THE ISSUE: It’s Friday, the day we take a few moments to highlight the good news in Lancaster County and the surrounding region. Some of these items are welcome developments
Conservation groups are working to raise awareness of the fight to protect a pristine California desert landscape from development, near Death Valley National Park and Owens Lake. Conglomerate Mesa and Centennial Flats are treasured by local tribes and outdoor enthusiasts, but the area is also in the sights of a Canadian gold-mining company, which is seeking permission to build roads and drill 30 additional exploration holes, for a total of 120. Wendy Schneider, executive director of Friends of the Inyo, said the area is part of an important high desert ecosystem. .