Email received from MDLT this morning: Mojave Desert Land Trust Responds to Beth Orton and The Importance of This Moment As many of our supporters know, there was recently an unfortunate incident where musician Beth Orton spray-painted a Joshua tree and a cholla cactus during a music video shoot. Such vandalism is a constant threat to our precious desert ecology, whether it is done maliciously or haphazardly. Beth Orton heard your concerns, realized the harmful impact of her actions, pulled down the video, and has reached out to us at MDLT. She has expressed her sincere apologies and we are presently in conversation with her about how to turn this regrettable situation into an opportunity to teach others about the importance of respecting and protecting our beautiful and vulnerable Mojave Desert ecosystem. Together, we will find a meaningful way to turn this unmindful situation into one that benefits the treasured desert landscape we deeply love and care for. Statement from Beth Orton: "I have learned that it doesn't always take malice to be destructive. It is vital to stay awake to the environment and give it the care it deserves. I am profoundly sorry for my lapse in judgment that afternoon. I have been humbled and I want to share what I am learning in the hope that it might stop others acting from a place of ignorance as I did. I am grateful to be working with the Mojave Desert Land Trust to find a way for my mistake to help raise awareness about the importance of protecting this rare desert environment. The desert is a work of art in and of itself, and is most beautiful when we respect and protect it, when it is left as it is found." Statement from MDLT Executive Director, Danielle Segura: “The Mojave Desert is a unique ecosystem, as rare and important as a tropical rainforest or a coral reef for its biodiversity and ecological functions. It also has a long history of attracting artists who come here for inspiration and reflection. At the same time that artists find inspiration in the Mojave Desert, it is important that the art they create here represents care and respect for this special landscape. We appreciate that Beth Orton regrets her prior actions, and that she intends to educate others about the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert, and the responsibility we collectively share for protecting this unique environment from vandalism and harm.” We thank you all for your support. www.mojavedesertlandtrust.org