Host Chris Clarke delves into the profound impact of the Dome Fire on the cherished Joshua Tree forest within the Mojave National Preserve. Marking the five-year anniversary of the Dome Fire, Clarke reflects on personal experiences and the broader ecological ramifications. The devastating event shifted his life, carving a definitive “before” and “after” in his approach to desert protection. Listeners are taken on an emotional journey through the charred landscape of Cima Dome, providing striking narratives about recovery efforts and the ongoing challenges posed by invasive species like cheatgrass and red brome.

Clarke’s introspection includes insights from Cima Dome experts like Drew Kaiser and Debra Hughson. They highlight both the devastation wrought by the Dome Fire and the collaborative restoration efforts underway. The episode serves as both a sobering reminder of what has been lost and a hopeful testament to resilience in the face of environmental upheaval. 

Key Takeaways:

• The Dome Fire of 2020 dramatically altered the landscape of the Joshua tree forest, marking a pivotal moment of change for environmental activists like Chris Clarke.
• Restorative efforts in the Mojave National Preserve highlight the complexities of ecosystem recovery, facing challenges from invasive species such as red brome and cheatgrass. 
• Personal and ecological narratives intertwine as Clarke discusses the grief of environmental loss and the slow process of healing for the affected landscapes.
• The episode underscores the importance of maintaining awareness of environmental destruction while finding hope and actionable paths for positive change.
• Clarke explores the idea of “solastalgia,” feeling deep nostalgia and loss for a place he once knew as both an environmentalist and a deeply connected individual. 

Notable Quotes:

1. “Every time I come back here, it looks worse. The memories of how it used to be become more clear and more ever present in my mind.”
2. “I feel as if I’m visiting someone that I have loved for a long time in hospice after all of their brain activity has ended.”
3. “When I die, I want to be burned to ash and I want the people that love me to bring those ashes here.”
4. “My being around to see it, if you take that literally, is a choice on my part. And I’m not sure why I keep coming back.” 

Resources:

• 90 Miles From Needles Podcast website: https://www.90milesfromneedles.com/
• Mojave National Preserve web page on the Dome Fire: https://www.nps.gov/moja/learn/nature/dome-fire.htm
• DAMN Chihuahuan Desert Travel Fund: https://90milesfromneedles.com/elpaso

Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donate

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