Donation Protects View from Hwy 74 and the National Monument

PALM DESERT, CA –  16 April 2007.  The Friends of the Desert Mountains is pleased to announce receipt of a gift of land in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument from Mr. Charles Howell of Madison, Wisconsin.  Mr. Howell contacted the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, a state agency, several months ago regarding the possibility of donating his property. The Conservancy suggested he work with the Friends, a non-profit conservation organization. The Friends subsequently worked with Mr. Howell to complete the donation process.

This 93 acre property is located on Highway 74 in the Santa Rosa Mountains approximately seven miles south of the City of Palm Desert. This area is an important project area for the Friends because Highway 74 is a state scenic highway and the only paved road through the National Monument. The Friends has previously acquired several other properties fronting the highway to protect the tremendous scenic qualities for the many people who drive this road through the National Monument.

The property features attractive rock outcrops, Mojave yucca and junipers and marks the transition zone between the desert and forest portions of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The Friends estimates the value of the donation at approximately $370,000. Ted Lennon, President of the Friends, commented, “This donation is incredibly generous on Mr. Howell’s part. Not only does it protect a key part of the National Monument, it also allows us to use the funds we raise on other important acquisitions.”

Roger Tansey, Friends’ Chief Executive Officer, noted that donations of land are typically considered a charitable donation for income tax deduction purposes.