https://www.facebook.com/groups/1118468558917701

Dear Morongo Valley residents and supporters, we need your help to protect our community from an inappropriate development proposal.

A Threat to Morongo Valley’s Natural Viewshed

There is a proposal to build a 200-foot communications tower on BLM public land, right next to homes in our valley. While we support better communication infrastructure, THIS IS THE WRONG SOLUTION IN THE WRONG LOCATION.

This towering structure will dominate the landscape in and around the Sand to Snow National Monument, the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, and Scenic Highway 62. Beyond these immediate concerns, the project poses a broader threat to BLM Visual Resource Management classifications, which are intended to protect scenic landscapes that are important to a community's well-being, economy, and cultural identity. The proposed amendment to downgrade the Visual Resource classification for a developer’s benefit has no merit and, if approved, could open the door for the same to occur elsewhere.

Degradation of Property Values & Public Services

According to the most recent Environmental Assessment, the proposed communication tower will reduce property values in Morongo Valley by 20%. The Morongo Valley CSD recently submitted comments expressing their concern about the effect this will have on our ability to fund and maintain local fire department services that are critical for our community. 

Smart Alternatives for Communication Needs

We understand the need for improved communication services, but this project makes no guarantees that it will increase reception for Morongo Valley residents and overlooks viable alternatives. Solutions like upgrading the existing communication tower in Morongo Valley, collocating small cell technologies on existing utility poles along the Morongo Grade and throughout Morongo Valley, and utilizing existing cell boosting and satellite services such as Starlink to enhance connectivity without sacrificing our environment or community well-being.

Both the California Department of Technology and San Bernardino County are already investing in improved communication infrastructures, and new technologies are emerging that could address coverage gaps in a way that aligns with Morongo Valley’s values and needs. We urge decision-makers to prioritize these sustainable alternatives over intrusive projects like this one.

Preserving Morongo Valley’s Cultural Heritage

Our valley is home to diverse species of protected plants and wildlife as well as an important habitat for migratory birds. Previously inhabited by the Cahuilla and Serrano people, it contains remnants of their unique culture in relationship to the land and to those species. Our community values the balance of progress and preservation. Allowing this tower to proceed sets a dangerous precedent for future developments that could erode the cultural heritage we all cherish.

Join Our Cause

We need your voice to help protect Morongo Valley. By signing this petition, you can show your support for sustainable, community-focused solutions to our communication needs—solutions that don’t compromise the cultural or environmental significance of our valley.

Thank You for Standing with Us

With your help, we can safeguard Morongo Valley for generations to come. Thank you for supporting this critical cause and spreading the word. Together, we can find better solutions and protect the place we all love to call home.