique desert landscapes of the Amargosa Valley are preserved for future generations.
On March 2, Amargosa Conservancy also co-hosted a meeting at the community center to update Tecopa residents on the status of Borehole Spring following the recent fire. The meeting also addressed the ongoing lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity against the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), seeking to compel them to create a comprehensive and responsible management plan for the Amargosa Wild and Scenic River region by the already-extended deadline of September 30, 2025.
As these projects progress, the Amargosa Conservancy continues to rely on the support of the community, volunteers, and partners to make these important conservation goals a reality. Together, they are working to protect the natural wonders of the Amargosa Valley and its surrounding ecosystems.
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